New Orleans Saints: Top 10 outrageous predictions for 2017
What’s a new year without having a little bit of fun. Some of this may come true. Some of this may be far fetched. Either way here’s the list of headlines that just might make the front page in 2017.
Next: January 24th- Payton to L.A.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 01: A Los Angeles Rams fan in a Jared Goff super hero type outfit gestures during the game with the Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
The number one rumor that’s swirling around town is surely Sean Payton. Will he stay or will he go? Obviously, the rumors have been slowed at least this week with the press conference by Sean Payton. He stated without doubt that his intentions are to stay with the Saints the next four years.
That being said, the Saints front office makes a bold move and trades him for picks and cash on January 24th. Payton won’t be too disappointed as the move to California will get him closer to his daughter. The move will shock many but actually it makes a ton of sense. The Los Angeles Rams would no doubt be excited to have a Super Bowl winning coach there. In addition, this opportunity is all about timing. The Saints are offered a boat load to trade the coach and decide to pull the trigger.
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Urban Meyer of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts on the sideline during overtime of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium on November 26, 2016 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
There have been factual proof that NFL teams have reached out to Urban Meyer just last year. That was confirmed by Meyer himself. Furthermore, this move would also be about how the season ended for Ohio St. Urban Meyer has done it all except moving to the next level. Also, Meyer has expressed interest in the possibility of coaching on the next level.
Surely, having a future Hall of Famer like Drew Brees would also sweeten the deal. Who Dat Nation would embrace Meyer as well. Coincidentally, there just happens to be two players that came from The Ohio St. University last year. Vonn Bell and Michael Thomas reunite with their old coach.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 13: Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips takes the field against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, LA Sunday, November 13, 2016. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Wade Phillips is on the free agent market. That’s coming from him. The soon to be 70 year old is not ready to hang up the headset just yet. Wade Phillips is a defensive genius. By the same token, the Saints are in desperate need for a miracle worker. Dennis Allen will stay on board, but Phillips will take full control of the defense. The Saints become automatically a playoff contender with the upgrade.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: Mark Ingram
Ingram’s stock is as high as ever right now. With a new regime coming in Ingram becomes expendable. Wade Phillips persuades Urban Meyer to give up Ingram to stock the defense. With this in mind, the Saints decide to make Hightower the feature back with another rookie back to change things up. See next slide.
BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 05: Leonard Fournette
If Fournette is on the board, there’s no way the Saints pass on him. The buzz after this pick will simply inject a rush of adrenaline like never before. Having Fournette in the backfield could actually keep Drew Brees playing in New Orleans for 2-3 years. Elway had Terrell Davis and helped him win two Super Bowls. Just saying…
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 24: A New Orleans Saints helmet is seen during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 24, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Always a fun time of the year. The Saints get their schedule.
N.Y. Jets
at Green Bay (MNF)
Carolina
at Tampa Bay
New England
at Minnesota
Miami (London)
Bye Week
Washington
at Los Angeles
at Carolina
Detroit
at Atlanta (Thanksgiving)
Chicago
at Buffalo
Tampa
Atlanta
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints start off 2-0 with a thrilling 34-31 victory in overtime against the Green Bay Packers. Drew Brees tossed 4 TDs and Wil Lutz hits the game winner as time expires. The Saints continue to look dominant after last week’s shredding of the Jets 41-10.
Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; The New Orleans Saints cheerleaders, the Saintsations, greet fans in the second quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints have hit the halfway point at 5-3. Furthermore, the defensive improvements have been tremendous. Also, the defense ranks in the top 10 in yards given up and turnover ratio. Wade Phillips has come in and has totally revamped the defense.
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) scores a touchdown over Atlanta Falcons cornerback Jalen Collins (32) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 38-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
On Thanksgiving Day the Saints get their revenge against the “Dirty Birds.” The Black and Gold thoroughly dominate the Falcons 30-13. Additionally, the Saints’ defense continues to be the story for 2017. Vonn Bell and Delvin Breaux both score on interception returns. Unquestionably, the Saints look to be the better team on this day. In 2017 the Saints look playoff worthy.
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints fans celebrate during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Finally, the New Orleans Saints make a return to the playoffs. Who Dat Nation is simply ecstatic with joy at the end of 2017. Moreover, the streak of 7-9 seasons are finally over. The road was long. The journey seemed to last forever. However, in the end, the city of New Orleans can be proud again of this team.
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