What's New?
The New Orleans Saints were a really nice story last season, returning home a symbol of the rebuilding in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster. And they road a couple key acquisitions, along with a lot of emotion, all the way to the first NFC championship game in franchise history. The question now is, did they make the right moves to take that next step in 2007?
The Saints return every starter on their defensive unit, but they are hoping to have new starters at several positions. Former Colts cornerback Jason David is likely to start opposite Mike McKenzie in the position held last year by Fred Thomas. Veteran linebacker Brian Simmons and safety Kevin Kaesviharn, both free agents from Cincinnati, will probably see a lot of action as well. Depth on the defensive line was also improved with the addition of tackle Kendrick Clancy.
With the No. 1 offense in the league, there wasn’t much need for change on that side of the ball. But the addition of tight end Eric Johnson gives quarterback Drew Brees another potential weapon, assuming Johnson can stay healthy. The team also turned over kicking duties to former Dolphin Olindo Mare.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee
3rd Round - Usama Young, CB Kent
3rd Round - Andy Alleman, OG Akron
4th Round - Antonio Pittman, RB Ohio State
4th Round - Jermon Bushrod, OT Towson
5th Round - David Jones, CB Wingate
7th Round - Marvin Mitchell, LB Tennessee
Who's Gone?
The only member of the Saints offense who will be missing this year is wide receiver Joe Horn, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason. But the team drafted an eventual replacement in Tennessee’s Robert Meachem, who could make an early impact in the Saints’ potent offense.
Othe notable losses include kicker John Carney, return specialist Michael Lewis, defensive end Willie Whitehead, along with safeties Bryan Scott and Omar Stoutmire.
What Needs to Change?
If the Saints can continue their domination on offense, and there is nothing to indicate they won’t, they will remain in contention. But if they hope to compete for a championship this year, they must get better at stopping the run and they have to get more consistent play out of their back seven. With just 19 takeaways last year, and none in two playoff games, a lack of big plays is obviously hurting this unit. A second season in coordinator Gary Gibbs’ system should lead to some improvement overall.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 1st (391.5)
Rushing Offense - 18th (110.1)
Passing Offense - 1st (281.4)
Overall Defense - 11th (307.3)
Rushing Defense - 23rd (128.9)
Passing Defense - 3rd (178.4)
Prediction - It’s a scary thought for other NFC teams, but the Saints offense just might be better than it was in 2006 when Brees, running back Reggie Bush, and wide receiver Marques Colston were all learning on the fly. With a little improvement on the defensive side of the ball, this team could very well represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLII.
Record:12-4 and first in the NFC South
