Here’s what I don’t get re Saints ranking predictions

2023 was most certainly a disappointing year for the Saints.

What's quickly forgotten in that ho hum performance is that the team finished the year with a winning record and tied for the division lead, only to lose out on a division championship due to a tiebreaker formula. A made FG and a completed catch could have flipped 2 losses into wins that would have won the division and placed the team in the playoffs. Although a benchmark goal is to make the playoffs we all agree that last years team wouldn't have traveled down that road very far. And had they won 10 or 11 games and made the playoffs there would have been false hope for 2024 by running it back with the same group and system from 2023.

The vehicle they traveled with most of the 2023 season sputtered along with a flat tire, a transmission that was slipping into gear, a muffler and tailpipe that were dragging the ground, a blown head gasket, and an engine that wasn't running on all cylinders. Thankfully that clunker is in the rear-view mirror now.

The Saints have rid themselves of a few players that were not performing up to their contract and expectations including one malcontent who had quickly become a distraction in the locker room and beyond. The team has also rid themselves of an entire offensive coaching staff (sans TE coach) that had become stale and had lost the confidence of the players. The offensive system that had been in place for almost 20 years has been retired.

A new light shines bright in 2024. The prevailing word should be Excitement! With the hiring of KK and the new offensive coaching staff coming in with a new system every offensive player on the team has embraced the changes and they are truly excited for what is to come. Even with the turnover and attrition in the offensive line the team has new players who are excited to play in the new zone run blocking scheme. Excitement breeds confidence. There are a lot of moving parts that have to gel between now and September, no doubt. Carr will be in his 2nd year with core receivers Olave, Shaheed, and Perry. An improved running game can set the tone for ball control and sustained possessions. Sustained possessions not only lead to more scoring, but it also will keep our defense off the field more often. Up tempo, motion, and play action, along with a diverse set of plays from multiple sets should make the offense less predictable and more capable in the red zone. Mark my words! Expect more scoring in 2024.

On defense the Saints return what was a top 10 unit from last year. Although a few core players including DD, Cam, and the HB are getting up in age, they will all return in 2024 with high expectations to perform well. Cam played hurt most of last year and he wasn't very effective in the pass rush. He has vowed to come into camp not only healthy but in the best shape possible in order to regain some juice from his youth. The weakest links in the defense last year were the ability to get to the QB, stopping the run, and getting off the field on 3rd down. Coverage in the slot was graded worst in the league. The team has added some help bringing in Chase Young. Carl Granderson is now a developed force. Payton Turner is healthy for the 1st time in his professional career and if he can stay healthy, he should bring some added pep to the pass rush attack. The team got much better by adding Willie Gay to the LBer group. Bresee will be more effective in year 2, especially so if he gets more help beside him. Kool-Aid brings added depth to the defensive backfield. Getting off the field on 3rd down, especially 3rd and long is critical of course to not only limiting scoring but shortening the number of plays on the field. There's plenty Excitement to go around with this group on defense.

On paper the Saints again have a favorable schedule based on teams records from last year. However, every year some bad teams get better, good teams get worse, and middle of the pack teams do one or the other. It looks as though the first 6 games of the Saints schedule will set the tone for the season. To be fair, the opening day game against the Panthers has to be considered a must win. The first six games include all 3 division opponents. The Saints will need to come out of this stretch with at least a 3-3 record with wins against their division opponents more important than the other games. If they are .500 or better after 6 games and at least 2 division wins they stand a very good chance of making a run and putting together some back to back wins along the way as the season progresses.

For me I find it hard to believe that the defense won't be as good or better than last year and the offense won't be better than last year.

We'll soon see. For now, there's plenty of Excitement going into the 2024 season. Who Dat!