Stumbled on it by accident while looking up something else entirely, but noticed this on the NFL division standings:
Total net points are figured by taking points scored and subtracting points allowed. Saints, surprisingly, are third in the NFC in total net points, behind only the 49ers and Cowboys; seventh overall in the entire league (Ravens are #1 by a wide margin).
The reason they are there is largely thanks to the defense, who are third in the NFC in points allowed, and sixth in the league.
A lot of us have given the defense a good bit of grief, but the numbers don't lie: they aren't the issue, or even a significant part of the issue. The fault, as most of us with eyes know, is the offense.
Even so, the offense is still seventh in the NFC, and tied with the Texans for 15th in points scored. Tied for 15th is about as mediocre as you can get in a 32 team league. No big shock we have an 8-8 record, beating teams with losing records and losing to teams with winning ones.
Stats can be pretty meaningless, but this one struck me as telling. Again, not particularly surprising, just reinforcement of what we're seeing with our eyes.
"We're close, and close don't mean..."
I wish DA would have a rant like that after a loss, especially a close one.