Saints guard Jahri Evans acknowledges a measure of regret that it took so long — probably too long — for New Orleans to resemble the playoff contender it had been the previous three seasons.
Evans says the Saints' 41-0 victory over Tampa Bay on Sunday offered a glimpse of how New Orleans should have played earlier this season.
Still, Evans and his teammates say winning out matters whether they make the playoffs or not.
To play in the postseason, the Saints will have to win their last two games and hope to finish in a five-way tie at 8-8 with Dallas, Minnesota, Chicago and the New York Giants.
New Orleans plays at Dallas next Sunday, then finishes against Carolina.
Evans says "it's never too late to play well."