The future always looks bright this time of year. The pessimism of a losing season is fading in the rear view mirror and the sun is shining through the windshield as we look at the future with optimism again. We've driven through the storm and the windshield wipers are off now as we look at the possibilities on the road ahead of us.

We signed Derek Carr. Re-signed key players. Brought in new coaches. The combine is over and our scouts know who to focus their attention on for the draft. We have a first round pick again after the Sean Payton trade and there are good values at our positions of need.

The front office does a good job of bringing in second tier free agents who fit the system and can be used as role players where they shine.
Free agency is right around the corner. The cap might be tight but Khai Harley doesn't let that affect how we operate.

We have young talented players and a good mix of veterans with experience mentoring them. We have players coming off IR who should be more familiar with the play book, weight room, coaches, system, and be able to find and fit their roles seamlessly.

We brought in Matt Rhea from Alabama last year and had far fewer soft tissue injuries than previously. Maybe now we can do something to address these freak injuries that crippled our franchise last year.

We've been losing members because the board has been openly expressing their frustrations after last years collapse. Lately, the mood has become less than positive and very negative, much like the Saints Report. Let's try to remember that we are all fans with opinions and shouldn't be judged because they see things differently. I like to think of the BNG as a place to talk Saints with friends.

The sun is shining with the promise of good things ahead and I'm optimistic again.The future looks so bright I've gotta' wear shades.

PS: If you like this don't give it a thumbs up. Instead, look at other members player profiles and make a friend request.

What body of analytics and performance metrics did you use to determine this Dude? … Just asking.

Ruiz improved tremendously last year after having three different O-line coaches every training camp. Dan Roushar was the O-line coach when he was drafted. iirc. That was the year that Covid stunted players growth across the league. There was only serious limited interaction between players and coaches, and then having to moving to guard when the team asked him to make a position change was a major challenge for an undersized center in his rookie season.

When he returned to New Orleans for his first real training camp he had another O-line coach, Brendan Nugent, who lasted a year before he was replaced by Doug Marrone after a poor showing the following year. Marrone has coached successfully with the Jets, Bills, and was HC of the Jags last year. iirc He's a player's coach and is apparently highly motivational.

I can't' remember which philosophy Marrone leans toward, whether it's zone or man, or something different, but Ruiz executed it well last season and solidified a weak O-line last year. It's worth noting that he has been healthy and available most of the time. Let's see if he can do it again!