So this is what it feels like (1 Viewer)

[Statorama]

I've been a hard core Saints fan for about 25 years now, and I honestly can't remember watching games with this current feeling. When I watch the games, from the opening whistle I'm expecting them to win. Not 'hoping' or 'thinking' they'd win, but out and out expecting them to win.

Take last weeks game for example. Giants jump out to that quick 7 point lead on the bomb to Plax. In previous years, the old "here we go again" or "I knew luck would catch up with them" feelings would creep in, but they were replaced by a "ok, Giants got lucky there, I know the Saints will keep it together" feeling. I actually started to recognize it during the Redskins game (which they lost), when I was just dumbfounded at the end of the game ("how could they lose to....well.....them?"). I fully expected the Saints to win, and it didn't compute that they actually lost. No disappointment, a little confusion, but having the realization that Sean Payton would use that game as a motivator and a reminder that they have to actually play the games hard in order to win.

I give a ton of credit to Payton, who has exceeded my wildest dreams as a head coach. I bought into the hype about him being a bit of a knucklehead in the pre-season, and all the talk about him being relieved of his playcalling duties by Parcells. I was dead, dead wrong about Coach Payton. It's not just about the wins either. You can see this guy's stamp on the field in just about every play. He's fire and brimstone when he needs to, but he's always a rock solid professional.

The last time I felt this way about a team was during my days in Chicago watching the juuuuust before-championship Bulls. I feel that same kind of euphoric energy watching the Saints play and I love it.

Go Saints!

 

[Doug B]

Right there with you, man.

The Redskins game bothered me a lot ... I thought the team had lost its focus. But looking back, it was just a let-down game. With more marbles on the table, the Saints beat them 8 out of 10 times.

Also, the Skins employed a different pass-rush strategy than previous opponents, and it probably threw Brees and Payton off for a spell. The Redskins were going less for sacks and more for tipped passes. It worked well for a game and a half (the Giants were doing it, too), but the Saints adjusted and started softening up the line with Deuce and Bush.

 

[PsychoMan]

I feel the same way about the Bears. I guess we'll meet again at the NFC Championship game.

 

[Doug B]

Bumping for the other Saints fans in the Shark Pool.

One thing kind of on, kind of off topic: I am already tired of some in the media talking about the Saints as the new "America's Team". Just stop it. Few, if any, NFL fans care enough about Katrina's aftermath to start supporting the Saints as if they've been their lifelong team. All this hype is going to do is create a huge fan backlash against the Saints ... I know some people are sick of hearing about "how great a story it is" and whatnot.

I'd rather that the Saints just kind of fly under the radar, hopefully win a title, and then pick up some extra good-will fans ... like the recent good Packers, Rams, and Patriots teams have done.

 

[Assani Fisher]

I disagree Doug B. I've definitely found myself rooting for them thisyear...not just becuase of Katrina, also because Brees/Bush/Horn/Colston all seem like guys I want to root for. I'm a Skins fan and I was actually upset at that game too because I want a high draft pick and because I'm rooting for the Saints to win the NFC this year(well I'm rooting for the Packers too because of Favre but thats pretty far fetched to think that they'll win it all this year).

 

[Doug B]

I disagree Doug B. I've definitely found myself rooting for them thisyear...not just becuase of Katrina, also because Brees/Bush/Horn/Colston all seem like guys I want to root for. I'm a Skins fan and I was actually upset at that game too because I want a high draft pick and because I'm rooting for the Saints to win the NFC this year(well I'm rooting for the Packers too because of Favre but thats pretty far fetched to think that they'll win it all this year).

That's all good Plenty of room on the bandwagon ... just don't like the media sending the message that fans should be on the Saints bandwagon out of a sense of moral obligation or something.

 

[fred_1_15301]

Bumping for the other Saints fans in the Shark Pool.

One thing kind of on, kind of off topic: I am already tired of some in the media talking about the Saints as the new "America's Team". Just stop it. Few, if any, NFL fans care enough about Katrina's aftermath to start supporting the Saints as if they've been their lifelong team. All this hype is going to do is create a huge fan backlash against the Saints ... I know some people are sick of hearing about "how great a story it is" and whatnot.

I'd rather that the Saints just kind of fly under the radar, hopefully win a title, and then pick up some extra good-will fans ... like the recent good Packers, Rams, and Patriots teams have done.

I certainly hope that MOST NFL fans care about Katrina's aftermath. However, I do not think that Katrina is the main reason why neutral fans are rooting for the Saints. The Saints are just a feel good story in general because they've been a bottom feeder for so long. Since my team is out of the playoffs, I either root for the underdog or the team that hasn't had a lot of success in the past.

