As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

The New Orleans Saints are a team of extremes. There is rarely much middle ground. This offseason has captured their organizational schizophrenia.

After years of loading up on salary and doling out a bounty of doomed contracts and creating a salary-cap monster, they have now swung back in a far different direction, shedding veterans who make too much money and have fallen out of favor and loading up on draft picks. It's not that they had any choice -- this purge was self-inflicted and entirely necessary and born of their own mistakes and a defense that has frankly been historically bad more often than not in recent years -- but it has been nonetheless jarring in its execution.

If nothing else, it speaks to a future that may be murkier than any in the NFL. I wrote very early this offseason about the 49ers and Saints being poised for a quick remake given the way their salary and cap structure played out, and thus far it's been as expected. But that only serves to beg the question -- what's next? And what's next for coach and organizational power Sean Payton in particular.

With the fight for ownership of the franchise -- a literal court fight -- already ugly and bloody between owner Tom Benson and his heirs, and with so much unknown about how this long-suffering team will operate in years to come, and who will truly control the reigns, the timing of the Saints' drastic overhaul speaks to their larger struggles.

As Benson, who has been forced to comply with court-ordered tests on his faculties and ability to handle the daily management of his sports and car dealership empire, has become increasingly hands off in recent years, it's well known in New Orleans how much power and autonomy Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis wield. There are few if any checks and balances from above; Payton and Loomis can more or less do as they please, and they have curried extreme favor with Benson's third wife, who the owner recently made the beneficiary of his teams after stripping it from his daughter and grandchildren.

As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future - CBSSports.com

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

What the eff does this wing nut know of OUR teams checks and balances? Man I went into the wrong line of work. To just make up loads of bullsh!t all day, I am jelly.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Well at least we still have the girls. :bng:

http://www.cheerleader.com/Saintsati...5SaintsCov.jpg

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Why did he keep saying that Payton and Loomis would both have their days numbered if Rita gains control? Wouldn't that depend heavily on how the team performs this year? If they go win the Super Bowl after all these changes, do you really think Rita would give them the boot?

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

all these things are just now coming out?
a cover up or disinformation ?
i smell something really fishy

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

..........and maybe if unicorns carrying a band of faries fly over the superdome and spill magic pixie dust all over the city and the french quarter then changes to a family friendly park and we all live there in magical football bliss...............whatever.


http://blackandgold.com/attachment.p...1&d=1426599885

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

All this panic over releasing a pro bowl TE and a bunch of under-achievers?

I'm not seeing anything "extreme" about this off-season. A couple of surprises yes, but certainly not extreme.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Extreme would be something happening to Brees, which is most likely going to happen in the coming years anyway

I was more surprised about Kenny getting traded than Graham because Kenny was on the doorstep of 1000 yards receiving, FO must have had a good reason and I'll trust them.

I've heard it was because he didn't seem like he was bothered with a 7-9 season, which frustrated Brees.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

"Sell the sizzle not the steak."

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Well last years steak was full if ring worm and needed tossed out

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

are u nuts lets go hide behind the chainsaws instead of the running car.:lolup:

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

I just don't see it......yet. Drew is still a top 5 QB in the league and gives us the best chance at success.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

BUNCH OF BULL****! IT'S BENSONS TEAM AND IF HIS FAMILY DOESN'T LIKE IT THEN CAN SUCKS EGGS. Benson has been a great steward for New Orleans and not just the team but in many business endeavors. Those greedy freakin kids couldn't wait until he was taking the big dirt nap to get their hands on everything he earned and worked hard for. The Saints will always be a part of New Orleans and we will set to that!

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

If Brees left I'd be shocked. With that one trade you could single handedly take us back to feeling good about 7-9 and wearing bags in the Dome. Brees is the face and heartbeat of this team. We would be foolish to trade Drew without a Kings ransom.......and a viable backup on the roster already.

I believe Drew will retire a Saint after several more good years and head straight to the Hall of Fame in Canton, Oh.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

To be a sports writer, you just get to make stuff up and people treat it like gospel. These people looking from the outside in have no effen clue to what is going to happen if, IF Rita were to get to the team. I bet not even the local guys have a clue so how would this clown know anything.

I'm so sick and tired of this Benson family drama BS, honestly I'm ready to see some 2009 offense sprinkled in with some screens and trick plays set up for Cooks and Spiller

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

I have had stuff published for a sports site. Maybe i should start wrighting B.S (some probable say i do anyway lol) and see if it sticks next year.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

We're all ears. We'll publish it. About 70k people a month manage to read the BS we post and publish, why not give it a try!!

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

I've done stuff for a UK based Uncle Sam Sports(check authors and Lee Gardiner). I do all the Saints stuff and plan to redo it next year. Ill add anything i do on here too on the blogs. I was struggling by the end of last season though as there is only so many times you can write about a lack of pass rush,terrible coverage and that Ingram was our best player.

Just giving it a week or two till FA calms down a bit

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

To me it's similar to having something deadly, like cancer.

Our team had cancer.

How should you remove caner? One little piece or the entire area affected by it?

