It's time to move on. Time to get going. What lies ahead I have no way of knowing.
-Tom Petty
(deep breath and sigh)
It's Wednesday. Hump day. Normally, this is where I give you guys my breakdown of last weeks game in depth and detail. But we're not gonna do that this morning or this week at all. No sense in rehashing the misery that was Sundays game. Plus, my Tivo mysteriously deleted the game. If we have to discuss Sunday's bitter loss I have only one thing to say.
Don't turn the ball over.
It really is that simple. Sure there are a lot of other problems that factor into the equation. Sure we've been riddled with injuries. Sure the scheme and game plan is probably backwards. Sure Payton's motives are becoming suspect. Yet none are more important than turnovers. You can be successful with backup players but if you turn the ball over you will lose. The coaches can come up with the perfect offensive and/or defensive scheme but if you turn the ball over you will lose. Payton could run Deuce thirty two times in a row but if he fumbles the ball they will lose.
You want a stat? Here's a stat: 22 straight games with a turnover. The Saints record during that 22 game run was 9-13. The team broke that streak against Oakland and began the streak anew Sunday against the Panthers. If the Saints continue to turn the ball over, expect more mediocrity and uphill battles.
Look, I know it's been a long week already and we're only halfway through it.
is it really only Tuesday? Only cure for this hangover is another game and it is still 5 friggin days away.
-MobileSaint
Fortunately, another game will be upon us soon and for me personally, it's gonna be a doozy. I was at the Saints "home" game at Giants Stadium immediately after Hurricane Katrina. I attended the "home" games at Tiger Stadium shortly after Hurricane Katrina. I was at the "Domecoming" against the Falcons, the playoff win over the Eagles and the first game after Gustav. Now, I am traveling across an ocean just to see that rag tag group of guys we call our football team and I gotta say I am pretty psyched about adding this one to my list. But I refuse to let the poor play of the Saints ruin my weekend. Now that we've gone through the 5 stages of grief let's put it all behind us and enjoy the wonderful honor that is playing in the International Series game because...well...because I said so.
We will all now be in a bright, cheery and positive mood for the rest of the week. Obviously, just like you, I wanted the team to be 4-3 going into this game but they went and destroyed that dream. I am still a fan. You are all still fans. Contrary to popular belief the Hokey Pokey is, in fact, not what it's all about. It's about the fans.
from a fan’s point of view, the Saints are our team. The coaches are just stewards; the players, a temporary focus. But players come and go; coaches nowadays come and go just as often. Even owners come and go; the fans abide.
-MtnExile
It's about the shared memories as much as the final score. It's about the crazy morons, like myself, who spend thousands of dollars a year just to be there to root on their team with only the slightest hope that they will inevitably be a part of something special. Win or lose it's still always worth it. We wouldn't all gather here on a daily basis after years of fandom if it wasn't. That is what this weekend is all about. It's a celebration of the team and the league and we should consider it an honor that the Saints were chosen for this event.
So consider this the first post in CSC's 2008 International Series coverage. Assuming internet connections are abundant in London you guys will be with me while I prepare for my trip, make my way to England and live out what will hopefully be this Saints fans' unforgettable dream weekend. God help the Saints and the flight attendant on my trip home if they lose.
That all being said, I leave you with one more quote...
I'll take you to foggy London town 'cause you are my little gentleman. Wow, this burrito is delicious, but it is filling.
-Ron Burgundy
So whadya think? You guys with me? It promises to be better than my trip to Olive Branch, MS.