Shoe.

I tried to find the recent interview where I read a comment from Joe Vitt regarding his absence allowing him to see some things on the field that he may not have seen if he were "inside the coaching bubble," so to speak. Just watching the games on TV forced him to observe in a different way, and he apparently found things he never would've seen if he were on the sidelines. My main point is that these suspensions could actually strengthen the team in the long run, as it gives the two main decision-makers a bit of distance to really evaluate what they were doing, and make some corrections to things that they may not have ever realized were a problem.

Yes, they're both seasoned professionals, but getting away from an activity often has the unintended consequence of sharpening one's focus once the activity is returned to. I experienced it in my own game (not football, golf); after competing for a couple of years I got incredibly frustrated and took some time off. After I came back, my game mysteriously elevated itself, I found new things to correct, and I have become a better player because of it. Might this end up being the case for the coaches? I'm interested to hear the forum's thoughts...

Beastmode

Stepping back and re-evaluating things from different angles or just taking a break is a common ingridient in achieving bigger goals or getting out of a rutt. I fully exspect Vitt to come out as a better evaluator of what needs to be focused on the remainder of the season.

TXGSP

I agree stepping away for just a bit can give a completely different perspective.

I wonder if our LB Coach picked up on the predictability of the offense as much as some of the fans have.

lumm0x

You bring up an excellent point. This may be a positive long term benefit to the team, players and coaches. Sometimes it's hard to see the silver lining in something such as this, but you may be onto something. I just hope it does not bring more unwanted competetive attention from other organizations on the people who were forced into the enhanced roles.

Rugby Saint II

Remember when Payton broke his leg? We all thought OMG!!!

Turns out it was a dry run for this season. This could be beneficial.......hard to believe isn't it?

This time may be just what Payton needs to rededicate himself and come away stronger.

Shoe.

It certainly has felt as if we have been in a rut at times, offensively speaking. The game where Brees took over the play calling in the 4th quarter hopefully alerted the staff to that problem.

I would be curious to know if Vitt/Loomis/Payton have watched any games with some regular Who Dats, and, after a couple frosty malted beverages, had to face some of the questions that get posed here and on other forums (whose-name-shall-not-be-spoken). I'm not trying to say anybody who posts has any right to tell the pros how to do their jobs or anything, but if a couple of innocent questions posed by amateur arm-chair-quarterbacks made them think a little, I feel like the team stands to reap benefits in the future.

Shoe.

I'm trying to find SOME positive in all of this lol

And from the showing that Kromer/Carmichael have given recently in their more prominent roles, I'm not sure that we need to worry about them getting poached. Especially if Vitt comes back and we go on a tear

Truly a blessing in disguise, it didn't hurt us then, and its helping us now, for sure (although judging by our record its a little hard to tell)

4thqtrsaint

I totally agree... Payton is getting a divorce and has an entire year to clear his head, gain perspective, then get back in the lab. A motivated genius at work is a beautiful thing.