Saints “Winners and Losers” From the Loss to Tampa Bay
By Bob Rose
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton looks down during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
LOSER: Sean Payton, Head Coach
Let’s get one thing straight: Sean Payton is the head coach of the New Orleans Saints now and SHOULD remain coach of the New Orleans Saints going into the future.
Having said that, the failures of HIS offense over these last two weeks have been atrocious.
The line has failed, the quarterback has played poorly, and the skill position players have failed to produce. Those shortcomings have been noted, but more mind-numbing than that has been the increase in penalties, poor time out management, and the fact that the offense has been unimaginative and FLAT over these last two weeks — and fans (deservedly so) want to know why.
Over the first half of the season, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael was more in charge of the offensive play calling and game planning.
Prior to their game against the Rams three weeks ago, it was reported that Payton would again take over the reins of the offense. That game against Los Angeles aside, the putrid offensive output over the last two weeks have been well-chronicled.
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Coach Payton is still a fine offensive mind, but his responsibility is over an ENTIRE team, so his focus is obviously spread out.
Payton has been accused (and rightfully so) of putting trust in assistant coaches who have ultimately failed–namely Greg McMahon and Joe Vitt.
Pete Carmichael is a coach that Payton SHOULD trust. The offensive production under Carmichael absolutely speaks for itself — and in this particular instance, Coach Payton has made the WRONG choice.
It’s one of the reasons why the Saints will be sitting at home during the NFL Playoffs, for a 3rd straight season…..