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New Orleans Saints: Will 2012 go down as a lost season?

The NFL handed New Orleans the closest thing to a death penalty we've ever seen as punishment in the bounty scandal.

The biggest loss, of course, is head coach Sean Payton for the entire season -- a shockingly harsh punishment, and one that could single-handedly ruin what would otherwise be a promising Saints season.

Clearly, Payton has benefited from being paired with a prolific, Hall-of-Fame-caliber passer such as Drew Brees. The two arrived in New Orleans together in 2006. But you don't win consistently in the NFL without great coaching. And the reality is that Saints history changed on a dime when the tandem hit New Orleans in 2006.

The Saints enjoyed 10-plus wins five times in their first 39 years; they've won 10-plus games four times in six years under Payton. The Saints never won more than 12 games in the 39 years before Payton arrived; they won 13 games in both 2009 and 2011 under Payton.

The Saints had scored more than 400 points just twice in their first 39 seasons; they've scored more than 400 points four times in six years under Payton.

The Saints won one playoff game in their first 39 years. The Saints have won five playoff games under Payton, including a victory in Super Bowl XLIV.

Great coaches bring immense value to an NFL sideline. It's hard to envision a scenario where the Saints are again Super Bowl contenders with their valuable coach watching the games at home.



Read more: Statistical storylines will loom over every team in 2012 season - Kerry J. Byrne - SI.com

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