2009 Record: 13-3
KEY ADDITIONS:
Alex Brown, DE, Chicago
Clint Ingram, LB, Jacksonville
Jason McKie, FB, Chicago
Jimmy Wilkerson, DE, Tampa Bay
KEY LOSSES:
Mike Bell, RB, Philadelphia
Jammal Brown, OT, Washington
Scott Fujita, LB, Cleveland
Charles Grant, DE, Free agent
Offense:
It doesn't get any better then the Saints offense. They were 1st in the NFL in total offense last year, and have basically everyone coming back. Drew Brees is the leader, and he is one of the best in the league. Not just his physical skills, but he is also clutch and the Saints (and the city of New Orleans) would die for this guy. Their running backs might not be going to be the Pro Bowl anytime soon, but they do their job. Pierre Thomas is their "true" RB, he rushes between the tackles, and when the Saints want to run out the clock this is the guy who'll be on the field. Reggie Bush is all flash. He'll make the big play, make SportsCenter, and although he is truly overrated he is still one of the most explosive players in the NFL. While the running game is solid for the Saints it's really about their passing game. The Saints have one of the most deep sets of WRs in the NFL. Marques Colston is the clear go-to guy, while Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem are the deep threats. What great is everyone on the Saints knows their role, and does it well.
Defense:
The Saints don't have any big names on their defensive line, but they are solid enough to get the job done, and have a ton of speed. Jonathan Vilma is the leader of their LB core, but other then him there are a lot of question marks. Scott Shanle is solid in coverage, but is basically useless when blitzing. Former Jaguar starter Clint Ingram, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Troy Evans, Jonathan Casillas and Stanley Arnoux will have first crack at the starting strong-side job vacated by Scott Fujita. All of those guys are kind of small, and I have some questions about how the Saints are going to do against the run. Their defensive backfield is very good. They cause turnovers, and even though Darren Sharper might miss the first 6 weeks, he is still a ballhawk, and game changer. The Saints were only in the mid-20's in total defense last year, but the turnovers they caused made all the difference. That will once again be the key, and that could end up being a problem.
Overall:
The Saints will have the best offense in the league again this year. There is no doubt about that, and Bress will be an MVP candidate. I am a little worried about their defense though. Shaper is hurt, and is getting up their in age. They lived off the turnovers last year, and that is something that can go away quickly (ask the Bears from a couple years ago). Still, this team is too good, and this division is too much of a joke for the Saints to do poorly.
2010 Record: 12-4
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