NFL Profile: 2006 New Orleans Saints
After a 3-13 season last year the New Orleans Saints can only go up with new head coach Sean Payton along with Pro Bowl Quarterback Drew Brees and rookie Running Back sensation Reggie Bush. Even though I don’t think this team is playoff ready this year look for them to make a big push this season.
2006 NFL Draft Overview
Round 1
2nd pick – Reggie Bush (RB, USC)
Round 2
11th pick (43rd overall) – Roman Harper (S, Alabama)
Round 4
11th pick (108th overall) – Jahri Evans (OG, Bloomsberg)
Round 5
2nd pick (135th overall) – Rob Ninkovich (DE, Purdue)
Round 6
2nd pick (171st overall) – Mike Hass (WR, Oregon St)
5th pick (174th overall) – Josh Lay (CB, Pittsburgh)
Round 7
2nd pick (210th overall) – Zach Strief (OL, Northwestern)
44th pick 252nd overall) – Marques Colston (WR Hofstra)
Reggie Bush will contribute to New Orleans immediately. Given their weak defense last year it was good to see New Orleans focusing heavily on defense in the draft. Roman Harper and Josh Lay especially should definitely see playing time if the Saints defense continues to stay sub-par
Key Signings
Drew Brees- QB
The Pro Bowler is a definite upgrade from the now departed Aaron Brooks. He has a solid offensive group around him. Look for another Pro Bowl appearance by Brees.
Reggie Bush- RB
With Priest Holmes’ NFL future in jeopardy, the combination of Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister gives New Orleans the most potent running back combo in the NFL right now.
Key Losses
Michael Bennett- RB
This key loss is actually very hypothetical. Michael Bennett’s departure (Via a trade with Kansas City for a future pick in the draft) is only a key loss if New Orleans suffers an injury to Reggie Bush or Deuce McAllister.
Saints Offense 2006
The Saints were 20th in the NFL in total offense last year and averaged just over two touchdowns a game. Look for that number to increase dramatically. They have arguably one of the best running games in the league and Drew Brees has two solid receivers in Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth. Unfortunately without major changes on defense the Saints will have to put up a lot of points in order to actually win games.
Saints Defense 2006
The Saints were 25th in the league in interceptions last year. While they certainly addressed defensive concerns in the draft it remains to be seen whether these players will have an immediate impact on the structure of the defense. Look for New Orleans defense to be slightly better than last year but not much.
2006 Schedule
September
9/10 – At Cleveland
9/17 – At Green Bay
9/25 – Atlanta
October
10/1 – at Carolina
10/8 – Tampa Bay
10/15 – Philadelphia
10/22 – Bye
10/29 – Baltimore
November
11/5 – at Tampa Bay
11/12 – at Pittsburgh
11/19 – Cincinnati
11/26 – at Atlanta
December
12/3 – San Francisco
12/10 – at Dallas
12/17 – Washington
12/24 – at NY Giants
12/31 – Carolina
Prediction: 6-10
I think the trio of Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, and Reggie Bush is good enough to win at least a few games more than last year. They are however arguably in the most difficult division in football. Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Carolina are all serious playoff contenders. If they can pull off a few upsets this team might be able to stay in the playoff hunt at least for a little while. Look for the Saints to possibly upset the Giants at the Meadowlands on Christmas Eve to further complicate the NFL Wild Card Race. As this team continues to improve however I feel they have a solid shot at the playoffs next season.
