Saints enter ‘07 in strange position — as contenders

By Tom Weir, USA TODAY

There is a great article in USA Today. Rather than steal from it, I’m posting it. Note the moves to shore-up the defensive secondary, which is very exciting, as well as the front four on defensive and offensive lines.

AROUND THE FIELD IN NEW ORLEANS

Quarterback: Drew Brees led the NFL with 4,418 passing yards and was a big-play specialist, completing a league-leading 41 passes of 25 yards or more. The organization has no worries about the dislocated (non-throwing) elbow he suffered in the Pro Bowl; he fully participated in all offseason practices. The only concern is the backup is Jamie Martin, 37.

Running back: Deuce McAllister proved he was recovered from knee surgery with a 1,000-yard season. As important, McAllister put his ego aside while sharing carries with Reggie Bush. Added to the mix is a McAllister-like interior runner, fourth-round pick Antonio Pittman. Pittman may allow Bush to get more touches in the slot or at wideout and could relieve him from being beat up while picking up the blitz.

Wide receiver: Mainstay Joe Horn signed with the Atlanta Falcons, but that’s a tolerable loss considering he’s 35. Robert Meachem, the No. 1 draft pick from Tennessee, has a chance to step into Horn’s spot and has been pronounced recovered from relatively minor knee surgery. Brees’ top target figures to be the steal of the 2006 draft, Marques Colston. In his third season, Devery Henderson progressed well, averaging a stellar 23.3 yards a catch.

Tight end: The only spot where New Orleans didn’t glow on offense last season has been bolstered with free agent Eric Johnson. He’ll split time with Mark Campbell.

Offensive line: Left tackle Jammal Brown was a Pro Bowl selection in his second season and looks like he could anchor this unit for a decade. At center last year, Jeff Faine proved a perfect solution for the loss of Pro Bowler LeCharles Bentley. Jon Stinchcomb was markedly improved at right tackle in his fourth season, and Jahri Evans, a fourth-round pick from Bloomsburg State, was a Colston-like surprise at guard.

Defensive line: Both ends are solid, manned by Charles Grant and Will Smith, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection with a career-high 10½ sacks. The Saints are stressing the need for more takeaways and will be looking for strips from tackles Brian Young and Hollis Thomas. Kendrick Clancy, who had 11 starts at tackle last year for the Arizona Cardinals, brings depth.

Linebacker: Not much star power. Ten-year vet Brian Simmons has been added, and he’ll compete with Mark Simoneau in the middle. Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle return on the outside. Defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs did a good patchwork job last year, but it needs more improvement.

Secondary: Safety Kevin Kaesviharn was added; he had six picks in 2006 for the Cincinnati Bengals. Safety Roman Harper lasted five games as a rookie before a knee injury. Cornerback Jason David, signed from the Indianapolis Colts, should be a solid addition. Free safety Josh Bullocks has been dependable with 29 starts in a row. Cornerback Mike McKenzie needs to step up.

Special teams: John Carney, despite missing only two field goals last year, has been replaced by Olindo Mare. Steve Weatherford had a dependable 43.8-yard punting average but must hold off former Jacksonville Jaguar Chris Hanson to keep his job. With returner Michael Lewis released, the watch is on to see if Bush will be used on punts and kickoffs.

Coaching staff: General manager Mickey Loomis says coach Sean Payton was “better than I could have hoped for or expected, and I expected a lot.” Payton also kept his staff intact. Enough said.

Outlook: The Saints open against Super Bowl champion Indianapolis and finish against the Super Bowl losers, the Chicago Bears. In between, the schedule isn’t daunting. The offense should put the Saints back in the playoffs, but how much the defense improves will determine how far they go.

In an interview with a reporter at Bayoubuzz.com, Saints strong safety Ron Harper said his reconstructed knee is feeling good after his ACL surgery. He also says the Saints could use some help in the defensive backfield. (We all saw Rex Grossman embarrass Fred Thomas in the NFC Championship game, as many quarterbacks did to Fred Thomas.)

The Saints picked up cornerback Jason David from the Colts and safety Kevin Kaesviham from the Bengals, both of which could push Harper and free safety Josh Bullocks for playing time.

This is what Harper had to say: “I don’t blame them for making the additions. We had some key injuries last season in the secondary, at my position especially. We just needed some more depth, more bodies. The more talent as a team you have, the more talent you can throw at a team. It just makes your team better. I understand it’s a competition thing. The best player will play.”

The Saints secondary will face the most explosive offense in the league when they open the season against the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning.