We took our eye off the division
 

Starting in 2010, Atlanta sought to steal our thunder and outdo us and since then they have had two NFC title games while we have had none. They clearly formulated their offense to be like ours but with more explosive playmakers. And when our oline started breaking down, we didn't focus on getting it rebuilt like we should have, grooming backups until they were needed to start. No, we were too focused on Seattle, wanting a defense like them. Atlanta did what they sought out to do and if they win the SB, they won the war.

Why did we sacrifice our offense at the expense of trying to change a decent defense when we did? As long as we kept up in the division and held our advantage the playoff wins would continue and sb eventually would happen.

The steelers or pats have to win, they just have to. This is bad.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Our division was built to beat us. We got lackadaisical and lost our edge. This is the end result.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

The draft immediately following the Superbowl foretold so much...

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Don't forget bad drafting over those years, only the last 2 have been decent. I have to agree about not addressing the O-line with draft picks, I've screamed for a couple years that needed to be addressed. Payton let the good ole boys stay entirely to long on the D side.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Here's the thing - I don't think we've responded well to adversity - the Super Bowl hangover, Bountygate, Galette bombing, anything really.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

I don't think Galette should have left but we got lucky given his injuries afterward. And if our defense didn't do what it did in 2014, he would not have been cut and we would have been dealing with his injuries.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

A long series of horrible moves that looked smart on paper with some serious gambles thrown in. Almost none of it worked out. There were a few salutes but those were quicker than a private passing a general by accident.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

I think Payton, Loomis, and the scouting department are the best group at drafting in the history of the league. They should go consult the Falcons. Also let them get some tips from our strength and conditioning coaches.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Next year?

http://grownmanstuff.com/wp-content/.../10/tIRVo6.gif

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

That will take your eye off the division!

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

DC Greg Williams shown the door.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

we don't draft well, we don't stock pile picks, that is our problem. Couple that with consistent FA misses and you have a mediocre 7-9 team that is like groundhog day

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

2017 ... Boom or bust.

Executives, FO, GM, coaches, players, trainers, facilities/maintenance personnel ... just about every one is on notice this year. The sense of urgency is now.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

On notice from whom?

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Both Loomis and Payton have acknowledged same on local, New Orleans television...

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Cmon Guido. You can't really believe that this team, staff and FO don't know that there's pressure building to win. Hell man even Drew won't go on record saying that he'll take an extension right now.

Idk if they're officially "on notice", but I'd be surprised to see the coaching staff remain another season if 2017 is anything but playoffs. And I'm sure they share the same sentiment. Hence the removal of a bunch of coaching assistants.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Yeah, if Loomis/Payton aren't feeling it, then it's time to take the ole dogs for a last walk...

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

I agree with you that Loomis, Payton and the front office have been walking on water with Benson since they brought the Lombardi home.
Still, there has to be some kind of influence that an unhappy fan base will make known.

No matter how far up in the Penthouse the owners still have the pulse of the fans. Yes. We still sell out and merchandising is good. But we are coming off of our fourth unsuccessful season in a row. We are faithful but even an uneducated and loyal group begin to question leadership at some point.

It looks like there is a plan in place that we will stick with to turn around the franchise and I am hopeful that we have several good building blocks in place and with the new blood in house I feel hopeful about the new coaches coming in from the Senior bowl auditions or from one of the two Super bowl teams.

The last few years have seen shake ups at various area looking for an improvement. Recently the hires have proven to be good resources. Whether it's Ireland with the defensive input during the draft, Glenn coaching the secondary or a fresh out look from the collegiate scouts we are putting a better unit on the field at the start of training camp.

We may need to address the inordinate amount of injuries and look at the strength and conditioning regimen and coaching. Or a favorite theory of mine.....that Payton's workout that slimmed him down during his suspension is not necessarily good for contact sports.jmho

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Way too many misses. And using players in ways that limit their strengths which has always been a problem with Payton. Pats never do it. They use those strengths like when they were winning with 2nd and 3rd string QB's.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

I don't think they have any pressure on them from the fanbase. It's going to take much worse than a string of 7-9 records while sporting the best offense in the league to keep the Dome from selling out every week. Besides, things are definitely looking up. The defense looked better and should continue to improve. The cap is looking good. The draft results each of the past two years has been much better.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

I agree. The only thing that throws me off is those reports that just a few weeks ago a trade from Payton fell through with the Colts. I know it might not be true but if it is it makes me nervous about the confidence in their plans. I want him to stay and I want Brees to be here another four years I just don't know if he will resign if we let Payton go. Even with another 7-9 season.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Just had to post that again...

http://freebeacon.com/wp-content/upl...ter-squirt.gif

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

FF, glad your keeping our priorities, among other things, straight!

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Payton and Loomis both said those rumors were false. Every rumor involving Payton leaving over the past two years were started by either Ian Rapoport or John La Canfora. Neither one of them have any credibility. They are both known for speculating about things with no basis whatsoever. They are click bait bandits. Lazy radio talking heads then read those speculation pieces and take them as fact and share them with their audiences. Then they hit TV via ESPN or NFL Network and are shared by various fan forums as absolute reality.

It happens all the time.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

The Colts themselves said some associate of SP contacted them, that is not a lie. The Colts wouldn't make that **** up. That is true!

Another 7-9 or less campaign and SP is as good as gone. Firing your D coord the year before and then firing a bunch of assistance is the last gasp of the dying. Have no idea how we will be next year. We have some decent pieces in place and it could turn around real quick and be like a 12-4 push for SB season or another dud.

Even Drew is sick of it!

