Brian Allee-Walsh has covered the New Orleans Saints for more than two decades. He has seen the lows of the franchise and now he’s covering the unquestionable high-point for the club.
Allee-Walsh used to work for the Times-Picayune before retiring from the newspaper industry in November. He wasn’t out of journalism long as NewOrleans.com hired him to cover the Saints for their Web site. He has been a repeat guest on Channel 4's Fourth Down on Four over the years.
He’s a friend of the EOSB, a grizzled veteran and a knowledgeable Saints beat writer. Let’s give him our attention as he answers some thought-provoking, if not inane, questions.
WWL-TV: You've covered the team for more than 15 years. What has been the biggest difference in the franchise from when you started to today?
Brian Allee-Walsh: Point of clarification: I have covered this franchise for 23 years, beginning on a daily beat basis in 1987 uninterrupted through 1999, then again in 2001 through 2005 (19 years on the beat). With regard to the question, there are two major differences. One, the media coverage has grown exponentially. When I first started in '87, it was The T-P and that pretty much was it on a daily basis. Two, and with the increased media coverage, our access to players, coaches and team officials has been greatly restricted. It is extremely difficult to develop good working relationships with our subject matter that ultimately helps us do better jobs.
WWL-TV: Many people who have followed the Saints never thought they'd get to the Super Bowl after watching years of heartbreak. Did you think this was ever possible?
Allee-Walsh: At some point yes, though I must admit there have been seasons when it seemed highly unlikely. But even a blind squirrel can find an acorn if given enough time. So the law of averages was working in their favor.
WWL-TV: Do you see the franchise as being one that's able to maintain this success?
Allee-Walsh: Yes, to the point that this team should be in the Super Bowl mix for the foreseeable future as long as Drew Brees sticks around. But it's awfully tough to get back to the Super Bowl, especially when you consider that the Saints represent the ninth different team from the NFC to reach this game in as many years. Parity is alive and well in the NFC!
WWL-TV: What was more important in getting New Orleans to this point - signing Drew Brees in 2006 or signing Gregg Williams this past offseason?
Allee-Walsh: Unquestionably, it is the signing of Drew Brees. Granted, Gregg Williams has had a significant impact on the defensive turnaround but he would be the first to say that the reason he is in New Orleans is because of Brees.
WWL-TV: What must happen Sunday for the Saints to have a chance at winning?
Allee-Walsh: The Saints must force enough turnovers that result in points. Consider this: In 43 previous Super Bowls, the winning teams have committed just 51 turnovers and own a +89 turnover differential against the losing teams (140 turnovers).
