Expectations For 2017 Fluctuate Between Hot And Cold For The Black And Gold

Next week starts the first chapter of the book of 2017.

The NFL Draft will come and go. Mini camps follow that quickly. Moreover, the roster eventually gets finalized after the last pre-season game. Eventually, the Black and Gold will kickoff the regular season with plenty of new faces. That includes the coaches office too.

Last year, there seemed to be an optimism that was evident, that ran all the way up to opening day on September 11th, 2016 against the Oakland Raiders. The Saints ended up losing that game 35-34. After, a loss to the Giants and Falcons really put cap on the momentum leading up to opening day. Four of the losses last year came by a combined total of nine points. Three field goals or a touchdown and a safety makes up that difference. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be. The 12 hours of football played against the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, and the Oakland Raiders gave the Saints four dreadful losses.

If the script could get rewritten, the Saints finish at 11-5 and make the playoffs. Were the Saints that close to 11-5? Did the Saints look like a team that just had bad luck?

The fact is, that it doesn’t really matter. That was then. This is now a new year with new coaches and new optimism. It’s safe to say, that Who Dat Nation is most likely cautiously optimistic for this upcoming season. This year does seem different. As far as the results only God knows. Regardless, there is always hope that comes during and after the draft.

Ultimately, the great thing about football is that there is no gray area when the season ends. All the mock drafts, roster moves, trades, coaching changes, international games, etc. in the end doesn’t add up to much. The only result that matters is in the win-loss column.

Obviously, Who Dat Nation would love nothing else to at least get off to a good start this year. A winning record would be a bonus. Playoffs? To be continued…

Maybe this kid has the answer.