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I Believe in the 2009 Saints

It is said confession is good for the soul, so I am going to say it right now to all of you — without shame or embarrassment — I believe in the 2009 Saints.
I believe they are better than a good team; I believe they are one of the best in the NFL. I believe they can go deep into the playoffs, and I believe they can even win the Super Bowl.
I believe the offense is the most explosive in the league, and I believe they can win with their superior defense.

I believe in Sean Payton and Gregg Williams, Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Jonathan Vilma, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sharper, Charles Grant, Will Smith, Jeremy Shockey and all of the rest of the team that wears the Black and Gold and the Fleur-de-Lis.
Call me loony, say that my memory is as clouded as the French Quarter in a river fog, or dismiss my belief as a childish hope. I am no neophyte; I was there in the beginning and have seen the rise of hopes-past crushed by the agony of coaching mistakes, errant passes, inexplicable fumbles, dropped balls and assorted false starts, pass interference and personal fouls. I have lived through the Aints. I have suffered bad weeks and terrible whole seasons.
But somehow this is different — this team inspires, lifts my hopes and bolsters my expectations.
It isn’t as if the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, for the remaining schedule includes formidable opposition such as the Giants, Cowboys and Patriots. But when you examine the 12 games ahead, and analyze each, you see the road to a glorious campaign. All are winnable, and the marriage of good coaching and good on-the-field execution has created an exhilarating confidence.
I believe.
Do you? Don’t you feel the excitement? Can’t you feel that we have emerged from a march across an arid plain and have arrived at an oasis of possibility beyond anything we have seen in the past?
The Sun Herald today has published an “I Believe” poster that you can tape to the side window of your car, or put at the front of your business or put it on a backpack or briefcase.
Between today and Sunday, Oct. 18, when the Saints take on the currently undefeated New York Giants team, the Sun Herald will be publishing a daily “I Believe” feature that will focus on the big game, and the current team and players, as well as South Mississippi’s love affair with the team.
We will be searching for the greatest local fans, and producing online polls that will give you a chance to be involved in the “I Believe” movement.
These are special days for Saints’ fans, and we need to show our team colors while displaying our “I Believe” attitude.
Times are tough for many on our Coast, but the Saints’ winning streak is making each week brighter and the joy of those victories is carrying us through the week with smiles. The team has united the Gulf Coast from western Louisiana clear to the Florida panhandle.
The Saints fans of South Mississippi are second to none in our passion for this team, and we await the Giants game with much confidence and anticipation.
GO SAINTS!
— The Believer

I Believe in the 2009 Saints - New Orleans Saints - SunHerald.com

www.sportsshooter.com/johnjcoleman

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Frederick Smith

Nice write. I beleive and agree 100%. This just feels different for me more so than in 2006 when the team went so far on the backs of the offense we were still so porus on defense that you almost felt it was going to come down at anytime. We have been saying give us a top ten defense with Brees at the helm and anything is possible. Those stats don't lie. For once I can watch a game and not dread seeing what is going to happen next with the defense on the field. With Payton and Williams entrenched hopefully quality players will view New Orleans as one of the most desireable cities to play in the NFL. This is going to help us build something special here and have our team viewed as one of the places other teams really do not like to see on their scheldue. Wow ! It's been a long time since I have had the confidence to say that.

Danno

I don't think we're the best team in the league, but I think we're as good as the best.

I still think we'd struggle to beat the Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Pats and Giants, but I do think we're just about as good.

lumm0x

Unlike past years when I would think we need our A game and a stout foe would need to look past us for the Saints to win a huge game, it is now possible, likely and almost expected that we do. We've shown that all aspects of our game can and will come up big for us. The Giants will be a big test. Even if we do not win it, as long as we are competitive in the game and they need to be their absolute best to beat us, it is a victory for us. We need to still prove we can dominate our divisional games before I lock us for a playoff spot. But I fully expect us to win every game now and no longer see anyone as a different level from us.

nutria

I agree, but it will come down to who plays best on that day, who gets the breaks in the turnovers and officiating as opposed to prior years where they just beat the c--p out of us because they had better coaches and players. What a difference that makes to players and fans alike.