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For the Saints, the real season begins now

By Terry Kimble

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Carolina Panthers during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Carolina Panthers during a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 25, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The New Orleans Saints knew they were good enough to be in this position to start the year; now the real work begins as the playoffs do as well.

Prior to the 2020 season, the New Orleans Saints still had the bitter taste of last season’s disappointing Wild Card playoff loss with them.

The team was at the time NFC South division champions three years in a row. They were also the three-time traumatic playoff loss champion as well. Even a former player lamented that the Saints window had finally closed.

Internally, the Saints were no doubt a confident bunch.

They were getting their future Hall of Fame Quarterback back as he briefly mulled retiring at the end of last season. They had returning, the 2019 Offensive player of the year in Michael Thomas, three-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara, a stingy defense, and one of the best overall rosters in the league.

While the regular season was no doubt important, this team had loftier goals and expectations.

The Saints proved as much on the field by going 12-4, locking up the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and in the process securing their 4th straight division crown.

All of this while fighting Covid, injuries to their star receiver and hall of fame quarterback, off the field social issues amongst other things. Now the team is right where they expected to be, competing for the Super Bowl.

The time is now to make it happen.

This in all likelihood will be Drew Brees‘ final season in the NFL. He has already thought about this transition as he is in line to be the new Sunday Night Football analyst for NBC.

Couple that with the Saints’ current cap situation and the impending contracts for All-Pro offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk, All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore, and sack machine Trey Hendrickson, who tied for 2nd in the league with sacks this season.

Mix that with the uncertainty of every season in dealing with injuries and turmoil and the Saints know the onus is on them to win now.

The New Orleans Saints have had much success in the regular season these past 4 seasons. Winning their division for the 4th consecutive time and being the first team in the NFC South to sweep shows their recent dominance. The Saints have not been able to duplicate their playoff efforts the same way.

Next. The Bears-Saints game will be on Nickelodeon. dark

If this team were to somehow fall short of expectations this season will be viewed as another wasted opportunity. In the NFL you don’t get opportunities like this. The Saints are looking to finally capitalize.

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