Things to Be Thankful For

Seeing as how Thanksgiving is upon us (in the USA, anyway), this would be an appropriate time to spread some love around to our Saints. After all, they’re giving us all the thrill of a lifetime so far this season. Here are some things I’m thankful for:

1. The team is still in NOLA – Just a few short years ago, we didn’t know if the Saints would ever play in the Superdome again. Not only are they still in New Orleans, but they’re going to be there until at least 2025! Kind of a miracle when you think about it.

2. Sean Payton – The thing I’m really loving about Payton is his ability to learn from past mistakes. How many former coaches (ahem, Mr. Haslett) just kept banging their heads into that proverbial brick wall. Payton realized that: a) This offense needs to run the ball effectively and b) The defense needs to get better at all costs. So, this offseason he put an emphasis on running the ball and gave up $250K of his own money to bring in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Doesn’t sound like a guy who has his head in the sand.

3. Drew Brees – I don’t think I need to do much explaining here. I’m just so thankful we have such a physically and mentally gifted leader on this team. To make a long story short: He gets it.

4. Gregg Williams – For making our defense aggressive and confident. I don’t know that Saints fans have been able to say that since the early 1990s. And it’s obvious that his players would run through a brick wall for him.

5. Darren Sharper - Not only has his on-field production been beyond belief, he also seems to be a great calming force for the other players in the secondary. I haven’t seen any panic back there all year. A true pro’s pro.

6. The offensive line – They generally play so well together that I probably don’t mention them enough. But these guys do a tremendous job of keeping Drew Brees healthy and you can tell that they enjoy the opportunity Sean Payton has given them in the run game. Bravo, Goodwin, Evans, Bushrod, Stinchcomb, Nicks and Strief.

7. The Secondary - It’s now a strength of this team. Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter have been all we could have hoped for. Darren Sharper and Roman Harper have been play-makers all year long at safety. And everyone else steps up when needed. What’s not to like about that?

8. Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell - Both of these guys have gained the tough, inside yards and have worn down opposing defenses. The Saints have been able to finish off games this year because of them.

9. Healthy targets – Jeremy Shockey and Marques Colston have been healthy this year, and have had great production as a result.

10. The role players – It’s not just big name guys producing for this team. Props go out to guys like Anthony Hargrove, David Thomas, Malcolm Jenkins, Thomas Morstead, Jermon Bushrod, Chris Reis, Courtney Roby, Robert Meachem, Scott Shanle, etc. for doing their job so well.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Happy Thanksgiving, Saints fans!