The Times-Picayune: Saints Edition

Chasing A Second Ring



With Drew Brees at 35 years of age, the time has to be now for the New Orleans Saints. Since 2009, the Saints have been fighting to "Two Dat" and bring New Orleans another Superbowl championship, unsuccessfully. This year, however; they may have their best team since QB Drew Brees and HC Sean Payton have landed in New Orleans. The defensive side of the ball is by far, on paper, the best this team has seen since the Dome Patrol days. They are filled with youth, speed, and athleticism. The line is anchored by DE Cameron Jordan, as well as DE/OLB Junior Galette. The LB core is dangerous with Curtis Lofton, Victor Butler, and David Hawthorne all playing in their second year under DC Rob Ryan. The secondary may be the best in Saints franchise history. Keenan Lewis, Champ Bailey, Patrick Robinson, Stanley Jean-Baptiste (rookie), and Corey White will most likely all see playing time. Lewis was a top 5 DB last season and should only get better in his second year in this defense. Kenny Vacarro and Jairus Byrd will hold the back end down, and they have loads of hype surrounding them. Offensively, look for Mark Ingram and Khiry Robinson to be in a battle for the starter's role. (I'm planning to use Ingram, but we'll see what the ratings come out like). Having signed TE Jimmy Graham last week will definitely let me breathe easier heading into the first Madden season. Thankfully, I won't be responsible for having to resign him!! The WR's are headed by veteran Marques Colston, but rookie Brandin Cooks is all the buzz. He's already making big time plays in training camp, and I can't wait to see what he looks like in-game. Second year pro, Kenny Stills, will either play on the outside or in the slot (wherever Cooks does not), and WR Nick Toon will get valuable playing time as well.

We'll have a window of about 3-4 seasons, hopefully, with Drew Brees under center in this franchise. I feel like we have all the pieces in place for me to make a run at the Lombardi. I'm looking forward to bringing a second (and possibly more) Superbowl trophy to our city and franchise! WHO DAT!! ​

Old Faces, New Places


The Saints acquired perennial pro bowler Champ Bailey in the 2014 offseason. Bailey will be competing for a starting DB role with rookie Stanley jean-Baptiste and 5 year veteran Patrick Robinson. Whether he starts or not, Bailey will see plenty of field time in DC Rob Ryan's defense.


When the Saints signed unrestricted free agent Jairus Byrd this offseason, it sent a shockwave through not only the NFL, but through the Who Dat Nation as well. No one, including myself, saw that move coming. But how thrilled we were once it happened. Byrd will play along side second year pro Kenny Vacarro, and combined they may form the best safety duo in all the league. They are perfect compliments to one another, as Vacarro is a hard hitter and Byrd plays the ballhawk role. This tandem will be very fun to watch for years to come as the Saints inked Byrd to a 6 year contract.


When the Saints won the Superbowl back in 2009, Jonathan Goodwin was under center. When his contract expired, Goodwin left New Orleans and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He did a serviceable job there, but after being cut this previous offseason he is back in New Orleans. Goodwin will be competing with Tim Lelito, who is trying to break the roster as the starting center for the first time in his career. Goodwin has the experience and the knowledge of the position, but will it be enough to beat out the younger, quicker Lelito? Either way, the Saints organization is glad to have Goodwin back on their side.​