huh........wouldn't it be a disadvantage for a team to take a bye week so early? i don't remember teams have bye week just after 3 games. i just remember it usually being around week 7, 8 or 9.
They've started in either week 4 or 5 for the last several years. (And from 2003-2006 they started in week 3) Not sure if it's ever an advantage or disadvantage on when your bye week is.
At one point, but this thing is starting to turn ugly. The Saints have been ridiculously good on both offense and defense, this year. They can pass the ball anywhere on the field and score from anywhere, while having a threatening running game. Now, you give them a defense that can get turnovers, slow other passing attacks down, and even stop the run. You have the makings of a team that may be around until early February.
Oh, Drew Brees lost that elite arm strength last year and regained it this year? Edit: Err, meant elite quarterback, ha.
Rob Ryan and yeah, no doubt he has helped. (But also, when your 31/32 in points/yards on D, there is nowhere but up to go). But you're foolin' yourself if you don't think Payton coming back has helped. Payton and Brees make that machine go.
I never said Payton hasn't helped. But at the end of the day Head Coaches are made by elite quarterbacks. Elite quarterbacks are not made by head coaches. Tom Brady made Belichick Brees made Payton hell even in basketball. Jordan made Phil.
We are a witness. :grin: <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-rJCqDTlnc4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Payton's presence. They missed him. Sean Payton is the difference Sean Payton makes the Saints legit contenders
No doubt about it. The Saints are my team, and as much as I love Brees, Payton is nearly as integral to this team's success as Brees is. I only say "nearly" because I'm confident that the Saints would be much worse than 7-9 if they lost Brees for the year instead of losing Payton. If Brees is the engine, Payton is the steering wheel.
Wow I don't think anyone thought the Saints defense would be playing this great. Right now it's between them and Seattle whoever gets homefield advantage. Although I think someone from the NFC North could surprise us down the road.
I think it is mutual. I believe Manning would have won just as many super bowls as Brady if you switched Brady and Manning the last 10 years. Brady just had a better coach than manning had during his career.