Super Bowl hangover or champs again? New Orleans Saints 2010 season preview
The long-futile franchise called the New Orleans Saints became the greatest football team in the world last February when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV. It capped a dream season for the team, who started 13-0 before losing their last three games. However, well rested, they won all three play-off games, 45-14 over the Cardinals, a 31-28 overtime thriller over the Vikings and a come-from-behind 31-17 victory over the Colts.
Talent-wise the Saints should repeat that success. The only key part of their Super Bowl win not with the team this year is linebacker Scott Fujita. Other than that, the Saints have kept all their pieces in place and are set to make a run at a second straight title. It’s not that easy though; as difficult as it is to win one championship, it’s that much more difficult to win a second.
Coach Sean Payton has been a miracle worker ever since taking the head coaching job in New Orleans five years ago, as has quarterback Drew Brees, MVP of Super Bowl XLIV. The duo have led to the franchise’s turnaround and look to continue that rise.
On offence, well the Saints are pretty good. Brees is perhaps the greatest quarterback in the league right now. His ability to spread the ball to different receivers and strike them with deadly accuracy is remarkable. As Brees says, his favourite receiver is the open one. He is also a phenomenal leader and is the glue that holds the league’s most potent offence together.
The receiving corps features no individual superstars, but they are a superstar unit. Marques Colston is a fantastic possession receiver. Devery Henderson has overcome his dropping habit and is a great catch-and-run receiver. Robert Meachem is the team’s best deep threat. Thought to be a first-round bust, he is becoming a great player.
The Saints have even more options with Lance Moore a reliable third-down target and tight end Jeremy Shockey who’s a monster in the short passing game. When you add Reggie Bush’s abilities as a receiver, the Saints passing attack just has too many weapons. Bush may be a bust as a pure running back, but his ability to run once in the open field still make him a threat on offence.
The difference between the Saints offence of two years ago and last year was the added dimension of the power running game. Pierre Thomas has proven to be a physical presence running between the tackles. Mike Bell, who signed with Philadelphia, was a good short-yardage runner, while Reggie Bush is strictly used for outside runs, in hope of breaking a big play. Lynell Hamilton was scheduled to take Bell’s share of carries, but a torn ACL ended his season.
The offensive line’s weaknesses are often disguised by Brees’ ability to avoid sacks and find receivers quickly. The o-line is best used when ploughing ahead in the running-game but can be exposed when they have to protect against the pass.
Left tackle Jermon Bushrod was terrible last year, and so was right tackle Jon Stinchcomb at the right. Both are slow and lack technique. Carl Nicks is an outstanding left guard, with great footwork and mechanics. Right guard Jahri Evans is as good as it gets regarding power. Centre Jonathan Goodwin is a rock, and leads the line very well.
Defensively, the Saints forced many turnovers last year, due to their phenomenal secondary. Safety Darren Sharper enjoyed a great year. The 34-year old is a ball hawk and a future hall-of-famer. At the strong safety spot, Roman Harper makes mistakes in coverage, but is a great run stopper with his speed.
At cornerback, Tracy Porter, whose pick-six clinched the Super Bowl for the Saints last year, is quick and blossoming into a star. However the best corner of the team is still Jabari Greer. Greer has great awareness and makes excellent reads in coverage.
The line-backing unit features the leader of the defence in middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Vilma is a monster against the run, with great speed and great instincts. Jo-Lonn Dunbar will get a shot at replacing Fujita, while Jonathan Casillas should fill the other side.
On the front line, the Saints will need better play from their tackles. Sedrick Ellis is quick off the snap, but is unable to shed double-teams. Remi Ayodele has similar problems, to a greater extent.
At defensive end, Will Smith is on the verge of being an elite pass-rusher. He brings great energy and agility to the line. Alex Brown is solid against the run, but he’s not a star.
On special teams, Garrett Hartley proved to be money in the play-offs, not missing a single field goal. Punter Thomas Morestead won’t see much action as he’ll rarely have to punt. Reggie Bush remains a constant threat in the punt return game, due to his ability to use his greatest strengths. On kick returns, Courtney Roby is a great returner who flies under the radar. The Saints only Achilles heel last year was their special-teams coverage. They were ranked last in the league against punt returns, and 29th in the league against kick returns.
The Saints certainly do have the talent capable of repeating, but as we see every year, things always seem to change. Things can go wrong at any given moment and luck plays a factor as well from year to year. We see every year how difficult it is for champion to duplicate their success. If the team stays healthy, they should win the division. One or two key injuries though and the Saints could drop a few wins from last season. It’s really tough to call at this point, but the champions are always favourites heading into the next season.
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