New Orleans Saints Fans: 10 Things To Be Ecstatic About

This article is a response to one written by Randy Savoie.

Randy spoke about how in 1970, Charlton Heston broke three ribs while filming the movie Number One, the story of an aging Saints quarterback who could not bring himself to quit.

Guess what, Randy? Although injured, he finished the job that he started because he’s a Saint (in the movie at least) and that’s what we do.

There is no quit in our team anymore and there is no reverting to old school habits (aka losing). Just because we have had a rough first 40 years doesn’t mean that the next 40 years can’t be spectacular.

This is when it all turns around for us.

Gone are the unprofessional coaches and GM’s of the past. Gone are the overrated crybabies like Aaron Brooks.

What we have now is a tough team dedicated and focused on one single goal: A Superbowl title for a city that deserves one more than any other.

With that said…

Top 10 Reasons to be Ecstatic If You are a Saints Fan

1. Those preview magazines claiming that this might be our year are written by professional sports journalist. Their opinion may not be relevant on the field, but before the ball is in play it’s certainly is a good sign. They are normally more right than wrong.

2. A few weeks back, Jeremy Shockey was found passed out by a pool. Last year you could tell he wasn’t at 100 percent so it’s good to see he is getting his rest. He is feeling the pressure to succeed and is poised to have a monster year.

3. Reggie Bush is coming off successful surgery and will no longer be expected to carry the burden of the entire running game. With Pierre Thomas looking like he can shoulder the load of being the power back, Bush should be able to do what he does best, find space on the outside, act as a decoy to spread the field, and turn little plays into touchdowns.

4. Gregg Williams, the new defensive coordinator is so good Sean Payton was willing to give up $250,000 cash out of his own pocket to get him into town. This isn’t something you hear about often, but it’s led to the Saints having both an offensive and defensive mastermind. Their desire to win is undeniable.

5. All-Pro QB Drew Brees is showing no signs of slowing down. He will have yet another huge season leading the best offense in the league.

6. Robert Meachem is finally coming into his own after a very disappointing start to his career. He’s had an excellent off-season and is looking like he may very well see some significant playing time this year.

His physical skill set is off the charts and he’s shown the ability to be a real play maker (25 yards per catch last year), adding yet another weapon to an already potent offense.

7. Drew Brees has one of the best pass blocking lines in the league and his football IQ is off the charts. It’s unlikely that he’ll get hurt, but if he does we have two long time starting quarterbacks waiting in the wings. He may be old, but Brunell has led a team to the Superbowl and Harrington is arguably the best third stringer in the league.

 8. We drafted for need and picked up a few of the best corners in the draft. Combine rookies Malcolm Jenkins and Chip Vaughn, the return of Tracy Porter, and the signing of free agent Jabari Greer and what do you have? NO REASON FOR JASON DAVID TO PLAY CORNERBACK EVER AGAIN!!!

9. We head into this year with both our punter and our kicker ready to go. Last year we hit a measly 22 field goals at a pitiful 81.5 percent clip. Garrett Hartley took over at midseason and booted 13 straight through the uprights without a miss. He’s the real deal.

Glenn Palulak may have averaged 48 yards a kick last year, but opponents returned them with ease. His net was only 37 yards per punt.

Thomas Morstead out of SMU was certainly an odd pick, but his leg is the real deal and should shore up what was a sub-par punting unit. Of his 59 punts in 2008, only 19 were returned.

10.  In 2006, the first year back after Katrina, I went to Popeyes before every single home game. For reasons unknown I did not continue this in 2007 or 2008.

I plan to bring back the tradition this year and have been assured by multiple employees of Popeyes that increased consumption of fried chicken prior to home games will assure the Saints of an undefeated home record.

See you in Miami.