"Steve Spagnuolo has a big headset to fill, and not just because there were times when Gregg Williams' ego seemed to stretch to his 10-gallon size. Williams won a Super Bowl as Saints defensive coordinator, and there was justification for, and supporting evidence of, his swagger in New Orleans.

Spagnuolo has won a Super Bowl ring as defensive coordinator, too, with the New York Giants.

So although that fact absolutely should carry freight with Saints fans, and his hiring looks like a steal for Coach Sean Payton, it remains a significant footnote that the defense hasn't yet done anything under his tutelage, and he's replacing a guy who demanded an attitude that resulted in a championship.

Yes, the new leader of New Orleans' defense overwhelmingly is being celebrated in Who Dat land. "Spag-nola," Saints fans believe, will be a more effective director than was Williams, who looks a lot more flawed in Saintsland today than anyone ever imagined he might after New Orleans won Super Bowl XLIV.

But in some ways, almost no greater compliment could be paid to Williams in New Orleans than having Saints fans want to fling him out of town, all the way to St. Louis, one frustrated heave at a time."