 

[L5UT1ger]

I'll root for 'em. I am not going to pretend that I am some hard core Saints fan though. The sad thing is that I probably have as much or more knowledge about them because of FF than typical fans.

I feel like I would be a bandwagoner if I tried to pretend I had some love for a team that I usually crack jokes about. Given a choice of any team to win the Super Bowl, I'd be happiest if it were the Saints.

 

[shredhead]

I've been a hard core Saints fan for about 25 years now, and I honestly can't remember watching games with this current feeling. When I watch the games, from the opening whistle I'm expecting them to win. Not 'hoping' or 'thinking' they'd win, but out and out expecting them to win.Take last weeks game for example. Giants jump out to that quick 7 point lead on the bomb to Plax. In previous years, the old "here we go again" or "I knew luck would catch up with them" feelings would creep in, but they were replaced by a "ok, Giants got lucky there, I know the Saints will keep it together" feeling. I actually started to recognize it during the Redskins game (which they lost), when I was just dumbfounded at the end of the game ("how could they lose to....well.....them?"). I fully expected the Saints to win, and it didn't compute that they actually lost. No disappointment, a little confusion, but having the realization that Sean Payton would use that game as a motivator and a reminder that they have to actually play the games hard in order to win.I give a ton of credit to Payton, who has exceeded my wildest dreams as a head coach. I bought into the hype about him being a bit of a knucklehead in the pre-season, and all the talk about him being relieved of his playcalling duties by Parcells. I was dead, dead wrong about Coach Payton. It's not just about the wins either. You can see this guy's stamp on the field in just about every play. He's fire and brimstone when he needs to, but he's always a rock solid professional.The last time I felt this way about a team was during my days in Chicago watching the juuuuust before-championship Bulls. I feel that same kind of euphoric energy watching the Saints play and I love it.Go Saints!

Enjoy the feeling! I am truly happy for you! The only thing I can think of to compare it to for me was when the Broncos won their first superbowl after 4 superbowl losses. I know it's not quite the same, but I can kinda understand your feelings. Like I said, Enjoy it!!!!

 

[Doug B]

I feel like I would be a bandwagoner if I tried to pretend I had some love for a team that I usually crack jokes about. Given a choice of any team to win the Super Bowl, I'd be happiest if it were the Saints.

Are you from Louisiana, or living here? I wouldn't call you a bandwagoner ... unless you really have a strong alliance to another NFL team. No fan should be compelled to choose between college and pro alignements. Though I know a lot of LSU fans don't have room in their "fanship" for "losers" like the Saints. The Baton Rouge newspaper (The Advocate) only fans the flames, hyping up LSU to the moon, and pooh-poohing the Saints at every turn.

 

[TCFF]

I feel the same way about the Bears. I guess we'll meet again at the NFC Championship game.

Someone is going to be let down because the Eagles will be in the NFC Championship game . Seriously though, great year for Saints fans and they are an easy team to cheer for.

 

[Buttmonkey]

Good luck Saints fans. Of course you know Brees has never won a playoff game in his career. And you must know that they won't be surprising anyone in the playoffs. But nice record and good season nonetheless.

Not drinking the kool-aid

 

[myhousekey]

Last year we were the 2nd to worst team in the NFL. This year we are the 2nd to best team in the NFC. That still blows my mind.

 

[mad sweeney]

Congrats, glad to see you enjoying football. I'm a die hard Seahawks fan and know what you're going through. Though historically Seattle hasn't been as bad as the Saints, they've hardly ever been better than the low side of mediocre. My advice, enjoy the hell out of it. Screw the bad years, screw next year, screw even thinking ahead for the SB. It's just plain nice to know that every Sunday you wake up and know that maybe, just maybe you might get beat. Instead of the other way around. It just feels good to be proud of your team.

And as for the bandwagon, consider me a charter member. I live in SoCal and have been a Brees fan for a while. I was very sorry to see him go from the Chargers, thought he got a big shaft from AJ Smith. And obviously a Bush fan from his SC days. So with new blood comes new fans. As long as you aren't playing the Hawks, go Saints.

 

[Sidewinder]

... Of course you know Brees has never won a playoff game in his career. ...Not drinking the kool-aid

He's played in one playoff game, and completed 31 of 42 attempts for 319 yds and 2 TDs. And for some reason, I just don't see Sean Payton all of a sudden becoming Marty Shottenheimer circa 2004.

