Last time the Saints came to the CITS, it marked the end of the heinous Jim Bates Experiment.

When the Saints come marching in Sunday, it may just bring a tear to Joe’s eye. For the last time the Cajuns arrived at the CITS, it marked the end of a hideous Bucs era and may have been the turning point into the winning (?) team the Bucs have become.

Sure, there are 12 more games yet to play, so it’s premature to say the Bucs will have a winning record this season.

If they do, they can point to a man Joe went to college with — New Orleans coach Sean Payton – and his quarterback Drew Brees for helping turn the Bucs into winners, as explained by eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune as he posted on the TBO Bucs Twitter feed.

The last time the Saints came to town, they administered a 38-7 beating that prompted head coach Raheem Morris to take over the defense.

Raheem Morris taking over the Bucs defense meant the end of the heinous Jim Bates Experiment, the worst era of defensive football in the sometimes sordid Bucs franchise history. Under the jailbreak that was the heinous Jim Bates Experiment, the Bucs set a record for most games (six) giving up 25 or more points in a season.

After the Saints left that day, Morris shortly thereafter defrocked Bates of his title as Bucs defensive coordinator.

Since, in 10 games, only the Jets and Steelers have scored 25 or more points against the Bucs.

So nice job, Payton. Nice job, Brees. You helped make the Bucs into the team they are today. Bravo!

Now lose Sunday!