Why I Am Not Surprised By Dallas’ Win

After the Dallas Cowboys won the Falcons game, my good friend and fellow NFL fan voice, Dan Parzych, messaged me this: “I must say … that was one impressive victory for your Boys today. I’d say big, BIG statement game.”

This was a big statement game yes, but did it surprise me? No, it did not.

The Dallas Cowboys were under a lot of pressure. They were a 3-2 team that looked like it was hanging on by the skin of their teeth instead of the dominant team that they were in 2007 or the team that looked great at times in 2008.

They were not a bad team, but more of a team that was without focus and had mistakes instead of executions for plays.

They had not even beaten a team that had a won a game. The Buccaneers still haven’t won a game, and the Chiefs and Panthers won games after they lost to Dallas.

So, they were going up against a team that had the reigning NFL Coach of the Year, a hotshot young quarterback who was the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, the NFL’s all-time receiving tight end, a running back who led the league in rushing last year, and a receiver who had the most receiving yards last year.

Oh, and they had made playoffs too.

It was not going to be easy. Many thought the Cowboys were, to quote T.I. and Timberlake, “Dead and Gone” and were going downhill from there with a team that had just blown their chances to beat the Giants and were done away with against the Broncos.

Dallas not only won the game, but aside from two drives, they dominated the Falcons on all three parts of the game. They scored 37 points, Tony Romo threw for three touchdowns and 311 yards.

The defense had four sacks, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. The special teams had amazing coverage and scored a 73-yard touchdown on a punt return.

Why am I not surprised though? Why am I, James Williamson, not surprised by what Dallas did to that team?

Because Dallas is capable of doing that to most, if not all, of the teams in the National Football League, and I am as serious as a heart attack when I say that.

I remember thinking to myself, before the game started, “This team is not better than us. The only way they should win is if Dallas becomes a chicken farm and starts laying eggs.”

I have watched this team for three years now. I’ve reviewed the film so many times, I’ve actually had dreams with it playing. If I didn’t know this team, then I’d be an underachieving fan voice to say the least.

These guys are special. I know they are. When they are on, I don’t think any Dallas team can compare to them.

The problem is that they don’t stay on. They are a flickering light bulb that is unreliable and that is what makes them a tough team to watch because the light bulb will fizzle out at the most inopportune time.

Look at the talent level around them.

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We’re Talking “Dogs” Here: Mark Sanchez and the Hot Dog scandal

Very few foods, or food groups, for that matter, are sacred to the American Way of Life. Unquestionably, the “Hot Dog” is one of those treats that have been associated with sports since the beginning of time.

As a kid going to a ball game with my dad, it would never seem complete unless we had a couple of dogs along with all the condiments that you could fit on a six-to-eight-inch bun.

It seemed that these dogs were always so much better at a game then the ones served at home with a side of sauerkraut, baked beans, and loads of mustard, ketchup, pickles, onions and whatever else might be available.

I have always been very picky about my dogs. Occasionally, I’d sprinkle a little ketchup on mine, but more than 90 percent of the time it was the dog on the roll and nothing else. My family thought it strange because after they finished putting all the toppings on their dog a keen-sighted visitor would have trouble identifying what was in the roll.

In my house, nothing but Hebrew National dogs crossed our threshold. On the street we would only but a Sabrettes dog from a cart. And on those rare trips to Coney Island, if anything but a Nathans dog crossed our lips, I was sure I would be sent to purgatory.

So what’s the big fuss about Mark Sanchez munching on a dog late in the fourth quarter when his team was up 38-0? Is there a rule somewhere hidden deep in the bowels of the NFL rule book that says there should be no eating or drinking on the bench during the game?

I think not, for if there was, Gatorade might just go right out of business. Let’s face it. The man was hungry and he saw an opportunity to munch down a dog to curb his already upset stomach. That’s what my doctor always said, if you’re having trouble keeping food down and you get a little hungry, it means your stomach is okay now. And a hot dog, if available, is as good as it gets.

Talk about scrutiny. Give this kid a break. He didn’t throw five interceptions again. He didn’t make foolish plays and cause turnovers, which would become scores against his team. He didn’t shoot himself in the foot or punch out his teammate.

He had a bleeping hot dog, so what, get over it and get your BBQ ready and let’s cook some up. It’s not like eating ice cream at 3:30 in the afternoon that will ruin your appetite for dinner. It just a hot dog.

It’s the American way. Hey Mark, pass the apple pie will ya.

