Glad to see you again pherein. Has the party slowed down a bit there?
I think the Pats have influenced the entire NFL to a degree, but I really have a lot of respect for Payton. He's a young coach who has learned from BB, but also from Parcells and others, and has become his own man. The Super Bowl was his coming-of-age party.
I know people will disagree on many of his decisions, like the 4th down attempt at the end of the first half and the onside kick to start the half. But simply put, Payton was willing to put his neck on the line. Most other coaches would just play it safe, and if they lose, it was the players fault. They didn't execute. But if those plays backfired, everyone blames Payton for the loss. And he was okay with that. Truly admirable.
So I respectfully disagree with you. Payton and the Saints may have learned some tricks from the Pats, but you guys have become your own organization, with a Super Bowl to defend now. I have no doubt Payton will look to the Pats again to see some of the things they did to repeat, but I also have no doubt he'll also look elsewhere and continue to learn and develop as a coach.
It'll be a tough year with everyone aiming for you. You've got the bulls eye now. But it's a challenge I'm sure you guys look forward to.