Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
New Orleans Saints
by Neil Murphy
26/7/2008
 
Overall
 
After a fairytale 2006 season, last year many tipped Sean Payton's Saints to push for a championship. Despite starting as favourites for the division title (at least), the team slumped to a 0-4 start. They never really recovered from this, finishing with a disappointing 7-9 record. The offense played well for the most part, but came up with some bad turnovers in key situations. The defence meanwhile, suffered from a complete disability to defend the pass, allowing 245 yards per game (30th in the league). The signing of free agent CB Jason David from the Colts was a disaster. David played his former team in week 1 and might as well have been wearing a bullseye - P-Money picked on him like a schoolyard bully. Unsurprisingly, the team moved to address the secondary in both free agency and the draft.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Drew Brees was on fire at times last year, setting a single season NFL record for completions with 440. Sean Payton's offense ranked 4th in total yards and 3rd in passing, but was 12th in terms of points scored. The team needs to be more clinical in the redzone. If Brees goes down hurt it's game over. He'll be backed up by ancient veteran Mark Brunell. As the Diner's C.J. Sanchez noted last year, “Mark is unlikely to come up in any QB conversation that doesn't start with 'Hey, you know which quarterback looks a bit like Stephen King?'” Travis Lulay and Tyler Palko will fight it out for the 3rd spot.
Grade: A
 
Running Backs
 
The Saints have several options in the backfield. Deuce McAllister accepted a pay cut recently, he'll be trying to return to Pro Bowl form after a season ending ACL injury last year. In his absence Reggie Bush struggled to show that he could be an every down back. He finished with only 581 rushing yards (3.7 ypc), and although he did catch 73 passes, his longest play from scrimmage was 25 yards. That's not exactly the explosive gamebreaker the team thought they were getting with the 2nd overall pick. 2008 will be a make or break year for Bush. Pierre Thomas showed talent in limited playing time last year - in the final game (albeit a dead rubber against the Bears) he had over 100 yards rushing and receiving. Former Claymore Aaron Stecker was second on the team in rushing, while FB Mike Karney is an absolute beast.
Grade: B+
 
Receivers/Tight Ends
 
Brees' main target will again be Marques Colston. He shrugged off fears of a second year slump to finish with 1200 yards and 11 TD's. Veteran David Patten played solidly, catching 54 balls. Devery Henderson was spectacular at times, averaging over 20 yards per catch, but also had some bad drops. He, like Terence Copper, needs to be more consistent. One of the interesting draft rumours was that the Saints were interested in trading their 2nd rounder to NYG for a supposedly disgruntled Jeremy Shockey. Nothing came of it in the end, but it's safe to assume the team would like to upgrade the TE position. Starter Eric Johnson is a solid but unspectacular pro. He'll be backed up by Billy Miller.
Grade: B
 
Offensive Line
 
An average unit. Center Jeff Faine was snapped up by Tampa Bay in free agency, he'll be a loss. The line is anchored by Pro Bowl tackle Jamal Brown on the left and John Stinchcomb on the right. Massive Nebraska OT Carl Nicks was drafted in round 5, he's unlikely to see much time as a rookie.
Grade: C
 
Defensive Line
 
There has been a significant investment, both in terms of draft picks and cap room on the defensive line. The front office tried to trade up to grab DT Glenn Dorsey, but weren't willing to pay the price. A trade with NE saw them get the next best thing in USC's Sedrick Ellis at 7th overall. Ellis dominated at the Senior Bowl, and the Saints will count on him plugging the middle against the run along with Hollis Thomas. Pass rushing DE Will Smith got a monster new contract; the team will hope that doesn't affect his hunger. Starting DE Charles Grant has had an eventful offseason, culminating in a hospital stay with knife wounds and a charge of involuntary manslaughter. It remains to be seen if this will result in Sheriff Goodell taking action under the Personal Conduct Policy, veteran Bobby McCray was picked up in free agency as insurance.
Grade: B
 
Linebackers
 
The defence suffered last year from a lack of playmakers, leading to a –7 turnover differential. Last year's LB trio of Scott Shanle, Scott Fujita and Mark Simoneau are little more than journeymen. In an effort to add some dynamism to the linebacking corps, the team added former Jets MLB Jonathon Vilma, who was a bad fit for New York's 3-4 scheme. Vilma suffered a bad knee injury last year, but if he's fit and playing in a 4-3, he has Pro Bowl talent.
Grade: C
 
Secondary
 
After learning the hard way that Jason David couldn't cover a baby with a blanket, the Saints snapped up New England corner Randall Gay in free agency. Gay was overshadowed by Asante Samuel at New England last year, but looks a good player. He should start across from Mike McKenzie, who played at a high level last year, taking two picks back for touchdowns. CB Tracy Porter was drafted in the 2nd round and by all accounts has impressed early on. Safeties Josh Bullocks and Roman Harper are decent players.
Grade: C+
 
Special Teams
 
In the 6th round the team drafted kicker Taylor Mehlhaff, he'll fight it out with Martin Gramatica in training camp for the starting job. Steve Weatherford will likely continue as punter. Stecker and Bush will probably share the return duties.
Grade: C
 
Coaching
 
After a dream start in his first year, taking the team to the NFC conference game against Chicago, last year saw Sean Payton return to earth with a bump. He will admit to some questionable play calls (calling a reverse on 4th down anyone?), but will surely have learned from his mistakes, and is one of the brighter offensive minds in football. He's also shown an admirable daring, as evidenced by going for it on 4th down last year 25 times.
Grade: B
 
Overall
 
In a weak division, and with the considerable benefit of getting to play the Falcons twice, look for the Saints to bounce back to the playoffs this year, probably with a division title. European fans will look forward October's Wembley clash with San Diego, and if the pitch holds up better than last year, it should be a cracker.