Check with me on Sunday November 9th. At that time, we'll know whether the Saints are a playoff team, or not.
How can that possibly be with only 9 games played and 7 remaining? Simple: 10 wins will likely be needed for a wild card spot, or to win the NFC South. If so, the Saints must win 7 of their last 10.
The Saints have 3 tough games ahead. Carolina has always been a challenge for Sean Payton's teams. No one knows Payton better than Carolina coach John Fox. Remember, they were on the same staff with the Giants. Carolina has quarterback Jake Delhomme healthy, they've added Jonathan Stewart to run in tandem with D'Angelo Williams, and the Carolina offensive line is much improved. Then , the Panthers strike up field with Steve Smith. Carolina is a huge test for the Saints defense.
San Diego is starting to come on. The Chargers lost the opener on the final play of the game against Carolina, and lost at Denver on the controversial inadvertant whistle by referee Ed Hochuli. San Diego is loaded up offensively. Again, another huge test for the Saints defense.
After a bye. The Saints travel to Atlanta. The Falcons are solid . They are running the football and quarterback Matt Ryan is a rookie of the year candidate.
So, if the Saints win 2 of 3. They are 5-4 ....needing 5 wins with 7 to play. This is doable considering the Saints play Detroit, Kansas City, and Atlanta at home.
I know Sean Payton says play em one at a time. But, if you injected him with truth serum, he would tell you how important these upcoming trio of games truly are.
Ed Daniels
Thursday 3:45 pm