This Saints Team Needs To Embody The Mindset Of Keenan Lewis

Ironically, the thing that this Saints team lacks most is finish. "Finish strong" has been mantra for a majority of the Sean Payton era and this team is completely void of it. Ugly starts, and uglier endings, have become too common place. 

None of that blame lay at the hands of Keenan Lewis. Lewis has been a consummate professional since touching down in his hometown of New Orleans. He takes pride in his ability, pride in his work ethic, and pride in his role on the team. Despite what could have been a concussion during a playoff game against the Eagles last year, he fought valiantly (to no avail) to remain in the game. This past Sunday he suffered a knee injury. Given the picture below, it would have been easy for Keenan to ask out of the game. Instead he limped his way back on to the field and continued to cover the best the 49ers had to offer. Did Lewis get beat for a well thrown touchdown earlier in the game? Yes. Did he let it effect him? No. While battling obvious shortcomings due to his injury he managed to successfully shut down his side of the field. While sporting a grapefruit sized knee cap he scoffed at the idea of being out for next week's game. He stated, "I'll be ready". 

Losing close games in the fashion they have is no coincidence. It's a lack of killer instinct. This Saints team still ranks above the rest of the NFC South based on talent alone.  They are quite clearly better than every other team in the division on paper. Unfortunately, limping to a lackluster record and division championship is not what the goal of this team should be. This team was built to be a Super Bowl contender. Right now they are decidedly not, and it's lack of consistency and will are what's holding them back. Two things that Keenan Lewis has in droves.