FanHouse

When word leaked that the NFL's 2008 foray into London would be the Saints vs. the Chargers, a lot of people (including one of our own) pointed out that the NFL is taking a home game away from the Saints at a time where the city can ill afford to lose any sort of economic influx. Granted, I was one of the detractors at first. And then I thought about it.

I know this hurts the Superdome employees, parking attendants, cab drivers, and other New Orleans residents who need the Saints. But what might mean a lot is a Super Bowl. It's been six years since the the Dome hosted one, and it'll be at least until 2012 before they have the possibility. They're expected to put a bid in for that year, and it wouldn't surprise me if they got the game as gratitude -- especially now that progress is being made on a long-term contract with the state, renovations to the Superdome, and eventually a new stadium. Trading a regular season game for a Super Bowl is a win for the city.

But what's most important to keep in mind is that, if nothing else, the Saints owe the NFL. When the team was playing the part of vagabonds in the wake of Katrina, Tom Benson was about to ruthlessly move the team to San Antonio permanently. It was the NFL that forced him to stay in New Orleans and commit to helping rebuild the city. If the Saints left New Orleans, it'd be far worse off than it is now. So instead of complaining about losing a home game, let's all consider what it would be like to not have any at all.