Saints can't afford another mediocre season out of Sean Payton

Utah_Saint · 08-31-2017, 06:57 PM

By Larry Holder LHolder@NOLA.com,
NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
Tom Benson displayed loyalty to Sean Payton when the New Orleans Saints' coach was banned by the NFL for the 2012 season.

Benson's support never wavered for the team's most successful coach in franchise history despite the loss of draft picks, the fines, the embarrassment and essentially the loss of a season as part of the bounty scandal.

You couldn't blame Benson for his allegiance to Payton, who had guided the Saints to their only Super Bowl title three seasons earlier.

Payton returned from exile with a vengeance, opening the 2013 season with a 5-0 record en route to an 11-5 overall mark and road playoff win at Philadelphia.

Saints don't have to admit it, but 2017 season represents a crossroads
Saints' Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton preach optimism despite 7-9 record three straight years

Benson maintained his trust in Payton after two subsequent 7-9 seasons. He even kept confidence in Payton despite the coach's flirtation with potentially leaving the organization after the 2015 season.

Payton's reward?

A five-year contract extension through the 2020 season that made him the highest-paid coach in the league at about $9 million annually.

Benson's reward?

A third consecutive 7-9 mark that brought the Saints back to the level we last witnessed under Jim Haslett. Now, the Saints are a national afterthought even with future Hall of Famers Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson in the backfield.

More here...
Saints can't afford another mediocre season out of Sean Payton | NOLA.com

08-31-2017, 06:57 PM	#1
Utah_Saint Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,521	Saints can't afford another mediocre season out of Sean Payton By Larry Holder LHolder@NOLA.com, NOLA.com \| The Times-Picayune Tom Benson displayed loyalty to Sean Payton when the New Orleans Saints' coach was banned by the NFL for the 2012 season. Benson's support never wavered for the team's most successful coach in franchise history despite the loss of draft picks, the fines, the embarrassment and essentially the loss of a season as part of the bounty scandal. You couldn't blame Benson for his allegiance to Payton, who had guided the Saints to their only Super Bowl title three seasons earlier. Payton returned from exile with a vengeance, opening the 2013 season with a 5-0 record en route to an 11-5 overall mark and road playoff win at Philadelphia. Saints don't have to admit it, but 2017 season represents a crossroads Saints' Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton preach optimism despite 7-9 record three straight years Benson maintained his trust in Payton after two subsequent 7-9 seasons. He even kept confidence in Payton despite the coach's flirtation with potentially leaving the organization after the 2015 season. Payton's reward? A five-year contract extension through the 2020 season that made him the highest-paid coach in the league at about $9 million annually. Benson's reward? A third consecutive 7-9 mark that brought the Saints back to the level we last witnessed under Jim Haslett. Now, the Saints are a national afterthought even with future Hall of Famers Drew Brees and Adrian Peterson in the backfield. More here... Saints can't afford another mediocre season out of Sean Payton \| NOLA.com

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