Bountygate Players Return: What It Means - Brendan Darr's Blog

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Brendan Darr's Blog

Bountygate Players Return: What It Means

Posted on September 13, 2012 at 05:08 PM.

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First and foremost, what this means is that Roger Goodell is no longer infallible.

However, what the ruling didn't do was lift the ban on coach Sean Payton. Furthermore, it doesn't overturn any of the myriad of other questionable decisions that have gone down during the Goodell era.

There are immediate short term benefits for the Saints and the Browns. The Saints already saw the return of Defensive End Will Smith this past weekend against the Redskins. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma should return sometime throughout the season when he is healthy.

For the Browns, Linebacker Scott Fujita returned to practice on Wednesday and is eligible to return this weekend. A huge boost for their defense, especially since they can't play the turnover machine, Mike Vick, every Sunday.

For the Saints, the return of their emotional leader on defense should pay immediate dividends when he as able to return to the field. Vilma's return, while unknown, will be one of the biggest stories of the year when it happens.

Smith didn't make a huge impact in his debut this past Sunday, but didn't finish with four tackles. It was a solid debut given how he didn't see any reps in the preseason.

Moving forward, the biggest question is why Sean Payton hasn't been reinstated. Well, if we are being honest, why have the Cowboys and Redskins not had their salary cap money reinstated -- a point I would argue is even more harmful than missing Payton all season.

However, back to Payton. If the panel was able to reinstate the Saints players due to their roles -- or lack thereof -- in the bounty program, it seems as though Payton should also be reinstated.

For now though, the Saints will have to settle with just having Smith and Vilma back. Ultimately, the return of those two will be a big boost for a team that shockingly lost on the opening weekend.