NFC South Preview: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

Head Coach: Sean Payton
2007 Record: 7-9 (Second in NFC South)
Key Additions: LB Jonathan Vilma, WR Jeremy Shockey, DT Sedrick Ellis, CB Randall Gay
Key Losses: C Jeff Faine

Despite their big time offense, the Saints struggled in the 2007 season. Injuries and sophomore slumps didn’t help the team that was already dealing with under-performing stars.

Even with all of their troubles, the offense was still ranked 12th in the league in scoring. They were 4th in total yards, and 3rd in yards per game.

Drew Brees came off of another Pro Bowl caliber year. Playing in all 16 games, Brees completed 67.5% of his passes for 4,423 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. He finished the season with an 89.4 quarterback rating.

The running game took a big blow when they lost star Deuce McAllister early in the season. The Saints turned to second year player Reggie Bush. Bush had 581 yards and 4 touchdowns in 12 games. Aaron Stecker had 448 yards and 5 touchdowns in 16 games.

Marques Colston had a lackluster season following his brilliant rookie season. He still led the team in receptions, with 98. He had 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns, once again leading the team. The Saints have picked up Jeremy Shockey, who, despite injury, had 619 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns last season. When healthy, Shockey is a big threat to gain big yards.

If anything, it was the defense that gave the Saints problems. Although they had 32 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 3 touchdowns, they were 25th in the league in points allowed, and 26th in total yards allowed.

The Saints will return among others, Will Smith. Last year Smith had 66 tackles, 7 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. The biggest advantage for the Saints is the new faces. Linebacker Jonathan Vilma brings along 43 tackles and an interception from last season. Cornerback Randall Gay brings 36 tackles, a forced fumble, and 3 interceptions to the team. Then there is top pick Sedrick Ellis. In four years at USC, Ellis had 144 tackles (28.5 of them for loss), 17.5 sacks, 14 deflected passes, and 4 fumble recoveries.

Even though last season was somewhat of a disappointment, the Saints look ready to repeat what they did in 2006. A revamped defense and an explosive offense will make the Saints a tough team to deal with.