Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda... Saints lose another close one.

Win the time of possession?  Check. 33 minutes to 27 minutes. 

Win the turnover battle?  Check. +1 turnover margin.

Score over 30 points?  Check.  They scored 32.

These statistics are usually highlighted in pre-game meetings as keys to winning the game.  The Saints did just that and still lost on the road to a good Broncos team. 

The 34-32 loss to Denver leaves a lot of Saints' coaches, players, and fans shaking their heads and muttering, "if only..." to themselves or to whomever was in hearing range. 

There were a lot of "if only" situations in the game that could have turned the outcome in the Saints' favor.

Some of the "if onlys" are going to stand out more than others for Saints fans.  For instance, Gramatica missed two field goals, including a potential game-winner.  Pierre Thomas got stuffed on 3rd and short before the aforementioned missed game-winner.  Reggie Bush fumbled was returned for a touchdown. 

There are plenty of other "if onlys" that occurred during the game that seem plague the Saints in all of their games.

Here are some of the less noticeable "if onlys" that had a significant impact on the game:

If only... the Saints' first drive gained some yardage so that Denver's first drive wouldn't start just 45 yards from the end zone.

If only... Drew Brees didn't fumble on the attempted quarterback sneak at the end of the second quarter.

If only... the Saints would have kicked a field goal after subsequent play.  The Saints would have gotten three points instead of just two on the safety. 

Then the Saints would have definitely kicked an extra point instead of going for two when they cut the lead to 34-32.  That's two points they left on the board.  New Orleans lost by two.

If only... Jason David didn't commit a pass interference penalty on 3rd and 7 in the third quarter.  With the score 24-19, it appeared the Bronco drive had stalled at midfield and they would have to punt. 

FLAG!  Denver would finish drive with a touchdown and up 31-19.

If only... after Drew Brees connected with Meachem for a 74-yard gain, the Saints DIDN'T have to call timeout.  The Saints acted as if they hadn't completed a deep pass before.

Had the Saints had that timeout saved, they would have approximately 48 seconds to score at the end of the game instead of 8 seconds.  Saints fans know what Brees can do with just under a minute left. 

If only... the Saints forced the Broncos to punt on their last possession of the 3rd quarter.  The Saints wouldn't have had to use their second timeout, Denver would have had three less points, and the Saints' defense would have been on the field for about five or six actual minutes instead of 12:40.

If only... Deuce McAllister.

If any of these things happen, the Saints are 2-1 and on par with everyone else in the division. 

Take heart, Who Dat Nation.  While I didn't expect the Saints to beat Denver, the next four games look very winnable. 

San Francisco, Minnessota, and Oakland all come to the dome, then off to Carolina.

The Broncos offense scared me and for good reason.  None of these next four teams have offenses that scare me.  Only Carolina has the ability to come from behind and win a close one. 

If the Saints take care of business, they will be 5-2 heading to London.  Nowadays, the health of LT and Gates is always a question. 

But I'm getting too far ahead.

One game at a time.  Don't lose faith, Who Dats.