2007 Rankings
Rushing: 28th (91.6)
Passing: 3rd (269.6)
Total Offense: 4th (361.3)
Run Defense: 13th (102.9)
Pass Defense: 30th (245.3)
Total Defense: 26th (348.1)
What was the Saints’ best move during the offseason?
Rebuilding a defense that was ranked 26th in the league and gave up more than 24 points per game in 2007 was the New Orleans Saints’ No. 1 priority during the offseason. So, not only did they swing a trade for former Jets linebacker Jonathan Vilma, they also moved up in the first round of the draft to select defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, who was the first of three consecutive picks used on the defensive side of the ball.
Also acquired to help shore up the defense was defensive end Bobby McCray, who will most likely be used as a situational pass rusher, and Randall Gay, who should give disappointing cornerback Jason David some competition for a starting position.
What needs to go right for the Saints to succeed this season?
All those new pieces that were added to the defense have got to come together as a unit and perform on a much higher level than they did in 2007. The offense did their job last year, but the defense continually let them down, and ultimately was probably the biggest factor in the Saints not making a return trip to the playoffs.
Offensively, the Saints need someone to step up at wide receiver opposite Marques Colston as a No. 2 option for quarterback Drew Brees. Early in the preseason, it looks like second-year player Robert Meachem might be that guy. The trade for tight end Jeremy Shockey also gives New Orleans another potent option in the passing game.
Where will the Saints finish the 2008 NFL season?
The Saints should once again be among the more explosive teams in the league, and the addition of tight end Shockey makes them even more difficult to defend. They could use a little boost from their running game, but there are questions as to whether veteran running back Deuce Mcallister can hold up the entire season after undergoing the second ACL surgery of his career. And there continues to be doubts that Reggie Bush can carry the load if McAllister goes down again.
On defense there’s just about nowhere to go but up. However, the team may not see huge dividends from all their rebuilding efforts on that side of the ball right away. But as the new guys begin to fit in and learn their roles, the Saints should see some gradual improvement. And that should be enough to get New Orleans back into contention again in the NFC, and should make them favorites to win the NFC South this year.
Prediction: 10-6 and first place in the NFC South.
