The Saints are relevant at 3-4, and in the hunt at 4-4

It's the defense that's improving rapidly. Breaux is looking like a pro bowler. Ellerbe has made a big difference. Cam Jordan is playing great. That puts an excellent player on all three levels. Add to that Kikaha and Anthony, who are learning the game, and you have a really promising defense. These guys are young and improving. A good draft can make a tremendous impact.

It's a good thing that the defense is actually performing well. On the other hand the offense often sputters at the worst times. Let's not forget that Drew Brees is running the offense. It won't get worse.

This adds up, so to speak, to a 3-4 record. But it's an ascendant 3-4 record. The team is not regressing from a hot start; they are improving from a terrible start. A win against a good team like the Colts in their house is unbelievably encouraging.