Last season saw the pre-season coaches poll picking LSU to finish out of the top 10. Some sports writers in Louisiana thought they were wrong and that LSU would be in the top 10 and qualify for a playoff birth. It never happened and LSU finished out of the top 10 as predicted. At the time this writer wrote a commentary pointing out 3 possible reasons why the coaches poll may be on target. Those three reasons are still valid for this years LSU team and time will tell. The reasons are:
(1) LSU is starting off the season once again with an unproven quarterback. (2) A new defensive coordinator with a good history but no record of success at LSU yet or week to week experience in a conference as tough as the SEC. (3) The greatest challenge of all is head coach Les Miles eleven years at LSU and still runs the same old out dated offense and offensive play calling. Run right, run left even if the ball carrier gets stuffed.
This write4r will be surprised if LSU finishes the season in the top 10
Like LSU, the Saints will kick off the regular season with the same problems they had last year. It was the Saints third losing seasons in the last four years. Brees, Payton and the Saints players did not earn their salary. Payton lost control of the ball club and Brees is not the same Brees regardless what the New Orleans sports writers say.
The Saints are not a consistent winning team and do not show professionalism through out the season. Some times they do not even look like they belong. The New Orleans sports writers seem to think new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen will turn the defense around. This writer is not so sure since Payton failed the hiring test with his last two coordinators. This year could well end up being another experiment on defense.
Payton and Brees are over rated at their positions and have failed to be the weapon that carry the team. They are not the pieces that fit the puzzle together and the last four seasons have proven that. Another big question has to do with the closeness of the team and the coaching staff. There was obvious friction between some players and also between some players and coaches the last two seasons. It showed on their faces on the sideline. That is a serious problem.
There are too many unknowns to see a winning season and only time will tell.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
