Hoping that Allen can cure Saints' defensive woes

NEW ORLEANS

Over the next few days, as we prepare to celebrate one of my favorite holidays, I am going to show a softer, gentler side with Thanksgiving in mind.

No sense in belaboring the obvious.

The New Orleans Saints are just not very good.

You know it, I know it, the wide, wide world of sports knows it.

And once we acknowledge this theorem -- I mean deep, down truly accept it -- we can move on with our lives. Yes, it could have been different this season, it should have been different this season, but it hasn't been and there are no signs that it's going to turn around over the final six games.

So deal with it.

Yes, hope for the best case scenario -- that newly-named coordinator Dennis Allen will help stop the massive hemorrhaging on defense -- but be prepared in the event the bleeding continues. Better to be safe than sorry because there is no such thing as a quick fix in the National Football League.

That said, here's an easy relaxation method I saw on a "Seinfeld'' episode. Every time I grow impatient or become agitated with someone or some thing and my blood pressure begins to rise, I think of Frank Costanza (played by Jerry Stiller) in that hilarious "Serenity Now'' episode and double up in laughter.

Here's how it works:

Let's say you're driving along listening to the radio and Bobby Hebert and Deke Bellavia mention how teams have absolutely carved up the Saints' defense this season, how several high-priced free agents have not justified their contracts, how the defense can't generate a consistent pass rush, how they commit stupid penalties, how the offensive line can't protect Drew Brees, how the quarterback sometimes forces throws into double- and triple-coverage and a sloppy snap-hold-kick operation sabotages a potential game-winning field goal attempt, stuff like that.

And you can feel the tension mount and the anger grow and your head is getting ready to explode, simply take a deep breath, exhale, and say aloud, "Serenity Now, Serenity Now, Serenity Now.''

Say it like you mean it and you should begin relaxing within seconds. It really works.

Try another one:

OK, the Saints are in a tight game, say with a beatable foe like the Washington Redskins, and they twice fail to pick up one lousy yard by plowing running backs C.J. Spiller and Tim Hightower into the middle of the line. And the Saints turn the ball over on downs on their side of the field.

Doesn't that just make you crazy? Don't you want to punch the wall, kick the dog, drive your car into the canal, burn your season tickets, etc., etc.

Say it loud ... SERENITY NOW! SERENITY NOW! SERENITY NOW!

I can't hear you.

SERENITY NOW! SERENITY NOW!

Now don't you feel better.

Brian Allee-Walsh, a longtime Saints reporter based in New Orleans, can be reached at sports@sunherald.com.

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 4:06 PM with the headline "Hoping that Allen can cure Saints' defensive woes ."