saint5221

http://www.saintsreport.com/cgi-bin/...&id=1072823772

Is Nero Fiddling as Rome Burns?
By Dan Indest - SaintsReport.com Staff Writer -


What the heck could Saints owner Tom Benson possibly have been thinking when he took to the Superdome floor to do the “Benson Boogie� after the team’s victory over Dallas last Sunday?

What was there to celebrate after yet another season of mediocrity?

Just last Tuesday, in a meeting with the staff, Mr. Benson chastised the group for “underachieving� this year. Did the season-ending win over the Cowboys, in a game that meant little to either team, so impress the “emperor� that everything is now hunky-dory? Take a closer look Mr. Benson, and I’m sure you will see the flames rising amidst your empire.

After an amazing run to the playoffs in 2000, the present regime and coaching staff has pieced together so-so 7-9, 9-7, and 8-8 seasons, and no trips to the playoffs. The original promise of a three-year turnaround is becoming much fresher in most fans’ minds while the much ballyhooed “only playoff win in team history� is quickly fading from their memories. You can only play the “Hakim dropped the ball� card so many times.

Fans see other teams turn things around quickly and wonder why the same cannot be done with their beloved Saints. In this era of free agency, as players come and go with such frequency, quality coaching is the single most important factor for a team’s success. Jim Haslett has had four years to show that he is the man for the job, but he has failed. This season, he got everything he wanted. Training camp was moved to Metairie and a new indoor practice facility was constructed. Yet the team still looked ill prepared in pre-season, which in turn led to a stumbling 1-4 start in the regular season. The entire staff must go.

Tom Benson’s dancing endorsement of the present staff will come back to bite him in the near future. Many longtime fans are beginning to grumble. They will voice their displeasure by not renewing their season tickets, as they perceive the owners inaction as a commitment to mediocrity. What Mr. Benson fails to realize is that the avid supporters of the Saints have set loftier goals for the team than the owner himself. They want a championship.

Surprise us all, Mr. Benson. Set a loftier goal. Clean house. It's not too late to change your mind.