What's the deal with the New Orleans Saints?

My how far we have come when a 3-1 start has folks concerned. Yes, the glow of that Lombardi trophy is still there but it's past time to start looking to the here and now and make the 2010 season special. I've heard the usual stuff this afternoon, a win is a win. And so it is. A 3-1 start is good and this still is an amazingly good and talented team. But there are some issues that need to be addressed.

First is injuries. In large part, the New Orleans Saints had such a stellar year last season because they did so well with injuries. This year is different. It started in camp, through preseason and continues. The running backs have been decimated. No way in years past could a Saints team endure the loss of both RB's like Bush and Thomas and have a chance. But let's be honest; both Ivory and Betts played well except for the one fumble. Hold on to that ball Chris Ivory. And by the end of the game today the Saints had two healthy safeties and look how big Usama Young came up at crunch time.

Two is turnovers. For the second week in a row and at home we lost the turnover battle. This almost never happened last year. Today's fumbles did not give away points but they certainly took points off the board for us potentially, especially the Moore fumble.

Finally, Drew Brees. I beleive he has been far from sharp. He is not looking downfield. In fairness, the pressure is getting to him more so than last year and he has seen some crucial drops. But his passing game is short and not near as crisp as we have come to expect.

But yes a win is a win and we are still defending champions. And no, I'm not throwing in the towel. But realistically, the Saints are going to have to show some improvement to hang in 2010. We go on the road for two in a row including national TV vs. the Cardinals. Will Pierre Thomas be back? Will Drew get into a groove? Can we solve the turnover issue?

For now I'll take my chances with this crew especially that coaching staff led by Sean Payton. He is the same guy that took us all the way last year and I can't imagine him letting things unravel this year. But it is hard. You are playing a first place schedule and the Super Bowl win hangs heavy in the following season; just ask the Steelers who did not make the playoffs last year after winning SB 43.

Keep the faith and let's see what they dial up for Arizona.

Remember, since last September this is a team that is 22-4 with the big hardware in the bag.