2008 NFL Preview > New Orleans Saints Preview

2008 New Orleans Saints Football Preview

Head Coach: Sean Payton

2007 Record: 7-9

Key Additions: QB Mark Brunell, DT Sedrick Ellis, CB Randall Gay, DE Bobby McCray, CB Tracy Porter, TE Jeremy Shockey, MLB Jonathan Vilma

Key Losses: S Jay Bellamy, C Jeff Faine, TE Eric Johnson, K Olindo Mare

The Saints followed up their near storybook 2006 season after hurricane Katrina with a disappointing 7 wins in 2008. Their offense started off slowly before eventually returning to its high octane attack from the previous year, and the defense struggled to defend against the pass. Also, running back Reggie Bush never adapted to his role as the primary ball carrier and his seemingly unavoidable jump into superstardom was unexpectedly stalled, leaving many to question whether the slippery Bush will ever be able to handle a full load.

2008 New Orleans Saints Offense:

Brees is one of the most accurate and efficient quarterbacks in the league, demonstrated by his NFL single season record 443 completions last year. The Saints dangerous passing attack should be even better this season with the addition of Jeremy Shockey from the Giants, who might enjoy the best season of his career with Brees at the helm. Also last year’s first round pick, receiver Robert Meachem will see the field after missing last season with a knee injury. Wideout Marques Colston has been nothing short of incredible during his first two years in the league and has yet to reach his full potential. David Patten had a solid season in 2007, totaling almost 800 yards receiving. The offensive line excelled in pass protection, allowing only 16 sacks, an astonishing feat considering how often the Saints threw the ball. However, the unit must improve its run blocking this season or the Saints will again be one dimensional on offense.

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2008 New Orleans Saints Defense:

The Saints secondary was abysmal last season which explains why New Orleans was ranked second last in pass defense. In the offseason, the Saints added rookie cornerback Tracy Porter from Indiana and former Patriots corner Randall Gay, who should start for New Orleans. The team also traded up in the draft in order to select USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis who is expected to upgrade the interior of the line. Also, expect linebacker Jonathan Vilma to reclaim his status as one of the league’s best middle linebackers now that he is back in a 4-3 scheme. The Saints defense should be much improved, although it is still cannot be considered a strength yet.

2008 New Orleans Saints Special Teams:

Martin Gramatica played well for New Orleans during his brief, three game stint and will be back as the team’s kicker this season (Great, now we have to see him dance around like an idiot after every made field goal, as if he just scored a goal in soccer). Reggie Bush is always a threat for a touchdown on punt returns.

2008 New Orleans Saints Expectations:

The Saints will be competing with the Panthers and Bucs for the division title in the NFC South. All three teams have fairly equal talent, although the Saints seem to have the most potential. While New Orleans may struggle to find a consistent running game, they still might have one of the best offenses in the league due to their multitude of weapons in the passing game.

2008 New Orleans Saints Prediction: 1st place in the NFC South

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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