A Question Of Leadership......

So, in sobering up and reviewing the Panthers game, I have come to the obvious conclusion that the Saints, while loaded with talent and potential, lack one intangible: Leadership.

Jameis Winston – Where to begin. I drank the offseason Kool-Aid and the off season experts Kool-Aid as well. Many prognosticators were saying that “Oh, the Saints are going to run away with the South” and “Jameis is going to turn it around”. Well, after three short weeks of play, the Kool-Aid has dried up and gone sour. Jameis is the consummate “cheerleader” but he is not that quiet confidence that a team needs. Drew was that undeniable force that all other players absolutely respected and admired. Players did not want to disappoint Drew. They wanted to win and win for Drew. I don’t see that same type of respect for Jameis. It’s more of a “he’s one of the guys” respect that just doesn’t bode well to lead people. Prime example was when he was arguing with a coach on the sideline. His body language and facial expressions were that of a temper tantrum more so than a “how do we get better” mentality. We saw this same display when he was at Florida State and Jimbo almost benched him for it. I remember when Drew blew up at Jeremy Shockey on the sidelines but that was a general correcting one of his soldiers. Jameis just has that "man, what the hell?" look. Now, it is not his fault entirely. The offensive line is just that: offensive. No help there. Jameis has all the tools but leadership is just something one is born with. Which brings me to…..

Dennis Allen – Wow. I believe we are seeing why he is such a good coordinator and not a good head coach. As a coordinator, he can concentrate on one thing and be really good at it but as a head coach, his attention is needed everywhere and as a result, he seem distracted. There have been reports that Sean Payton was a teacher and mellow during the weekday practices and then a madman on game day. DA is one speed in practice an in gameday. Just mellow. I think that the Saints need that madman at times to fire them up. Plus, Payton had that fire to get players motivated. I don’t see that with Dennis Allen. I don’t see that leadership.

Pete Carmichael – Simply put? He missed Sean Payton. Sean was the one calling the offensive plays and PC was in a more of an advisory role but now that he is the man, it’s showing that Sean was the mastermind behind it all, as we all knew.

Yes, it is only the third week of the season but in reality, the Saints were one blocked kick away from being 0-3 and that doesn’t bode well for the future of this season. My gut is telling me that Andy Dalton will be the starter sooner than later be it a result of an injured Jameis but once Dalton gets hold of that starting spot, I don’t think it is going to be relinquished any time soon.

I don’t think it’s time to push the panic button as of yet but it is definitely getting bigger as the weeks have passed.