New Orleans Saints...Believe!

It's time to get on board the bandwagon, and there's still plenty of room! Your invitation requires only one thing...be positive.

For those who still are not sure of the ability of this year’s New Orleans Saints, I would like to remind you: Never in our history have the Saints started 8-0. That means as of right now we cannot have a losing season. Hell, for that matter, one more win means a winning record for the season.

It also means all the naysayers may actually be thankful during their Thanksgiving family get togethers. Along with all the oyster dressing and fried turkey you can eat, you may have to smile at how well this year’s team is doing.

For those on the fence who need a little extra convincing I'll give you a few facts to help.  Last year's defense ranked, well not dead last, but might as well have been.

Jim Henderson, the voice of the Saints via WWL radio (and the bathroom speakers in the Superdome during all Saints games), during his weekly commentary pointed out the national media had the Saints defense ranked in the middle of the pack going into Sunday's win against the Panthers.

He also stated that we should look beyond the surface to the actual breakdown, and here is what he found:

Interceptions: No. 1
Passes defended: No. 1
Opposing passer rating: No. 1
Defensive touchdowns scored:  No. 1
Completion percentage by opposing passer:  No. 1
Third down percentage: No. 1
Turnover differential: No. 4
Passing yards surrendered per attempt: No. 4
Red zone defense: No. 5

Now is when I am driven to pull out..."I told you so" for any of those still not believing.

Before the season started I was considered a finalist in a nationwide contest via Bleacher Report and CBSSports.com to cover my team, yes my Saints, as a sideline reporter.  Unfortunately I did not get the gig, however it did give me a place and point of reference to pull out whenever I see fit.

Case in point: On May 29, 2009 I submitted an article "Gregg Williams: Swamp Stompin'"

"At first glance many Saints fans are a bit nervous about Williams' pedigree, but not this fan. After being a first-hand witness to the "Dome Patrol" of the 1990's anchored by such players as Pat Swilling and soon to be Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson, I am convinced."

...wait I'm not done yet.

"It seems Gregg Williams will be a perfect partner to Sean Payton's high powered offense. In his previous stints as defensive coordinator on teams such as the Tennessee Titans , the Houston Oilers, and last year the Jacksonville Jaguars , Williams expects nothing but the best from his players.

" There is a palpable shift in attitude this offseason. It's a culture change that breeds a team mentality. With the addition of veterans such as Darren Sharper and Pierson Prioleau to lead the way during this transition.

" Randall Gay and Sedrick Ellis are itching to get the pads on, the defense is clicking on all cylinders. Recently during OTA's (organized team activities), I was thrilled to see a 'spirited' exchange between Zack Strief, 6'7", 320 lbs. and Jason David, 5'8", 185 lbs. wet.

" If its a 'can do' attitude that Williams' is looking for, I would have to say he is well on his way."

Maybe Mr. David should have picked on someone his own size or at least someone not on the No. 1 ranked offensive unit!

Geaux Saints! Just doing my job as Cheer LEADER!

Now bring on the Rams!