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Panthers-Cardinals: Jake Delhomme, Number of the “Least”

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

 

After a dismal three-interception, no-touchdown performance in a 20-9 loss to the Bills, it appears Jake Delhomme’s days as Carolina’s starter are numbered.

Delhomme has struggled all year, and his downfall seemed to begin with last year’s 33-13 playoff loss to the Cardinals, a game in which Delhomme threw five picks. The Panthers travel to Arizona probably seeking mercy more so than vengeance.

“It’s safe to say Jake is not the most popular player on the team right now,” says John Fox. “Heck, I fear for his safety as much as I do for my job. Only in Carolina is a ‘roughing the passer’ penalty called on the offense .”

“Statistically, Jake’s having the worst season of his career. His passer rating is a lowly 56.5. I’m not sure, but that’s got to be near the bottom, if not the worst, in the league. It’s not 66.6, which is the ‘number of the beast.’ It’s much worse. It’s the ‘number of the least.'”

The Cards have won two-straight, and are beginning to resemble the team that nearly won the Super Bowl last year. Arizona is even 2-0 on the East Coast after failing to win there at all in last year’s regular season.

“People may be surprised to hear this,” says Kurt Warner, “but our rush defense is ranked No. 1 in the NFL. So Bibles aren’t the only thing getting ‘thumped’ around here.

“It’s that kind of commitment to success that keeps me around. That, and the words of the ‘good book.’ And by ‘good book,’ I don’t mean an offensive playbook featuring three talented wide receivers and very little running. Anyway, you can poke fun at my religious conviction all you want, but I’m not phased. Don’t hate the ‘prayer,’ hate the game.”

Anquan Boldin is nursing an ankle injury, so look for the No. 3 wide receiver to play a larger role in the offense, a situation Matt Leinart refers to as “Breast'” enhancement.

 

Arizona wins, 34-13.

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Want to Rattle Brett Favre? Cheer Him on Sunday

The manner in which the Lambeau faithful greet Brett Favre this Sunday is perhaps more intriguing than the very important divisional game itself.

Will fans stay loyal to the green and gold and boo the man who helped put the title back in Titletown? Or will they cheer the greybeard who still happens to have the best-selling jersey in the state?

Perhaps even more intriguing is how Favre will react to the moment. 

Always a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve, I truly believe that the reaction that would impact him the most would be a cascade of cheers.

As a competitor, getting booed voraciously will turn Sunday’s tilt into more of a normal football game. It would be Favre entering a hostile environment trying to shut up a noisy crowd not unlike a traditional road game.

Getting booed on the road is par for the course.

And when properly motivated, Favre can be an incredible force on the football field.

He can feed off of that negative energy and use it to do precisely what he went to Minnesota to do—stick it to Ted Thompson and the Packers.

But getting cheered would dull that edge that Favre has been sharpening against the Packers since he left for New York over a year ago.

Would he be able to bring all that angry motivation to the field after hearing the respect and admiration many fans still have for No. 4?

I think it would suck the life right out of him.

Though I believe that true Packer fans should save their applause for Favre until he is inevitably honored at Lambeau or in Canton, I’d love to see how Favre would respond to a classy ovation from the Green Bay faithful before the game.

Either way, it should be a surreal sight on Sunday.

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Jaguars Vs. Titans Preview: Vince Young, This ‘Bud’s’ for You

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

If the sight of Tennessee Head Coach Jeff Fisher in a Peyton Manning jersey has proved anything, it’s that Titan attempts at humor should be best left to the field of play. Fisher is still feeling the backlash after he removed his coat and tie to reveal a No. 18 Manning jersey at a fundraiser just days after a humiliating 59-0 loss to the Patriots.

“Hey, what’s the big deal?” says Fisher. “Usually, when there’s a Titan around and someone starts removing clothing, people get shot. This was just harmless fun.”

“What’s wrong with being able to laugh at ourselves? Heck, everybody else is. In hindsight, however, I guess it wasn’t a wise thing to do. I think most people are surprised that an intelligent, reserved man such as myself would pull that type of stunt. I guess even the best of us drop a ‘smart bomb’ on occasion.”

Unlike the Titans, the Jaguars have something to play for, and that’s a futile chase to catch the Colts in the AFC South race. The Jags are 3-3 and realize that losing games to winless teams will quickly undermine playoff aspirations.

