Payton is incredible at turning around seasons that look like they are going into the dumpster fast. Several times with the Saints he worked his magic to get his teams back to 0.500 after disastrous starts.

However, once spending a ton of energy getting back to 0.500 the team ran out of gas.

2007: Started 0-4, then won 4 in a row to get to 0.500. Then lost 3 straight.

2014: Started 2-4, then won 2 straight to get to 0.500. Then lost 3 straight.

2015: Started 1-4, then won 3 straight to get to 0.500. Then lost 4 straight.

2016: Started 2-4, then won 2 straight to get to 0.500. Then lost 2 straight.

2023: Started 1-5, then won 4 straight to get to 0.500. Then….