That's what Saints seasons are now. A whole lotta ifs. The days of Drew Brees coming in knowing that the offense has 24 points before the game starts and the team has 7 wins in the bank before the season starts are gone.

If everyone stays healthy. If the O-line can hold up enough not to get Carr killed. If the defensive line can get pressure. If the secondary doesn't fall apart for yet another year. If DD56 can be a warrior for yet another year. If Grupe can make the clutch kick when needed. If tthe new guys can grow fast enough to make a contribution.

Every season now is a lot of ifs. It makes every game like a Forrest Gump box of chocolates.

That's why treading water in the first 6 games is going to be crucial. The difference between 1-5 and 3-3 with at least 2 division wins will literally define the entire season.

Hopefully the ifs, especially the injury ones, will be cut down in the first 6 weeks.

SFIAH