Team Preview: New Orleans Saints

A bad defense and key injuries doomed the Saints from the start last season, one which began with excitement and much optimism. However, the Saints fell apart quicker than the roof of the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina. By time they started to recover, it was too late. Some may say the loss of Deuce McAllister and the offseason injury to Drew Brees was too much to overcome, but the truth is that Brees did play, that Reggie Bush did not live up to his billing as the #2 overall pick in 2006, and the defense was downright awful. So the question remains: which is the real Saints team – the one that went 10-6 in winning the NFC South two years ago or the embarrassing 7-9 team which resembled a shell of the previous year’s squad?

There should be no excuses this year, at least offensively. Brees will be back under center after throwing a career high 28 TD’s, coupled with 18 interceptions, also a new high. The offense starts with him, and I believe he will deliver. McAllister is back on the field, but issues remain around his knee, which was recently drained. If he can stay on the field an entire year (the last time he played in all 16 games was 2003), the Saints can easily rival the Packers, and maybe even the Cowboys, for offensive supremacy in the NFC. Even without Deuce, the Saints will still have options to help out Reggie Bush, who is coming off his own injury which forced him to miss the final 4 games last season. Veteran Aaron Stecker and third year back Pierre Thomas will challenge Bush and especially McAllister for more carries in this explosive offense.

An already scary passing attack recently reloaded with the acquisition of former pro-bowl tight end Jeremy Shockey. Shockey gives the Saints a threat at the position for the fist time in a decade and gives them a legitimate red zone target. On the outside, Marques Colston, coming off back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons, leads a very young and talented receiving corps which includes Terrance Copper, Devery Henderson, and 2007 first round pick Robert Meachem, who missed all of last year with an injury. David Patten, the team’s second leading receiver, brings veteran stability to this young group. The only question mark (besides health) on offense remains the interior offensive line. Tackles Jammal Brown and Jon Stinchcomb provide solid protection on the outside, but the interior will have to overachieve for the Saints to return to the NFC championship game once again.

Nothing on offense may matter, however, if the defense doesn’t straighten up in a hurry. It all starts on the line, where coaches hope end Charles Grant returns to form after recording his lowest amount of tackles since his rookie year, while registering a career low in sacks. The rest of the line features average veterans Will Smith (who was arguably the Saints’ top player last year), Hollis Thomas, and Brian Young (who, surprise, surprise, is coming off an injury). Feeling an upgrade was needed, especially on the interior, the Saints took USC star Sedrick Ellis with the seventh overall pick and got a steal when DeMario Pressley, who formed a dynamic pair at N.C. State with Mario Williams of the Texans, fell to the fifth round. Don’t be surprised if the two rookies are starting side by side as the season draws to a close – that is, if Ellis gets into camp sometime soon. The former Trojan is currently holding out for a larger rookie contract.

The middle of the defense features three solid linebackers, but lacks much depth behind the starters. Scott Fujita, Mark Simoneau, and newly acquired Jonathan Vilma will provide solid support behind the anticpated revamped line. The unit that garnered most of the blame, however, was the secondary. It was certainly no fault of corner Mike McKenzie, who posted his best numbers since 2003. It was usually former Indianapolis starter Jason David or Jason Craft getting burned during weekly highlight shows. Despite both players actually posting better stats than the previous year, they were prone to giving up the big play. Enter former Patriot and solid contributor Randall Gay, as well as second round pick Tracy Porter. Both will challenge for the starting spot opposite McKenzie. The safety position is solidified with Josh Bullock, Roman Harper, and Kevin Kaesviharn anchoring the back of the defense.

There will also be a battle for starting kicker in training camp between inconsistent Martin Gramatica and rookie Taylor Melhaff. I look for Melhaff to win out, possibly ending Gramatica’s up-and-down career. The Saints have a lot going for them – everyone is “reportedly” healthy, the offense should be a juggernaut, the defense looks rejuvenated with Ellis, Vilma, and Gay, and the return team can be dangerous with Reggie Bush returning kicks. As always, in the weak NFC, anything can happen. Look for N.O. to return to their 2006 form, win the division, and win a playoff game or two.

John’s 2008 Prediction: 11-5
Ian’s 2008 Prediction: 9-7