After the Saints traded Darren Sproles away, I was worried that they would really miss that "element" from their offense. We still had Pierre Thomas and Ingram, but neither was the explosive mis-match problem Sprolesy was. We also (foolishly) held hope that Cadet could somewhat fill the Sproles role.
Now, the offense didn't fall apart (and they were still among the top of the league stats wise) but we could all see something was missing. The offense pretty much played off of everyone focusing their attention on Jimmy Graham, and even though Brees zeroed in on Graham a little too often, the Saints offense was solid.
With Jimmy Graham traded to Seattle, the Saints have played a similar scenario. We did nothing to "replace" Graham in our offense; opting to go with 35yr old Ben Watson (who has never had a 50 rec season or 700yds) and an UDFA in Josh Hill.
I realize we won a SB w/out Jimmy Graham, but we did have Jeremy Shockey! Shockey was huge for us! and for the record, so was Dave Thomas. Before Shockey, TE was a hole for us.. and I fear it will be again. Brees has always had a really good TE when he's had his best years, and I just can't believe Watson (at this stage of his career) is up to the task.
So, I ask the board, how does this offense NOT take a step backwards in the absence of a once in a generation talent like Jimmy Graham now gone from the offense?