For totally different reasons, Saints fans had to wonder what kind of team would the Saints put on the field. Last year it was the head-coach-less Saints and the aftermath of bounty-gate; this year it was the total rebuilding of a defense and the return of the maestro: Sean Payton.
In 2012, no one could have predicted 7-9 and a losing season, the first in 6 years. In 2013, no one could have realistically thought 4-0 at this point with a defense needing total overhaul. Not to mention that once the Saints went out and signed some quality free-agent help for the defense, one by one they fell, injuries sidelining at least 3 quality starters. But after an amazing preseason, where records don't matter but the building of a team indeed matters, the Saints looked pretty good.
Regular season would present an immediate challenge: Atlanta. The hated Falcons were one of the preseason favorites to either win the NFC or be right there with SF for the championship. Oh by the way, Atlanta is 1-3; hmmm. The Saints win a thriller, not to the last defensive stand with seconds left, but win they did! And another nail biter on the road against Tampa left Saints fans feeling happy yet still uneasy at 2-0. The overwhelming victories against Arizona and previously unbeaten Miami has the delirious fans of the 4-0 Saints thinking is this 2009 all over again? I say let's answer that after the next two weeks when road games bring the Saints to Chicago and New England. If the Saints come home from that road trip at 5-1, I say the Saints are indeed contenders.
As 4-0 plays out, the Saints know, as does the football world, that this is a Brees, Graham, Sproles, Colston kind of team. These 4 guys are beasts; the best of the best! It's important to recognize here and now that this offense is getting it done with no Lance Moore, no Mark Ingram(although what's new there) and no real running game and an offensive line that is working hard but not up to par. But again, Brees, Graham, Sproles and Colston is a lot of firepower!!
How bout that defense. This time last year the Saints statistically had the worst defense in the history of the NFL. This year they are ranked in top 5 and are making turnovers happen again. Who are they? The starting d-line has 2 undrafted free agents and Cam Jordan; the LB core has some of it's best talent injured and on the bench. The D-backfield is the best I've seen since that magical 2009 season. By the way, in addition to turnovers the Saints are getting QB sacks too; nothing fires up a crowd like a solid QB sack!
So welcome back coach Payton, thank God for the four offensive superstars named above and thanks coach Ryan for that solid defensive scheme and the unnamed Saints defense that continues to succeed!
Geaux Saints; go ahead and make 2013 magical too!
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