But to get there, the Saints will need to have the dominant style of play that the Buccaneers and Panthers have enjoyed the past two seasons and finish what they started. Late-season swoons will not earn postseason berths in this league. But at least McAllister and his teammates know what they have to do for next year.

"Don't ever quit," he added. "We have to keep fighting until the end because that will get us to the Super Bowl."