Maybe we can settle it this way, Jimmy:

Did the Saints defeat Tampa Bay 26-20? Yes.
Did the Saints defeat Green Bay Win 35-20? Yes.
Did the Saints defeat Chicago Win 29-23? Yes.
Did the Saints lose Detroit Loss 21-26? Yes.
Did the Saints defeat Pittsburgh Win 32-29? Yes.
Did the Saints defeat Washington Win 43-27? Yes.
Did the Saints defeat San Francisco Win 35-27? Yes.
Did the Saints lose Atlanta Loss 35-37? Yes.

Now, no one in your half brain category, including all sports pundits and most Saints fans, believed the Saints would go into their bye week last year with a 6-2 record. But they did, which is all the more impressive since 5 of those wins came against playoff teams.

Remember these things:

1) Most of my predictions are based on my being a fan, so, therefore, are tainted.

2) Knowing this, I try not to make too many "concrete" predictions, i.e., the Saints will not lose to the Cowboys (which they won't).

3) The Saints are neither as good as their fast start, nor as bad as their slow finish. However, I believe they aren't quite as bad as they were good; effectively losing your starting QB can do that to a team.

4) The Bucs weren't as good as their press clippings, but did gel at the right point in the season, specifically after losing their second game to the Saints.

5) Revisit your list of NFC teams after 10 games in seasons.

6) The Saints will go 11-5 this season.

Say, that's a great idea!!! I'll just retroactively back whichever teams win that particular week!! Or maybe I won't back anyone at all!! I'll never, ever lose!!! That way, I can absolutely enjoy every game I watch and not get pissed off like I used to when certain black-and-gold clad team rearends their fans year after year after year after year ad nauseum. No, really, this is actually a good idea.

But in all seriousness, I sincerely hope you enjoy your Saints season.

Thanks. Hey, maybe we can host a TFP party in the Dome when the Cowboys get their hats (among other things) handed to them in December.

As I peer out from my paperbag, I am surprised to see that there others out there that will actually admit to being a Saints fan. I would like to thank you all for making me feel like I am not alone in a vast wasteland of Cowboy/Steelers/Browns fans, and not to mention all the newly recruited Tampa Bay Bandwagoneers. No matter what happens this season, no one can take away our one playoff victory against defending the Superbowl champions. Nor can anyone take away the fact thtat we spanked last years chumps not once but twice. Nawlins Baby! Black and Gold for life!

I watched the saints a few times when Ricky Williams was there. That was pretty much the only reason I gave them my time. Ditka was fun to watch, too.

bparker805, tis good to embrace your bagness.

Thank you...(sniff sniff)...Thankou all!

Well, i must say that the season so far has ben subpar as far as my expectations go but the win over the Bucs kicked some serious ass!

The season has definately been a disappointment, but they have played much more sound football the past 5 weeks. After the last two years, I was just glad to see them play with some heart after the terrible start. The playoffs are still a possibility but unlikely. I see them finishing 8-8.

I'm a Saints fan... mainly because I live here.

Anyway, I just wanted to add that they finally replaced their astroturf field in the dome with a new AstroPlay field during last week's bye. The players are really psyched about it. They should have a good game against Atl. tomorrow.

http://members.cox.net/smontegut/field.bmp

Well, my fandom has reached a new level... got a saints tat. I will forever and always be a saints fan!