Handing out Christmas gifts to help the Saints on their way to the playoffs
Truth be told, I fully expected the three-time defending NFC South-champion New Orleans Saints would have wrapped up NFC home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and/or a first-round bye by now.
But they failed to defend their home turf against the then 1-7 Atlanta Falcons in Week 10 and preserve a last-minute lead against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14.
Consider the importance of homefield advantage: In the postseason under coach Sean Payton, the Saints are 6-1 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and 1-5 on the road.
The Saints (12-3) can still cop home-field advantage and be home to start the New Year 2020. But several things have to happen, beginning with a Black and Gold victory Sunday at Carolina (noon, Fox). Plus, Seattle (11-4) has to beat visiting San Francisco (12-3) in the 256th and final game of the 2019 regular season (7:20 p.m., NBC) and the Green Bay Packers have to lose one of their two remaining games (either Monday night at Minnesota or Sunday at Detroit).
The Seahawks are expected to beef up their injury-riddled roster and lure legendary 33-year-old running back Marshawn “Beast Mode’‘ Lynch out of retirement.
So yes, I’m saying there’s a chance!
Which is the perfect segue to introduce my occasional Christmas column. Without further adieu, heeeerrrrrre’s Santa BAW, handing out yuletide wishes, mythical gifts and re-gifts and lots of sarcasm to selected Saints players and officials.
To coach SEAN PAYTON — A $100 gift certificate to a Whole Foods meat counter of his choice, no questions asked or unwanted second-guessing from an inquiring butcher! You shouldn’t have a beef with this gift.
To quarterback DREW BREES — A Super ending to your 19th NFL season, if you get my drift!
To wide receiver MICHAEL THOMAS — Stay open minded and make sure you get a flu shot and a warm, winter jacket and gloves so you don’t catch a cold.
To running back ALVIN KAMARA — When it comes to amassing scrimmage yards and TDs, be fruitful and multiply.
To tight end JARED COOK — A Rudolph bright red nose for the end zone so Brees can always spot you inside the 20-yard line.
To defensive end CAMERON JORDAN — Your own haberdashery store called Sacks on Poydras Avenue.
To kicker WIL LUTZ — The ability to stay on the straight and narrow.
To return specialist DEONTE HARRIS — A GPS tracker to help you find daylight and successfully navigate through enemy lines.
To WHO DAT NATION — Stay loud, proud and resist the temptation to sell your playoff tickets for profit to fans from the opposing team (e.g., home game versus Dallas in Week 4).
To the SAINTS ORGANIZATION — The benefit of good NFL officiating crews throughout the playoffs.
And finally, Santa BAW wishes everyone peace, joy and love this holiday season.
This story was originally published December 23, 2019 at 7:20 PM.