You're wrong if you call them the 'same old Saints'.(NFL)

The shame of it is that, after seeing New Orleans drop to 2-4 in a game in which Atlanta returned a fumble and a blocked field-goal attempt for touchdowns, most folks probably thought, "Same old Saints." And that is so wrong. This team is much better and tougher than almost anybody realizes.

I spent four days with the Saints last week, and not once did I hear anyone making excuses. But they certainly could have. Their unique situation presents challenges no other NFL team must face.

* Jostled family lives. Coach Jim Haslett's family lives in Louisiana while he and the Saints are based in San Antonio. He barely has seen his wife and kids since Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. Each player's and coach's situation is different, but none is normal.

* Horrendous schedule. Their first "home" game was in East Rutherford, N.J. They actually enjoyed a home-field advantage in San Antonio for two games, but now they must travel to their next eight, including four "home" games in Baton Rouge. It'll be Christmas Eve before the Saints play another game in the city in which they now practice and live.

* Roving practice facilities. The Saints practice at the Alamodome twice a week ...