WhoDat!656

When the Saints won the Super Bowl after the 2009 season, they became the first team to take home a Lombardi Trophy after losing their final three games of the regular season.

That doesn’t mean that every team with championship aspirations should be trying to drop games at the end of the season, but it does mean that good runs can follow bad ones over the course of a year. That’s a message that Saints coach Sean Payton is trying to send to this year’s edition after they dropped three straight games at the Superdome to miss a chance to grab control of the NFC South.

Instead they fell to 4-7 and Payton feels there’s “value to referencing” past turnarounds in New Orleans and elsewhere as a way to keep the team focused on what’s still possible for them this season.

“You’re constantly, as a teacher, trying to do that,” Payton said, via the Associated Press. “You look at some parallels, some comparisons.”

Whether it’s those Saints, a Giants team that saved Tom Coughlin’s job or any of the other moments in sports history when a contender rose off the mat, there are plenty of examples that show it ain’t over until it’s over. This version of the Saints will have to play much better to join those teams, starting with this Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Sean Payton reminding Saints of past turnarounds | ProFootballTalk

"A Veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America" for an amount of "up to and including my life."

blackangold

No chance they beat PITT... our schedule was designed for us to have a losing season, but it doesn't help that we also suck. Best case scenario is 8-8.

I for one just want a good draft pick at this point... We need a beast DT to push the interior. Find a good #2 CB in FA, be sure he is a vet and brings leadership. Lelito replaces Goodwin and most of the issues are solved. Still have a problem at both OG positions but if we had Lelito starting they might look average.

Saintindal

NFL may be steering this to a 7-9 Saints hosting the Wildcard vs. Seattle. Its too irrisistable a post game matchup. Flip side of the Seattle 7-9 team beating the Saints in Seattle in 2011. Brees, Graham and the Seattle team are good TV draws. For it to play out the Saints lose in Pitt and Chi, Beat Carolina, Bucs and Falcons. Win the division at 7-9.
Saints are obviously holding back this year to get this record and the league is helping out. Just last game for instance: 1st drive, Payton goes for it on 4th and goal with a running play against the best run d and worst pass d in the league. The Phantom holding call on Evans as Thomas tears off 13 and a first down. Two plays later Brees throws the pick six and the game is done. Need more? Steve Smith literally trys to start a riot on the sideline after a hard take down by Vaccarro and Vaccarro gets the flag. Ravens drive continues...Instead of a hand to face penalty by Smith, Saints get called for bogus PI for a foot tangle, negating the play instead of pushing Ravens back. Saints get the last TD. Spread is safe. Vegas wins again.

Saintindal

More?: Lofton drops a sure pick six right in his hands. Saints demonstrate their ability to score at will at the end of the 1st and 2nd half. What happens to that on those 3 and outs? Just to rub it in your face.

Saintindal

Don't lose faith though Saints fans, The NFL very more than likely wants the Saints in there this postseason, as opposed to the rest of the South. Brees, Payton and company are the best TV draws of the bunch. Plus they can put the spotlight on Benson's unbelievably generous contribution to the Hall of Fame. That meme surfaced Monday night, so I know the league wants to showcase that well beyond the regular season. Hell, they are naming the stadium after him. Anyway, good job Benson, you appear to have a soul with that million dedicated to former player housing.