Both teams are rivals in the same division of the National Conference. Atlanta will be playing for the world championship this Sunday in the Super Bowl while the Saints will only be spectators with another missed playoff season. Prior to hiring a new head coach two years ago, Atlanta was a on again, off again football team for a number of years and the Saints did well against them at the time. Management at Atlanta made the right decision when they hired their new coach.
On the other hand, the Saints have been a floundering football team the last five seasons and have only one winning season in that time span. All four losing seasons ended in a record of 7-9 and no improvement. So what did Saint's management do after this years third straight losing season? Well, they fired five assistant coaches and head coach Sean Payton will be around another year. What a contrast to the actions taken by Atlanta. Make no mistake, the Saints organization is in denial of what is taking place.
Three defensive co-ordinators in the last five seasons is hardly a compliment for the Saints ability to choose the right people. And Payton's return as head coach means "bounty gate" will continue to be the albatross around the Saint's neck.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
