Year of the Saints

Well Saints fans the beginning of football season is almost upon us. With the start of training camp, its time to take a look at the upcoming season. Saints fans have become familiar with the high expectations early and the depressing let downs late into the season. There have been too many seasons, for the comfort of Saints fans, that have ended with the Saints looking from the outside in on the playoffs. Every year we flutter to find an excuse for our all too early elimination from contention. This is something Saints fans have dealt with since the inaugural season back in 1967.

Every year we ask ourselves the same questions, "When will it be our turn to bask in the glory of a title" or "What would have happened if a few plays or injuries had went another way" and sigh to ourselves "Next year will be our year!". With all the short comings of this organization you begin to wonder if it will ever happen. Do the Saints really have a chance at a title The answer to that question would be "YES!". I mean why not, every team has a chance right If you dont think so look back at the Carolina Panthers not even a year ago. Sure they didnt win it all but can you say they didnt have a chance. Well I bet you would have a said they didnt a year ago. Did anyone think the New England Patriots would win it all in 2001-02 against the mighty Rams Mighty Rams Did you think youd hear that before the 99 season The truth be told, everyone in the NFL has opportunity to make a run. Its up to the players, coaches, and yes fans! So is this finally the year of the Saints Are there reasons for faith, well lets take a look.

Led by 4th year starter Aaron Brooks the Saints offense has shown flashes of greatness. Brooks has shown poise at a position that needs it most. Aside from a case of the fumbles last year, Brooks showed improvement in his ability to run the offense, as he posted a career best 88.8 quarterback rating and threw for 24 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions despite a injury plagued year that limited both Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth. With all the negatives put on Brooks you have to take a long look back to a certain Mr. Manning to find a better Saints quarterback. Aaron has posted some of the best passing numbers in Saints history since becoming the starter and ranks in the teams top five in every major passing category, including: Net yards passing 8,918, fourth, pass attempts 1,280, fourth completions 708, fourth, completion percentage 55.3, fifth, touchdowns 62, third and passer rating 79.4, second. He has thrown for over 300 yards five times since emerging as the team leader in 2000 in relief of injured starter Jeff Blake in Week 11 vs. Oakland, 11/19/00.

Striving to not have a repeat of years past wideout Donte Stallworth has worked on his conditioning in the offseason to prevent the nagging injuries, along with improving his work ethic to develop himself into a real force for 2004 and if he CAN stay healthy look for great things from this speedy receiver. Horn, despite rumors of a possible trade, returns as one of NFLs most prolific receivers since signing with New Orleans in 2000 adding to one of the leagues best receiving cores. Another bright spot for the New Orleans offense was the emergence of tight-end Boo Williams who in replacement of the injured Ernie Conwell proved to be the tight-end Haslett and company has been looking for since their arrival in New Orleans. To add to this already thrilling group unit, "Deuce is loose" and has been since getting the starting nod in 2002. McAllister has emerged as on one of the leagues, arguably, top 5 runningbacks. One thing however there is no argument about is that Deuce is one of the leagues most dangerous threats and is one of the major keys to New Orleans success in 2004. He gives the Saints a valuable asset whether it be through running the ball, receiving, or blocking. All areas McAllister has mastered over his still young career. Deuce has eclipsed the 1000 yard mark in each of his two seasons as the Saints starter, having his best in 2003 with 1,641 yards rushing, reaching the 100+ mark in 9 consecutive games and his second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination.

The Saints defense is one of the teams biggest question marks coming into the training camp. After a failure with the "lunch bunch theory" coach Haslett look to speed and a nonstop motor on defensive line with the free agent pick up of DT Brian Young and the drafting of Ohio State defensive end Will Smith with the 18th overall pick in Aprils draft. With the offseason addition of defensive line coach John Pease the Saints defensive line look to be improved. The main areas of concern going into the offseason, however were at the linebacker and cornerback spots. Haslett and crew hope that the drafting of MLB Courtney Watson and the development of second year linebacker Cie Grant fill the needs at linebacker. The Saints also went out and picked up CB Jason Craft and New Orleans Voodoo standout Monty Montgomery give them the depth needed to be successful at stopping the pass. There have also been reports the 5th year man Fahkir Brown has improved dramatically and could vie for a starting spot during training camp. There are still too many question marks on defense that should be answered during training camp and preseason.

After all has been said the question still remains. Is this the Saints year Well only time can tell but with the surplus of young talented players you definitely cant rule them out. Regardless of the overall outcome of this season, it should be a fun exciting ride. So get your jerseys out of the closet, pull out the Mardi Gra beads, and start the chants of "WHO DAT!" because its football time in the Big Easy!