Take a break for a second. It’s the bye week for the New Orleans Saints. And even Dennis Allen would agree behind closed doors — a bye week is the best thing for this team struggling for an identity.
Sean Payton has Indeed Left the Building, This is Dennis Allen’s Saints Team
There is something to the saying “let it go” for the 2023 New Orleans Saints. There is no doubt the temperature of Who Dat Nation is at an all-time high. The underachieving Saints give way to plenty of reason to be pessimistic about any chance to make a playoff run in 2024.
Fair or not, Dennis Allen or Pete Carmichael are easy targets win or lose. The fact of the matter is, winning games doesn’t seem to quiet the naysayers a bit. Losing one game is almost a confirmation of a hapless team leading the NFC South after ten games. Fans tend to forget the lean times under Sean Payton and Drew Brees.
Still, the stink eye is given from fans, even after a win from a huge portion of the fans. And there is a logical reason behind this. Even though Sean Payton was hanging by fingernails after three 7-9 seasons. Fans related to him by emotional connection.
Dennis Allen is no Sean Payton
Dennis Allen could help his cause by doing a couple of things win or lose. The Saints introduced Allen back in February 2022. Much of it was the standard thanking his family and so on. Also, the reading between the lines reveals part of the Allen makeup.
Dennis Allen called the job “the perfect fit” for him and the Saints. Mainly, knowing the players, culture, and administration before he started on day one. Honestly, the summation given by Allen is 100% true.
It’s not often that a new head coach gets to see how this team has operated for over 15 years. Of course, Allen did not have to come to the podium after every win or loss. Furthermore, the priceless experience of being in the storm without having to answer the hard questions didn’t give home the complete training.
Allen Should be Graded on Wins and Losses
The other main point Allen made in answering the questions from the media is “the ability to keep some continuity” on this opportunity, versus being the coach of the Las Vegas Raiders is very important. This point cannot be understated.
Allen’s strength is not public speaking. It’s not a knock on his ability to communicate. Nor is it an obstacle to whether Allen can win this year. The fact of the matter is, Dennis Allen is going to be himself.
He referenced doing it his way several times during the opening press conference. It’s admirable. And the question of his character of being a distraction doesn’t exist. Allen gives you exactly what you see in front of a podium and behind closed doors.
The one thing Who Dat Nation sees or doesn’t see is the raw emotion that Sean Payton expressed before and after the games. In other words, Allen isn’t known for exploding or being a bit combative during press conferences. Also, at least as far as reported, nothing has come out regarding eclectic motivational techniques. Payton is known for changing foods or even bringing bags of money for players to see.
Allen isn’t Going Anywhere in 2024
Towards the end of the presser in a joking manner, Allen stated “I’m not much of a dancer and more of a wallflower” which speaks to the core of his persona.
This goes to the heart of the fans’ angst about missing Sean Payton. Allen gets everything right except for one thing. Being yourself is one thing. On the other hand, when the heat ramps up and the pot is boiling, doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is insanity. Allen noted that too.
Surprise us in some way. The perception of fans is important. Allen wants to win more than anything. Fans want to see that. Players may want to see it during games. Being 5-5 right now can move towards either direction. Make New Orleanians feel that this is really where Allen wants to be until retirement. Winning a few more games will help too but sometimes the margin is error is so tight — a loss or two can be because of good luck. Regardless, Allen is the coach of the Saints. Just a reminder…
Main Image: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
