NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints


Key Additions:
DE Cameron Jordan (draft)
RB Mark Ingram (draft)
T Alex Barron (FA)
C Olin Kreutz (FA)
DE Turk McBride (FA)
S Paul Oliver (FA)
RB Darren Sproles (FA)
DT Aubrayo Franklin (FA)
CB Fabian Washington (FA)


Key Departure:
DT Remi Ayodele
C Jonathan Goodwin
DT Anthony Hargrove 
RB Reggie Bush


Report:
The former Super Bowl champion had their hearts ripped out and tackled when they lost to the only team that made the playoffs with a sub-.500 record. This year they want to go back to the promise land, and leading the charge to another championship is QB Drew Brees. In the Super Bowl season Brees had one the most proficient seasons at quarterback. Last season, he had a more down to earth season as he had twice as much interceptions and one less touchdown. The running game looks to release some of the offensive burden from Brees. RB Pierre Thomas is back from injury, they signed RB Darren Sproles, and drafted RB Mark Ingram. They also have RB Chris Ivory, who had the second most rushing yards for rookies last season. New Orleans decided to trade RB Reggie Bush to Miami. Receivers, however, is very deep, as always. WR Marques Colston is the perfect receiver for Sean Payton's system. He can play as a deep threat or play in the slot and get a mismatch from a linebacker. The Saints also bring out WR's Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and deep threat Devery Henderson. They also have TE Jimmy Graham, whom I think is going to have a great season. A reason the offensive is so potent is the protection. New Orleans re-signed T Jermon Bushrod and G Carl Nicks. They lost C Jonathan Goodwin, but signed longtime Bear Olin Kreutz. With Kreutz the Saints boast one of the best interior blocking in some time. 

The anchor of this defense is LB Jonathan Vilma. The Pro Bowl linebacker gets his help from Scott Shanle and Danny Clark. The defensive line is looking very strong this season. The Saints did lose DT's Remi Ayodele and Anthony Hargrove, but they were evened out with the signing of DT Aubrayo Franklin. Franklin will start in the interior with Sedrick Ellis and make an intimidating duo. New Orleans added DE's Turk McBride and Cameron Jordan in free agency and in the draft. They pair with Will Smith and Alex Brown for depth at defensive end. The secondary is still waiting on S Darren Sharper's decision. Even if Sharper does not re-sign they still have a good secondary. Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter are the corner's and are very good. Malcom Jenkins and Roman Harper are safeties and if Darren Sharper returns he would be a back-up.


K Garrett Hartley is a good kicker and is used to kicking under pressure. P Thomas Morestead is an above average punter, but is more known for his onside kick in the Super Bowl. New Orleans signed KR Darren Sproles and will at least use him in punts or kicks.


Review:
After a disappointing playoffs last year the Saints will try to squander up some more 2009 magic. With a quarterback like Drew Brees their offense will be great. A new running game should make this team more lethal. The defense is good, but doesn't get enough credit and publicity, which is probably how they like it. A Super Bowl is not out of reach for this team, but first they need to win their division. 


Division Finish: TBA