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Once again, who is going to get rid of Payton if they somehow go 7-9 again? Tom or Gayle Benson? As long as the Dome keeps selling out there is no way they fire the guy that they have said is like family. Loomis? The day Payton is gone so is Loomis. The dynamics of the Saints ownership and management are unique.

Now, if we were talking three straight years of 4-12 with an anemic offense then I could see it because it would be affecting the gate.

And, yes, Drew is sick of it. Doesn't mean he isn't going to finish his career as a Saint as he has said he plans. But, it is all moot because the Saints are positioned to make a big move this next season with a few pieces.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

'They will win the war'?

Have you served in the military? Because I don't think you know what war is by a comment like that. Dude relax. The problem with your theory is that we have to build some type of D because since winning the SB our office could score 40 or anyone but our D gave up 41. That isn't how you spell success or 'winning a war'.

You have to have some type of balance to win SBs.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Please read this ... do a little research before you believe that crap. I know you are smarter than that.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – A high-ranking member of the Indianapolis Colts’ front office was quick to dismiss a Sunday report the team pursued New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.

“It’s totally fictitious,’’ Pete Ward, the team’s chief operating office said. “This is the age of false information. It’s unbelievable.’’

CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora posted a story late Sunday afternoon detailing how the Colts, with Ward serving as their intermediary, recently had discussions with the Saints about arranging a trade for Payton. Negotiations stalled, he reported, when draft-pick compensation couldn’t be reached.

Ward contacted La Canfora and summarily denied the report.

“I told him it was BS. And you can quote me on that,’’ Ward said, admitting an individual associated with Payton reached out to the Colts a couple of weeks ago.

“I got a call from someone who said he was an associate of Sean Payton. He asked if we were interested in talking and I said ‘No.’ That was it.’’

So, it was a brief phone call?

“That it was,’’ Ward said. “I hate when something like this comes up because it’s not true and no matter how untrue it is, there are people out there who are going to wonder.’’

Saturday, Irsay fired general manager Ryan Grigson and cleared any uncertainty regarding the immediate status of coach Chuck Pagano.

“He’s our coach for 2017,’’ Irsay said.

__________________________________________________

A person 'who said he was an associate of Sean Payton' could have been the ******* La Canfora himself trying to create a story out of nothing. Don't believe everything you read, especially when it has a La Canfora or Rapoport byline.

;)

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

How quickly it was forgotten..........it's a done deal! Payton to coach the Rams!!!!

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

FF you're doing the Lord's work here

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

We never, in any way shape or form, took our eyes off of the division.

F'ing crazy talk from people trolling for attention or amateurs who don't know what the **** they're talking about.

Has this site really become that dumb?

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

No. Only one member has.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Thanks for proving me right. I never said the Colts were pursuing SP. I said the Colts said an associate of SP reached out and they wouldn't lie about that. So basically you just wrote exactly what I wrote.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Do you not have a clue? Ward said he didn't know who called claiming he was an associate of Payton's. That could have been anyone. But one thing for sure, it wasn't anyone that he knew would be associated with Payton. These people know everyone in their circles. He knew the call was bogus from what he is saying. You are so hyped upon bringing down Payton that you will believe total bullcrap even when everyone supposedly involved confirms it is bullcrap.

What is your hate based upon? You are always so negative. Get a life, dude.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Bringing SP down? I am on here continuously stating that SP can still coach but that I think he needs a fresh start and how I hope next year we win the SB with him. That's just foolishness.

He said an associate of SP called them but that they were not interested in him. I supplied facts. Facts aren't negative or positive, they just are. Well now you're speculating and you're welcome to do that, but maybe you should keep from degrading other board members when they do the same. You have a habit, when someone offers an opinion that differs from yours, of telling people they couldn't possibly know the things they're saying because they're not on the in. Now you're doing the same thing, again, and trying to pretend that your speculations are facts.

Have a nice day AG

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

You are basing your opinion upon a well known hack that has repeatedly supplied false narratives. I simply pointed that out to you. You supplied no facts whatsoever. All you supplied were those same speculations that were denied by ALL parties. I'm not degrading you at all. I am simply pointing out your misguided direction. I can't help that you prefer to believe idiotic fabricated speculations as fact.

I have shared factual accounts that pointed out that La Canfora's speculations were outright lies. Believe your fairly tails if you wish if they make you feel better about your negative viewpoints.

:dunce:

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

I have based nothing on that man as we have both agreed numerous times about both of them

Again, I stated that the Colts said that an associate of SP contacted them and they said they were not interested. These are facts. I said they would not lie about that. I based it on what the Colts said and that they would not make that up. You either refuse to accept this or you're thick headed. I will just keep quoting my original post for you.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

Sorry. You have that wrong. Your original post that you keep quoting is incorrect. Pete Ward, the team’s chief operating officer said that "someone who said he was an associate of Sean Payton" called and asked if he was interested in talking and he said no and that was it. What part of that don't you understand? He didn't even know who called. He said his part of the conversation was one word - "no". I don't doubt somebody called. Obviously someone that Ward thought was not worth listening to. Who called? If it was anyone that was even somewhat legitimate they would have gotten more than a "no" and a dial tone. He never said that an associate of Sean Payton called. He said that someone who claimed he was an associate called. Hell, you could call and claim you were an associate and get hung up on after a one world answer, too.

Now do you get it? You choose to believe La Canfora, a master of bullcrap, over the chief operating officer of the Colts? Only if you have an agenda with no regard for facts.

Re: We took our eye off the division
 

If they win the SB, they accomplish the goal they sought way back since we won the sb. And they're wanting this SB has a lot to do with rubbing it in our face.