Saints Are Simply “Following the Formula”
Back in 2009 when the New Orleans Saints were on the way to a Super Bowl championship, there were plenty of doubters early on even as the team racked up win after win.
But there was one game that defined their season and made even the most skeptical turn to optimism.
I well remember my uncle and I at Thanksgiving that year discussing the season and their chances. But an upcoming game made him feel that the Saints hot streak was going to end.
His reason?
The Saints were set to play a team that set the benchmark for not just winning games but Super Bowls as well: the New England Patriots.
Nov 30, 2009; New Orleans, LA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady (12) against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Louisiana Superdome. The Bengals defeated the Saints 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
On November 30, 2009 the Saints defeated the Patriots 38-17 in what appeared to be a lopsided contest where head coach Bill Belichick even pulled starting quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter — and both stood on the sidelines with Brady shaking his head in disbelief.
After the game Saints quarterback Drew Brees said, “It only counts for one win on the stat sheet , but emotionally, those types of wins can mean a little more.”
A statement no doubt said because of the respect Brees, head coach Sean Payton, and the Saints organization have for the Patriots franchise.
Because like I mentioned earlier, the Patriots have set the benchmark or better yet the formula for winning.
At the twilight of the 2015 free agency period some fans questioned, or better yet had anxiety, when what was deemed as a “fire sale” by the media began with the release of running back Pierre Thomas on March 4th.
It was then followed by the release of linebacker Curtis Lofton and then the trade “heard ’round the world” of tight end Jimmy Graham and the Saints 2015 fourth round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for center Max Unger and the Seahawks 2015 first round draft pick.
The flurry of moves continued with trading guard Ben Grubbs to the Kansas City Chiefs for their 2015 fifth round draft pick and on Friday the 13th wide receiver Kenny Stills getting sent to the Miami Dolphins for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and their 2015 third round draft pick.
However, the term “fire sale” is inappropriate in my eyes.
Actually — a more accurate description would be to say that the New Orleans Saints are simply just “following the formula”.
The formula the Patriots have used is one that was followed to an extent by the Seahawks as well but perfected by the reigning Super Bowl champs. It’s pretty simple to be honest.
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Players that are about to decline or stagnant are released or if they are still under contract you try to get value. Also you build through the draft and acquire as many picks as you can especially mid round or an extra first or second rounder.
Notice I said “about to decline” when I mentioned players. The Patriots don’t wait until a player has several down seasons and then decide to evaluate.
While we’re shocked at the moves being made, the organization isn’t. The most important thing in the formula for the Saints to continue to remember is an aspect that some fans might be having a hard time with: emotion and business aren’t mixed.
There are no fan favorites, only players that will help the team win either on the field, by trade, or no longer taking a roster spot that will go to someone else that can help them reach a championship.
Also there is no room for poison in the locker room or players that wish to question the direction the team is headed in.
This was something that cornerback Keenan Lewis found out when he radically voiced his opinion to ESPN’s Mike Triplett shortly after the Jimmy Graham trade and now reports are circulating by CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora that Lewis is being shopped.
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Later, a report by by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Saints are redoing Lewis’ current contract to make him “happier”.
This was in reference to Triplett’s report that Lewis wanted the Saints to guarantee the final three years of his contract to feel more secure with the recent whirlwind of moves or trade/release him.
Lewis has since posted on his Instagram page that “leaving was never a(n) option” and “Who Dat”. A good move by Lewis because even though the team does need his services, we’ve seen that general manager Mickey Loomis and Payton will sell for the right price when using the formula.
Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis (28) and defensive end Brandon Deaderick (95) and cornerback Corey White (24) leave the field after the game. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Are the Saints done yet with free agency and possible trades?
My guess is they aren’t. Even with signings such as cornerback Brandon Browner and running back C.J. Spiller seemingly tipping the salary cap back into the red, the Saints have their foot on the gas and will stay aggressive.
It’s a formula that have won the Patriots four Super Bowl’s under Belichick —- and one the Saints are desperate to follow………