By Ryan Dugan
Is there a better story in all of the NFL this season then that of the New Orleans Saints?
I would like to think that if there is, I would be writing about it.
On the morning of August 29, 2005 at 7:10am Hurricane Katrina entered American soil from the Gulf of Mexico, and devastated the city of New Orleans. It ruined homes, destroyed families, displaced thousands, and took the lives of 1,836 residents.
In the aftermath, 80% of the city was underwater. The wind, rain and flooding caused an estimated 82 billion dollars in damage.
The United States Government dropped the ball on every level, and as a result the battered people of Louisiana suffer even more.
The Louisiana Super Dome, home to the NFL’s New Orleans Saints became a refugee camp for displaced soaked citizens. Parts of the Super Dome’s roof had been torn off as a result of the severe winds. The flooded sports arena became home to stray pets, rats, and humanity suffering within.
The citizens were not the only ones who became refuges. In a very insignificant matter, compared to the carnage in the city, the New Orleans Saints were now homeless as well. As a result of Katrina, the Super Dome was in no condition to host NFL football games. The Saints played out the 2005 season by splitting home games in both San Antonio and Baton Rouge.
They went 3-13.
Saints owner Tom Benson began to contemplate his options, and was giving serious thoughts to pulling his franchise out of the city. He began entertaining offers from San Antonio, Los Angeles, and Florida. All of which are sites hoping for future NFL teams.
Tom Benson’s thoughts of moving the team were business and not personal, and completely justified under the circumstances. However before serious thoughts of moving the team took place, the NFL got behind the city of New Orleans, and the city of New Orleans got behind the Saints. The Super Dome was renovated and repaired in record time, (thanks to GOP no bid contracts) and the Saints were back home by week three of the 2006 season.
Fans were thrilled to just have football back in New Orleans on Monday Night September 25th. Then their team went above and beyond expectations, pulverizing the Atlanta Falcons 23-3. The return of Football in Louisiana was story enough this season, but then Sean Payton and the Saints took it to the next level with a cast of characters too good to be true!
Drew Breese who surprised many by signing with the Saints in the off-season became the best Quarterback in the NFC. The number one QB out of the shotgun, Breese threw for over 4400 yards, and 26 touchdowns.
Number one draft pick Reggie Bush is another great story! His first season in the NFL, Bush has rushed for over 500 yards. He has also complimented Duce McAllister, the Saints resident Running Back who saw over 1000 yards this year as well.
Joe Horn the New Orleans Wide Receiver also saw a career year, averaging 18 yards a catch in 2006, and scoring four touchdowns. Horn’s greater accomplishments can be found in his charity work in New Orleans. Horn has been very active supporting the city, and has served as a spokesperson for the Saints, in their efforts to help the city recover from Katrina.
The offensive numbers, and individual accomplishments are just stunning!
To top it all off as I conclude this blog, Sean Payton has just been named the NLF’s Coach Of The Year. And the Saints await the winners of this weekends playoff games to determine whom they play at home next Sunday.
A city that was down and out. Destroyed by Mother Nature, devastated and left in dismay. It's people looking for a return to normalcy. Looking for distraction, entertainment, and excitement.
What do they get?
The 2006 New Orleans Saints!
Not only a distraction, or a pleasant surprise, but a Super Bowl bound Championship team!
