Poll So, the good guys are out. Who are you rooting for in the playoffs? (2 Viewers)

[Saint Jack]

Agreed, but a least we got our Lombardi.

And this is why winning the first Lombardi in a franchise’s history is probably the hardest to win.
For example, that Lions team is carrying the baggage of that franchise from 1957.
Whenever the Saints become contenders, they’re not carrying anything from that Meacom Era or anything Pre 1986 because the franchise has already seen a Super Bowl.

 

[Elvis]

And this is why winning the first Lombardi in a franchise’s history is probably the hardest to win.
For example, that Lions team is carrying the baggage of that franchise from 1957.
Whenever the Saints become contenders, they’re not carrying anything from that Meacom Era or anything Pre 1986 because the franchise has already seen a Super Bowl.

Fans carry that baggage but many players and even coaches are only vaguely aware of it and certainly not superstitious about it. I think the reality is that it's just very difficult to build the culture and roster of a winner. And even if you do there are no guarantees that you'll win it all.

 

[Saint Jack]

Fans carry that baggage but many players and even coaches are only vaguely aware of it and certainly not superstitious about it. I think the reality is that it's just very difficult to build the culture and roster of a winner. And even if you do there are no guarantees that you'll win it all.

I be would argue that it does affect the franchise.
It affects the coaches that see a franchise with no Super Bowl(s) as a second tier job.
Players that get out the moment they can.
Borderline HOF players wanting out because a half century of mismanagement will put a stain on their careers.
A franchise that has no identity in the national consciousness.

A Super Bowl changes the perception of a franchise.
Heck, the Saints are still benefiting from XLIV.
It’s no coincidence that Saints starting getting into the Hall the year after the Saints won a Super Bowl.

 

[Hedon James]

who am i rooting for in the playoffs? SAINTS! when the Saints are out, football is over. games are still being played, but they don't matter. I'm just treading water until a new HC is hired. Looking forward to THAT, seeing how the roster gets shaped by that, and anticipating some new & young college studs wreaking havoc in Black & Gold.

 

[Elvis]

I be would argue that it does affect the franchise.
It affects the coaches that see a franchise with no Super Bowl(s) as a second tier job.
Players that get out the moment they can.
Borderline HOF players wanting out because a half century of mismanagement will put a stain on their careers.
A franchise that has no identity in the national consciousness.

A Super Bowl changes the perception of a franchise.
Heck, the Saints are still benefiting from XLIV.
It’s no coincidence that Saints starting getting into the Hall the year after the Saints won a Super Bowl.

All coaches that are coming to a new team know the job is second tier. Not many teams fire winning coaches so it's not top tier by that fact. That is why the job is available in the first place. I'd argue a team that's won Super Bowls expects them and it makes the expectations harder to meet than a team that still doesn't have one. It's certainly been the case here.

And I don't see players leaving teams that are playing good football unless they are offered more money somewhere else. Heck, I think WHERE a team is playing is more of a factor for coaches and players than WHO the team is. And a national consciousness doesn't mean much either. Most people live in a place that other people have never heard of. Once you're there, it's just your day to day and national opinion doesn't mean much.

 

[Saint KayBee]

who am i rooting for in the playoffs? SAINTS! when the Saints are out, football is over. games are still being played, but they don't matter. I'm just treading water until a new HC is hired. Looking forward to THAT, seeing how the roster gets shaped by that, and anticipating some new & young college studs wreaking havoc in Black & Gold.

This is a fair position

Others find temporary associations to drive their interest/motive to watch, some are degenerate gamblers (kidding! you all have perfect control of that vice), I’ve got a sad Ravens fan to cheer up.

 

[Madmarsha]

Okay, Lions are out so y'all need to change your vote.

 

[GW93]

No more Lions, so I guess I'm signing up for the Bills Mafia.