2007 Outlook:

Mired in mediocrity and lost opportunity, the Saints finally cut ties with perennial loser, Aaron Brooks prior to last season and took a chance on a QB who had a bum shoulder and had been forced out of San Diego. Rookie Head Coach Sean Payton was inexperienced and the defense had question marks everywhere. One season later, the Saints were just a game away from playing for the Super Bowl! Expectations have never been higher in the Big Easy as, now Pro Bowler, Drew Brees, combines with the likes of Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister, Marques Colston, and Devery Henderson to lead one of the most potent offensive units in the NFL. The Saints will look to extend their supremacy over the underachieving NFC South and return to the playoffs to avenge their NFC Championship loss last season. With some nice additions in the offseason, this club could very well be the favorite in the NFC.

2007 Draft Review:

First round pick, Robert Meachem, will enter training camp with an opportunity to grab the #3 WR spot. Meachem wowed the scouts at the combine and after a strong Junior season at Tennessee, earned a first round grade. He is fast, runs great routes, and has excellent hands. A true game changer. Third-round pick Alleman is a big, tough guy who will find a home in the lineup in the next year or so. Draft Grade: C+

Key Acquisition:

TE Eric Johnson joins the Saints from San Francisco following a disappointing start to his career. After a solid 2004 season with the 49ers, Johnson has been an injury machine. He joins the Saints in look of a new start for a team that has lacked a true TE presence for quite some time. If Johnson can return to 2004 form and open up the middle of the field, it could be a long season for opposing defenses.

Key Departure:

Former Saints WR Joe Horn decided against taking a pay cut to stay with the team, opting instead to test the free agency market. The long time Saint has been a symbol for the club and a mentor for the younger players who really shined last season. He joins an interconference rival in the Atlanta Falcons, and his departure will provide added pressure to the Saints' very young WR corps. Will Colston, Henderson, and Meachem be able to handle the load? Only time will tell.

Offensive Preview:

How can anyone not be excited if you are a Saints fan when talking about the offense? The Saints were given a gift by the Houston Texans when they passed on the electric Reggie Bush. He only compiled over 1300 yards and 8 TDs in his rookie season. Deuce McAllister was healthy all season and Drew Brees put together an MVP like season. Rookie WR Marques Colston is joined by two young guns in Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson to provide unprecedented speed on the outside. Throw in the work of a solid offensive line and some nice additions at tight end, and this offensive unit has the recipe for success once again. Look for their offensive unit to rank in the top 5 for NFL clubs next season once again.

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

For the Saints to make it into the Super Bowl, their defense will have to play better. Statistically, they were solid against the pass, ranking 3rd in the NFL. That may be a bit of a quagmire though as their rush defense was porous to be nice, leaving teams to run more than pass against the unit. They made some nice additions in the offseason, but questions still remain as to whether it will be enough. The Defensive Ends, Smith and Grant, provide them with great speed rushers, but must learn to defend the run a little better.

Season Prediction:

The Saints enter 2007 with new expectations following their 10-6 mark, NFC South Title, and trip to the NFC Championship game. They are littered with offensive talent and Brees has turned his game up to the next level. The defense still has some questions following their 23rd rushing ranking last season. It is hard to imagine that the offense will produce at the same rate as last season and with the highly increased schedule difficulty, the Saints will have a hard time reproducing their 10-6 mark. In a surprise, we predict they will only manage 2nd in the NFC South, but will earn a wildcard playoff birth.

Projected Finish

9 Wins, 7 Losses (2nd in the NFC South)

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