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The New Orleans Saints are now officially out of the playoffs after their 10-3 loss to Tampa Bay last Sunday, it's the first time it's happened this early since Haslett took over in 2000 - not that long ago.

All they can do is try to win the last games starting with a Monday night game with the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Keeping the team motivated is a big task with nothing of value to play for.

While this is the fifth straight season that the Saints won't make the playoffs, they were in contention until the very end in each of the last four years. The loss to the Bucs also means that this will be a losing season for the Saints, regardless of how the last games go

When asked if he had any plans to move up other players such as rookie third-string quarterback McPherson for the remainging games for some playing time, Haslett said it was very unlikely. A lot of his players are very inexperienced and the 'shock' of pro football may ruin their confidence. He seemed to have no plans to throw them into the mix just yet.

After playing thirteen games in thirteen weeks, including four exhibition contests, the Saints finally reached their bye week break a loss to the Chicago Bears.

Haslett is naturally concerned about the last five games - all losses - as he prepares to rest his team for four days. The Saints (2-7) have some time to reflect and try to rectify their poor record.

They will use the extra time to focus on the main problems that have resulted in their longest losing streak since 1999 - New England await them on Nov. 20.

"We're going to get some work done these next couple of days on things we need to work on, that we're not doing very well," Haslett said. He also suggested that the focus would be on red-zone offense, playing better defense, converting third-and-ones' - amongst other routines.

"It's something different all the time," Haslett said regarding losing streak problems. "It's just a breakdown here and a breakdown there. It's just something we got to keep working on."

After Sunday's unpleasant 21-6 loss to Dolphins, the New Orleans Saints know that they'll find out pretty quickly if coach Jim Haslett keeps his promises. They probably know already, bearing in mind that he has been around for five seasons. His team is 'on notice' after the loss, in what was supposed to be a happy day for loyal Saints fans.

Playing at 'home' for the first time in two months since Hurricane Katrina tore through their city and stadium, the Saints were torn through themselves in front of 61,000 fans.

They are now 2-6 and Haslett, as well as owner Benson, are showing the strain.

"We have to go back to the drawing board, but I promise you this," he said after his offense produced a dismal season-low of 203 yards. "If anybody on this football team quits, or doesn't practice hard, doesn't play hard, I promise you - I'll cut him. Period."

The Saints have not scored a touchdown in seven quarters.