New Orleans Saints 2008 Season Preview

The New Orleans Saints are ready to pass right by the competition on the strong throwing arm of QB Drew Brees.

New Orleans Saints Preview: 2007-08

The New Orleans Saints finished the 2007 season with a 7-9 record that was good for second in the NFC South but not reflective of the amount of talent the team possesses. Key injuries kept the New Orleans Saints from reaching their full potential and a poor record kept the New Orleans Saints out of the playoffs. Last season, QB Drew Brees set an NFL record for most past attempts in a season. Due to injuries to the running back corps while on defense, the New Orleans Saints failed to effectively stop passing attacks. Offensive and defensive improvements should boost the New Orleans Saints record and place them back in the playoff hunt.

New Orleans Saints Preview: Moves

Going into the off season, the New Orleans Saints understood that if they wanted to compete for the NFL Championship again they would have to address some of the issues they were having with their defense. The New Orleans Saints draft was questionable, save for Sedrick Ellis, a gem snagged by the New Orleans Saints with the seventh overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints also acquired LB Jonathan Vilma in a trade with the New York Jets. The New Orleans Saints’ excellent offensive line lost C Jeff Faine to Tampa Bay, one of their division rivals.

New Orleans Saints Preview: Offense

The New Orleans Saints offensive line did an exceptional job protecting QB Drew Brees in the pocket, allowing only 16 sacks in Drew Brees’ record-setting 652 pass attempts. Some of that can be attributed to Drew Brees’ amazing awareness and his ability to sense which side the rush is coming from and avoid pressure accordingly, but the offensive line deserves most of the credit for their exceptional protection. The New Orleans Saints offensive line will have to improve on their ability to open up holes for the running backs who could only squeeze 3.7 yards per rush. No doubt, this number is partially a result of injuries to the top two running backs, Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. If RB Reggie Bush can manage to stay healthy, the return of the running game could mean more downfield opportunities for wide out Marques Colston.

New Orleans Saints Preview: Defense

The New Orleans Saints struggled to cover the pass in 2007, giving up close to eight yards per attempt through the air. The New Orleans Saints attempted to address this issue by signing CB Randall Gay and drafting playmaking CB Tracy Porter. The New Orleans Saints drafted DT Sedrick Ellis who is capable of defending against the run and battling through double teams to pressure the quarterback. The addition of 2004 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jonathan Vilma is also expected to boost the New Orleans Saints defense. Jonathan Vilma’s production dropped in the New York Jets’ defensive system but his play will pick up in the 4-3 scheme of the New Orleans Saints.

New Orleans Saints: Special Teams

Kick returner Pierre Thomas returns with some experience under his belt after averaging 24 yards per kick return. Punt returner Lance Moore is hoping to gain a starting spot on the offense as well as reprise his role on special teams. K Martin Gramatica was signed as a replacement for PK Olindo Mare. When Olindo Mare was released this offseason, it was clear that Martin Gramatica would take his place. The New Orleans Saints dangerous offense should benefit Martin Gramatica immensely.

New Orleans Saints Preview: Outlook

The New Orleans Saints will participate in an NFL international initiative by playing a game against the San Diego Chargers in London, England in 2008. Fans at the Louisiana Superdome will be roaring as the New Orleans Saints will face challenges from the Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 2008 is all about the defense for the New Orleans Saints and they feel that they have made the necessary changes to compliment the potent New Orleans Saints offense.