The Dude

If you had to pick between Brees and Payton to NOT be here next year who would it be? I really don't think they will both be here next year. Even Deuce said that he believes they may part ways in the offseason depending on how they finish. I would pick Brees for a couple reasons. First off there really isn't or won't be anyone better at the QB position that could take over and give us as much of a chance to compete. Brees has been at it long enough to call the shots offensively if he could anyway. I think it's easier for a team to be a contender when they have an elitish QB and a new coach than Payton with a new QB.
The new Coach could come in and put a scheme together and draft around the QB position for a year or two before putting a new one in.
Bottom line I think we have a better shot at a SB with Brees than we do with Payton and no Brees.

QBREES9

I really think Brees is not going anywhere.

SloMotion

Agree, QB's on the level of Brees, Manning, Rodgers, Brady are gonna' perform regardless. A good H/C certainly helps, but in those cases is mostly for the rest of the team, IMO, and an elite QB is harder to find.

spkb25

IDT Brees or SP are going anywhere, and do not be surprised if we have a really good team next season.

The Dude

I think our D will be very good next year. Our young LBers are fitting in nicely and continue to improve. With another offseason behind them they will play lights out next year. We need a pass rusher period. Biggest need IMO behind a WR with the talent to keep our O going full steam as Brees declines. That guy could be Snead. We start generating a pass rush and our defensive backfield will be scary good. The talent is there, they are just having to do too much. Our offense is good enough even this year for us to compete if we had even an average defense. I dont expect much of a decline on that side of the ball either. Like I said get a legit receiver and some help at run blocking and our offense will be scary good again.

CharityMike

If made to choose, Brees hands down.

UK_WhoDat

That's the one

MaggieMayTB

Keep Brees and SP.
Loomis needs to go.

Let me add (because it is always about me)... Damn good question and thread.

Barry from MS

Keep Brees. HoFer QB comes along rarely.

When Payton goes, so does Vitt, D-Lineman coach Johnson, and Spec Teams "Coordinator" McMahon.

If I had to pick, that is...

Saintsfan4ever

Ever since Payton came back from the bounty-gate suspension he's been very bland and predictable. I just don't see much fire in him anymore. I'll always be a fan of Sean Payton, I respect him, and I appreciate him for bringing a SB championship to my long beloved Saints team... but it might be time for him to go.