New Orleans Saints
It's hard for NFL fans not to overreact to a loss. With only 16 games in the NFL regular season, a two-game losing streak is comparable to a 20-game losing streak in Major League Baseball. The New Orleans Saints and their fans find themselves in a similar situation after an 0-2 start.
Take a closer look at who's to blame for the Saints' 0-2 start, on a scale of 1-10.
Replacement refs: 2
Any fan who thinks New Orleans is winless because of the replacement refs has been spending too much time in the French Quarter. Yes, the pass interference call on Roman Harper in Week 1 was terrible. But New Orleans would still be winless in 2012 even if Ed Hochuli and Brian Stropolo had worked both Saints' games.
Steve Spagnuolo: 4
I would assign very little blame to new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The only reason I've assessed any blame to Spagnuolo is because the Saints' defense is learning a new system. However, New Orleans wasn't exactly the stoutest defense in 2011 either.
Aaron Kromer: 7
Although the head coach is often to blame for his team's performance, I am sympathetic to interim interim head coach Aaron Kromer's position. In essence, Kromer is a substitute teacher and cannot fully implement his own system. Still, New Orleans' 0-2 start is hardly worthy of a resume builder.
Roger Goodell: 9
In the last six months, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has handed down the harshest punishments in NFL history and has yet to show any credible evidence to substantiate his claims. The loss of draft picks, players, coaches, and the general manager have clearly jolted the Saints' chemistry on and off the field.
Players: 10
If the Saints were a young team, I would blame Goodell more than the players. But New Orleans is a veteran team filled with players that won a Super Bowl three seasons ago. I honestly thought Goodell's bounty punishments would inspire the Saints to circle the wagons and play even harder this year.
Regardless of who is running practice during the week and standing on the sidelines, Saints players should know how to prepare and play on Sundays. It is inconceivable that New Orleans' first two opponents are undefeated against the Saints and winless against everyone else.
Drew Brees or another player needs to step up and save this season while there's still time.
Patrick Michael lives in New Orleans and has always been a big fan of the New Orleans Saints. Patrick's favorite Saints season was 2009 when New Orleans won Super Bowl 44. Follow Patrick Michael on Twitter at patmichael84.
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