New Orleans Saints 2008 Season Preview

Football Betting Lines

08/26/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - When it comes to the New Orleans Saints, expect the unexpected.

A franchise that has seen its share of dark days hit rock bottom in 2005, when the Saints stumbled their way through a miserable 3-13 campaign that saw the team uprooted by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and forced to play makeshift home games in two different places (San Antonio and Baton Rouge), not to mention having its scheduled regular-season home opener against the New York Giants shifted from the ravaged Superdome to the New Jersey Meadowlands in one of the NFLs most ignominious decisions in its history.

The Saints returned to their old city the following year with a new head coach (Sean Payton) and quarterback (Drew Brees) and became the feel-good story in sports for 2006. Led by Payton's innovative play-calling and the accurate right arm of Brees, New Orleans marched its way to an amazing 13 regular- season victories, an NFC South title and its first-ever appearance in the conference championship game.

That unprecedented success raised the bar to the highest of heights in 2007, and the Saints wound up crumbling under the weight of lofty expectations. The team lost its first four games and never could dig itself from its early- season hole, eventually missing out on the postseason parade with a disappointing 7-9 record.

New Orleans' roller-coaster three-year run now raises the question: Was 2006 an aberration, or was 2007 simply an off year?

There's certainly reason to believe the latter. Last year's Saints were again among the NFL's top offensive teams, finishing fourth overall in total yards and trailing only New England and Green Bay in passing yardage. Brees delivered a second straight prolific season under center, while second-year wide receiver Marques Colston stiff-armed the sophomore jinx by hauling in 98 passes and scoring 11 touchdowns.

On the flip side, New Orleans ended the year 30th out of 32 NFL teams in passing defense, 26th in total defense and had an unhealthy turnover margin of minus-seven.

The Saints took steps to upgrade their porous defense in the offseason, acquiring former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Jonathan Vilma from the New York Jets via trade and using their first-round pick to select USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis. The club also signed cornerback Randall Gay away from the AFC champion Patriots and former Jaguars rush end Bobby McCray in an effort to help out against the pass.

New Orleans didn't ignore the offensive side of the football either, trading for talented but cantankerous tight end Jeremy Shockey just prior to the start of training camp to add another weapon to an already-potent aerial attack.

Time will tell whether those moves will enable the Saints to vault back to the top of an NFC South division which seems to lack a true powerhouse. With this team, you just never know.

Below we take a capsule look at the 2008 edition of the New Orleans Saints, with a personnel evaluation and prognosis included therein:

2007 RECORD: 7-9 (t2nd, NFC South)

LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: 2006, lost to Chicago, 39-14, in NFC Championship

COACH (RECORD): Sean Payton (17-15 in two years with Saints, 17-15 overall)

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Doug Marrone

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Gary Gibbs

OFFENSIVE STAR: Drew Brees, QB (4423 passing yards, 28 TD, 18 INT)

DEFENSIVE STAR: Will Smith, DE (66 tackles, 7 sacks)

OFFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 28th rushing, 3rd passing, t12th scoring

DEFENSIVE TEAM RANKS: 13th rushing, 30th passing, 25th scoring

KEY ADDITIONS: QB Mark Brunell (from Redskins), TE Jeremy Shockey (from Giants), C/G Matt Lehr (from Buccaneers), DE Bobby McCray (from Jaguars), DT Sedrick Ellis (1st Round, USC), MLB Jonathan Vilma (from Jets), CB Aaron Glenn (from Jaguars), CB Randall Gay (from Patriots), CB Tracy Porter (2nd Round, Indiana), K Taylor Mehlhaff (6th Round, Wisconsin)

KEY DEPARTURES: QB Jamie Martin (not tendered), C Jeff Faine (to Buccaneers), TE Eric Johnson (released), DE Renaldo Wynn (to Giants), LB Matt McCoy (to Buccaneers), LB Brian Simmons (released), CB Fred Thomas (not tendered), S Jay Bellamy (not tendered), K Olindo Mare (to Seahawks)

QB: After throwing for a franchise-record 4,418 yards in his first season in New Orleans, Brees upped that total to 4,423 last year while setting a career high with 28 touchdown strikes. The heady signal-caller also threw 18 interceptions, however, seven more than he did during his superb 2006 campaign. It was still an outstanding season for the 29-year-old, who did set an NFL record with 440 completions while connecting on an impressive 67.5 of his attempts. The Saints did let backup Jamie Martin go in the offseason in favor of grizzled veteran Mark Brunell, a 15-year pro who did not see any game action for the Redskins last year. No. 3 quarterback Tyler Palko spent his entire rookie season shuffling between the practice squad and the active roster and figures to do so again in 2008 .

