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METAIRIE — Next year will come in due time.

But to Saints All-Pro guard Jahri Evans, it’s not too late to do something about this season — meaning while making the playoffs would be the equivalent of threading a needle while riding a roller coaster, the team still has a vested interest in winning its remaining two games to finish 8-8, starting with Sunday’s game at Dallas.

“As long as there are games to be played, there are games to be won,” Evans said Monday. “No matter what the situation, you put your best foot forward. It’s never too late to play well.”

The Saints certainly did that Sunday with a 41-0 victory over Tampa Bay. The franchise’s first shutout since 1995 kept the Saints’ playoff hopes alive, but it will require 11 games breaking right this week and next.

The victory snapped a three-game losing streak, the last of which was a 52-27 loss to the New York Giants that interim coach Joe Vitt called “embarrassing.” But Evans said that game had a galvanizing effect.

“What you saw last week exemplified our not letting each other down,” he said. “We could have been moping around and sad over the outcome, but instead we went out there happy to be playing for each other.

“We were really loose in practice and stuff. You just knew we were going to go out there and play well.”

Read more: Saints keep focus on finishing season strong | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

Stealthman

I don't believe there has been another team (in NFL history) that has had to endure as much adversity as the 2012 Saints.

Loss of head coach along with BountyGate being the top-2.

I hope and pray that this team "miraculously" makes the 2012 postseason!

QBREES9

I'd love to see that happen.

Rugby Saint II

Screw you Godhell.

bobdog86

Let's finish with class and dignity and pizz on Mr godhead. Now, let's help ruin the Cowboys playoff chances. I want to see skeleton (JJ) spill his scotch all over his sack.