The Dude

You are my favorite poster here and one of the most educated. I respect your opinions. Please tell me something positive that could save me from a complete breakdown.

Danno

A-I'm no smarter than numerous other posters

B-I'm much sexier however

C-The good news about the tag is that we'll have about 10mill more to sign some quality players, hopefully Nicks/Colston and some defensive free-agents

D-With our cap problems, there's nothing wrong with delaying the mega-contract Drew's gonna get. The cap will go up again next year and Drew's value isn't gonna increase proportionally. Delaying it a year actually helps us

E-We have some players willing to re-structure to help out. Many other teams don't have players like that.

F-There are a lot of players coming forward and numerous media stating the bounty issue is way over-blown. Expect some slap on the wrist which will hurt but in the long run be pretty inconsequential.

G-Even if we stand pat on personnel we're the most talented team in the NFC and easily top 3 or 4 in the NFL

H-We now have that "Us Against the World" rally cry we can use for 2012.

I-Does any of this make the Falcons, Panthers or Bucs any more competitive? NO IT DOESN"T!

I'll try to think of some more tonight. I need to channel my sunshiner voodoo queen later for more insight, if she's willing to put out.

The Dude

Thanks. Thats what i needed. I can now step away from the noose.

ScottF

Indeed, the sky is not falling and the glass is more than half full.

Brees' greed (if that's what it really was) frees up the money we needed to make serious offers to Colston and/or Nicks

Some higher ups will get some serious fines, but Benson won't fire anybody, and let's face it, will end up paying the fines of Loomis & Payton.

we will lose a very high pick next year, but our success has been in the FA market, not the draft (Brees, Sproles, PT, Lance, Sharper > Ellis, Meachem, Smith, Robinson) and our late round and sleeper picks are our superstars

It's a tough week to be a Saints fan, and as my mailbox is blowing up, a little embarrassing. BUT, we still have an elite team and will contend next year, despite this sh**-storm

CharityMike

Rugby Saint II

Don't be humble Danno. The Dude is right you are a valuable source of information and insight. We are really fortunate to have you and other members who keep us informed. Besides you are the only member of the board that I've actually met.
I disagree though about being in the top 3 or 4 talented teams. Way above average on offense(mostly). Subpar defense with some talent. I suck at math but that doesn't add up to a well rounded top tier team.

Danno

I can't name 4 NFL teams more talented than we are top to bottom.

I'll concede Green Bay, even though they aren't so hot on defense either.

Which teams would say are more talented top to bottom than we are?

alleycat_126

I'll agree, and give you couple more actually.

1. If the Saints wanted to be dirty the retain the right to Franchise Brees three straight seasons without actually having to sign him song term as long as the give him slight raises along the way (San Diego Deal) he ain't going no where.

2. The game is not over because the franchise tag has been thrown it, has actually just started. Loomis used his leverage ( he's pretty much throwing in his ace in a cards analogy ) and honestly has no choice because the league penalty may come after the tag, or draft choices or whatever.

3. Even if it never proven that we did this, fans around the league have already spoken, were cheaters but they would do it in a heart beat if it meant getting that SB ring. Our fans will embrace it, I hope the first game is a home game the signs and posters featuring BOUNTYS will be awesome. We've got a new nickname!!!!

Rugby Saint II

The Giants had great depth last year. Normally the Pats. are up there but rebuilding I believe. The Steelers don't have any glaring weaknesses that I can recall. The Jets maybe? I could go on and on with this ramble.........but I can't.
Okay, I've got nothing!

AlaskaSaints

Way to go, Danno. Excellent post. I needed that as well!

Alaska