Meet the NFC’s Best Team, the New Orleans Saints

Ever since the New Orleans Saints made the decision to unite Drew Brees and Sean Payton back in the 2006 season, they have been one of the premiere teams in the NFL. Together, the two have managed a 101-68 record over the past 11 NFL seasons, including a dominate four-year stretch, from 2009-2013, when they owned a 48-16 record and won the 2009 Super Bowl over Peyton Manning and the Colts. However, this dynamic duo has finished the past 4 seasons at 7-9 every season and have missed the playoffs in all of those seasons. This year it looked like history would repeat itself, as the Saints started off the season at 0-2 after suffering two convincing losses to the Vikings and Patriots. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, everything changed and has led to their current, NFL leading, 7-game win streak. But what changed? Why has a team who looked like their, once great, reign at the top of NFC was long over, suddenly the hottest and most complete team in the NFL? Here is what has changed for the Saints this season!

1. Their Young Defense Has Blossomed Into an Elite Unit: Drew Brees and the New Orleans’ offense has never been the problem for this team. Recently, the Saints have had one of the league’s worst defenses finishing 31st, 32nd, and 28th in points allowed per game over the last three seasons. However, this year they are currently allowing just over 18 points per game, good for 6th in the NFL. This vast improvement can mostly be attributed to great draft investments in the back end of their defense. Two of their top picks in last year’s draft, CB Marshon Lattimore and FS Marcus Williams, have played sensational thus far. The great play of this young secondary has allowed the Saints to play to their blitz-happy system quite effectively, rattling most of the quarterbacks they have faced. If this sensational play on the back end continues, you know that Cameron Jordan, Alex Okafor, and Sheldon Rankins will continue to get at opponents.

2. Less Drew Brees, Much More Effective Running Game: The Saints came into the season with, maybe, the deepest and most talented group of running backs in the league. Mark Ingram was coming off his first 1,000 yard season, they signed Free Agent Adrian Peterson in the offseason, and they spent a third-round pick on the dynamic back out of Tennessee, Alvin Kamara. Early on in the season, it was clear that no one knew who was getting the ball on each play and instead of deploying an elite “three-headed monster” rushing attack, it became more about getting each player “their touches.” This running game really took off when they dealt Adrian Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals after their Week 4 win over Miami. With no distraction or obligation to give Peterson his carries, Sean Payton has unleashed the one-two punch of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Ingram has rushed for 672 yards and 7 touchdowns while Kamara is averaging 6.5 yards per carry and has caught 42 balls for 373 yards so far this season. The Saints are averaging the third most rushing yards per game this season with just over 142 yards per game. Pair this production with the elite play of Drew Brees and this offense is close to unstoppable.

3. The Offensive Line Has Stepped Up Amid Critical Injuries: Based off of the injuries this unit has suffered, it should not be playing as well as it has. The injury bug attacked this offensive line early on, as their All-Pro center, Max Unger, had to undergo foot surgery and miss most of training camp. Things only got worse from there as their second best lineman, Terron Armstead, needed shoulder surgery which sidelined him until Week 6 of this season. Their top right tackle, Zach Strief, also battled injuries early on until he finally landed on the injured reserve after he re-aggravated a knee issue in Week 4. Finally, right guard, Larry Warford, also missed time with a chest injury forcing the Saints to move left guard, Andrus Peat, from LG to LT and to play reserve guard, Josh LeRibeus. Despite all of these injuries, their offensive line has played remarkable. Not only have they spearheaded the Saints to the number three rushing attack, but they have also protected Drew Brees unbelievably well, as he has been sacked just 8 times so far this season. The scary thing here is that this line may get even better when its studs return to action later this year.

Currently, this New Orleans Saints team is THE team to beat in the NFC, as their incredibly balanced offense, elite quarterback, and top defensive unit make them easily the most complete team in the NFL!

Written by Ryan Scimone