In your OPINION what is going to be the biggest reason for the SAINTS returning to the PLAYOFFS

But that is contingent on a ton of stuff working out. There are roster battles at the majority of positions on our defense...and I think our passing game will step back. I think that our depth should be better...but I'm not ready to say that the defense is going to take a big step forward without seeing it with my own two eyes.

I don't think the defense was that far away last year but after the injuries there were weaknesses that were exploited. With fewer injuries and better depth, I believe the defense will be good or else we'll be looking for new coaches.

The offense should be able to spread the ball out more this year. If Fleener can show the slightest improvement in his game and make safeties worry about the seam, the running game should return to among the top in the NFL.

This team has to put the work in, but we're in good position to exploit a weak NFC.