what hurt the saints more this year

Say you what CSP.

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The Chiefs.

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still wouldn't be in the playoffs

70 : 30
CSP : Defense

tough call

the defense still has holes but has made tremendous strides from the disjointed look to start the year. With the premier offense here just a solid middle of the pack defense could result in a crazy dominant franchise. What we have seen is creeping out of all time terrible-ish to not even average yet, but not in the basement either.

Think this, since 0-4, and if winning next week, makes them 8-4 since then. 8-4 projects to the at least 11-5 range we have become accustomed to.

On the other side, the offense started worse than we have been accustomed to also. Still better than most NFL teams but not the dominance we know. There is certainly a special synergy between Payton & Brees.

I'd prolly go 70/30 CSP over defense. If he would have been here I see some of those L's turned into W's easily- if nothing else straight playcalling and in game management and adjustments. We had plenty of games this year where it looked like the other team made the halftime adjustments and kicked arse afterwards. We have had a strong history of being on the other side of that since '06.

fo sho, so much goes under the category of leadership missing that makes the difference

As an old fart I've worked with and for all types. There are some brilliant minds or skilled types that are absolutely repulsive in leadership roles. Some are just flat and not cut out to be leaders. Others though, can inspire you. You can be taught and learn all of the right and best things to do from many people or in different forms. Those who can cause you to want to put out and perform above and beyond what you know or have done in the past are the gems- the difference makers. I'm certain THAT is Payton.

In 2006 there were 10 new NFL head coaches. Only 3 of those remain-
Payton: you know the story
McCarthy: his path is incredibly parallel to Payton
Kubiak: a little behind them but this certainly could be his defining year

Man it doesn't matter who the head coach was this year because UNTIll THE DEFENSE GETS BETTER PERSONEL WE WILL NEVER MAKE THE PLAYOFFS

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CSP probably adds another couple wins to our total. But, in the end the defense would kill us. Just like it always has. I want Payton back just as much as anyone. But he's not a fix-all. We've been an embarrassment on defense since he's been here. The defense totally blew our SB chances in Seattle two years ago, then followed it up with an even worse performance in SF last year. Then comes back even worse this year and gives up the most yards in the history of the league. We've had 8-8, 7-9 seasons with Payton. We're likely gonna be 8-8 without him. I hope management doesn't go into the offseason thinking Payton coming back provides us a pass rush or makes Patrick Robinson a better corner. You can't give up 430+ yards and almost 30 ppg and expect to be a contender, no matter who your coach is.

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Did you watch the San Fran playoff game? The defense kept us in the game after we turned the ball over five times on offense. Harper forgot how to cover Vernon Davis in the final 3 minutes, and that's why we lost.

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Harper forgot how to cover Vernon Davis in the final 3 minutes, and that's why we lost.

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Harper plays defense, correct?

That three game stretch by Brees a few weeks ago certainly didn't help...

But losing your head coach/Offensive playcaller was almost a certain deathblow. Tagged with a historically bad first 8 games by our defense and we should be truly thankful for the opportunity to finish .500