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The NFC South goes through New Orleans; Was Byrd a mistake? Morgan says, ‘I’ll Be Back’

By John Hendrix

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Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan talks with outside linebacker Parys Haralson (98) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Gumbo Gazette searches the mass reaches of the interwebs to bring you New Orleans Saints news and notes that are sure to pique your interest right in one centralized location! Why The Gumbo Gazette? Because it’s N’awlins after all!

Here are today’s stories:

Knox Bardeen | FOX Sports | The NFC South now goes through New Orleans

"For a team that’s slowly getting back on track, having three games in a building where it hasn’t lost since 2012 is huge.The Falcons and Bucs are already two and three games behind the Saints, respectively. If the Panthers can’t take care of business on the road in Philadelphia, and at home against Atlanta over the next two weeks, New Orleans could have a sizable lead in the division by Week 13."

A three-game homestand is exactly what the doctor ordered. The New Orleans Saints will be tested with pivotal games against tough foes. The San Francisco 49ers are the first test on the books, and you can bet your bottom dollar that this game is going to have nothing but high energy. You might be relieved to know that Joe Buck & Troy Aikman will not handle this game.

Evan Woodberry | Times-Picayune | Suspended New Orleans Saints receiver Joe Morgan: ‘I’ll be back’

"“I’ll be back,” he said.Morgan was placed on the reserve/suspended list last week. Saints coach Sean Payton refused to elaborate on the reason for the suspension, which is believed to be a team measure, rather than a league-mandated suspension.Morgan’s presence Monday at the “Sit Down with the Saints” at the Lakeview Christian Center was probably a good sign of his future with the club. He signed autographs and visited with fans and was introduced on stage with five other teammates."

It’s good to see that Morgan has optimism about his status for the rest of the season. It’s still a bit puzzling as to why he was suspended in the first place, and all we can do is speculate. One thing is certain, the Saints could use Morgan down the stretch for a playoff run.

Mike Triplett | ESPN | Saints mailbag Part 2: Was Jairus Byrd deal a mistake?

"@MikeTriplett: I don’t think it was a mistake. Although safety Jairus Byrd struggled to make an impact for the first four weeks, the entire defense struggled. If he stayed healthy, I think he would’ve gotten his act together just like the rest of the defense. Byrd proved over the course of five years how talented he is. Four bad weeks doesn’t erase that.The only counter-argument would be that the injury risk in the NFL is so great that it’s a gamble to spend that kind of money on anyone. But I applauded the move when the Saints made it because I think they have a Super Bowl-caliber roster that should be going all-in to win while Drew Brees is still in his prime."

Of course it’s disappointing to see your superstar free agent acquisition go down for the year, and it leaves everyone wondering. Byrd will be back, and he will be the type of player that everyone saw in Buffalo. Saints fans should remember many of the free agents brought in over the past years that have struggled heavily (Shaun Rogers, Aubrayo Franklin come to mind).

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