18 Games or Not: Preseason Means More In Who Dat Nation

There's no such thing as "just a preseason game" for the throngs of adoring New Orleans Saints fans.  Just ask any of the 70,000+ who packed the Superdome last Saturday to watch as the Saints took on the Houston Texans.

The crowd was just as hyped as it is during regular season games.  Fans were excited to watch as Drew Brees continued to work his magic on the field for a series or two.  But they were equally supportive of Chase Daniels, who played very impressively as well.  Reggie Bush was a favorite as always, feeding off the crowd's roaring chant, "Reggie!  Reggie!  Reggie!"  And Jonathan Vilma and Tracy Porter received boisterous ovations when they entered the field.  The cheers resonated  like fireworks throughout the Superdome.

Those who couldn't be there in the flesh tuned in on TV.  As I learned while browsing Facebook, many  couldn't watch it locally and were very upset.  At no time can I ever remember people getting so worked up about a preseason game.  It used to be that those games were played with very little attention--nobody even cared who won.  Then there'd be so many empty seats, you could almost count by hand how many people would be in attendance.  The sad thing is, it's still like that for a lot of teams.  But not the Saints.

This new, revitalized attitude of the Saints fan is refreshing.  I'm glad that there is so much support for the team who has meant so much to its city, state, and region.  Being so appreciative of the least of the game (the preseason matchups) shows our team that every game is special.  Each one represents a chance for us to see our beloved Saints in action and we relish that.  It doesn't matter so much whether we're watching starters or those hoping to be starters at this point--just as long as they're wearing black and gold and donning a fleur de lis.  It's hard to get enough of greatness.

To the players faced with the tough decision on whether or not to support an 18 game regular season, know that your fans are behind you no matter what you decide.  After all, they're (the owners) saying it's the fans who want to see more football.  I can say in all honesty, players should think about the long-term effects such a grueling schedule will have on their bodies and their families.  Fans shouldn't be used as scapegoats.  We'll support you regardless.  For anybody who doesn't believe that, tune in as the Saints take on the Chargers tomorrow night in the Superdome.  If you see one person who appears any less enthusiastic or excited or hyped, then you've probably stumbled into the wrong game.  In Who Dat Nation, every game counts.

That's all I have for now.  I appreciate you for taking the time to read what I have to say.  If I can say one thing that helps or inspires one other person, then I have done what God intended for me to do.  As always, be blessed.  And remember to let your life serve as a blessing to others.