2008 NFL Season Preview: #13 New Orleans Saints

Division: NFC South
Last Year's Record: 7-9
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Offensive Assistant: Joe Lombardi
Defensive Coordinator: Gary Gibbs

Key Additions:
MLB Johnathan Vilma

CB Randall Gay

C/G Matt Lehr

Key Losses:
C Jeff Faine

LB Brian Simmons

DL Renaldo Wynn

Breakdown of the Offense:
Last year the New Orleans Saints were the flashy pick to win the NFC. After their miraculous post-Katrina season of 2006 where they were just one win shy of the Super Bowl, they had a lot going for them. They had their entire offensive unit back and had added more weapons to their arsenal. But after week 4, the Saints looked like the old 'Aints that we all remember as they sat at 0-4, making the rest of the season an uphill fight to contend. But Drew Brees rallied the troops for a memorable finish to the season. Setting team records for passing yards (4,423), touchdowns (28), attempts (652), completions (440), and completion percentage (67.5).

For this season to be a success the Saints will need to get off to a better start, and that means Brees needs to be more efficient from start to finish. In those first four games, Brees had only one touchdown and had nine interceptions. He will have an even better receiving core this year to help him do just that. Marques Colston is becoming a star in the league, he is coming off another huge season where he had 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns.David Patten had a decent season in 2007 catching 54 balls for 792 yards. Robert Meachem the first round pick in 2007 was inactive for all 16 games due to a knee injury has impressed the coaching staff and front office not to mention Brees, with his diligent off season work. He appears to be in line for the first job behind No. 2 receiver David Patten. Devery Henderson who needs to be more consistent catching the ball, is likely the fourth receiver. Terrence Copper will likely battle with Henderson for that spot.

The running back position is the biggest question mark for this team, due to the fact that Deuce McAllister is coming off double knee surgery. If he can regain his form and be a suitable power back, it will make Reggie Bushs' job that much easier. Reggie Bush cannot pound the rock. He is used best with a power running back in the backfield, where they can keep defenses honest and keep them from roaming the flats. If (and that is a big if) Deuce can play injury free, this Saints team should break even more records in 2008. Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas will be counted on this season to provide support in spot roles. Fullback Mike Karney returns as a devastating blocker.

This offensive line is quickly becoming one of the best in the league. Last season they gave up a league-low 16 sacks in 2007, down from 23 in 2006. The group returns almost completely intact, with the one exception being Jeff Faine who signed with division rival Tampa Bay. He will be replaced by Johnathan Goodwin, who was solid last season when Faine missed a couple games due to injury. Tackles Jammal Brown and Jon Stinchcomb return, along with guards Jamar Nesbit and Jahri Evans. The Saints added a veteran backup in center Matt Lehr. While Jermon "the pride of King George" Bushrod and Zach Strief are in the process of being groomed for the future.

Breakdown of the Defense:
The defense is coming off of a terrible season where they allowed 348.1 yards per game and a league worst 32 passing touchdowns. The main factor to their terrible display of defense was the non-existent pass rush. The Saints believe they have taken the necessary steps toward a solution to their defensive woes with the first-round selection of Sedrick Ellis and the signing of Bobby McCray. Add end Charles Grant, Pro Bowler Will Smith and run-stopping tackle Hollis Thomas, and the Saints feel they have upgraded their rotation.

Scott Fujita has lived up to his billing, since signing as a free agent in 2006. With Johnathan Vilma coming to join him at linebacker, this unit should be solid. Vilma has flourished in the 4-3 before, as he grabbed defensive rookie of the year honors for the Jets in 2004. Vilma had trouble the past couple of seasons in the 3-4 and his move to New Orleans should be the solution to him becoming an impact player once again. Scott Shanle joins Fujita and Vilma as starters, he has impressed as an effective three-down player. Mark Simoneau and Troy Evans are capable backups that add depth to the unit.

Now that the defensive line looks to be solid and will form a decent pass rush, the defensive backs need to step it up. Jason David routinely got burned and Mike McKenzie is coming off of a torn ACL suffered in week 16. These question marks in the secondary prompted the Saints to sign Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn. They also drafted Tracy Porter in the second round. Randall Gay started for the Patriots before running into a series of injuries. For Jason David to keep his starting gig let alone his roster spot, he will need to adjust to New Orleans defense. Jason Craft and Usama Young are back to vie for playing time. Josh Bullocks is the starter at free safety and Roman Harper is the starter at strong safety. Kevin Kaesviharn could make a play for the strong safety spot. If this unit can stop anyone on the deep ball, the offense will not have to score 30 points a game to win. If that is at all possible the team could be dangerous.

Season Outlook:

The Saints cannot afford to start slow this season, as 7 of their last 10 games are on the road. If they start 0-4 again, they will miss the playoffs and probably be selecting in the top 10 in next years draft. They may have a tough second half, but none of the teams on their schedule are elite teams except for San Diego. Drew Brees and the receiving core will put this team on their back and take them to a division crown. I see them going 11-65 with the help coming from playing the AFC West and the Atlanta Falcons twice. This team can easily make the playoffs, but the tough second half could make it hard for them to be much of a factor once they get there.

Schedule:

Week 1: Sep. 07 Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX
Week 2: Sep. 14 @ Washington 1:00 PM FOX
Week 3: Sep. 21 @ Denver 4:05 PM FOX
Week 4: Sep. 28 San Fransisco 1:00 PM FOX
Week 5:Oct. 06 Minnesota 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 6: Oct. 12 Oakland 1:00 PM CBS
Week 7: Oct. 19 @ Carolina 1:00 PM FOX
Week 8: Oct. 26 San Diego 1:00 PM CBS
Week 9: Bye Week
Week 10: Nov 09 @ Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX
Week 11 Nov 16 @ Kansas City 1:00 PM FOX
Week: 12 Nov. 24 Green Bay 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 13: Nov. 30 @ Tampa Bay 1:00 PM FOX
Week 14: Dec. 07 Atlanta 1:00 PM FOX
Week 15: Dec. 11 @ Chicago 8:15 PM NFL NETWORK
Week 16: Dec. 21 @ Detroit 1:00 PM FOX
Week 17: Dec. 28 Carolina 1:00 PM FOX