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NEW ORLEANS – Forget the statistics about making the playoffs after beginning a season 0-3.

In fact, forget the playoffs period.

After three games, it’s fairly easy to say this and not get excoriated by a passionate following – the Saints don’t pass the eyeball test.

Or, really, any other test for that matter.

Three seasons of top-notch football have given way to the ugly stuff and everyone who either pulls for the Saints or is a member of the team is a mixture of befuddled and angry.

This team that’s playing with the fleur de lis emblazoned on the helmet isn’t what anyone is used to seeing regardless of who is or isn’t around.

“I think we’re all very uncomfortable,” New Orleans right tackle Zach Strief said. “It doesn’t feel how it has felt to us. I think that we’re disappointed as a group. And I think that’s to be expected. I don’t think anybody would expect us not to be disappointed.”

The defense is giving up yards like never before and the offense isn’t gaining them back. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has no answer for what’s being thrown at him and neither does his offensive counterpart Pete Carmichael Jr.

Don’t blame Sean Payton’s absence. Don’t blame Gregg Williams' alleged bounty program. And don’t blame Roger Goodell’s iron-fisted suspensions.

New Orleans’ poor start goes beyond all of them.

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Handwerger: Time for talk is long gone for the Saints | wwltv.com New Orleans

Jamessr

This can't be stressed enough...
I know this idea runs rampart on the forums and I would hope the players don't feel this way. because if they do... there truely is no hope for this season.

Danno

WTF? Even the village idiot can tell this is a huge reason we're 0-3 right now. Its obvious.

dizzle88

Drew and Sean talked during every play and after every drive, coach Payton was a student of the game and knew when adjustments needed to be made

He always kept us one step ahead of the D, his constant communication with drew and sideline presence is what we are missing

Shoe.

Yep Payton certainly was the 'tail wagging the dog' so to speak.

I felt we would be able to at least win ugly, but its proven that without him on the sidelines making the constant tweaks and adjustments, much like the fine chefs in NOLA, the roux just ain't right

WhoDat!656

Don’t blame Sean Payton’s absence. Don’t blame Gregg Williams' alleged bounty program. And don’t blame Roger Goodell’s iron-fisted suspensions.

It is called 'punishment' for a reason!

CharityMike

It runs rampent on the forums for good reasons. Like Danno said, you have blinders on if you don't think this is a big reason why we are 0-3.

The team and players can say whatever the hell they want. We have been hearing the same thing since week 1. The players do feel this. Kromer can't be the O line coach and acting head coach. Look at the line this year. When was the last time Drew has been huried or sacked this many times within the first 3 games? Atleast payton adjusted and chiped the DE's, I see no such thing happening.

Spags is on an island. He has no good help. I am not a big fan of Vitt but at least the guy has passion. He would be a tremendous help for Spags right now.

We all bought into the player "Leaders" of the team will help get us through this. It is painfully obvious that is not going to be enough. The "player leaders" have no leader. Most us waaay understimated how bad we were going to miss our Head coach and Asst. Head Coach.

We are a team without leadership to turn things around. We are like a cockaroach fighting the swirling water in the toilet. It's just a matter of time before it goes down the drain.

lumm0x

I honestly don't want to hear one press conference with a player or coach right now. They all need to shut up and work to find a way to fix this and quit talking about change.

Shoe.

So who was the brainiac who attempted to call the 2nd timeout yesterday? Shouldn't it be only Spags/Lofton/Jenkins that makes TO calls?

NOLA54

What I am learning from this season so far, is that Brees can't make with this team or any other team without Payton. I love Drew and it pains me to say it.