The Saints loss to Washington on Sunday by 33 points was just another example how bounty gate is still the albatross around the Saints neck. It was the fourth road loss out of the five road games they played so far. The Redskins were dominate and shut the Saints out in the second half.
Some New Orleans sports writers said after the Saints won three straight games they could turn the corner and be above .500 because the weakest part of their schedule was coming up with the Titans, Redskins and Houston. Well, instead, they loss the first two and will face Houston in two weeks. It turns out that the Saints are the weak link.
To top the week end off Payton announced that defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was released. Payton made a mistake when he hired Spangnuolo as defensive coordinator for the 2012 season and then fired him and by releasing Ryan he made his second mistake when he hired Ryan in the first place. Payton now says the person he hired this season to work with Ryan, Dennis Allen will take over Ryan's responsibilities. Evidently Allen was not much help to Ryan and Payton certainly was no help looking over Ryan's shoulder all year.
This writer has written several past commentary concerning "bounty gate" and how it has affected the team and the coaches. The problems are still there and the players and coaches are having problems with each other. It shows on the sidelines. The Saints regular season record since the "bounty gate" season of 2012 including the first 10 games this year is 29-29. That is over three full seasons and there has been little progress.
Saint fans need to remember, Payton presided over "bounty gate" and what has happened since. The sports writers in New Orleans can't seem to comprehend that.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