RB: An overlooked factor in the Saints' 2006 success was the backfield duo of bruiser Deuce McAllister (92 rushing yards in '07) and the electrifying Reggie Bush (581 rushing yards, 73 receptions, 6 total TD), a devastating 1-2 punch that was negated when McAllister suffered a season-ending ACL tear in last season's third game. The smaller and shiftier Bush failed to prove he can handle the load alone, as the former Heisman Trophy winner averaged a pedestrian 3.7 yards per carry and scored just four rushing touchdowns before sitting out the final four games with a torn knee ligament that did not require surgery. The 23-year-old has made a greater impact as a receiver, having caught 161 passes for more than 1,150 yards during his first two pro seasons. McAllister has looked healthy thus far in the preseason, but the two- time Pro Bowler underwent two major knee surgeries in the last three years and the jury's out as to whether he can hold up over a full season. Those health concerns could mean a bigger role for second-year back Pierre Thomas (252 rushing yards, 17 receptions, 2 total TD), who opened eyes by amassing over 100 yards rushing and receiving in the 2007 season finale against Chicago. Steady veteran Aaron Stecker (448 rushing yards, 5 TD, 36 receptions) also figures in the mix as well. The Saints don't use a fullback too often, but they've got a pretty good one in the burly Mike Karney (13 receptions).

WR/TE: Colston (98 receptions, 1202 yards) has emerged as one of the great late-round finds in recent memory. The 2007 draft's 252nd overall choice has 168 catches - the most of any NFL player over his first two seasons - and the well-built wideout also matched a team record with 11 touchdown grabs a year ago. His outstanding numbers could take a slight dip, however, with the addition of Shockey (57 receptions, 3 TD), who provides a field-stretching presence at tight end the Saints have lacked for ages. The ex-Giant is still working his way back from a broken leg that cut short his 2007 campaign, but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. The second wide receiver spot is up for grabs, but 2007 first-round pick Robert Meachem has made a strong case with an excellent training camp and is the most talented member of a lot that also includes reliable 12th-year pro David Patten (54 receptions, 3), the maddeningly inconsistent Devery Henderson (20 receptions, 3 TD), return specialist Lance Moore (32 receptions, 2 TD), special teams stalwart Terrance Copper (15 receptions, 2 TD) and rookie seventh-round selection Adrian Arrington. Billy Miller (27 receptions, 2 TD) and blocking whiz Mark Campbell, who missed all of last year due to back surgery, are back to serve as Shockey's primary backups.

OL: The Saints boast arguably the premier pass-blocking offensive line in the game, as the front wall yielded a league-low 16 sacks in 2007 even though New Orleans threw more often then any other team. Left tackle Jammal Brown is the standout of a unit that also includes returning starters Jon Stinchcomb (right tackle), Jamar Nesbit (left guard) and emerging young star Jahri Evans (right guard). Sturdy center Jeff Faine left for division-rival Tampa Bay via free agency, but New Orleans is confident Jonathan Goodwin, a valued reserve the last two years, will be a capable stand-in. The Saints also brought in veteran Matt Lehr, who owns 48 career starts in seven seasons, as an insurance policy. Zach Strief returns as the top primary tackle and heads a reserve corps that should also include youngsters Andy Alleman (3rd round, 2007), Jermon Bushrod (4th round, 2007) and rookie Carl Nicks (5th round).