 

[Saints-Man]

I've been a hard core Saints fan for about 25 years now, and I honestly can't remember watching games with this current feeling. When I watch the games, from the opening whistle I'm expecting them to win. Not 'hoping' or 'thinking' they'd win, but out and out expecting them to win.Take last weeks game for example. Giants jump out to that quick 7 point lead on the bomb to Plax. In previous years, the old "here we go again" or "I knew luck would catch up with them" feelings would creep in, but they were replaced by a "ok, Giants got lucky there, I know the Saints will keep it together" feeling. I actually started to recognize it during the Redskins game (which they lost), when I was just dumbfounded at the end of the game ("how could they lose to....well.....them?"). I fully expected the Saints to win, and it didn't compute that they actually lost. No disappointment, a little confusion, but having the realization that Sean Payton would use that game as a motivator and a reminder that they have to actually play the games hard in order to win.I give a ton of credit to Payton, who has exceeded my wildest dreams as a head coach. I bought into the hype about him being a bit of a knucklehead in the pre-season, and all the talk about him being relieved of his playcalling duties by Parcells. I was dead, dead wrong about Coach Payton. It's not just about the wins either. You can see this guy's stamp on the field in just about every play. He's fire and brimstone when he needs to, but he's always a rock solid professional.The last time I felt this way about a team was during my days in Chicago watching the juuuuust before-championship Bulls. I feel that same kind of euphoric energy watching the Saints play and I love it.Go Saints!

I went to my first Saints game in Tulane stadium in December 1971 against Cleveland as a young boy. It was simply awesome. Awesome!!! I was a season ticket holder from 1990-1999. Some good teams with that great defense, but you were always on the edge of your seat. I also remember the low times. I was in the Superdome in 1978 for the Falcons Hail Mary game. I was also there for the 1999 Cleveland Browns game when the Browns won their first game (as the new Browns) on a similar type play from Tim Couch to Kevin Johnson. Your post is spot on. I expect these Saints to win now. I actually believe that they are a good team. I don't think they are neccessarily the best team in the league(they are still lacking talent at OL and LB). They are well coached. They are tough. They keep fighting, and play smart. Since I was a young boy, I have followed this team. But I can honestly say I am PROUD of this team. Geaux Saints geaux!!!!

 

[Saints-Man]

Last year we were the 2nd to worst team in the NFL. This year we are the 2nd to best team in the NFC. That still blows my mind.

myhousekey, is that the New Orleans Voodoo logo?

 

[Football Menace]

Last year we were the 2nd to worst team in the NFL. This year we are the 2nd to best team in the NFC. That still blows my mind.

myhousekey, is that the New Orleans Voodoo logo?

Yes.And Geaux Saints

 

[Saints-Man]

Last year we were the 2nd to worst team in the NFL. This year we are the 2nd to best team in the NFC. That still blows my mind.

myhousekey, is that the New Orleans Voodoo logo?

Yes.And Geaux Saints

Thought so. Another New Orleans evacauee living in Dallas.

 

[Pnishthm]

I've been a hard core Saints fan for about 25 years now, and I honestly can't remember watching games with this current feeling. When I watch the games, from the opening whistle I'm expecting them to win. Not 'hoping' or 'thinking' they'd win, but out and out expecting them to win.Take last weeks game for example. Giants jump out to that quick 7 point lead on the bomb to Plax. In previous years, the old "here we go again" or "I knew luck would catch up with them" feelings would creep in, but they were replaced by a "ok, Giants got lucky there, I know the Saints will keep it together" feeling. I actually started to recognize it during the Redskins game (which they lost), when I was just dumbfounded at the end of the game ("how could they lose to....well.....them?"). I fully expected the Saints to win, and it didn't compute that they actually lost. No disappointment, a little confusion, but having the realization that Sean Payton would use that game as a motivator and a reminder that they have to actually play the games hard in order to win.I give a ton of credit to Payton, who has exceeded my wildest dreams as a head coach. I bought into the hype about him being a bit of a knucklehead in the pre-season, and all the talk about him being relieved of his playcalling duties by Parcells. I was dead, dead wrong about Coach Payton. It's not just about the wins either. You can see this guy's stamp on the field in just about every play. He's fire and brimstone when he needs to, but he's always a rock solid professional.The last time I felt this way about a team was during my days in Chicago watching the juuuuust before-championship Bulls. I feel that same kind of euphoric energy watching the Saints play and I love it.Go Saints!

I get what you're saying! It's a nice feeling when you expect something good to happen instead of the usual crap. When the Saints held Washington to that FG late in the game to keep it within 6, I just knew they were going to do down and score a TD to win it. It was a funny feeling how surprised I was when they didn't, because as a Saints fan, we are usually expecting the worse. I know this is crazy sounding, but I already took vacation time for Superbowl week. No way I miss this if the Saints do happen to mkae it.