True, National Respect, and the Sky's the Limit.

I'm not saying here that this team is DEFINITIVELY a playoff team yet. Despite the 6-2 record, I see this team has a few weaknessess and chinks in the armor.

But next week, the New Orleans Saints meet the super bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.

Most likely the Saints, regardless of today's Steelers/Broncos game--will be playing a team desparate for a win--The Steelers will be hard pressed to get back into the AFC South race even if they do win, but make no mistake, the Steelers are still a physical, tough team who I think can beat anybody in the league when hitting on all cylinders.

A tough, physical team handed the Saints a pretty sound drumming last week when desperate for a win. The Saints will be playing in Pittsburgh, the weather might be bad, and their opponent needs the win.

If the Saints win next week, even in a close game, I think this team makes the playoffs and wins a few games in the playoffs. Beating the Super Bowl Champs in their house, regardless of the Steelers' record (and I think they're still a better team than the record indicates), I think would vault this team's confidence and garner some of the national attention (posititive) which fans have been looking for.

Beat the Steelers next week, and I think analysts will regularly reference the word "homefield playoffs" and the Saints in the same sentence.

And they should. I think if the Saints lose, it won't kill the season, obviously, but a win next week in Pittsburgh could be a catalyst for some serious moxy and confidence for this young team and its coach, and a real national spotlight. Although not a conference or divisional game next week, I think it could be a turning point for a big-time run which could have the Saints at home and PLAYING in the post-season.