The Dude

I think he earned another 2 years to prove himself after the turnaround our D had the year he started. You have to give him at least enough time to establish a pattern and culture. If he can get us back to even middle of the pack I probably wouldn't be opposed to keeping him into the next season. Especially if he can pick up the turnover ratio.

Danno

Middle of the pack might do it, but I don't think so. I think we'd better be flirting with breaking into the top ten, or we'll see Dennis Allen as our DC next year.

Obviously if we suffer key or excessive injuries that may change things a bit.

Saint in Aus

We are going to be pretty clear on where we sit after the first five games next year; Cardinals, Tampa, Panthers, Cowboys and Eagles. You want at least 3 wins (preferably 4) or it is probably going to be another long season.

saintsfan1976

All NFC teams, two divisional opponents.

After last year, not one team looks like an easy win.

hagan714

Cardinals, gelling will be the catch phrase right out the gate for both the offense and defense

Tampa, win but a squeaker

Panthers, at Carolina and so many questions to be answered still, revenage game is all i can hang my hat on for the butt kicking at the end of last year.

Cowboys in new orleans and know Rob so well does not bold well

Eagles god only knows. they have so many changes i am assuming their fans will be the only fans with more question than answers than the saints.

you pull 3 wins out of this set and you are doing pretty darn good.

Week 6 Falcons in town is the game the saints must prove the ship is upright and heading in the right direction.

week 7 will be the game as people have point out. if the saints handle the clowns and go into this game on an upswing they stand an chance of ripping off 5 to 6 wins and row and can climb back into this thing. no matter how bad the season may start off. but the term gelling must not apply to the defense at this point in the season. if it does? trouble

week 6 and 7 maybe the key weeks for Rob.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

Saint in Aus

Yep, for me, if we are serious about 2015 we win all our divisional games. Need to make a statement in the earlier rounds and beat the Buccs, Panthers and Falcons (6th round). We do that and we start to put doubts into the minds of our divisional rivals and we are well on our way.

saintsfan1976

Step one - win the division

The Dude

I think Payton himself will be on the hot seat if we have another losing season. I might go so far as to say he will be on the hot seat if we dont make the playoffs period.

RailBoss

I agree this season could put the focus on the Sean Payton era.

saintsfan1976

Only once has Sean Payton had a winning season without a top 13 defense (pts scored). And that was the 09 Superbowl Saints who's defense was 20th.

We all know how prolific the offense has been in years past. I think this year we hope for top 10 offense and top 15 defense.

Maybe this year instead of losing close games, we win them.