The Saints started off the second half of their season like they did the first half of the season with an overtime loss. This time to the 49ers when the niners converted a Brees turnover into a winning field goal. It was the third turnover for Brees who also threw two interceptions.
The loss dropped the Saints recored to 4-5. New Orleans fell behind 14-0 early in the ball game and both Frisco and the Saints mirrowed one another at times being "hot and cold." Frisco was able to make the big play when it counted to tie the Saints at 24-24 and then won in overtime.
The Saints defense does show improvement and plays well over a few series then falls down and give up big plays that hurt. Defensive players are still missing tackles and are caught out of position. Being consistent has still escaped Rob Ryan's defensive unit. Payton seems to be involved with the defense on the side lines more than this writer remembers in the past. Could there be some resentment there?
The loss ended the Saints winning streak at home and their last two wins against Green Bay and Carolina were not defining moments to make a judgement how the season will end. This writer does not like the "hot dog" attitude of a few players and Jimmy Graham's Tarzan act after he catches a pass. ( I often wonder what is in the gator aid) Payton has adopted an intimidation approach on the sidelines with the officials. Don Shula, Tom Landry, Vince Lombardi and other coaches who were more successful over a longer period of time than Payton were gracious on the sidelines.
After 9 games the Saint players and coach are still singing the same song. WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE BALL. WE HAVE TO FINISH THE GAME. ITS TOUGH TO WIN IN THIS LEAGUE. WE STILL CONTROL OUR OWN DESTINY and a host of other pronouncements. This writer believes the Saints still have serious problems and one is an attitude problem. The Saints swagger, if they ever had one is no more. What seems to be visable is their arrogance. That is not related to confidence.
The Saints division is in shambles at the present time and no team seems to be capable of stepping up to the plate and make a positive move. The NFL needs to reduce the number of teams, as expansion and the silly play off system is beginning to erode what once was a quality league. But the wealth factor and the greed over shadows everything else.
At this point in the season nothing has changes my mind concerning the fugture of the Saints under Payton and Brees. The effects of Bounty gate is still taking a toll on the team.
This commentary written by John Lucia.
