A comment about the New Orleans Saints head coach
This entry was posted on 1/3/2007 8:08 AM and is filed under Sports.
I rarely comment about sports on this page although it is a subject of interest to most men. Unfortunately, I'm just not that knowledgeable. I love the NFL but can't quote statistics, hate certain aspects over it, and don't do the fantasy football thing. Baseball and basketball are fun to watch in person, but more for the experience than the actual game.
The Saints are a different story. I've been a die hard Saints fan since the days of Archie Manning. When I was a kid Manning and the Saints had a one day football camp in my hometown in Louisiana and I got to meet them and actually catch one of his passes (damn he threw hard). I've loved them when they won one game a season and love them when they do very well (which, historically, is seldom).
This year the Saints have it. They've got the total package although I wish the defense was just a tad better.
But the reason I'm posting has to do with the head coach and not the actual players.
Sean Payton is amazing. He is fearless in his play calling and incredible at shifting the game to compensate when things are going bad.
But that's not why I am writing this either.
The Saints ended the season with a record of 10-6, following a loss at home to the Carolina Panthers. This tied the team record for the most wins for a Saints coach in his first year. THe loss came after the Saints benched Deuce McAlister, took Drew Brees out after a touchdown drive, and removed Reggie Bush well before half time. Basically, the second string ran the game and still did pretty good.
Payton had the chance to leave his first string in and break the record for most wins but, instead, he worried more about the post season and the drive toward the Superbowl than he did his personal stats. This was a decision made by a coach, not a player, and a decision made for the good of the team.
In these days of high priced athletes who look out only for themselves (can you say T.O.?) and coaches who have risen to the level of media stars this was a refreshing change.
He made a great decision and hopefully it will pay off.
New Orleans, the team and the city, need it and deserve it.
