John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

Carolina brought the fight to New Orleans inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, a first-quarter scrum beyond the back of the end zone after a short touchdown run serving as a capsulation of its feistiness.

It led to the Panthers dealing the Saints a knockout blow Sunday.

Seven days after New Orleans posted a dominant road victory in Pittsburgh, the Saints themselves were dominated at home in a 41-10 loss, their fourth consecutive home loss this season, the first time that has happened since the 1999 season.

In logistical terms, New Orleans (5-8) remains in the thick of the race for the NFC South Division title. Carolina (4-8-1) trails and Atlanta (5-7) plays on the road against Green Bay at Lambeau Field on Monday night.

Winning out – the remaining schedule has the Saints at Chicago next Monday night, against Atlanta in the Superdome and on the road against Tampa Bay for the finale – will give the Saints the division title.

But with Sunday’s performance likely ranking as the worst that the Saints have on this season’s resume, the glaring concern for New Orleans was how to correct the errors that have plagued and crippled the team all season, and how to absorb and rebound from a loss that generated the harshest self-analyses the Saints have offered this year.


“Obviously, that’s embarrassing, how we played, how we coached,” Coach Sean Payton said. “You pick an area or you pick a phase, and it was awful. You’re not going to have a chance to win if you turn it over that frequently in the first quarter, if you don’t tackle, if you give up almost 300 yards rushing. You name it, check it off.

“Here’s the thing I told them. Let’s make sure we’re crystal clear. There’s no question as to why. It’s right out there, we just saw it. We’ve got to look closely at everything – preparation, who we’re asking to do it, starting with me. But it isn’t a giant mystery. To win in this league, we did all the things that keep you from winning.”


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Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

I think there were a few positives, albeit very few.

Toon got some more playing time and actually resembled an NFL WR.

Jalen Saunders looks like a keeper as a punt returner.

Brian Dixon continues to get more experience. He may never be a star but looks like he could be a solid back-up in this league.

And... well that's about all I got.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

Toon looks quick. How does Sean phrase it - "sudden"? I may be eating words.

Saunders was a bright spot.

Dixon's speed is great, with experience has already shown improvement.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

Yeah Toon has been consistent catching the ball so far, only going to add to his confidence

Jalen Saunders should be on kick return aswell, he can make people miss and has some serious speed.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

The philosophy we have used since Sean has been here has caught up with us.

THe first wave of FA and draft picks we were able to build a pretty good OL. Since then they have let those guys go and not replace them with equal skill level. There has been a consistent revolving door with the OL and to a degree the D and rightfully so.

I think the lesson to be learned in all this is that you can have the QB and you can have all the weapons but if you don't have a line you have SH*t. They need to rebuild or retool this team starting with the OL and DL from the inside out. Start with the C and work you're way out - Start with DT and work your way to DE.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

A Jim Finks disciple I see.:bng:

O-line and D-line. All the great teams had great lines. They make average players great, they make great players Hall of Famers.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

I learned that the saints do not believe in grab time yardage or points and will throw in the towel and not make the fans watch anymore. Last drive sealed this as a top 5 for all time worst games to be a saints fan. give up? right there i would writing up pink slips. SP really let me down

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

20+ sec left and 2 timeouts and you just stand there. Really sad decision.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

There was something I liked in the press conference. Payton was asked about the effort, and hinted that the film will reveal who kept fighting till the end.

I view that as he’s gonna find out who quit, and do something about it.

Re: John DeShazier: No positives for Saints in blowout loss to Panthers
 

Agree 100%. You still have to have the coaches that turn these guys in studs. I don't think our position coaches especially on the D ,do a good job.