“I, like many, was stunned to see Fisher in a Manning jersey,” says Jack Del Rio. “But at least the sight of Fisher in a Manning jersey makes waves. That’s more than you can say about the sight of Vince Young in a Titans jersey. Heck, there’s no way Fisher should be fired, despite Tennessee’s awful start. As a fellow coach, I don’t want to see him lose his job. Especially since I might be the guy he replaces.”

Titans owner Bud Adams has insisted that Young start over Kerry Collins against the Jaguars. Hey Vince, rejoice. This Bud’s ‘for’ you.

Jacksonville wins, 30-24.

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Why a Loss to the Broncos Could End The Ravens’ Season

With three consecutive losses, the Ravens desperately need a win to keep pace with the division-leading Bengals and Steelers, who are 5-2. A win over the Broncos will keep Baltimore hot on their tails. However, a loss means Baltimore falls below .500 for the first time this year, a scenario Ray Lewis would like to avoid.

“3-4?” quoth the Raven. “3-4? We don’t want to go there. I think even the great Edgar Allan Poe would agree that that would probably result in a ‘Premature Burial’ of our playoff plans.”

“If nothing else, though, we’re playing for pride. Defensively, we’re not playing up to our capabilities. We’re lacking passion and fire. In keeping with the Poe theme, who was known to have a drinking problem, we’re suffering from an ‘absinthe’ of malice.”

Josh McDaniels has brought youthful exuberance to the head coaching position in Denver, and the players have quickly bought into his system. The Broncos are 6-0 and boast a three-game lead in the AFC West.

“I wear my emotions on my sleeve,” says McDaniels, “whereas Mike Shanahan wore his on his face. It’s no wonder Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall were ‘seeing red’ when I got here — they had been conditioned to do so.”

“I’ll put my defense up against the Ravens any day. ‘The Raven’ may be big in Baltimore, but ‘The Hawk,’ Brian Dawkins is hot in Denver. I’d like to say this is a contest between two great defenses, but I can’t. Because the Ravens are playing.”

Broncos win, 19-17

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Week 8 NFL Picks: Lay the Wood with the Packers

Home dogs did not stand a chance last week as San Diego, Indianapolis, and the New York Jets tromped all over their hosts for a combined margin of 104 points (34.7 avg).

In the NFC it was much of the same with Green Bay winning by 28 points over Cleveland and the New Orleans Saints putting up another 40-burger in Miami. New England cleaned up Tampa Bay in a neutral site game at Wembley.

The 46-34 final between the Saints and Dolphins makes it seem like a relatively close game but consider that the score was 24-3 Miami after 29 minutes and Sean Payton’s outfit just appears that much more powerful.

Starting with a QB Drew Brees rushing TD in the final seconds of the first half, these NFL Picks clearly tell that New Orleans went on a 43-3 run lasting 28 minutes to cement the win and become the first NFL team in history to score 45-plus points in four of its first six games.

New Orleans is home to the Atlanta Falcons in this week’s Monday Night Football matchup and early betting has already pushed the line up to double-digits in favor of the Saints.

Speaking of Atlanta, the Falcons were one of two losers in our Bet Republic picks of the week last Sunday, neglecting to game plan for new Cowboys standout WR Miles Austin. We missed with the Sunday night total as well, but hit with the Packers and Steelers along with the “Under” in the Patriots-Bucs matchup.

Bet Republic picks were 3-2 overall and this week we’ve highlighted three sides and one Over/Under play.

DENVER AT BALTIMORE
Line: Ravens -3.5
Over/Under: 41.5

Both teams are off a bye week and the Broncos are travelling to the east coast for an early body clock game. With Cincinnati and Pittsburgh resting this week there is an opportunity for the Ravens to pick up some ground in the tough AFC North, but it won’t come easy against a Denver team that is 6-0 for the first time since 1998.

The Broncos have also covered the spread in all six games.

Kyle Orton is getting it done for Denver but the defense has been the real story and this matchup could signify a changing of the guard from a Raven D considered the class of the conference for the past decade. We don’t see Baltimore handing over the belt without a fight.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the “Under”

CLEVELAND AT CHICAGO
Line: Bears -13
Over/Under: 40

A subpar effort vs. Green Bay has sunk the Browns to 30th in scoring and Cleveland has now given up 23-plus points in six-of-seven contests. Chicago completed its only two-game road trip of the season by getting blown out in Cincinnati.

