The Baltimore Ravens 34 New Orleans Saints 27.The Baltinore Ravens 34 The New Orleans Saints 27

The Ravens defeated the Saints on Monday Night Football.  It was the Saints third straight loss at home in the Super Dome and they now stand at 4-7 for the first eleven games.  In order to have a winning season the Saints have to win all five remaining games.  This writer believes that would be a stretch.

The Saints showed no improvement Monday night even though the Ravens played a loose zone defense(most of the game) in the secondary and allowed the Saint's players separation most of the game.  The Ravens rushing defense was tough and physical and allowed little running room for the backs.  The only exception was the long run on the Saint's second play of the ball game by Joe Morgan.

Brees once again threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown giving the Ravens a lead they never lost.  This has become a familiar turnover for Brees.  The Saints defense continues to add to their problems and Payton's trips to Rob Ryan's place on the sidelines and words of anger are not helping one bit.  Payton needs to leave Ryan alone and do his job.  If he feels Ryan is not the person for the job he can handle that after the season is over.  I do not believe Ryan and the defensive players appreciate how Payton is acting and as a result is affecting their play to a certain extent.  Maybe Ryan needs to return Payton the favor since the offense and Payton's play calling is having problems of their own.

 There is no question in this writers mind that there are problems between Saints players and between the players and the coaches.  It shows on the field and in their faces.  Payton continues his silly approach to the officials and acts like a spoiled brat.  I guess he really thinks he is a offensive genius like the TP sports writer have proclaimed for so many years.  Jeff Duncan and Larry Holder's reports in the TP are now 360 degrees what they were early in the season.  I guess they are trying to make up for their silly predictions before the season even started.  Their apple polishing reports are in limbo for the moment.

It is more than likely that the South Division champion will have no better than an 8-8 record when the regular season ends.  This writer has commented on more than one occasion in "PolitiDose" that teams with a loosing or break even record do not deserve to be in the playoffs. Can anyone really argue with that?  It is way past time for the NFL to revamp the playoff system.

The Saints travel to Pittsburgh and play the Steelers on Sunday.  Another road game and another opportunity to win their first game on the road this season.  It will be interesting to see how the TP sports writers pick this one.  Three of the seven picked the Saints to win the game against the Ravens on Monday night.


This commentary written by John Lucia