2011 Record: 13-3
2011 Ranks
Total Offense: 1
Run Offense: 6
Pass Offense: 1
Scoring Offense: 2
Total Defense: 24
Run Defense: 12
Pass Defense: 30
Scoring Defense: 13
Offense
It all starts and ends with Drew Brees. Even without Sean Payton calling the plays, Brees still has his entire slew of weapons to choose from. Receiver Robert Meachem was lost in free agency, but that shouldn't matter much to a team who can shuffle receiving options in and out like a deck of cards. Darren Sproles added a big spark to the offense last year and tight end Jimmy Graham emerged as one of the best in the league. Regardless of what happens on defense, this offense is going to score, and score a lot.
Defense
The Saints defense was decimated by suspensions in connection with bounties. Even though some of the defenders are appealing their suspensions, it remains to be seen who will actually suit up for New Orleans. The Saints had one of the worst pass defenses in the league this year, and didn't do much to address their secondary. and they added linebacker Curtis Lofton from the division rival Falcons in an attempt to fill a void that Jonathan Vilma's suspension would result in.
Intangibles
Drew. Brees.
Prediction
Any team with Brees at the helm is going to be right in the thick of the playoff mix. Brees has traditionally played much better in domes than outdoors, but the Saints will only have to play six games in the elements this season, with 4 of them coming before Halloween. 11-5
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