Chicago is 2-0 SU/ATS at home and has won five straight at Soldier Field going back to 2008. This is a lot of points but the Bears are highly motivated after back-to-back losses and have the weapons to rip this Browns team apart. The Browns are last in total defense and their best weapon is Joshua Cribbs, which Chicago can match pound for pound.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the Bears

HOUSTON AT BUFFALO
Line: Texans -3.5
Over/Under: 41.5

Two teams yet to take their bye meet at Ralph Wilson Stadium, both going for a third straight win. Houston has put up impressive numbers but could enter this contest without the services of No. 1 WR Andre Johnson.

The Texans are 15-44 SU all-time away from home but are favored against a Bills offense ranked 24th in scoring. Buffalo also ranks low at defending the run but had little trouble stopping the Panthers run-game last week. The highlight for the Bills this year has been a ball-hawking secondary (13 INTs) led by rookie FS Jarius Byrd who has five interceptions in the past three games.

With QB Ryan Fitzpatrick under center, look for a good run-pass mix from Buffalo that produces enough points to keep the game close. The Texans have a road game at Indy on-deck, making this a look-ahead spot for them. We side with the home team.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the Bills

MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY
Line: Packers -3
Over/Under: 47

Brett Favre was nearly perfect when these teams met in Week 4, throwing three TDs, no picks and avoiding the sack, but with home field advantage the Packers will try to even the series.

Green Bay needs to bring more pressure and with a healthy secondary we can expect better coverage while the front seven closes the pocket. Adrian Peterson (ankle) demands attention but he wasn’t nearly as explosive last week at Pittsburgh and a 12th ranked Packer run-D held AP to just 55 yards in the first meeting.

Keeping Jared Allen upright is a priority for the O-line as Minnesota leads the league in sacks with 25 (eight vs. Green Bay). This game could come down to a turnover and the Packers have the edge in that department on both offense and defense. Expect a different result at Lambeau than what we saw in Round 1.
BetRepublic’s Pick: Take the Packers

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Expert NFL Picks: Week Eight Football Betting Predictions

We’re almost at the halfway point of the season and it’s just starting to get exciting. Playoff races are starting to take shape and your favorite teams have established themselves as contenders or pretenders.

There are a few key games this week that will help some teams in their conference races. So what should we expect from this week’s lineup of games as far as Free NFL Picks go?

Here is what to watch for in Week Eight.

 

Denver vs. Baltimore (Baltimore -3)

One of the best games of the week comes when Denver travels to Baltimore. The Broncos are putting their perfect record on the line against the Ravens and it could be their stiffest test to date.

In spite of some recent struggles, the Ravens still have one of the best defenses in the league and the Broncos’ offense will be tested greatly. If Kyle Orton can keep from getting picked off two or three times, the Broncos will have a chance to stay perfect.

However, when you play at Baltimore, you know it’s going to be a tough game.

 

Cleveland vs. Chicago (Chicago -13.5)

The Bears lost by over 30 points last week.

Chicago heads into the week against Cleveland a 13.5 point favorite.

This is exactly the condition that the Cleveland Browns find themselves in–a heavy underdog to a team that just took a beating.  Things couldn’t get much worse for the Browns at this point. They’ve traded away all of their stars and are basically looking toward the future.

The future just looks really far off at this point.

 

Houston vs. Buffalo (Houston -3)

The Texans have had one of the best offenses in the league this year and quarterback Matt Schaub has been on fire.

They took a bit of a hit last week when Andre Johnson was injured. His return is questionable for this week although the injury does not appear to be serious.

The Bills have made the switch to Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, which appears to be the end of the Trent Edwards experiment.

The Bills are hoping that last week’s win against the Panthers was not a fluke.

 

Minnesota vs. Green Bay (Green Bay -3)

Although Minnesota won the first meeting between these teams a few weeks back, they are the underdogs in this game.

Coming off their first loss of the season last week, the Vikings will try to get things back on track. Adrian Peterson is still the best back in the league and Green Bay’s defense is vulnerable to the run.

Brett Favre is retuning to Lambeu Field for the first time since the controversial split between the Packers and their Hall of Fame quarterbak.  With the stadium ignited, the game could turn into a shoot out between Favre and his former understudy, Aaron Rodgers.

Look for a good game at Lambeau.

 

San Francisco vs. Indianapolis (Indianapolis -12)

The 49ers have had a pretty good season so far, and they are trying to improve as they go. Michael Crabtree was recently inserted into the starting lineup and didn’t have a bad game for his first outing. They will also try Alex Smith as the starting quarterback again in what will presumably be his last chance to take the reins after being drafted No. 1 overall.  Smith threw three touchdowns in the second half last week.

