New Orleans Saints Preview and Prediction

Team Preview

Does it upset anyone that the New Orleans Saints continue to miss the postseason despite having one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL?

In 2013, the Saints posted an 11-5 record before falling in the divisional round of the playoffs. Since then, New Orleans has earned 7-9 records and missed the postseason each year... At least they are consistent.

How can this team continue to miss the playoffs? We know the talent Drew Brees has and it shows in the amount of points the offense scores each year. In 2013, the Saints posted 414 points; in 14' - 401 points; in 15' - 408 points; in 16' - 469 points. What does Brees need to do to get this team back to the postseason?

Nothing. Because Brees cannot play every position on the field, mostly meaning he can't stop opposing offenses from scoring at will. In 2013, the Saints' defense allowed just 304 points. In the three years since... 424, 476, and 454 points allowed. The way to get the Saints back in the postseason? Easy. Play better on defense.

To address a defense that ranked sixth-worst in yards allowed, second-worst in points allowed and worst against the pass, the Saints chose five defensive players of its seven 2017 NFL Draft picks.

Marshon Lattimore, a cornerback, was the team's first selection at pick 11. The team then picked safety Marcus Williams in the second round. Both rookies will be tested early on and should be on the field plenty.

2016 second round pick Vonn Bell and 2013 first-rounder Kenny Vaccaro will open the year as the starters the two safety positions after 87 and 68 total tackle seasons a year ago. Rafael Bush serves as depth at the position but like, Williams, should see the field plenty in trying to both stop the pass and stay fresh. Ken Crawley and PJ Williams will join Lattimore at CB but will need help from the likes of Delvin Breaux and Sterling Moore.

At linebacker, Craig Robertson leads the charge after posting 115 total tackles last year. 2017 third round pick Alex Anzalone hopes to start from game one and help the run defense that ranked near the middle of the league last year. Nathan Stupar, Stephone Anthony and AJ Klein round out the LB core.

The Saints' defensive line needs some help, and they hope they found it after signing former Arizona Cardinal Alex Okafor. Okafor posted eight sacks in 2014 but has just 5 ½ since. On the other end of the d-line is Cameron Jordan, who led the Saints with 7 ½ sacks. Jordan finished the season with 58 total tackles, as well. The line took a big hit when it was reported that Nick Fairley would miss the season with a heart issue that could also end his career. As a result, Sheldon Rankins will be asked to produce more after a 4-sack campaign last year. Third-rounder Trey Hendrickson could be a steal for the Saints, and should get plenty of time on the field in his rookie season.

Switching to the offense, the Saints will have to adjust to life without top wide receiver Brandin Cooks after the team traded him to the New England Patriots. The team felt confident in that trade because of the play of 2016 second-rounder Michael Thomas, who had 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns on 92 receptions as a rookie. Newly-signed Tedd Ginn and Willie Snead will also play big snaps for the Saints while Brandon Coleman should gather a few looks as well. Tight end Coby Fleener adds another dimension to the passing game after recording 631 yards and three scores last year.

The running game is led by Mark Ingram, who earned 1,043 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 205 attempts; Ingram added 319 yards and four scores in the passing game. Longtime Minnesota Viking Adrian Peterson, who was signed in the offseason, gives the Saints a dangerous 1-2 punch out of the backfield. I'd expect the duo to split carries and also get plenty of receptions. 2017 third-rounder Alvin Kamara will also see the field and serves as the team's future starting running back if his development goes as planned.

It sure sounds like Brees has plenty of weapons to spread the ball between, making the Saints one of the top offenses in the entire league. I think Brees may eclipse the 5,208 passing yards he achieved last year but also think the 37 touchdown passes may shrink with all the talent in the backfield. Regardless of the numbers the future hall-of-famer puts up this season, he will always give the Saints a chance to win, regardless of how many points he needs to put on the scoreboard.

2017-18 Schedule/Predictions 1 - at Minnesota Vikings (W) 2 - vs New England Patriots (L) 3 - at Carolina Panthers (L) 4 - at Miami Dolphins (L) 5 - BYE 6 - vs Detroit Lions (L) 7 - at Green Bay Packers (L) 8 - vs Chicago Bears (W) 9 - vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W) 10 - at Buffalo Bills (W) 11 - vs Washington Redskins (L) 12 - at Los Angeles Rams (W) 13 - vs Carolina Panthers (W)

14 - at Atlanta Falcons (L) 15 - vs New York Jets (W) 16 - vs Atlanta Falcons (L) 17 - at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L) Season Record: 7-9, 2-4 NFC South

The turning point of the Saints' season may come in week two, in a matchup against the defending Super Bowl champs. After that game, we should know what kind of defense the Saints are going to have. In my eyes, I just don't see the defense improving enough to get this team back to the playoffs. Another 7-9 season is in order for the New Orleans Saints.

Next NFC Team Up - Washington Redskins

Sources not listed in article: ESPN - stats; Ourlads - depth chart; Playoff Predictors - schedule/record projections.

#NewOrleansSaints