saintfan

After that terrible display of what we can loosely call Football by the Saints on Sunday, I dreaded coming to this board. Reading about all the disapointment we all feel right now is not something I looked forward to. However, after a day's worth of reading, listening to the media, and my own reflection of it all, I have a few things I'd like to say...

Number one...where did you all come from? Don't get me wrong. The more people on this site the better, but where were all these newbys during the season? It's sad, but it's true. Sports fans simply love to complain. I haven't read every post since the loss on Sunday, but of the ones I have read, I haven't seen anyone say anything that wasn't linked to "we suck" or "AB sucks" etc, etc. Where were you all when the Saints were 6-1? Were you all too busy to stop by? Why is it only now that you find the time to toss in your nickle's worth? I, for one, am not impressed.

Number two...I give Saintz08 his due. He's been on AB's behind all year. It is for that reason that I can stomach his griping. I happen to disagree, but then that's life. He makes some valid points, and he grasps for straws ocassionally, but at least he was here from start to finish. He has never waivered in his misguided attempts to turn the fan base against AB. I'm not sure why, but I have to admire him for that.

Number three...I'm happy to FINALLY see some posts that show there are SOME people that recognize this team's real problem...DEFENSE...or a serious lack of it. I agree that Dave Campo would be a nice fit in New Orleans. It does my heart good to see some of you posting a rational thought rather than screaming the same 'ol rhetoric.

My thoughts after this season (and even after the collapse) are generally positive. We started the year with a 2nd year starter at QB. He shined at times and his youth showed at times. At least I can say I expected that. I would have liked to see AB make fewer mistakes, but he's young and he's still learning. In AB's defense I must also question the play calling at times. Next season will be the real test for Brooks. As much as some of you hate to hear me say that, the fact of the matter is that it's true. Saintz08 and I have argued about it for 17 weeks, but I firmly believe that AB is the Saints QB of the future. I cannot blame him soley for this year's ending 0 for three or last year's 0 for 4. The Saints haven't managed to win their last game of the year in their last 7 trys. AB hasn't been here that long!

We started this season with tons of changes on the offensive line. They played well together at times and at others would have made the Dallas Cowboys line look like all pros. Brooks had a new (and disapointing) tight end, and two new receivers. We had a first year (although not a rookie) running back too. No one can say anything about Deuce's performance, but I think everyone on offense at one time or another played a part in what turned out to be another typical year for New Orleans. No one player can be blamed for a season in which too many breakdowns in too many areas caused too many problems.

I won't mention much about the defense, since even a casual fan could see it was just horrible. Am I the only one who thinks we actually got worse after Dale Carter was reinstated? I'm not blaming Dale for it, but something changed about that time, and it wasn't a positive change either. The linbackers (loosely defined) were as bad as any in the league. The Saints just don't have any talent there. The front four was soft...VERY soft, and it sure looked to me like they were unmotivated too. The coaches have to take some heat for that. I see wholesale changes on defense in the offseason, and I welcome each and every one of them.

Finally, let me say that Rome wasn't built in a day. Yes, I'm optomistic, but then I'm a Saints fan. Sue me. I am also an Atlanta Braves fan too. I remember the days when they couldn't win 60 games in a season. It will come people. We must all have faith. That's not to say we shouldn't voice our opinions, but let's be realistic. We don't really need a new QB. Our receivers are good players. We've got a good full back and tail back too. Save a few players on defense, that side of the ball needs some serious attention, and I expect that will be addressed through the draft and free agency. Thanks to a copule of shrewd (and not very Satins-like) trades, we're set up well for the draft, and we have some room to move under the cap too.

Indeed, Rome wasn't built in a day people. Nero (Ditka) is gone.