Jeanpierre, very strong words.

I agree 100% with your thoughts on the first round selections. We really have wasted picks at the top of the draft. Not every pick was a poor one at the time, but clearly something is not working. We have found some later round gems so I will give the scouting department some credit. But clearly this has to change now. If there ever was a draft where we really need to hit on our 1st round selection... and beyond... this one is it.

As far as Loomis goes, I don't think he is making all of the free agent calls. I'm pretty sure that Payton has a voice, and a rather load one. However, I thought that they have been pretty productive in this area. They have been able to bring in good quality players, and have allowed some players to walk at the right time.

In the Payton era there is no question that the defense has struggled. However we have had our moments. 2009 and the 2011 season where as good as this organization has seen, and the defense made plays, important stops in key situations. Last season was the perfect storm. We lose the leadership of Sean Payton... and Gregg Williams, two areas that have been consistent for three years leading up to that point. I think most pun-dents were praising most of the additions to the defense a year ago.

This is shaping up to be a fork in the road type season for this organization. I think we all still feel like this is a team that has a chance to win a championship. But with the finances what they are, and the core of this team getting older, how much longer does the window stay open? For the most part, I think organization from top to bottom has some areas that they can improve on. But, is in good shape overall.