2010 NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints
What a magical run by the New Orleans Saints in 2009. They came out of nowhere and put together the best season in franchise history, including a 13-0 start, home field advantage in the playoffs, and was capped off by their win in Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts.
Now Sean Payton and his Saints are in a totally new and totally different position. They are not one of the 31 teams that are hunting for a Super Bowl crown. They are the hunted. Are they going to respond, or is the Super Bowl Hangover going to carry into the regular season? The 2010 New Orleans Saints are going under the scope.
Recap
- 2009 Record (13-3, 1st NFC South, Super Bowl XLIV Champions)
- Key Additions: none
- Key Departures: LB Scott Fujita (Cleveland Browns), RB Mike Bell (Philadelphia Eagles)
Overview
Offense: Drew Brees. What more do you have to say? The 2009 Super Bowl MVP (and what many felt the regular season MVP) threw for 4000 yards for a fourth consecutive year, and is the undisputed heart & soul of the Saints franchise. He threw for a staggering 70.2 completion percentage and 34 touchdowns to only 11 interceptions and a phenomenal QB rating of 109.6. The Saints have two young quarterbacks backing up Brees in Chase Daniel and rookie Sean Canfield. However, they are expected to bring in veteran Patrick Ramsey, who played with the Titans and Lions last year, as they opted not to sign Mark Brunell. As long as Brees is under center, the Saints are always in the game.
Reggie Bush will be the starting running back, the only change in the Saints backfield was the departure of Mike Bell, who left after New Orleans declined to match the Philadelphia Eagles' offer sheet. They still have Pierre Thomas, who was very dynamic last year, and Lynell Hamilton, who's play increased while Bell's slipped (one reason for the Saints not re-signing him). They have good lead blocking in Heath Evans, who is back after tearing his ACL a season ago.
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