From Ain'ts to Saints: Suddenly Contenders, Not Pretenders

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Among all things, no atmosphere in America is as lively as the Superdome, where a large and energetic population gathers to root for a franchise that has encountered misery in prior years. But now, for skeptics who are blinded by surrealism, disbelieving is underestimating a team that has suddenly awakened and established itself as a playoff contender.

In recent years, we were accustomed to observing a franchise shamelessly enduring inferiority. On Bourbon Street the fans wore frowns, jaded in a downcast era.

The New Orleans Saints were still pretenders at the time, in disarray and embarrassed when an irritable crowd wore paper bags covering their heads to severely ridicule a futile franchise, critical on fizzles staining prominence.

Oftentimes, cheers were unlikely heard inside the lively dome and seats were empty. But then, the Saints were known as the Ain'ts amid troubles when heartwarming emotions weren’t shared within a franchise that strongly needed applause, rather than unpleasant chants.

But now, a surreal perception convinces a cynical community to believe. Before, the entire community disowned the Saints, failing to entertain sensibility and ignoring chaotic flaws. No longer is there a reason to have bitter feelings or ignore the emergence of the Saints.

Their astonishing season isn’t a mirage, but a reality for a franchise suddenly transforming into a Super Bowl contender, having the necessary ingredients to finally present splendor in a town that witnessed countless afflictions.

Today, the Saints are marching in, beating anyone stepping in front. That's good vibes given the poor history, which staged negligence when lacking in victories, a category describing New Orleans as a joke in a sport that has emerged into America’s premier sport.

But today, they’re recognized for their dominance. They possess a driven mindset aiming for perfection, which would label the Saints as interesting competitors. And surely, no one has forgotten the devastating disaster, when Hurricane Katrina destroyed spirit.

In a despairing crisis, battered in the most devastating calamity, the franchise clearly emerged as America’s team. Suddenly, a tragic occurrence turned into an inspirational storyline as the hearts of most people rooting for the Saints uplifted an entire city. What transpired in the 2006 season was an inspirational scene, becoming contagious and exhilarating while facing dismal issues.

The Saints enthralled residents with a delighted victory in the season-opener on a Monday night to detract from the agonizing disaster. That was the loudest it was in years, but again, the Superdome still generates noise, making it difficult to hear the plays called on the field. By virtue, this is the loudest Saints faithful have been in a long time, truly believing it's the year to dance in Miami and rejoice as a cohesive unit.

Above all, the aspiration of the Saints is positive thus far, negating four decades of futility. So now, reaching Super Bowl XLIV isn’t out of the equation, but instead it is part of the plans.

Their intent is to book hotel reservations, call the travel agent, and purchase a one-way flight to Miami, where winning will bring excitement back to Bourbon Street, perhaps for a premature celebration. Having a Saints parade is a dream in a town accustomed to feasting on gumbo and Cajun dishes, but also Mardi Gras, which will normally take place a week following the Super Bowl.

Similar to the sounds of jazz music, the Saints are jazzing things up with a 7-0 start, the best start in franchise history. It’s the most interesting team, an unbeaten core defying the tangibles, entertaining us with a well-designed pass-and-catch spectacle. It’s the most arousing team, consisting of weapons that could literally outplay a defensive unit, because of their sense of awareness and poise. It’s the most underestimated team given a horrid track record in previous seasons.

But what people fail to realize is the Saints are marching on in, not intimidated or uncomfortable, designing and executing with an effective passing game that has tortured a number of defenses. We should be rooting for New Orleans, a team with tremendous heart and intrepidity. And it happens to be the Saints, black and gold pride, now earning a fair amount of respect because of their wonderful breakout season.

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