New Orleans Saints, We Still Have a Problem

I love the way the Saints demonstrated consistency and passion in the Superdome against the Green Bay Packers. It's a huge win, BUT, they still have a problem in the NFC South.

The division leaders, Tampa Bay Bucs, Carolina Panthers, and the Atlanta Falcons have the best chance at winning the NFC South title and one wild-card slot.

Unfortunately for the Saints, they have the best chance at being competitive, yet serving one another popcorn during the NFC Playoff broadcasts in January.

Pessimistic? Well, as Sarah Palin would say it, “You Betcha!” The poster-children for underachieving, inconsistency, and being a buzz killer the past two years has been the Saints—a team I have loved and cheered and cried for all of my life.

But the reality will have to become a miracle for the Saints to gain entrance into the playoffs this season. Why would you doubt their chances? Why would you throw water on the fire? Why, Why, Why?  Well, because I must end my codependent relationship with my beloved team and must rationally analyze our relationship.

The Saints will face Tampa Bay on Sunday—and will win. I believe Garcia and the Bucs will fall due to their own inconsistent play. Don’t be fooled by their record. Next, the Saints will face the Falcons at home. I predict the Saints will win this game. Ryan will not have the same luxuries in the pocket this second go around with New Orleans in the Superdome.

Then Chicago and Detroit. Both “winnable” games. Detroit will be the Saints' “trap game.” They can’t afford to slip. Finally, the Saints will return home and play the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 28 in the Superdome.

I believe that either one or two scenarios will play out in this game. Either the Saints will be playing a Carolina team that will rest its starters and the Saints will win. Or, the Saints will face a gamed Panther team fighting for their playoff aspirations in the season finale.

Whatever the case, the Saints cannot lose a game. Hold on, maybe they can pull it out and finish 11-5, 4-2 in the NFC South. Maybe and just maybe, they decide to change their fortunes one win at a time. Maybe Drew Brees will play Moses and take the Saints to the promise land. The Super Bowl. Reggie Bush will be starring as Joshua. Didn’t you want Charlton Heston on Easter evening for the past 40 years, too?

Whatever my dreams and pessimism may dish out, the Saints still have a problem. Themselves and the rest of the NFC South. If they go to the playoffs, it will be because they earned it. Wasn’t that the same phrase on their training camp T-Shirts that Payton made them wear? Earn It!

Geaux Saints!