For the Colts, they are still rolling along with future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning at the controls. They are fresh off a beating of the St. Louis Rams and ready for more blood.

 

Miami vs. New York Jets (New York -3)

The Dolphins are coming off one of the most disappointing losses of the season against the undefeated New Orleans Saints last weekend.

The Saints outscored them 22-0 in the fourth quarter after what looked like a surefire win at one point. With that being said, the Jets are no Saints.

This should be a pretty even matchup between two decent teams. The Wildcat is in full force in Miami and Ricky Williams has experienced a rejuvenation in it.

Mark Sanchez is trying to get things under control again in New York and this game will be a good place to start.

 

Seattle vs. Dallas (Dallas -9.5)

There were a lot of questions floating around about the Dallas Cowboys before last weekend’s game. They were fresh off an overtime win in Kansas City and most people were calling for the coach’s head during the bye week. However, they proceeded to beat down the Falcons and regain some momentum in the NFC East.

The Seahawks have struggled to remain consistent so far and hope that they can get things going against Dallas.

 

Oakland vs. San Diego (San Diego -16.5)

This looks to be the weekend’s biggest mismatch according to the line.

The Raiders are still awful even though they managed to luck themselves into a win against Philly a few weeks ago.

The Chargers looked good last week against the Chiefs.

When you combine a good team and a bad team, you get a 16.5-point spread. However, that’s why they play the games. You never know when Oakland will pull another upset like they did against Philly.

 

Jacksonville vs. Tennessee (Tennessee -3)

The Tennessee Titans are winless on the season and it is now Week Eight. However, by some unbelievable turn of events, they are actually favored to win the game. Why is that? Oh, that’s right…they’re playing the Jaguars.

The Jaguars aren’t great, but surely they should be favored over a winless team, right?

This one should be a pretty close game between two struggling teams in the AFC South.

 

Carolina vs. Arizona (Arizona -10)

This is a rematch from last year’s playoffs and the Panthers are hoping for a different outcome. In that playoff game, Jake Delhomme turned the ball over about 17 times in what looked like a pretty lopsided affair.

The Cardinals just got done beating the Giants, who are actually a pretty good team.

This one should be interesting.

 

New York Giants vs. Philadelphia (Philadelphia -1)

As you can tell, this one should be a pretty close game. You’ve got two good quarterbacks in McNabb and Manning. You’ve got good young receivers in Jackson, Maclin, Manningham, Smith, and Nicks.

If you are looking for Winning NFL Picks ,this could be an aerial assault for the ages, so look into the over.

 

Atlanta vs. New Orleans Saints (New Orleans -10)

The Saints are one of the best teams in football at this juncture. They come in undefeated and just won in dramatic fashion against the Dolphins. Drew Brees is the best quarterback in the league and the Falcons will not be able to stop him.

However, the Falcons are no slouches on offense, either. They bring “Matty Ice” at quarterback as well as Michael Turner, Roddy White, and Tony G.

This should be a fun one in New Orleans on Monday Night Football.

Check out Vernon Croy’s Expert NFL Picks for Week Eight!

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The Worst Team In the NFL? Say It Ain’t So, ‘Skins

As the Washington Redskins head into their bye week at a lowly 2-5, they have some heavy criticism to ponder.

Jason Smith of ESPN Radio sounded off on the Redskins following an abysmal Monday Night performance against Philly.

“The Redskins are the worst franchise in football…They have become a punchline.”

Smith went on to describe how the other bottom-feeders have it better than the ‘Skins.

While I believe we have the talent to regroup and be a contender in a few years (if we stick to a solid plan that relies on the draft), Smith is right about one thing.

This year, there might not be a team as bad as the Washington Redskins. Nothing goes right for them. Momentum is never sustained, they don’t play well with the lead, and they don’t know how to bounce back from adversity. The list is endless.

Still I look at the front seven on defense, and there is hope. This front seven is really good. They are beginning to establish a strong pass rush, they control the line of scrimmage, and they hit well.

That’s something to build around. Unfortunately, that’s the only bright spot, and it doesn’t hide the poor play from the rest of the team.

Yet Smith might have gone overboard by proclaiming the ‘Skins to be in the worst shape of any team in the NFL. The Rams and Buccaneers both lost to Washington and have looked downright awful. In fact, they have even fewer prospects than the Redskins do.

