Contrary to the continuing story line that the so called "no call" is the reason the Saints are not playing in the Super Bowl is a fairy tale by those who thought the Saints were the best team. But on that day it was the Rams who were the better team and the Ram's coach and quarterback's performance, exceeded Payton's and Brees performance.
And now Payton's comments about the Saints possession on the Rams 13 yard line with under 2 minutes left in the game do not wash. Payton was playing for the field goal and never once threw to the end zone. Instead, he called 2 short passes that were incomplete that stopped the clock. After that mistake it was the Rams all the way. Note: More than 20 years ago, former quarterback Terry Bradshaw made a comment and said, anytime you are inside your opponents 20 yard line and do not throw the ball in the end zone at least once, shame on you. Well the Saints who were on the Rams 13 yard line never even tried to throw in the end zone.
Cam Jordan, Saint defensive end was quoted as saying after the last two playoff losses, it takes a miracle to beat the Saints. No Cam, not a miracle, just bad judgement on the part of the Saints. Note: Brees interception in overtime and the Saint's having to settle for 3 field goals were critical to the Saint's loss. So was Brees low pass to Thomas that fell incomplete.
Note: Did anyone notice on the "no call" how the Saint's receiver never protested the lack of an interference call? He just got up off the ground and walked away. Normally, most receivers say something to the refs when they believe they were interfered with. This writer thought that was strange. We are also now hearing how this season will help the Saints next season for more progress. The usual banter. The Saints regular season success this past year will not determine how good or bad the Saints will perform next year.
The idea of replaying the Rams is so silly. If that would ever take place every team who had a "no call" go against them would have the NFL in court and the league tied up in litigation over other petty complaints. Note: Just suppose for a minute the ref would have flagged the Rams on the play and the Rams challenged the call and won the challenge. As every fan knows, calls are also reversed. Would that have made a difference? Or would the noise be much louder?
The apple polishing sports reporting by sports writers put the Saints on a level well above the reality of objective reporting. There is only one way you can deal with that. Face the facts.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
