The Saints did what they needed to do beating the Falcons, but the 49'ers also did what they needed to do and beat the Rams in overtime 27 - 24 to secure the last wild card berth for the playoffs. The dramatic moment came soon after the Saints won their game and in the process the 49'ers overcame a 17 point Ram lead.
The Saints played well but their position was tenuous since they had no control over the 49'ers fate. But in the end, the Saints were responsible for their own fate when they lost 6 games in an 8 game stretch including 5 consecutive losses during that 8 game stretch. COVID and injuries can not be blamed as every team had to cope with those distractions.
This writer, in Politidose commentary before the season started laid out some of the problems the Saints would face, including a problem at quarterback and just what the fans should expect. And the Saints will begin next season with the same problems. (1) A starting quarterback that has not experienced one full season as a Saint's starting quarterback. (2) A defense and offense that plays great for several games and then falters for several games. This is nothing new and consistency has been lacking. It raised its head for the Saints in the last two years, especially when they made the playoffs and were eliminated.
The idea spun by one Saint's sports writer that Payton should be voted coach of the year after the team's tailspin is what fairy tales are made of. The Saints record can make the case he failed to do his job. But that story is for another time. The most important thing Payton can do for his team is to put the cheat sheet down, let the offensive coordinator call the plays and for Payton to start coaching and paying attention to what is taking place on the field.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