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

We aren't getting rid of Brees and anyone that thinks he's over paid and has under produced needs to go talk to the Bengals (Andy Dalton), Bears (Jay Cutler), 9ers (Colin Kaepernick) and the Chiefs (Alex Smith) among many others. That's just a small list of QBs that are overpaid. I didn't count the chokers (Falcons w/ Matty Shart, the Cowboys w/ Romo and others).

Excuse me for not being on board with sh!tcanning our HOF quarterback for a cheaper, younger one that more than likely will be average at best, regardless of what round he was drafted in.

As soon as Brees retires or if by some stupid mistake, the FO gets rid of him, those that have been asking for a trade, *****ing about "lack of arm strength", and complaining about his cap hit will all get to see the new era of Saints football without a good QB. Gone will be the days that we still have a chance in the 4th quarter with 4 min left and down two scores. Mediocrity at the position will more than likely be the norm. Not the exception. Until we land another legendary QB. God knows how long that will take.

No thanks. I'll just stay with Drew and ride it out till he retires a Saint. A 75% effort from him is still better than most QBs in the NFL and better than anyone that we'll have behind center for a long time (unless we get lucky). And we all know Drew never gives anything less than 100%.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Imo..Brees will retire a Saint.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Excuse me? First of all, not only is Brees as accurate as he has always been, but he had the 2nd best completion percentage in the entire league last season. Secondly, the offense is FAR from depleted. With Ingram, Spiller, Robinson and Hightower the Saints have perhaps the best RB bullpen in the NFL, two very good TE's that can actually block and the all-time leading WR in Saints history with a number of long young receivers ready to move up. Oh, and don't forget Brandin Cooks.

As for a Brees decline ... the only decline on the Saints offense involved the offensive line. Bringing in Max Unger at center is a HUGE upgrade. Another year's experience from Armstead and whomever is picked up via the draft will help cement the offensive hole and allow Brees to have the freedom in the pocket to once again be among the very best in every stat once again.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Think about it, we have too many RB's according to some of the "Eggspurts" Watch and be amazed as we unveil the Wishbone next year!! After all after Brees gets traded all we are going to do is hand off every play. Of course we'll change the name of it to the Gumbeauxnnnnn.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Deep throws depend so much on foot plant. I have read so much about lower body stability transferring to accuracy deep. Pressure will shift the weight and affect the throw. Brees is smart enough to overthrow if rushed. But, he he is even slightly forced to throw off the heel (oncoming pressure) the result would have to be a more highly lofted underthrow.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townn...a8e2.image.jpg

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Have we really gotten worse compared to last year? Let's look at what we gave up.
1
Jimmy Graham - Definitely one of the best receivers in the league. But he's always injured. Yes he plays through it but he disappeared in some important games last year and he dropped?short armed some important passes last year and now we're hearing that he may have had some attitude issues.

We got, An All-Pro center and a first round draft pick plus we dumped a huge contract that was going to haunt us for years.
I think this deal makes us a better team.

2
Ben Grubbs, at one time he was a top notch guard but he was not that anymore but he was getting paid like it.

We got a 5th and another huge break off the salary. Another win.

3
Curtis Lofton, a great team guy and an excellent 2 down run stuffer. But, he's very limited in the passing game. Can't cover and can't blitz.

All we got out of this is cap relief but hopefully the addition of Eberle will lessen this loss of a class guy and a good football player. This move was unfortunate but necessary.

4
Kenny Stills, a great young prospect who looks to have a bright future ahead of him. Apparently there some attitude issues. There was talk at the end of the season from some of the vets about a lack of professionalism. Gotta believe Kenny was one of the guys they were talking about.

We got a starting caliber LB for a great price and a third round pick. Hard to judge this trade at this point but if PTB judged that it needed to be done I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

5
Cory White, Patrick Robinson, Travis Cadet, Tyrun Walker and probably some other guys I'm forgetting.

Meh

6
Pierre Thomas, WAAAHHH..... :(

I think we take the division.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

and stay here as some part of our franchise , like Elway in Denver, hey why not.:bng:

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

a lot of drews bad plays and hurry ups that cause bad plays are reflextion of the line he has protecting him teddybare. give the man that 1 more second to read and its back to a superbowl.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Where does this guy get his information about Rita's intentions?!?

If his sources are the local media with him giving quid pro quo on the national media scene, then that's ****ed because the local media is the epitome of yes men to the Benson Entertainment Machine...

If Rita somehow prevails and throws the golddigger to the curve, I'll laugh my collective arse off when she personally offers Payton a contract extension, for life...

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

The sky is falling, the sky is falling! Only because these talking heads want it to.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Have they not learned?

Only one man called it.
Most didn't even have tbe Saints making a wild card spot.

http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?story...74&src=desktop

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Brady just won a superbowl and Brees is younger and better. Its been his o-line.

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Whoever said trade Brees and draft Mariota is certifiable. Winston nor Mariota are worth taking in the first round. Anyone who takes either one of these guys in the first and expects him to start I only have one thing to say to that, GOOD LUCK!

Re: As Sean Payton remakes roster, big questions arise about Saints' future
 

Good GOD yes!