Disgraceful...
Was it just me, or did having the Saints play a "home" game at their opponents home seem like the NFL blew it? Ever since they announced it a few weeks ago, I did not like the idea.
Commentators here in Philly were saying the more appropriate thing to do was to have them play in Philly at the Linc, that way they would have gotten a crowd rooting (at least) against the Giants. Instead, the NFL subjects the Saints to humiliation on MNF in front of an away crowd. Wouldn't it have been just as easy to schedule the game at LSU, or the Linc, and not seem like they were cattering to NY and a big market?
I think the NFL is one of the best organizations on the planet with how they run their business, but they messed up on this one. It might have even meant a lot more money for the relief to have people get behind the team that was disadvantaged by seeing a crowd behind that team.
Quotes from players:
"They made this seem like the Super Bowl. We played a team that outplayed us today, but it was way overdone. Setting up a stage, traveling out here, was uncalled for. Try not to patronize us next time, traveling us to New York, saying we're playing a home game." Aaron Brooks
"We were in the visiting locker room, on the visiting field. It seemed like an away game.'' Jim Haslett
"That's one of the loudest I've heard the stadium in a long time, and it wasn't even full,'' As players, we hear that and it really helps us out.'' Jeremy Shockey
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