Juan’s World: Pump the Breaks on the Saints

GF Default - Break down of the Saints big victory over the Chargers

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Welcome to Juan’s World! I feel like now is the perfect time to live up to my office nickname, “Kincaid the Contrarian.”

What a dominant performance for the Saints against San Diego on Saturday. They almost scored more points against the Chargers (36) than they had their first two preseason games combined (39).

After a slow start by the first team offense and defense, everything eventually came together. Drew Brees led the team on a scoring drive, then took a seat. The defense got plenty of pressure and showed us their potential, at which point, many of those key starters took a seat as well.

Taysom Hill came in and reminded us that he does have talent, despite the struggles he had against the Cardinals in the second preseason game. And so many of the team’s younger players continue to shine and show that sometimes talent and ability can trump NFL experience. Again, there was so much to like about their third preseason game in Los Angeles.

But that’s where my praise for this football team ends. What if, in their final preseason game, everything they did right against the Chargers they do wrong against the Rams. What if, instead of giving us a clear vision on this team’s future, they cloud it with a disappointing performance on their home field to close out the preseason.

As you can see, I’m full of what ifs with this football team right now. Everywhere I go, I’m constantly asked about my thoughts on this Saints team. Do they have what it takes to win the Super Bowl? Do they have what it takes to have a winning season and be better than last season? My answer has been consistent every time. I say I just want them to come out of training camp healthy, and then we’ll see.

Of course I believe this team, man for man, is better than last year’s. And I also recognize that the front office has done whatever it takes to win right now because they know they’re in the middle of the window. The Drew Brees window is closer to shutting than being wide open.

This team is built to win right now. This team is built to compete for a Super Bowl right now.

But fans...is now the time to crown them champions? No. Now’s the time to take a deep breath while taking a step back. There will be plenty of time, during the season, to declare them this or that. It all depends on the game they’ve just played.

But the Super Bowl Champion talk can wait until the time is right. Say...February 3, 2019 in Atlanta of all places. How cool would that be?

Juan’s World, Juan’s World. Excellent!!!!