The bye week has arrived for the Black & Gold, who get a break exactly at the half point of their season. It’s been a thrilling ride, but things certainly have not gone the way anyone expected.
The 7-1 Saints started out win a win in their home opener, then were handed their biggest challenge in the Sean Payton era. Drew Brees got hurt against the Rams in week 2 and most folks figured the team was done for since thumb surgery was expected to keep the quarterback out for 6-8 weeks.
The players never blinked though. Teddy Bridgewater was elevated to the starter week 3 against the Seahawks and the Saints haven’t looked back.
“I felt the Seattle win was an important one for our club, said head coach Sean Payton. “And, I think that confidence then bled over into the following weeks.”
Wins over the Cowboys and Buccaneers followed, then it was back-to-back road victories in Jacksonville and Chicago. The Black & Gold were back in their house week 8 and their general returned early, only strengthening an already hot team against Arizona.
“I think we're playing very well defensively right now and offensively, yesterday, again, situationally, you know, third down, red zone, those were those were encouraging numbers,” explained Payton. “You are kind of what your record is, and we're 7-1 right now. We get into more division play, obviously, when we get back. I think those early games when we return are four right in a row. It's Atlanta, Tampa, Carolina Atlanta, and then a real good 49ers team, a real good Colts team. You know jumping ahead to these other opponents, but I think overall the bye comes at a good time.”
No worries about ruining the team’s momentum. There is strong leadership from top to bottom in the Saints organization, so everyone believes they’ll be able to pick up right where they left off. What is Coach Payton’s plans for his team during the week off?
“Well, look, I'm going back to Andy Reid's theory,” Payton said. “You know, when we struggled early here. The first three or four years, our record after the bye wasn’t very good and I called call up Andy and I asked him for his schedule. He said, “Well, I just told them, get out of here. I'll see them next Monday.” And I thought, man, Andy was 10 and 0 after the bye. So, these guys will have time away. Coaches will have time away. We'll come back with a bonus day Monday on Atlanta and get ready to go.”