Black and Gold - New Orleans Saints News and Community

On the hot seat - Coach Sean Payton. He has a year remaining on his contract after this one, but this is the season he needs to bring the Saints back to earn a big-money extension. Some of that heat will deflect to defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs. So far, Payton has stuck by Gibbs, but the defense needs to show results from the team's investments. Difference-maker - Ellis was the first-round draft choice the Saints targeted and he looks like the best of the defensive acquisitions. He is the player the Saints are counting on to upgrade their defensive line. Hard road to hoe - The Saints need to get off to a good start on a schedule front-loaded with home games because from early November until Christmas they play five of seven on the road, including potential cold-weather games at Kansas City and Chicago.