2011 NFL Season Preview: New Orleans Saints
By Editorial Staff
New Orleans Saints
Front Office
Owner: Tom Benson
GM: Mickey Loomis
B+: This Front Office has removed the stink off this franchise and has made the Saints into one of the elite team’s year in and year out. I will not give this group an A until, much like the Cardinals, they can show they did not simply fall upon a QB that elevated them much higher than they really are.
Coaching Staff
HC: Sean Payton
OC: Pete Carmichaels Jr
DC: Gregg Williams
A: Sean Payton might be the best coach in football. He has teamed with Drew Brees to do magic. Anyone questioning his will to win can look no further than the hiring of Gregg Williams. Payton agreed to pay part of his earnings to bring him aboard. Good call since the Saints only became consistent winners since Williams has run the defense. Now both sides of the ball are deadly.
QB: A-
Drew Brees will be much healthier this year and it will show in his performance. He is a top 3 or 4 quarterback who has the full confidence and attention of his team and coaches. I also believe that Chase Daniel is a good fit on this offense and provides adequate backup services.
RB: B+
Saints traded Reggie Bush and with that shredded his high salary. Saints drafted Mark Ingram will combo with Pierre Thomas. The Saints also acquired Darren Sproles. They complement one another very well.
WR/TE B
Marques Colston is slowly wearing down with multiple knee injuries. Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson are good deep threats when healthy. I love Lance Moore in the slot for this team. The Saints also have a deadly threat at TE with Jimmy Graham who is showing Antonio Gates like potential. Graham was a basketball player forMiamiwho quickly adapted himself to football.
OL: B
Jahri Evans is a dominate RG. He is the only sure thing due to age, FA, and injuries. Carl Nicks is a pro bowl LG but he is a FA who will command top dollars. The Saints should resign him. Jermon Bushrod who is an able LT but nothing more, however, resigning him was much better than allowing a young, unproven LT to protect Brees backside. Charles Brown will get 1-2 years to develop and replace him one day, but not today. At center their young and able Matt Tennant will take over for recently departed Goodwin. Jon Stinchomb is an okay RT who could be replaced next year.
DL: B+
Will Smith and Sedrick Ellis are both dominate players. They have had little help in the past but the Saints hope they have remedied this problem. Signing Shaun Rogers, Aubeyro Franklin, and drafting Cameron Jordan should help. Also helping Anthony Hargrove go back to the 2009 form would be a blessing. This unit has some very strong physical players and should avoid Super Marshawn power runs this season.
LB: C+
Jonathan Vilma is slowing down. It would be wise for him to move to WLB so he would not have to deal with as many blockers. Saints realized that and drafted Martez Wilson. An athletic freak, he will need some time and help running the defense. At SLB the Saints signed Will Herring to occupy that spot. Herring is a talented LB who was overshadowed inSeattle’s deep LB unit.
DB: B/B+
Tracy Porter is nearly a shut down CB. Malcolm Jenkins has pro bowl potential at FS. Jabari Greer and SS Roman Harper are solid. But 2nd year man Patrick Robinson and rookie Johnny Patrick will be pushing for time.
Last Draft
Cameron Jordan was a steal. He reminds me a lot of Justin Tuck who is capable of dominating at LDE and DT. Saints traded a lot for Mark Ingram, but he is a capable starting RB in this league. In the third round the Saints stole Martez Wilson and Johnny Patrick who will both be future starters and fringe pro bowl talents. I loved the Saints aggressiveness in this draft. A
Offensive/Defensive Sleepers
Matt Tennant is believed to be the future starter at Center for the Saints. I believe he will take that role this season. While he does not have dominate physical traits he does everything well and has the temper to be a line leader.
Malcolm Jenkins showed talent in his first year at FS. In year two I believe he will be more confident and it will show in his play. I can see him getting 5-6 interceptions and be rock solid vs. the run.
Predictions for the Season 11-5
Saints are a strong team who on any given Sunday can beat any team…or on any Monday, Thursday, or Saturday as well. In the end I think they can make a push for the Super Bowl but questions on the OL, DL, and offensive skill positions will keep them from another Championship.