New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

The New Orleans Saints open their season this Sunday against their most bitter rival, the Atlanta Falcons. Though it is Week 1, for the Saints this matchup is a must win. The expression is cliché, but it applies to the Saints this week more than it does any other team in the league.

The Saints last season went through some well documented, unprecedented turmoil with the suspension of Sean Payton and the overall stench of the bounty scandal constantly looming. This team isn’t one for excuses, but the off the field issues took their toll mentally on the team and ultimately led to an underwhelming product on the field. After last season, Sean Payton returned and has filled this offseason with overwhelming optimism.

This optimism has allowed the Saints to somewhat move on from last season. However, a loss to the Falcons this week might put players in the mindset that last season was not a fluke. On the other hand, a win will convince the team, especially the young players, that last season is behind them. In addition, it sends a message to the rest of the division.

Even though no team has won the division in back to back years, the Falcons will be looking to buck the trend and probably feel that this is their division for the next few years based on the state of all the franchises. However, a Saints win would let Atlanta and the rest of the division know that the window of opportunity is far from closed for the Saints. Also, a good performance from the defense would be a great way to fight the demons of last season.

And that isn’t that much to ask for. Despite the defense’s trials and tribulations, the Saints put together their best defensive performance of the season last year against Atlanta, holding the Falcons’ offense to a mere 283 yards with Matt Ryan only throwing for 165 yards.

The Superdome with bring a tough environment for the opposing Falcons for this much anticipated game. And no one wants this game more than Drew Brees, who threw 5 interceptions and had his touchdown streak snapped in the previous game against the Falcons.

Though an 0-1 start wouldn’t be the end of their season, 1-0 could be the start of something special to a team that is back and hungrier than ever.

New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

A must win? Really?
I just don't know what say.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

It would make a huge statement that we have moved on and are ready to fight when just about everyone has crowned the Falcunts as division winners.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

If we lose week 1 we're out of the playoffs.
End of season.
It's septosespitoduple elimination!!!!

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

I think that means its NOT a must win.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Sure it is .... We need to spank that Failclown arse!

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

We must win every game

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

It is a very important game for the Saints. It would not be good to lose the opening game at home to their chief division rival. The Saints know that. An end to the season, no. A very bad start to the season, yes.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Sigh.....

Our only possible hope at any glory this season is owed to photoshop.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Not a must win game for us, but a must lose game for them. They've gotten off to some good(lucky) starts the last couple of years. This year we can do something about it and help ourselves in return.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

This is a big game for us. Winning this one would be a big psychological boost + it would shut the pundits faces. If I have to hear Billick proclaim the falcons are going to Super Bowl one more time I am going to pop.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

If we lose this game emotionally it would be a letdown for me. But to say the season is lost or a must win at this stage is beyond stupid.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

as usual the falcons must go down

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Ah, panic.

The sweet nectar of the ill-informed.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

It's only a must win because I hate to lose to the failcons.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

I would like to add that winning is important because it is the falcons but how we win is important for our Defense, Offense, Sean Payton, Fans, and Rob Ryan.

If Atlanta throws up 450 yards and we beat them by 3 points it will not put a lot of the BS to bed. If we keep them under 300 total yards and win by two touch downs we can regain or dignity and immediately the blame for the 2012 season shifts to Goodell and Spagnuolo.

Personally I would love to get some questions answered on Sunday just to cut down on some of the panic and despair. Heck, even if we allow more yards than we care for but sack Ryan 5+ times or pull off an INT or 2 it will put a lot more faith in our defense than we presently have. :bng:

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Not a must win, but it would start team down the right road for the season. A Saint win will right the ship for our division proving who is top dog and who is over-rated.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Sure would shock the hell out of all the "expert" analysts! :rolleyes:

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

This game will be just like the re-opening of the dome in '06. New Orleans Advocate paper is printing a walk down memory lane sought to speak about that game and Gleason will be on hand if not leading in the pregame chant with Coach Payton. The dome will be rocking and I will be completely shocked if we don't win by +10.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

Ok. Not a. Just win BUT as close as it can be for the first game.

This game will set the tone for the rest of the season. We win & the young D, the new O line - everyone get s more confidence.

If we lose it would be a definite negative for all the above groups.

PLUS - it's Coach's first game after the nonsense with the league & the year away. The team needs to win for him.
When I say win I mean WIN & WIN BIG (40'Burger!!!)

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

We need to win and win big.

Re: New Orleans Saints: Week 1 is a must win
 

All three guys on NFL.com say the Falcons are going to win this one!

Would be great to prove them wrong!

GEAUX SAINTS!!!!