In the playoffs the Saints fell short to the massive underdog Seattle Seahawks. The Saints are a team with most of the pieces in place, and despite the fact that they lack huge names in their receiving corps, they have guys who run routes well, and who know how to get open. The offensive line showed some where and tear this season, but for the Saints to return, and make a successful run through, the playoffs they must address their running back situation.
Reggie Bush shows flashes of greatness, but he is really only a big threat a few times during the game. Drew Brees airs the ball out more than most Qbs in the league, and that is because he lacks a full on running threat, that the team can trust in crunch time. The coming draft is very thick with defensive talent, which means that the Saints are going to be running into many new blue chippers, who have eyes on the former champions. If New Orleans can develop a consistent running threat, that can pull the pressure of the arm of Drew Brees, they will be lining themselves up well for another run at the championship.
New Orleans could also use some help on the defensive side of the ball. Last season they gave up big yards to teams like Carolina, which shouldn’t have had a chance against the Saints. Marshawn Lynch’s huge run in the playoffs highlighted the struggles on the Saints defense when it comes to containing big play makers. They should look to add speed on their pass
rush in the draft, as well as try to grab some fresh talent for their secondary. Now that the chinks in the armor have been exposed you can expect other teams to try and take full advantage of them.
Look for New Orleans to try and draft a good DE in the draft, someone that can get speed around the edge, and really get at opposing quarterbacks. If they don’t go through the draft to address this issue then the Saints will be very busy in free agency. They need to be able to get at their opponents, and create the pressure that leads to turn overs. If the Saints upgrade this position then they could find themselves right back in the championship picture.
Late in the season Brees‘ protection seemed to fade as well. It might be time to add some younger talent on the offensive line, specifically on the right side, which seemed prone to collapsing late in the season. Brees is one of the most accurate Qbs in the NFL, and another half second of protection could seriously boost his completion percentage.