* Been a Saints fan since ‘67. Met John Gilliam as a kid when he visited the school where my mom taught (in the Lower 9th Ward). Gilliam’s wife was on staff there. That solidified me as a fan.
* This has been one of the most gut-wrenching seasons as a Saints fan… because of our missed opportunities. Only the 2002 season (when we were 9-4 and could have clinched a playoff spot with 1 more win), where we lost 3 in a row to teams with LOSING records was worse than this season. At least we finished strong in ‘23, winning 4 of our last 5.
* The 1980 season when the Saints went 1-15 was embarrassing, for sure. That was the year that the late Buddy Diliberto came on his sports segment (on TV) with a paper bag …and lampooned the team by calling them the “Aints.” Yet, even in that horrific season, as a fan …I was cheering 📣 loudly when the Saints played the NY Jets on the road (in light snow) to get that lone victory that season! I was proud of the HEART our team showed
For the record: I’ve NEVER worn a paper bag as a Saints fan.
I have tried to be supportive of Dennis Allen throughout this season, giving him the benefit of the doubt when fans were coming after him with lanterns, pitchforks, and lighted torches! 🏮 🔥 I’m a retired military E9, and from what I’ve seen from Dennis Allen, he is NOT an inspirational leader. He has finally LOST my respect.
His last action of going on TV and apologizing to the Falcons 🤮 (because of the “victory formation” play) while NOT standing up for his players, was inexcusable. IMO, DA has to either grow a pair, or step down as Head Coach.
No matter how frustrating a Saints season may get, I’m never going anywhere. I’m a WhoDat until I’m six feet under. 🪦
The way the team finished was encouraging… especially the way we DOMINATED the Bucs & Falclowns to close out the season. On to the offseason, and may our future be much brighter.
I have been reading your posts for decades and I didn't know you were an E9. I thought you were getting into politics. When did you retire?
To live with you on the "bright side", there is a certain decent feeling knowing you played your best football in the last game of the season. Sucks we didn't get to carry that momentum. Making the playoffs and winning a playoff game could have really changed peoples minds about this team. But that didn't happen.