New Orleans Saints Predictions


June 24, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The Saints clearly had a down year with a 7-9 record last season after nearly making the Super Bowl in 2006.  Much of their NFL betting struggles can be directly attributed to their lack of defense.  Sean Payton believes he has a nucleus on offense to win a championship.  But the defensive side of the ball had to be addressed in the offseason.  Payton cannot wait to see whit kind of impact four additions to the defense can make in 2008.  Linebackers Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan come on board along with defensive end Bobby McCray and cornerback Randall Gay through free agency.   Let’s see what kind of contributions these additions can make with our 2008 New Orleans Saints predictions and season preview.

Offense:

The Saints have the luxury of one of the best quarterbacks in the league with Drew Brees.  The Saints finished fourth in the NFL in yards an third-down efficiency last years as Brees completed 67.5 percent of his passes while throwing 28 touchdowns and setting an NFL single-season record with 440 completions.  Brees threw nine interceptions in his first four games, but through only nine more in the final 12 as he settled into the season.  The Saints added experience in backup Mark Brunell for another nice offseason pickup on this side of the ball.

Payton has been contemplating the third game of the season and the final game in ’07.  In the third, Deuce McAllister suffered season-ending knee injury.  In the final game, Pierre Thomas made his first NFL start only to become the first player in Saints’ history to gain more than 100 yards both rushing (105) and receiving (121).  McAllister was a big part of Reggie Bush’s success in his rookie season as both a mentor and a leader on and off the field.  Payton is waiting to see McAllister’s progress, if Thomas is the real deal and if Aaron Stecker can continue his underrated contributions.  One thing is certain, Reggie Bush will have to carry the load catching the ball out of the backfield.

Marques Colston is Brees’ favorite target and for good reason.  Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with 19 touchdowns and few drops makes Colston one of the best receivers in the league.  But now the Saints need someone like Robert Meachem to emerge and take pressure off of Colston.  Veteran Devery Henderson led the league in highlight videos, but he also had his fair share of bloopers with dropped balls as well.  Bush could spend some time in the slot this season because of his importance in the passing game.

Center Jeff Faine left for Tampa Bay in the offseason for a boat load of cash.  Now the burden falls on Faine’s backup, Jonathan Goodwin, acquired two years ago from the Jets.  He steps into a solid group that allowed a league-low 16 sacks, a unit that returns tackles Jammal Brown and Jon Stinchomb and guards Jahri Evans and Jamar Nesbit.  To allow just 16 sacks in the most pass-heavy offense in the league is a monumental accomplishment for this offensive line.

Defense:

The defense allowed a league-worst 32 TD passes and 348.1 yards per game last year.  Fantasy owners with players playing against the Saints’ defense had to be licking their chops every week, as did bettors who took the NFL odds on the over.  New Orleans’ pass rush was non-existent and Payton thinks he has found a solution with first-round selection Sedrick Ellis and the signing of McCray.  End Charles Grant, Pro Bowler Will Smith and run-stopping tackle Hollis Thomas make this a much better, deeper group this season.  It can’t get any worse considering the Saints allowed 45 completions of 30-plus yards, including 15 of them from 40-to-80 yards while forcing just 13 interceptions.

Scott Fujita lived up to his billing after being signed as a free agent two years ago.  Now it’s Jonathan Vilma’s turn to step in and be productive after coming off knee surgery.  He’ll join Fujita and Scott Shanle as starters.  Dan Morgan figures to be in the mix as well.  Morgan was drafted by Carolina in 2001 and he’s battled concussions throughout his career.  One more crushing blow, and Morgan could be forced to end his career.  But he is very talented when healthy.

Free safety Josh Bullocks and strong safety Roman Harper are the leaders of this secondary.  Harper led this unit with 90 tackles, 3 interceptions and 4 sacks last season.  He also led all NFL defensive backs in QB takedowns.  Mike McKenzie is the biggest question mark at cornerback as he tries to recover from a season-ending knee injury.  McKenzie returned 2 picks for touchdowns while deflecting a team-high 17 passes.  Second-round draft pick Tracy Porter joins the candidates at corner along with Randall Gay and Jason Craft.  Jason David will be battling to prove he belongs in the roster after a dismal 2007 campaign.

Info Plays 2008 New Orleans Saints Predictions:

Numerous key free-agent signings in the offseason by the Saints on the defensive side of the ball will pay major dividends this season.  Their defense will compliment one of the best offenses in the league to compete for the NFC South title.  The Tampa Bay Bucs will have a down year following a very surprising trop to the playoffs last season.  The Falcons will be a no-factor and the Panthers won’t have enough talent on offense to keep up with the Saints this season.  New Orleans wins the NFC South to earn a return trip to the playoffs in 2008.

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