What
a season for the Saints. New Orleans touched the hearts
of many on their path to the NFL Finals. A loss to the Bears
had the Saints falling just short of a miracle run to the
Super Bowl. Reggie Bush didn't begin the season with the
flare many expected, as Deuce McAllister was by far the
best running back in New Orleans in 2006. However, Reggie's
skills were realized throughout the year, and especially
in the last few weeks. In the last 5 games, Bush had 545
combined yards rushing and receiving, 7 total touchdowns,
two 100 yard receiving games and one 100 yard rushing game.
He averaged 5.1 yards a carry and 13 yards a catch. On the
season, Reggie caught 80 balls. Not a bad year for the young
Trojan graduate. Going perfectly with the Saints amazing
season, was 7th round pick, Marques Colston, the young receiver
who finished second in the rookie of the year voting and
found himself in the Pro Bowl at season's end. But the best
season of all was the one had by Drew Brees. Brees battled
all off season to come into camp healthy in his first season
leading the Saints. Drew had one hell of a season, passing
for over 4,000 yards with 26 touchdowns, not to mention
leading a team that was 3-13 in 2005 to the NFC finals in
'06. Last season will be a tough act to follow for the young
Saints, but with Brees, Deuce, Bush, and Coach Payton; the
Saints have all the right pieces in place. And last but
not least, Shay loves the Saints!
Recent
Records:
2004:
8-8 2005: 3-13 2006: 10-6
Off-Season
Plans:
The
Saints wanted to get younger and faster on the defensive
side of the ball, not to mention pick up a couple young
linebackers that can get the job done for a team that was
plugging anybody and everybody in at the position prior
to the start of last season. Eric Johnson, the aging pass
catching tight end formerly of the 49ers, signed on, and
will help give Brees a receiving threat from the TE position
he desires. New Orleans signed Brian Simmons as well, hoping
to strengthen their shallow linebacking unit. OT Jon Stinchcomb
also signed on, hoping to help an already solid offensive
line. The Saints lost one of their brightest leaders, receiver
Joe Horn. Horn's age and injuries, in addition to the skills
shown by Devery Henderson and Colston, made him easy to
part with, as the Saints have many other needs. Also signing
was Kevin Kaesviharn, a safety from the Bengals that will
definitely help in N'Orleans' secondary. The draft could
be just what the Saints need to push them over the top.
Even at the bottom of the draft, where New Orleans resides,
young secondary and linebacking help will be waiting to
become a Saint. I had the Saints grabbing Greg Olson, but
with Johnson's signing, I'm not so sure the Saints use their
first rounder on a TE. Now I'm thinking a player like Lawrence
Timmons, Patrick Willis, Marcus McCauley, or Jon Beason
could be on the Saints' radar. Offensively the Saints are
set, so be prepared for many a young defender to find a
home in New Orleans.
See
the SAINTS draft situation at Lucky's Mock Draft!
