Why the 2018 saint can go further than 2017 (1 Viewer)

[AARPSaint]

Unless something is systemically wrong (cue Swimmer), reversion to the mean should result in fewer injuries. Last season was ridiculous in that regard.
The only area where that hasn't been significant improvement is tight end, only because of Watson's age. He was a monster in his early years with N.E. and had a career year with us, but how long can he keep it going? I don't worry much about Brees because of the high quality of the OL. Tight ends take a lot more punishment.
Irrespective of what Davenport accomplishes, there's more DL depth, which is vital for holding leads late in games. Nielson is now a proven high quality DL coach.
The other glitch is the Ingram suspension. But they have time to prepare for it, unlike the game where Kamara got concussed, and they had to scramble for a "Plan B" on the fly.
Yes, luck will play a role. This team, barring some critical injury, has the quality and depth to go all the way. The schedule looks daunting. It will look difficult for any team that has the Saints on their schedule as well.

 

[JackT.]

Unless something is systemically wrong (cue Swimmer), reversion to the mean should result in fewer injuries. Last season was ridiculous in that regard.

we have actually had quite a few years with a large amount of significant injuries. I would wholeheartedly agree with you on that for sure.

The only area where that hasn't been significant improvement is tight end, only because of Watson's age. He was a monster in his early years with N.E. and had a career year with us, but how long can he keep it going?

in all honesty I would believe just one year. better have a tight end this year that Drew trusts.

I don't worry much about Brees because of the high quality of the OL. Tight ends take a lot more punishment.
Irrespective of what Davenport accomplishes, there's more DL depth, which is vital for holding leads late in games. Nielson is now a proven high quality DL coach.

glad to see Coach finally building the defensive line with some good quality players. Coaching will play a factor in the development of our young studs.

The other glitch is the Ingram suspension. But they have time to prepare for it, unlike the game where Kamara got concussed, and they had to scramble for a "Plan B" on the fly.

I worry about the chemistry. Sneed didn't look anything like the guy the year before. it all may be good but I was hoping for a tremendous start for this upcoming season. we really need to be undefeated going into the bye.

Yes, luck will play a role. This team, barring some critical injury, has the quality and depth to go all the way. The schedule looks daunting. It will look difficult for any team that has the Saints on their schedule as well.

luck is a huge factor in any winning season. health and luck is probably half the issues that keeps teams from fulfilling their expectations.

 

[Le_Moyne]

To me, the biggest question is, ca we have a good defence two years in a row....which we have never done in the Brees/Payton era

 

[Slaw]

To me, the biggest question is, ca we have a good defence two years in a row....which we have never done in the Brees/Payton era

As long as Jordan, Lattimore, Davis, and Marcus Williams are healthy, we'll have a good defense IMO. The only question is if they will be great.

 

[cajunrevenge]

what has me the most excited is that we added a good veteran slot cb. It was a major weakness and I am genuinely excited to see what the defense can do. With an elite CB in Lattimore we can afford to be aggressive in other areas.

 

[Indonesianwhodat]

Better CB corps because of PRob
Better safeties because of Coleman (upgrade over Von Bell)
Better linebacking corps because of Davis
Better WR corps due to Smith and Meredith
We didnt really lose anyone of real value. Vaccaro is the closest thing to that definition and I dont think we’ll miss him that much
Hopefully better DL due to Davenport

I think we had a great offseason. My only two concern is Ingram missing 4 games and Rams going for broke

If we can manage the concerns this is the year we’ll win the Superbowl again

 

[dutar76]

Better CB corps because of PRob
Better safeties because of Coleman (upgrade over Von Bell)
Better linebacking corps because of Davis
Better WR corps due to Smith and Meredith
We didnt really lose anyone of real value. Vaccaro is the closest thing to that definition and I dont think we’ll miss him that much
Hopefully better DL due to Davenport

I think we had a great offseason. My only two concern is Ingram missing 4 games and Rams going for broke

If we can manage the concerns this is the year we’ll win the Superbowl again

I think it's safe to say that Kelemete is the loss. Especially with Strief retiring as well.

As for his replacement we have: Bushrod

And I think Bushrod is an adequate replacement "IF" our starting 5 stay a little bit healthier than last year. Kelemete played a lot and did it at a high level. I think Bushrod can play at that same high level, but not if he has to play as much as Kelemete did. Stamina for the long season and some speed are the first things age takes away from O-linemen. I think he's good for 4 to 6... maybe 8 starts at guard in a pinch.

 

[Indonesianwhodat]

I think it's safe to say that Kelemete is the loss. Especially with Strief retiring as well.

As for his replacement we have: Bushrod

And I think Bushrod is an adequate replacement "IF" our starting 5 stay a little bit healthier than last year. Kelemete played a lot and did it at a high level. I think Bushrod can play at that same high level, but not if he has to play as much as Kelemete did. Stamina for the long season and some speed are the first things age takes away from O-linemen. I think he's good for 4 to 6... maybe 8 starts at guard in a pinch.

Yes you are right - I did forget about Kelemete. However as you pointed out he is not a starter so hopefully we wont need him as much

 

[Darth Deuce]

It's been said and I'm going to agree. If we can avoid the injury bug this year, the sky is the limit for this team. I truly believe that. All the players on IR last year and we were one fluke play away from the NFCCG.

 

[DoubleSaint]

I think the D was only a MLB away from being top 5 anyway. But they managed to also add a first round pass rusher, a slot corner and some safety help. Sky is the limit for this D if it stays healthy.

The offense needed some help on 3rd down and some weapons were added, no worries there.

You never know what trials and tribulations you might face during the season, but playoffs is the minimum expectation for the team right now and it's been a while since we could say that in the off-season and actually believe it.

 

[lades]

Luck with injuries.

 

[DadsDream]

There is another way . . .

 

[VPCajun]

A strong RUNNING GAME.

Emphasis on a STRONG DEFENSE.

What have they done with SP and who is REALLY running this current team???
[That was sarcasm.]

IF the Saints continue down the path that they set upon last year, this team may be better than the 09 team!

Having Okafor back is huge. Adding Davenport and Davis may be huge.

And let's hope the Bad At-HIT-tude is in full force from the get-go when the season starts.

[And, it's good to have some very good Defensive Coaches.]