Were Saints “Snubbed” by NBC and SNF?

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) and outside linebacker Junior Galette (93) run onto the field during pre-game introductions before their game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Were the New Orleans Saints intentionally “snubbed” by NBC and their flagship NFL program Sunday Night Football? That all depends on your point of view, but for Saints fans it appears to be another “slight” towards the Saints franchise and the Who Dat Nation.

This year, for the first time in six seasons, the Saints will not be featured on Sunday Night Football.

“I’ve been waiting all day for Sunday night.” Those famous words, first sung by Pink, then Faith Hill, and finally Carrie Underwood have heralded some of the greatest games in Saints history.

Past Saints featured in the opening act have included Jimmy Graham, and the legend himself, Drew Brees.

Unfortunately, as of right now, those words won’t precede any Saints games this season, and no players on the Saints roster are included in the opening sequence.

“Saints fans would no doubt trade the national snub for another title.”

On of the more fun aspects of the Sean Payton, Drew Brees era was the increased attention and a sliver of the national spotlight. (Never what teams like Dallas or Pittsburgh had, but a sliver nonetheless.)

How quickly they have been forgotten.

Last year, the Saints only had one game on Sunday night, and following their second consecutive 7-9 season, they seemed to have now lost the national spotlight completely.

Dec 27, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Brandon Browner (39) is introduced prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

This could be good news for the Saints, a proverbial “blessing in disguise”.

That’s because the last season that they were left off the SNF schedule was 2009 — the season they won a Super Bowl. Saints fans would no doubt trade the national “snub” from the National Broadcasting Company, for another title.

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When it comes to the NFC South, Sunday Night Football has always had a short memory. This season, the Carolina Panthers are the only NFC South team to be featured.

With the rise of Cam Newton as one of the recognizable faces in the league, its not surprising that they were chosen to represent the division.

However, there is still hope for loyal Who Dat fans who would like their team to receive some national attention.

Next: 5 Saints With the Most at Stake in Training Camp

The NFL has the option to flex out Sunday Night games, to always ensure a compelling match-up. The Saints have a few big-name teams coming to the Dome including Denver and Seattle.

If the Saints want to get back to prominence, and get some respect around the league, the best way to do it is the old fashioned way: winning………..