Pieces in place?
 

Despite 2011 success, Saints strive for more

As the New Orleans Saints raced through the second half of their schedule on a lengthy winning streak, gaining more and more confidence with each game, the question came up almost weekly in their locker room:

Were these Saints better than a team that two years earlier won its first 13 games en route to claiming the title in Super Bowl XLIV?

The 2011 Saints certainly looked the part with an offense that was on its way to setting a slew of club and NFL records, a defense that gave up yards but made big stops when it had to, and an improved special teams unit.

But as far as coach Sean Payton is concerned, it’s all about wins and losses, and the Saints provided the ultimate answer with a 36-32 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional playoffs a week ago.

“That 2009 team won a Super Bowl … and this team didn’t,” Payton said during his end-of-the-season news conference last week. “I don’t think we need two weeks or four weeks to reflect on that.”

Make no mistake, however, Payton was proud of what this year’s team accomplished.

Full article.
Pieces in place? | Saints | The Advocate

I won't say "ALL" of the pieces were in place. But most of them were and still will be for next year. Defensive issue are what was missing. With Spags now in command, I think the puzzle is close to being comlete. Draft and FA with "Hopefully", complete the puzzle.

I would say we have a great bass.With Spag's coming onboard were off to a good start.

I can't think of a team with more pieces in place than the Saints.

I'm looking at the puzzle and there seems to be some missing pieces.........oh wait, what's that on the floor?

We thought he had most needed pieces in place for THIS year .... guess we erred. In GW we should have not trusted for the last two drives. I certainly hope we can find those remaining pieces for next year!

We had all the pieces this year. We tied for the 2nd best record in the entire NFL.

Absolutely, Not easy to go 14-4 in the NFL. I remember 1-15.

I don't care if you go 16-0...
Its what you do in the play offs when you get there...

D can't get the job done in 2 seasons we go out basically the same way.

GW overated and we have even less talent on the D side each year.

Spags needs to get some of his boys via FA and fast.

a time out to relook at the setup may have changed this whole outcome and we may be landing in indy now. sorry i'm still mourning. we were a better team in 11 than 09 in my opinion