Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

We did start 0-2 but we also played two of the three locked in playoff teams with some questionable offensive usage and play calling. The 0-2 start inspired the team but we didn't just lose those games. We lost to the rams week 12 and that may have been how the vikings and pats games turned out where it's a tossup in the last five minutes as to who would win if we played them later on.

The 2009-2011 team had 3-1, 1-1, and 3-1 records against said teams, and I am talking about teams outside of our division. Because you want to make teams in your division scared? You beat the teams out of it that are good. Do we have a winning record against good non-divisional teams this season? No, we don't. In fact, we are actually 0-3 or 1-3 against them depending on if Detroit gets in(who is a weak playoff team this season to begin with) and that is why we are sitting here needing to win out to win the division. We could have clinched with one more win or perhaps last week because pressure to catch up in the division does affect the game performance.

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

I totally disagree!

The Bills and Dolphins are still in the playoff hunt

You can't knock the Saints because they played a Rodgers-less Packers team

3 of the 4 teams that we have lost to are double-digit, 1st round bye division winning teams; splitting the season series with the failclowns happens more often than not

Saints could have folded the tent against the Lions and Redskins but we found ways to win those games

The Saints are legitimate Super Bowl contenders

Enjoy the ride!

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

I really don’t see a Super Bowl this year. Just don’t. I would like to see us knock out Atlanta or Carolina though.

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

I don’t either, but it’s been a great season and the team’s finally gotten out of the funk they were in. If we can solve our 3rd down issues on offense then I think we’ll have a great shot at it next season.

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

The 3d down issues and SP getting in his own way are synonymous.

Good luck.

Pete Carmichael as play caller is the only option.

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

How many of us saw an 8 game win streak, double digit win season, or the Saints not losing to a team with a losing record?

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

So zero credit to the man for having another top 5 Offense? If you’re putting the season to bed shouldn’t you acknowledge some of the key injuries suffered?

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

Non-issue.

Playoff teams SOV (strength of victory)

1. Carolina Panthers - .520
2. Kansas City Chiefs - ..518
3. New England Patriots - .487
4. New Orleans Saints - .486
5. Pittsburg Steelers - .465
6. Minnesota Vikings - .465
7. Atlanta Falcons - .460
8. Los Angeles Rams - .433
9. Philadelphia Eagles - .417
10. Jacksonville Jaguars - .378
11. Tennessee Titans - .365
12. Baltimore Ravens - .307

Only 3 playoff teams have a higher strength of victory than the Saints. The reason the Saints still haven't clinched the division is because the NFC South is the best division in the NFL this year and has 3 playoff contending teams

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

Only tomorrow matters at this point.

Re: Lose to playoff teams and you will be in a pressure-driven tight division race
 

Like said above, it’s been a great season. It’s entertaining and we have been competitive all year. We are in the drivers seat to win the division. As long as we have a shot all season without getting too far behind I’m happy. Games will have meaning until the final time ticks off the clock against Tampa.
We also have a good young group on a team that looks like it’s on the upswing.
Less penalties and converting 3rd downs would really help us out. I would really try and make a push for Foles this offseason. I think he would be a good replacement for Drew when the time comes.