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New Orleans Saintswww.neworleanssaints.comLocation:
Metairie, La.
Camp Opens
JULY 30
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Can new coordinator Gregg Williams fix a porous defense?
Despite a rough 2008 season in Jacksonville, Williams has deservedly earned a reputation as a masterful rebuilder after constructing top-10 defenses in Tennessee, Buffalo and Washington. In New Orleans, he takes over a unit that finished 23rd in total defense last season and surrendered 24.6 points per game. The Saints also gave up a whopping 221.7 passing yards per game. In spite of those dismal numbers, Williams has the pieces to engineer a quick turnaround. DEs Will Smith and Charles Grant, DT Sedrick Ellis and LB Jonathan Vilma anchor a front seven as talented as any in the league, and they should be bolstered by an improved secondary led by veteran safety Darren Sharper. With Williams bringing an aggressive scheme and an infectious swagger, the Saints' defense could soar up the charts.
Is WR Robert Meachem ready to breakout this season?
Meachem has just 12 receptions in two seasons, but he's one of the young players the Saints are anticipating having a big year. The former first-round draft pick started to show promise last season and could give New Orleans another big-play threat after averaging 24.1 yards per catch and making three receptions over 40 yards. Meachem also scored a 20-yard touchdown on a reverse. With that kind of emerging playmaking ability, Meachem could become a vital part of the Saints' explosive offense in 2009.
Can Reggie Bush stay healthy and be a do-it-all playmaker again?
Bush has delivered many highlight-worthy moments throughout his three-year career, but injuries have caused him to miss 10 games over the past two seasons. Bush's body hasn't been able to handle the rigors of being the offense's primary running back. While that's disappointing considering Bush's high draft status (No. 2 overall in 2006), he's still a dangerous multi-purpose weapon out of the backfield. Bush has the most receptions by any NFL running back since 2006, and his 1,599 receiving yards trail only Philadelphia's Brian Westbrook among running backs during that span. Bush helped lead the Saints to the playoffs in 2006 while acting as a dual threat, and the team has a 9-4 record when he tops 100 yards in total offense. With those numbers in mind, coach Sean Payton might look to tweak Bush's role to keep him healthy and productive this season.
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Young or old at cornerback?
Tracy Porter, a second-round draft pick in 2008, displayed the cover skills and instincts to be a game-changer as a rookie until a dislocated wrist ended his season. He must fight off Randall Gay, a former Patriots starter who has significant game experience and solid overall skills.
RB Pierre Thomas
The pressure is on the former undrafted free agent to deliver as the featured runner in the Saints' two-back system. Thomas earned that nod after averaging 112.8 yards from scrimmage during the final six weeks of the 2008 season. Moreover, he had a team-high 12 touchdowns and amassed a 4.8 yards-per-carry average on the season.
P Thomas Morstead
The Saints gave up two draft picks to move up in the fifth round to select Morstead, but if his collegiate success translates to the pro game, the Saints might have a game-changing weapon. Morstead is a masterful hang-time punter who specializes in booming kicks that often force fair catches and pin foes inside the 20-yard line.
RB Pierre Thomas
Despite reports that the Saints were looking to add a running back during the offseason, they stood pat and should open with Thomas atop their depth chart. A serious sleeper in 2008, Thomas has shown that he can put up big numbers. He could turn into a very nice value in fantasy drafts.
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