But they were almost exhibition matches becuase HFA was nearly predetermined anyhow. So, I understand your point....and would agree. There is something to be said for being battle tested throughout the season.
That said. The Saints had to grind it out in the final months. Their last game was an exhibition (hardly any starters played). They had to push hard to beat the Steelers, Panthers, and Bucs (scored 17 pts in the 4th quarter). So, since week 12, the Saints have had to grind it out in all the games that mattered.
I think the bigger story over this stretch is why they struggled so much against the Falcons and Bucs in weeks 14-15? Both those teams were tanking it at that point, yet the Saints barely pulled out victories.....granted both were on the road. So from weeks 13 - 16 (four games), the Saints were 3-1....however they struggled against two teams (Bucs and Panthers) that finished under 0.500....lost to the Cowboys. Their win vs the Steelers was a quality win because the Steelers were fighting for a playoff spot.
So while the Saints had several blowouts up until week 12....since then that have had to grind it out. If Fletcher Cox doesn't get injured last week.....the Saints might not even be playing right now.
