The Saints did the un-thinkable Sunday going into Carolina to face a hot Panthers team and winning. They played their best game of the year on both sides of the ball. Carolina was picked by many experts to beat the Saints and make it into the playoffs. The Saints dashed their hopes, the exact same thing a lowly Carolina team had done to New Orleans two years ago. The Saints playoff hopes hung on the Jets being able to beat St. Louis in OT on Sunday, but a former Saint, kicker Doug Brien, missed the winning field goal giving the Rams the great field position they needed to pick up some yards and win the game and the final spot in the playoffs. The Saints team and their fans again are left on the outside looking in.
The final month of the season gave Saints fans hope for next year as their team won out as they and gave them an improbable run towards the playoffs. It proved to be too little to late. I certainly hope this late season urge against lesser opponents and a team such as the Falcons, who rested their stars against the Saints, does not blind the fans and the owner from the bigger picture. The Saints should not have been in this boat. They should not have the last ranked defense in the league. You can not have a rift between the head coach and GM. You can not have an owner who takes sides and is blinded by loyalty. Cuts still need to be made for this Saints team because after 4 years of missing the playoffs, it’s time for a new identity and a new attitude. Let’s hope those who control the fate of the franchise are wise enough to see that.
