They are 8-0, kicking butt and defying the odds despite huge first half deficits and shoddy play. It seems only natural that the media would start up the “perfect season” hype machine surrounding the New Orleans Saints. As for us fans, we can’t help but dream a little dream of going unbeaten. I mean really….the Saints? Unbeaten? But in the vein of the cynical, “be careful what you wish for”, superstitious football fan mentality, I can’t help but to advise our team and our fans to proceed with caution. After all, the perfect regular season may not be the best path to a Super Bowl appearance, much less a victory.
The obvious example? The 2007 New England Patriots. They rolled over every opponent in their path throughout the regular season and beyond, until of course, they got to the big game. In the Super Bowl versus the Giants, the mighty Goliath of the NFL fell victim to their own hype…and a “I sold my soul to the devil”-esque lucky catch on behalf of David Tyree. Perhaps had the Patriots experienced the agony of defeat before the big game, they would have been better prepared to face and anticipate the challenges of playing in the biggest game of the year.
Of course, it’s not just unbeaten teams who take a jaw-dropping tumble when it matters most. Last year, the Tennessee Titans finished the season with the best record in the league, 13-3, securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Too bad they never even made it past their first playoff game against the Ravens. The Titans seemed to lack a certain level of intensity and focus. Perhaps they were over confident. Perhaps they hadn’t been tested enough to gain a true sense of respect for the “any given Sunday” mantra. And what about the best records in the NFC last season and in 2007? Not one of those teams made it to the Super Bowl.
It almost makes you wonder if not just losing, but how a team loses in the regular season brings a higher level of insight and experience to a championship game. Losing one of those last few games before the playoffs where the starters are on the bench doesn’t seem to have as great an impact as losing in a tight game with a tough opponent. And while it may sound nice to have your team go “undefeated”, at the end of the day, isn’t the Super Bowl win all us fans really care about?
With all this said, I can’t think of one team left on the schedule I’d want the Saints to lose to. And I’m so spoiled at this point, I know any loss would be tough to stomach. But if a loss now could make my team better prepared to secure a win when it matters most, I say take that 18-1 “perfection” and shove it.
Your thoughts?
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It certainly doesn’t look or sound like this group is anywhere near about ready to lose a game because they weren’t focused enough. They seem to be as tuned in as an autistic child to his favorite hobby. And they will certainly need to be next week. Darren Sharper, Jabari Greer, Sed. Ellis, Scott Fujita, Jonathan Goodwin, Zack Strief, and Lance Moore did not practice today due to injuries and MC due to illness. It’s a good thing we’re playing the Rams or at least it’s better than playing the Colts or Broncos. See if you can get insight for me on what the strength and conditioning staff does all day……………..JEEZ. Those guys NEVER have a winning season.
I think they should go undefeated. In my opinion, we (the fans) are waiting for that “other shoe to drop” because that’s been expected of this team for soooo long now and things are totally different. During the offseason we made some big changes that was long overdue, and this year’s team is just the finished product. So I say enjoy it one game at a time; we might not go undefeated, but it will be fun watching them do it and who knows win the Super Bowl too!
Their ‘D’ started the year pretty well but they’ve dropped into the bottom half now. If they don’t bring their D against the Cowboys, Patriots or Falcons there’s an offense in there to outscore them. They look like the best team in the NFL though ……
15-1 or 14-2 will keep everyone’s ego in check and on their toes not to mention the superbowl win within reach. Besides discussions of going undefeated all the way is a jinx… we have come too far to have our mojo squashed now. I do hope that the only one we might lose isnt the same one I get to go to this year (12/19)
With Drew and Payton, I don’t think there is anyway these guys get complacent. The competition will be better in the playoffs. I don’t think losing a game in the regular season can change that. Just stay healthy and keep adjusting.
How many games have the Saints lost in 43 years? We sure as hell are “waiting for the next shoe to drop!” Maybe this year will be “our year!” but even if the don’t win again – it has been one hell of a ride!! Thank you boys, again! But, we should be due!
No. Nononononoonooo..no undefeated season. Thats like way to much. I mean, all I want is the big game. Undefeated schmeated, seal home field in the playoffs and let Brees and Co. rest up and heal.