Handicapper's Corner Team Previews
What to Expect from the 2007 New Orleans Saints
The Saints had a magical run to the NFC Title game in 2006. Will they sustain this new-found success, or will they fall back to Earth?
2006 Records: 10-6 SU, 10-6 ATS
The masses completely underestimated this team. The Saints did not look good at all in 2005, and it seemed like there were a lot of holes to fill in order to be competitive. But, it turns out the Drew Brees made a huge difference in terms of decision-making at the quarterback spot. Add two exciting rookies in Reggie Bush and Marques Colston, a rejuvenated Deuce McAllister, an offensive line that looks like it will be a strong unit for several years and a weak conference, and you have an NFC title game participant.
When the Saints played their home opener on a Monday night against Atlanta, you knew they would be fired up, but little did we know that they would annihilate the Falcons on both sides of the ball. That emotion carried through the entire season, and new head coach Sean Payton kept the team focused and, very importantly, believing in themselves.
Despite getting thrashed in the NFC Championship by Chicago, the Saints have a lot to look forward to. With the youth and talent they have on offense, this team has opened their window of opportunity. The key will be to plug the holes on defense, which means some secondary, linebacker, and interior line upgrades. This was done through a couple of free agent acquisitions from Cincinnati (LB Brian Simmons and S Kevin Kaesviharn). It also appears that the Saints coaching staff will remain intact, so this team should only continue to grow.
Another factor on their side: schedule. The Saints face the NFC West and the AFC South in 2007, which is manageable enough to build on their win total from 2006. One thing that will definitely need improving, though, is their play against the AFC, where New Orleans was dominated 118-88, including losses at home to Baltimore and Cincinnati.
Bush led the Saints with 88 catches and ran for 565 yards in a big-play complementary role to McAllister, who was responsible for the workhorse role. Bush made plenty of highlight reels, particularly in the second half of the year, but needs to be a more patient runner in order to become the total package. Despite not having a healthy Joe Horn for a good part of the year, a largely inexperienced receiving corps ended up having a fantastic season with Brees leading the way. Colston started the season fast, but began to suffer some nagging injuries later in the year, hampering his play a tad.
When you take everything into consideration, one would have to believe that the Saints will be a threat to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl for the next few years. This is the only team in the conference with an elite quarterback, which will be a difference-maker throughout the season and playoffs. Right now, the Saints appear to be a great choice for the NFC's Super Bowl representative.
2007 W-L Prediction: 11-5
