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1. SEAN PAYTON CONUNDRUM:

From talking with sources throughout the past two weeks, it seems like the only serious threat that could pry Coach Sean Payton away from the New Orleans Saints would be an offer from the Dallas Cowboys. There is no indication that Payton is unhappy in New Orleans or looking to leave the Saints. But the fact that Payton's children live in Dallas would be a major factor if he winds up having a choice to make between the two teams - in addition to his high esteem for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the aura of the Cowboys' franchise, among other factors.

That's why Payton probably won't make an immediate decision on whether or not to sign a new contract with the Saints, since he'll want to keep his options open. And that's why the Saints probably won't push too forcefully for Payton to either sign a new deal or honor his previous agreement that was signed but rejected by the NFL. If Payton wanted to make a move for family reasons, the Saints likely wouldn't want to force him to stay against his will.

So the best thing that could happen to the Saints would be the Cowboys making a playoff run this year and deciding to keep current head coach Jason Garrett. However, it's extremely hard to imagine that the 4-5 Saints and 4-5 Cowboys could both make the playoffs, especially since they play each other in Dallas in Week 16.

So it's virtually impossible to root for the Saints and the Cowboys at the same time - though most Saints fans will tell you that's always the case.

2. WEEK 3 NIGHTMARE:

If the Saints miss the playoffs by one game, no doubt everyone will look back on Week 3 as the reason why. The Saints blew an 18-point lead at home to the woeful Kansas City Chiefs; easily the lowest point of their season.

But that wasn't the only disaster that struck the Saints in Week 3. That was the same week when the Seattle Seahawks infamously beat the Green Bay Packers, thanks to an incorrect touchdown called by the replacement officials on a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds.

Seattle is now 6-4 and currently tied with the Minnesota Vikings for that sixth playoff spot in the NFC. Just imagine if the Seahawks wind up one game ahead of the Saints for that final wild-card spot.

According to the Football Outsiders' playoff odds, which are based on the probable outcome of this season's remaining games, the Seahawks have an 82.8 percent chance of making the playoffs, while the Saints have a 4.8 percent chance.

As of now, the Saints are tied for ninth in the NFC. They're also behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4). The good news for the Saints, though, is that they would have a good shot at winning a wild-card tie-breaker against Seattle or Minnesota, which would be based on conference record, if they can catch them.

3. QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton's dig at his former team, the Atlanta Falcons, was so subtle that it didn't even sound like trash-talking at first. But there's no doubt he was sending a message. When asked for his thoughts on the Saints-Falcons "rivalry" after New Orleans' 31-27 victory, Lofton said:

"A rivalry? I wouldn't say so because the Saints are always out on top of that. It's not even. It's a divisional game and that brings extra attitude to it, but I wouldn't say it's a rivalry."

Read more: Sean Payton conundrum: Root for the New Orleans Saints and Dallas Cowboys? First-and-10 - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

halloween 65

Payton leave us to coach Romo, I don't think so.

darksoul35

Thats exactly what Roger wants.

frydaddy

There is no scenario that could possibly ever exist in this, or even any bizarro universe wherein I would root for the girls to make the playoffs. If payton really wants to leave us for that mess over there, I say let him go. Would I hate him for being a traitor for the rest of my days? Absolutely.. but if he doesn't wanna be here, I don't want him here

AlaskaSaints

I went through this with Brees and I will not go through it again with Payton. If he wants to leave then F' him.

Looks like we've got ourselves a team, anyway.

Great thread, Papz.

Alaska

FinSaint

There's really no news here... just reporters writing articles in order to cash their checks at the end of the day.

SP will be the Saints' HC come next season.

Joker

I wouldn't be so sure, the NFL has granted contract talks to begin between the Saints and Payton, but he's has yet to sign on the dotted line just because of some verbiage about Mickey Loomis. He had a signed contract and agreed to coach the saints for another 3 yrs.. Seems to me he's reconsidering the contract offer from the Saints in search. For let's say greener pastures, if this is the case screw him let him go and him and Jerry can suck together.
IMO

FinSaint

Don't believe everything you read or hear... contract talks take time and I'm sure they are taking it slowly because they really aren't in any hurry, since both sides want to sign a new contract with each other.

SP will be the HC of the Saints in 2013 and beyond.

Joker

I hope you're right, I certainly don't want to go back to the way it was before Payton.

thefifthwall

Payton is looking for control & who has it. Look for something along the lines of Parcells deal where he has option to walk if ownership changes.