Haven't they already beat the Falcons and Bucs? You win against the Panthers this Sunday and it's yours, b/c nobody else obviously wants it. Now I understand the Falcons clearly have a Mike Smith problem, but what the hell is going on with your Saints jmt?
And I shall be there live, with my brother who's a Panthers fan. One of us is going to be extremely quiet on the 8 hour drive home.
As for the Saints, they just lost talent this offseason. Brees is doing what he can, but Graham's getting doubled a lot and the WR's just aren't up to the level they used to be. Cooks is a nice pick up and when he gets back next year could take a big leap. Colston's old, lost several steps. I also think Brees lost a tiny step. Not significant, but enough that it's noticeable.
Their defense lost it's heart and soul as well with all the players they lost. Last year they played great, but before hand their defense could play enough to get the ball back to Brees and the offense more. Their run defense is horrible, as Forsett going off for 180 tonight as clear proof, and their secondary is a hot mess as well. Brees has to play from behind a lot due to that, and the effectiveness of Ingram in the running game is lost.
Just looking from the outside in of course.
Edit: To make it even worse for New Orleans, after letting that heart and soul go, they blew all their salary cap space on Jarius Byrd, but along with Brees' contract as well as Graham's, they're in salary cap hell for the next 3 years at least. Unless Brees restructures and frees up space, I don't think they can go get the free agents that could make a significant impact. It's gotta be through the draft and building up younger players.
