soff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run

This story is part of ESPN The Magazines Oct. 31 NBA Preview Issue. Subscribe today!New Orleans SaintsOverall: 40 Title track: 14 Ownership: 43 Coaching: 19 Players: 55 Fan relations: 30 Affordability: 42 Stadium experience: 48 Bang for the buck: 83 Change from last year: -7Six years after ranking No. 1 on this list, the Saints have drifted into the middle of the pack -- much like what theyve been doing on the football field. Thats what happens after back-to-back 7-9 seasons, the first consecutive losing seasons in a decade under coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees.Whats goodNew Orleans still ranks high in the coaching category (No. 19 overall), despite Paytons struggles to resurrect the team in recent years. The Saints front office clearly agrees with the fans: The team signed Payton to a five-year extension worth more than $9 million per year this offseason. The Saints also remain strong at quarterback -- which should really be its own category in the NFL rankings. Although Drew Brees is 37, he signed a one-year extension in September, then kicked off the year by averaging 347 yards per game (tops in NFL) and 2.8 TDs per game in the first six weeks..Whats badJust imagine how low the Saints player rating -- already at just 55th, down four from last year -- would be without Brees. The Saints have been missing badly with big contracts in recent years (Junior Galette, Brandon Browner, C.J. Spiller, among others) and lead the NFL with more than $40 million in dead money from players they have released before their contracts are up. And they havent fared much better in the draft. They havent drafted a Pro Bowler since 2011 (though it seems like just a matter of time for LT Terron Armstead and WR Brandin Cooks).Whats newThe Saints took a big dip in the bang for the buck rankings. Prices havent really increased, but the teams results have taken a surprising nose dive in home games. After going 8-0 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in both 2011 and 2013, the Saints are 5-11 in their past 16 home games. The Dome is still known as one of the loudest venues in the league. But struggles on the field can sap the energy of any building.Next: Indianapolis Colts?| Full rankings Air Max 2019 Outlet .Y. -- Marcell Dareus and the Buffalo Bills defence made life miserable for Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco. Air Max 2019 Sale . Despite dominating possession, Schalke needed an own goal from Nicolas Hoefler for the breakthrough a minute before the interval. The Freiburg midfielder misjudged Jefferson Farfans corner and bundled the ball into his own net. http://www.airmax2019cheap.com/ . The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Air Max 2019 Cheap Sale . Note: The Calgary Flames announced Tuesday that Sean Monahan would not be made available to Canadas World Junior team. Wholesale Air Max 2019 . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- A first-round Davis Cup match between the United States and Switzerland will be held at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex.The USTA announced Thursday that the first round in Birmingham will take place from Feb. 3-5. The city also hosted a Switzerland-U.S. first-rounder in 2009.The U.S. team of Andy Roddick, James Blake, and Bob and Mike Bryan defeated Switzerland, 4-1. The Swiss team was led by 2016 US Open singlees champion Stan Wawrinka.ddddddddddddThe best-of-five match series begins with two singles matches between the No. 1 player for each country and the other teams No. 2 player. The doubles match will be held the following day.The last day features the No. 1 players playing each other and the No. 2 players facing off. ' ' '