NFL New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Will Make Playoffs

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By @chrisbreezy91

Drew Brees, Saints

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints are off to a disappointing 2-3 start to the NFL season that even their own mothers wouldn’t be proud of.

As the season approached, the Saints quickly found themselves in the discussion of favorites to reach the NFC Championship game. Now, five weeks after the start of the season, all they have to be happy about are two less-than-impressive wins in games that shouldn’t have been close – and what appeared to be a favorable start to the schedule, proved to be a dangerous gauntlet.

They’ve looked unimpressive all season, even in their two wins. The defense has allowed the eighth-most yards and the fifth-most points per game. On top of that, Rob Ryan’s group has accounted for a league-low two forced turnovers. On offense, this unit is leading the NFL in yards per game, but only ranks 10th in total points. Plus, the Saints are ranked last in the league in turnover differential.

So, why is it too early for Chicken Little to cry for help?

With the metaphorical sky falling on top of the Saints, you might say things couldn’t get much worse – and you’d be right.

Murphy’s Law is in full effect for New Orleans, but at some point it has to wear off, right?

It’s unrealistic to think Drew Brees will continue to turn the ball over at the rate he is now. Chances are he doesn’t throw another red-zone interception late in the third quarter when given a chance to put the Falcons away. I’ll bet Marques Colston doesn’t fumble the ball away in overtime again. Perhaps another kicker doesn’t nail two 50-plus-yard field goals in the closing minute.

It’s as though the entire Saints team was featured on the Madden cover and Bad Luck Brian discovered a new-found interest in New Orleans. Maybe Saints fans simply aren’t offering Stevie Wonder enough Bud Light. I’m not a superstitious man, but sooner or later the team’s luck has to change.

Whatever the case may be, the Saints are still only sitting one game out of the lead in the NFC South. A division that was predicted to rival the NFC West has so far only produced one team with a winning record. And seeing as no team has ever repeated as NFC South champions, the Panthers won’t remain on top for much longer.

The window of opportunity is there for Sean Payton and the Saints. Their remaining schedule is one of the toughest in the league, but if Brees can limit his turnovers, this unit has a chance to turn heads coming out of its Bye Week.

But even if the rest of the season doesn’t go too well for New Orleans, they know all too well that a team with only seven wins can win a playoff game.

Chris Lehman is a New Orleans Saints Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChrisBreezy91, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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