Four weeks ago the Saints were 4-4 and a 4th and ten stop from going 5-4 on three straight wins and gain a stranglehold on the NFC South. The dome was deafening. A stop here then two more home games and this division is ours!
All Who Dats know what happened next.
Clad in red, Colin Kaepernick struck the Saints defense like von Richtofen suddenly firing on a Niueport, causing the stunned crew into a nose dive. A dive which gained momentum as two more ugly defeats seemed to crash and burn the 2014 season.
Then out of nowhere, Pittsburg. WTF was that!?
That was a peek into what the '14 Saints were supposed to be. Complimentary football consisting of an offense so productive they force opponents into turnovers as they race to keep up. A defense with a pass rush capable of facilitating those turnovers with no fear of opponent's run game and focusing solely on getting to the overly stressed and anxiety bitten QB. A secondary in position to make drive killing and field position plays, providing Payton and Brees short trips to the end zone. Opponents finished by the 4th qtr. either desperately hoping for a miracle or giving up to fight another day.
However '14 is a version of the old cliché. You are what your record says you are. And the Saints are a 5-7. Optimist would say a play here or there and they're 8-4 maybe 9-3 if they play Cincinnati with their heads right. Others would say 3-9 or 2-10 is but a dropped pass or missed fg away.
But here's the thing.The Saints are leaders of their division. Most times 5-7 makes you start planning for next season. But the Saints are legit favorites to win the division and host a playoff game or two. Amazing.
The Saints have been granted a do over by the football Gods.
This Sunday we will see if they can take advantage. Free falling Carolina, losers of eight straight, comes to the dome with just enough left in the tank to rip the hearts out of the Saints and who dats everywhere.
To do it, though, the Saints must once again overcome their biggest 2014 obstacle.
Themselves.
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