Just my humble opinion: declarations of expectations such as these is what causes fans to bang their heads against the wall when it doesn't happen.

First there is no evidence that the Payton/Carmichael/Brees triumvirate is going to change their tune and run with authority. These guys have all been here since 2006. There is 8 years of history of how they do offense, and running with authority isn't their MO.

Second the Saints have struggled with every facet of the game. A one week break isn't going to fix that to the point where "we will win at least our next 10-12 games easily". Honestly the competition is going to get stiffer than it's already been.

So both these expectations are just begging to be disappointed. Might I suggest some more realistic ones:

1. Have an offense that doesn't turn over the ball.
2. Have an offense that converts red zone opportunities into TDs.
3. Have an offense that runs the ball effectively, especially in the 4 minute drill.
4. Have an receiver group that does not drop the ball when targeted.

5. Have a defense that tackles consistently.
6. Have a defense that gets after the opposing QB.
7. Have a defense that limits big plays.
8. Have a defense that occasionally gets a turnover.

Each of these can be fixed in two weeks. The combination of them will make the team more competitive in all the upcoming contests.

I get disappointed when I do not see these 8. The Saints failed in virtually all 8 of these at times in the last game. Only when they did #3 in overtime (Khari go BOOM!) and #5 (Junior go BOOM!) for the safety did the game turn around for the win.

Imagine what could happen if all 6 of these occurred in every game. That would be something worth watching.

I'm still encouraged. A team isn't supposed to win a game when they give the ball away 4 times. The Saints did.

But winning streaks are not magic. They are the results of consistently solid play by a team. Fix the list above, and then it becomes a possibility.


SFIAH