Conversely, the ‘Skins have a payroll that dwarfs those of the other NFL doormats. They have signed big-name players and given fans big-time expectations in the process. The results haven’t lived up to the yearly hype.

Just three playoff appearances in 10 years and only one postseason win (17-14 over Tampa, savor that ‘Skins fans). That isn’t exactly good.

Smith brought up a valid point. Considering the Redskins make more moves and spend more money than every team in the NFL, their 2-5 record this year (along with their horrid overall performance) might just make them the worst team in the NFL this year. If not, then they are certainly the biggest punchline.

This is a dark year for D.C. football, and finally the fans have had enough. They want blood. Not just Jim Zorn’s blood, they want Vinny Cerrato’s. tThey want Dan Snyder’s.

Of course, Snyder is censoring the mob by banning all signs from Fedex Field for the rest of the season. I guess it makes sense. Only Snyder would spit in the face of the fans who keep him in business.

This organization is in shambles from the top down, and the fans are catching on after 10 painful seasons. Unless they get quick results in the next few years, the seats at Fedex could be pretty empty on Sundays.

Smith saw it plain as day on Monday. The Redskins were unmasked to the nation as a bunch of clueless, uncaring clowns in cleats.

Until the ‘Skins shake off the stench of mediocrity, that’s all they’ll ever be.

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Saints Success Inspires More Than a Feeling

The feeling was different this time around.

As the Saints trailed the Dolphins 24-3 in the second quarter, Chad Henne went under center again trying to push his team to a few more points right before the half.

At this point a year ago, it would have been understood there would be no way the Saints would be able to come back from a deficit that big.

But the feeling was different.

Every member of the Who Dat nation knows “the feeling.”

It’s when the Saints trick us into believing they’ll actually turn a corner and surprise us all by coming through in the clutch, then blow the whole thing in dramatic fashion.

Thus, our doubts and and suspicions are reaffirmed, as they have been so many times in the past.

In this particular instance, the Saints have been turning corners and pleasantly surprising us through the first six games of the season. 

On Sunday in Land Shark Stadium, they were in prime position to blow another opportunity yet again.

Now, I don’t know about the rest of the Saints fans out there, but for once—and hopefully for the last time in a long time—I never got “the feeling.”

My true knee-jerk gut reaction at that moment before the end of the second quarter was if the Saints could score before halftime, they would still be in decent shape.

A Scott Shanle fumble recovery and a Drew Brees touchdown sneak a few plays later, the Saints were only down 14.

Knowing full well now the Saints were going to come back and beat the Dolphins, I sat and pondered this new feeling of euphoric optimism. 

The game itself was mere background noise at this point.

The doubt, the dread, the pessimism, the distrust, the cynicism…Brees seemed to wipe it all away as he extended his arms over Miami’s goal line with no time left in the first half, football securely in hand.   

And the funny thing is I knew it was real, that this new “feeling” was legit, because there was never a moment I doubted or thought twice about what the outcome of the game was going to be. 

I knew it was real because every time I get “the (old) feeling,” I usually end up being right. The Saints blow it and I reluctantly tell myself, “I told you so,” before doing it over again the next week.

What I felt on Sunday wasn’t THE feeling, but it was certainly A feeling. A “new feeling,” if you will.

It was a feeling that told me even though the Saints were down and the game was two quarters away from over, the Saints were not going to lose. 

Obviously, the first time the Saints suffer their first blowout loss, the naysayers and boo-birds will start chirping about how they knew the Saints were, in fact, mortal.

And that’s fine.

The difference is a loss like that is no longer enough to break a team that has seen its hopes and dreams broken so many times before. Because it’s no longer about wins and losses, or home-field advantages, or division records, or any of that stuff. 

It’s about how the Saints, through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to each other, have expelled “the feeling” from our collective consciousness.

Losing is no longer an excuse to hang our heads. With this team, it’s a reason to get better and let the next team know that what happened the previous week won’t happen again.

That’s uncharted territory for Saints fans, but damn it, we deserve to finally feel like the folks in New England, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis for a change.

And all over “a feeling,” you say?

Yes, it may be a little premature, and for all I know the Saints may lose out (doubt it).

But it doesn’t change the fact that for at least this Saints fan, “the feeling” is gone from the pit of my stomach. And I know I’m not alone.

These aren’t your grandfather’s, or even your dad’s or your cousin’s Saints.

These are Saints of a new generation, a team whose shortcomings we can forgive and look past because we know there won’t be many of them.

And that’s a really good feeling.

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