The big question entering training camp was whether Jeff Blake or Aaron Brooks would get the nod at quarterback. Both guys have looked good for most of the preseason, although Brooks has the inside edge right now. He went 10-for-10 for 129 yards with a touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings, while Blake struggled behind a makeshift line and inexperienced receivers. Head coach Jim Haslett says he will decide on the regular-season starter before the third preseason game.

The Saints are solid at wide receiver, especially with the play of Willie Jackson thus far. Jackson could step into the role of the injury-prone Albert Connell as the No. 2 starter if needed. The first-string offensive line has looked good in pass protection, although their run blocking could use some work.

The defensive line is still the strength of this team, although they did give up 214 rushing yards against Minnesota. Defensive tackle Norman Hand is one of those mammoth tackles who is tough to move and always seems to bottle up the middle of the line. LeRoy Glover is one of the more dominating defenders in the league and, combined with Joe Johnson and Darren Howard, should have quarterbacks running for their lives this season.

Glover, Johnson, and Howard are going to have to put consistent pressure on the opposing quarterbacks to keep the pressure off of a defensive backfield that has been inconsistent. The Saints brought in free safety Jay Bellamy as a free agent, and he should provide some relief, but the loss of Alex Molden makes the Saints a little thin at cornerback.

Overview

The New Orleans Saints are now among the elite teams in the NFL, in my opinion. Aaron Brooks continues to look very poised under pressure, and he makes a lot of big plays. If Ricky Williams stays healthy this year, this offense could be down right explosive.

Facing the Saints defense will be a frightening proposition for opposing quarterbacks unless they can make their reads very quickly and get the ball to the open guy before Glover and company smother them. The Saints should give the St. Louis Rams a run for their money again this year, and if Brooks builds on last year's success, the sky's the limit.

Saints' fans should be giddy with anticipation as we approach the season, but do we dare say the three words that have never been uttered in New Orleans? All right Saints' fans, let's say them together... Super Bowl contenders!