Jim Mora can empathize with Dan Reeves.
In his first season as coach of the New York Giants, Reeves has led the team that was 6-10 last season to a 10-3 mark, first place in the NFC East and a playoff berth.Mora did much the same thing at New Orleans, taking the longtime losing Saints to seven straight non-losing seasons and four playoffs. To have a chance to make it eight and five, Mora has to beat Reeves and the Giants Monday night.
"Things are getting shaky right now," Mora said of the playoff situation. "We still have an opportunity, but we're going to have to start winning quick. I'm not giving up and we're not going to give up. Never."
Reeves also can sympathize with Mora.
Despite Mora having one of the best records in the NFL since coming to New Orleans, the Saints never have won a postseason game and have slumped to a 7-6 record this season after a 5-0 start.
Reeves was fired by the Broncos after leading Denver to 117 victories, five AFC West titles and three Super Bowls in 12 seasons.
"I think they're a lot alike in that they are both disciplinarians and they both stress hard work," Saints linebacker Rickey Jackson said. "And they both know how to win."
On Monday night, the Saints must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Giants (10-3) need to win in order to retain sole possession of first place in the NFC East, one game ahead of Dallas (10-4), and retain home field advantage for the playoffs.
For the first time in more than a decade, New Orleans fans donned paperbag masks at last Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Los Angles Rams and even booed the normally beloved Saints' defense.
"I understand their point if they want to do that," running back Dalton Hilliard said. "But we know a win will help take care of that."
"It's a very important game for both teams," Reeves said.