When the Saints reach the playoffs in the near future, many will look back for a turning point in our fortunes. Some will say the maturation of Mark Ingram and the wily play of Kenny Vacarro are critical. Yes. Some will look at the development of Cam Jordan into an All-Pro caliber player as the difference. Yes again. But if you are truly looking for the real turning point, you’ll have to look off the field in the Saints offices. The change is Jeff Ireland.
The difference is stark and simply amazing, and the primary reason the Saints have returned to relevance in the NFL.