Step Back From The Ledge....
Over the past few days, I've heard everything from 2016 is over to Brees' career is getting wasted. Neither is true. The league doesn't operate like college football. One loss does not destroy a season. It's only Week 2!
As for Brees, he has won a Super Bowl. There's a plethora of Hall of Famers without a ring.
I don't want to seem overtly optimistic, but relax. The season is just beginning.
Honestly, after 3 out of 4 seasons of 7-9.......I think maybe we just need to lower either our expectations, or the level of importance we put on Saints games, or both.
The reason 2006 was so special, and why losing the NFC title game not only wasn't a big deal to most people, but actually led to a "Thank You, Boys" newspaper heading..............is because there were minimal expectations. 3-0 became 8-4....which became a playoff win at home and a trip to the NFC title game...........it all felt like we were playing with house money, did it not?
I'm not saying that folks should lower their expectations to 2006-levels (3 to 5 win expectations).......but maybe they should consider dropping a trip to the playoffs from their expectations. That way if it does happen? Fantastic ! Then we can enjoy the ride. If it doesn't? Well, life goes on..
In some ways, I viewed 2013 as a disappointment as a result of my own expectations. Not because we lost to Seattle in the divisional round....since it was obvious they were the best team in the NFL that season. But because even though we did get our first road playoff win in team history......we blew a 5-0 start and a near sure-fire division title to become a 6th seed in the playoffs. And that was with having a top 5 offense AND defense ! How many times does THAT happen for the Saints?
But this time there is no undefeated quick front run. There's an 0-1 start, which we've only come back ONCE from to make the playoffs. Some have hinted that maybe we could be like that 1 team that did so....the 2011 Saints. As much as I'd love it, I'm not gonna count on it happening. Because I'm not gonna allow my expectations to get that high unless the team gives me serious reasons to do so.