Last week, we gave our analysis of the Dallas Cowboys and their potential to end the NFL season in Glendale. One down, nine to go. Next up, destiny's darlings: the New Orleans Saints.
Pros:
1.) Reggie Bush - year two. By all accounts, Reggie Bush had a solid rookie year. Despite a paltry yards-per-carry average and some questionable hole selection early on, Bush turned it on down the stretch. He scored four touchdowns in one game, and his 80-yard-plus touchdown run and catch in the NFC Championship against the Bears gave the Saints momentary hope. This year, with a season under his belt and a more restrained running philosophy, Bush could contend for a Pro Bowl berth.
2.) Sean Payton, the maestro of the South. Not only did Payton outcoach luminaries like Bill Parcells last season, his leadership and willingness to take risks allowed youngsters like Marques Colston and Devery Henderson to far exceed expectations. Will see if he can do that with a first-place schedule this season.
3.) The revenge factor. Let's face it, the Saints were demolished by the Bears in the fourth quarter of last year's NFC title game. Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong. The Bears weren't that much better than New Orleans, and the Saints know it. There's nothing like a devastating loss to get you revved up for a new season.
Cons:
1.) The secondary. Fred Thomas is an awful, awful coverage cornerback. Rex Grossman, of all people, picked him apart last season. Jason David, decent in the Colts' Cover 2 scheme, cannot be counted on without over-the-top help. Last night's preseason opener didn't bode well for his future with the Saints.
2.) The schedule. The Saints open at the Colts and finish at the Bears. In between, they face the Jaguars, Eagles, Seahawks and 49ers. That's six tough games, and we haven't even touched on their two divionsal contest against what should be a much-improved Carolina squad. Getting back to 10-6 is doable, but improving upon that mark may not be.
3.) The Chicago Bears. Yes, the Saints were in the game late in the third quarter. But the Bears still possess the most talent in the conference and, because they play in a much weaker division, are in the driver's seat for homefield advantage. The road to the Super Bowl may go through Soldier Field once again.
Overall:
- The Saints have a tough schedule, defensive questions and lack the element of surprise this time around. No matter, because this team is still talented enough to make the playoffs. Thing is, they won't be able to do much once they get there. We say another 10-6 regular season, a win in the wild card round, and then another long winter.
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