DL: New Orleans' ineptitude against opposing passing attacks last season can partly be attributed to the team's lack of a consistent rush. The Saints compiled a mediocre 32 sacks in 2007, six less than the previous year, while top end Will Smith (66 tackles) managed a career-low seven after producing 10 1/2 takedowns in 2006. With counterpart Charles Grant (48 tackles, 2.5 sacks) more effective as a run stopper, the Saints targeted McCray (18 tackles, 3 sacks) in free agency and inked the former Jaguar to a five-year deal. Although the 27-year-old is coming off a poor season, he had 10 sacks in a situational role in 2006 and has reportedly turned heads in camp. Ellis is expected to come in and start immediately on a line where last year's starting tackles, Hollis Thomas (50 tackles, 3 sacks) and Brian Young (18 tackles, 3 sacks), are both battling injuries. Thomas figures to be sidelined until at least mid-October with a torn triceps, while Young will be brought along slowly as he recovers from knee and foot ailments. New Orleans does have experienced depth along the interior, as both Kendrick Clancy (15 tackles, 0.5 sacks) and Antwan Lake (18 tackles, 1 sack) have started in the past.

LB: Middle linebacker wasn't a pressing need for the Saints, but Vilma (43 tackles with the Jets) is a considerable upgrade over the serviceable Mark Simoneau (70 tackles, 2 sacks) and could flourish in the club's 4-3 scheme. The 26-year-old is returning from a serious knee injury that limited him to seven games last year, which prompted the offseason re-signing of Simoneau as a fallback option. New Orleans is satisfied with its outside tandem of Scott Fujita (96 tackles, 3 sacks) and Scott Shanle (68 tackles), both of whom are renowned for their coverage skills. The pair will likely be backed up by special teams ace Troy Evans (17 tackles) and second-year man Marvin Mitchell (9 tackles).

DB: The troublesome cornerback spot opposite physical veteran Mike McKenzie (52 tackles, 3 INT, 17 PD) was excepted to be shored up with last season's signing of Jason David (51 tackles, 3 INT, 11 PD), but the ex-Colt was routinely toasted as he struggled to adjust to the Saints' press coverage scheme. David's struggles prompted the signing of Gay (38 tackles, 3 INT), a former LSU standout who spent the last four years as New England's primary nickel back, and the selection of Indiana speedster Tracy Porter in the second round of April's draft. Free safety Josh Bullocks (77 tackles, 2 INT, 1 sack) also regressed last year after a good 2006 campaign and is fighting to hold off ex-Bengal Kevin Kaesviharn (36 tackles, 8 PD) for the starting job. The health status of McKenzie, who tore his ACL in December and is questionable to be ready for Week 1, is another concern. The secondary's bright spot in 2007 was third-year strong safety Roman Harper (90 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 INT), who was a force against the run while showing improvement in coverage. Athletic youngster Usama Young (25 tackles) will likely see time in nickel and dime situations, with Chris Reis (13 tackles) the top candidate for the fourth safety role. Two battle-tested veterans, 32-year-old Jason Craft (56 tackles, 2 INT) and 36-year-old Aaron Glenn (15 tackles, 1 INT with Jacksonville), appear to be locked in competition for the final cornerback slot.

SPECIAL TEAMS: One of the Saints' most intriguing camp battles is at kicker, where incumbent Martin Gramatica is attempting to ward off a challenge from 2008 sixth-round draft choice Taylor Mehlhaff. The rookie has the stronger leg, but Gramatica made all five of his field-goal tries -- including a career-best 55-yarder, after being signed late last season. Punter Steve Weatherford (43.8 avg.) isn't facing any competition after a solid 2007, while Pierre Thomas has the kick returner's job sewn up after averaging 24 yards per runback as a rookie. Moore averaged a credible 9.3 yards on punt returns last year, but the wideout isn't guaranteed to make the club. Payton has said he'd like to use the game-breaking Bush more in that role, while Porter was an outstanding return man in college.

PROGNOSIS: After shocking the entire NFL with their skill and accomplishments in 2006, the Saints took no one by surprise last year. The defense's inability to create big plays and a lack of balance on offense were certainly factors in New Orleans' downturn, but the Saints also didn't play with the same sense of urgency they displayed the previous season. There's plenty of reason for motivation this time around, especially since New Orleans resides in a division that appears to be ripe for the taking. There's no question the Saints are the most dangerous team in the NFC South. If the defense makes significant strides and Brees stays healthy, they'll be its best team.