New Orleans Saints 2012 Schedule: How Costly Is Sean Payton's Suspension?

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has been suspended for a year by the NFL for his role in the team's bounty program, which will have a serious impact on the team's performance next season. 

Payton has been instrumental in bringing the Saints back as a franchise since his arrival on the scene in 2006. In six seasons as the team's head coach he has a 62-34 record, and is 5-3 in the playoffs. More importantly, he guided New Orleans to its only world championship with a win in Super Bowl XLIV.

While Payton's absence might not be a huge deal as far as actual on-field play is concerned, the constant distraction of not having the team's actual head coach around will loom large. 

Thanks to a 13-3 record, the Saints will have a first place schedule next season, drawing some tough opponents. Aside from their NFC South rivals, New Orleans will have to go on the road to face the Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys.

Additionally, the Saints will host the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. 

That is a brutal group of non-divisional opponents and without Payton roaming the sidelines and instilling confidence in his team, it could get ugly.

The Saints are a very good, veteran team. But not having their coach around will certainly affect how they play. Next season could be a very long one in New Orleans.