2006 NFL Preview: New Orleans Saints

After the 2005 NFL season was decimated in Louisiana by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the New Orleans Saints are now in a place to properly represent a resurgent New Orleans in the 2006 NFL season. In the midst of tragedy, the Saints players realized that a permanent road trip was going to eliminate any chance of success during the season but they did a good job of reaching out to the displaced in New Orleans. In the long run, this support for the community was more important than any success on the field. However, with the SuperDome ready for action, perhaps new coach Sean Payton and the new look Saints can provide a diversion from the struggles of the past year.

Quarterback- The Saints rid themselves of underachieving Aaron Brooks in the off-season and went after former San Diego Charger Drew Brees. Brees has played well the last two years and has shown a similar upward limit of potential as Brooks with the added bonus of getting his team to fourteen wins and a playoff berth two years ago. Brooks may do well in Oakland, but it is almost a certainly that Brees will flourish in the 2006 NFL season with the weapons Sean Payton has given him. Behind Brees, there will be a battle between long time backup Todd Bouman, Jamie Martin, and youngster Adrian McPherson for the two backup quarterback positions in 2006. Bouman has experience on the field as a football technician and should get the benefit of the doubt by Sean Payton, but look for McPherson to edge out Martin for the third spot. McPherson, a former Florida State and Arena Football quarterback, is athletic and needs some time on the bench in the 2006 NFL season to learn the game.
2006 NFL Grade- B+

Running Back/Full Back- The New Orleans Saints have a logjam at running back, though no one can blame them for taking Reggie Bush in the 2006 NFL Draft. Bush has a tremendous upside and can play at receiver, running back, and kick return, though in the NFL star players rarely take their turn in special teams. Look for the Saints to use Deuce McAllister as their every down back and Bush as a third down back, a receiving threat, and a slash type player until they figure out a way to give both star running backs the ball. McAllister is going to have a solid year with Bush taking some pressure off and look for Payton to get the running backs more involved in the passing game.
2006 NFL Grade- A-

Wide Receiver/Tight End- Saints receiver Joe Horn became a community leader in 2005 with his role in supporting the New Orleans community following the hurricanes. He is also one of the most highly regarded veterans in the league and will provide his typical hard work and dedication to the New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees is going to need Donte’ Stallworth to step up in the 2006 NFL season and needs some solid performances from backup receivers like Nate Poole and Devery Henderson to make the offense work. At tight end, the Saints are well set with Mark Campbell, Billy Miller, and Ernie Conwell aiding with the high powered running game and an improving passing game.
2006 NFL Grade- B+

Offensive Line- Center Jeff Faine anchors a Saints offensive line that could be very good if it lives up to its potential. This last sentence applies to most positions on the Saints but if the running game is going anywhere, they need good performances out of their guards and tackles. Look for Jammal Brown and John Stinchcomb to solidify the outside edge for the Saints, while the interior line may struggle a bit as Jermane Mayberry begins to falter with age and Montrae Holland struggles to cement his spot in the starting lineup.
2006 NFL Grade- C+

Defensive Line- In the Saints’ interior line, the Saints will go to hard working Brian Young and veteran gap filler Hollis Thomas. On the edges, Coach Sean Payton is hoping that third year defensive end Will Smith continues growing as a player while relying on end Charles Grant to do the heavy lifting in 2006. If Smith fails, look for a rotation of defensive ends to include rookie Tommy Davis and pass rush specialist Tony Bryant.
2006 NFL Grade- B-

Linebacker- Free agent middle linebacker Scott Fujita should see little competition heading into the 2006 NFL season, as he is meant to stuff the middle at the second level. At the outside linebackers, however, the Saints will have a tough competition among free agents, rookies, and Saints veterans. The likely outside linebacking tandem will be Jay Foreman and Tommy Polley, picked up in the 2006 free agent market, while young Colby Bockwoldt and Anthony Simmons might fight their way into prominence in the linebacking rotation.
2006 NFL Grade- B+

Defensive Back- Mike McKenzie is going to be the premier cornerback on the New Orleans Saint in 2006, but look for a great competition on the other side as the 2006 NFL season starts. Veterans Jason Craft and Fred Thomas will compete early on for the starting position in 2006, but look for rookies Josh Lay, Ray Williams, and Grant Mason to pressure the veterans from the nickel and dime back positions. Good money would be on Jason Craft to start the season and Grant Mason to finish up as cornerback in 2006.
2006 NFL Grade- B-

Kicker/Punter- The Saints are pretty well set at the specialist positions in the 2006 NFL season, with veteran kicker John Carney and punter Mitch Berger holding strong at their respective positions. Both, however, are nearing the end of their careers and look for the Saints to hang onto at least one specialist on their practice squad roster to develop for the future.
2006 NFL Grade- B

2006 NFL Preview- The New Orleans will be better this year, but don’t expect miracles. The Saints will get back to 8-8, maybe 9-7, but look for 2007 and 2008 to be the years they get back into the playoffs.