And where are the Payton defenders at when he has something negative to say about the fans? Just what I was saying not too long ago. Oh, heaven forbid anyone question him though. The fans sounded the same as they always do. The dome was louder than most fans even in the lean years.

He did say it was 'good' and maybe in such a way so as not to give fans the impression they should rest on their laurels ... it's motivational psychology on a grander scale, ... I am kinda' watching him though,

Who knows. I do kind of get the impression he's trying to motivate fans in some way, but if that is indeed what he's trying to do, it seems silly. Fans are motivated by how the team plays. If we had the privilege to play on the field, then we would be self motivated. As a fan, you support the team no matter what, but how loud you get is 100% controlled by the teams performance. It's just like food... If the product taste's bad, why would you pretend it doesn't? That's why I've always thought coaches should keep their mouths shut about what fans do unless they do something egregious. Like when they start throwing things on the field like idiots.

This week they played well though, and I thought the crowd reflected that. I'm perplexed by Payton's remarks.

Yeah, I agree ... give the fans something to cheer about & they will, et... and coaches generally don't comment on the fans unless it's something out of the ordinary, like you pointed out. I'm just wondering if what I'm seeing is a small chink or two in the Payton-armor ... it's been a tough go for SP the past few seasons ... it wears on ya', you know?. Just sayin'.