jergensl

i see the saints finishing 10-6 again this year...

the team has made some moves on defense, but i think the secondary is still too weak to count on more than 11 wins this coming season.

ScottF

I think even with the first place schedule we will have an easier ride this year. The divisional foes have dropped off, and I just don't see it with San Fran or Arizona. Our AFC's opponents, aside from the Colts obviously, are mediocre at best.

12 up, 4 down

SaintFanInATLHELL

I think you're looking at the wrong unit to analyze the upcoming season. Last year the Saints established themselves as the premier offense in the league. The offense drives this team. When the offense struggled, the team struggled.

So you need to see when the offense struggled. Pretty consistently it was when the offense faced top tier defenses (Carolina, Pittsburg, Baltimore, Chicago)

Now there were three anomolies in both directions. Let's look at them:

1) Cincinnati. Brees accounted for a 14 point swing with two INTs (one in the endzone to KK, the other a pick-6). Also Ocho-Cinco torched poor Freddie Gameshow Thomas several times. But without the offenses 14 point swing, they are still in that game.

2) Dallas. A total dismantling of a top 10 defense at the time. Payton exposed their safeties though. They didn't finish in the top 10.

3) Washington. A listless effort to say the least.

Note that the secondary (and the defense as a whole) gave up big plays consistently throughout the season. It didn't determine the outcome of most games.

My conclusion is that our offense dictates where the teams goes, and that it takes outstanding defense to counter.

So given that let's see. I'd call it 12-4. Let's see the contenders:

1) Chicago. Double whammy: outstanding defense coupled with the fact that it may be a meaningless game except for pride. If the Saints have HFA sewn up by week 17, don't expect the starters to be out there long.

2) Carolina. Took two from us last year (one in a meaningless game). Still a formidable defense. Both games in season this year. Expect a split truthfully.

3) San Francisco. Much improved defense. May present a challenge this year.

4) Indy. Their offense can keep up with ours. But it remains to be seen if their remade defense can keep up.

5) Jacksonville. #2 defense from a year ago.

6) St. Louis. Built a lot like Indy. Haslett should have their defense improved this year. May be a challenge.

With the other 10 games (including Philly) if their defenses are in the same ballpark as last year, the Saints should expect to do well against them.

Of the above games I figure a 3-3 split. Also factor in an unfortunate stumble in the other 10 (something like Washington last year).

12-4 is the right ballpark IMO.

SFIAH

Super Bowl Championships: New Orleans Saints:1, Carolina:0, Atlanta Chokers: STILL ZERO

Only Atlanta choked in an unchokable situation... Life is definitely good.

hagan714

We have a chance of going undefeated at home so I am starting with 8
I have faith in the 12th man to make it happen in those tuff games.

Jags - Can we stop a great DL yet?
Rams - Barn burner?
Phili - revenge factor
Cards - They will be much better this year on both sides of the ball

Keep the faith and stay in your seats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the road is a different story. Our road show will be a killer.

Indi - Barn Burner?
Seattle - Toss up 12th man could make the difference
San Fran - Could be clicking
Bears - DL test again.

Baring any let downs, IE. Redskins last year, we should be able to pull off the division title and have the home field advantage game come down to Chicago for the playoffs. That is key for us to have a shot at the Superbowl.

13-3 makes the chicago game meaningless
12-4 gets it done.
11-5 makes it a slug match at soilder field.
10-6 and we repeat last year playoff schedual.

I am going for the slugfest in chicago at 11-5. We are not there just yet to dominate the conference. Niether is anyone else.

As for the division we must wake up and play those like the playoffs and not have any let downs. Panthers are going to be the target. But do not let down on the other games. I am calling for a sweep. Last game is in week 13 and we should be battling for home field still.

I was proven wrong last year so lets make it a trend and prove me wrong again this year. Go saints, make me eat my words.

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

WhoDatQB

I am in total agreement with you. 10-6 sounds about right. If the defense gels and we stop giving up the big play then I could possibly see us with another win. We won some close games last year, those game could go the other way this year if the D doesn't step up.

I say 10-6, and fighting for the 1 or 2 seed in the conference.

blacksaint

Sept. 6 - at Indianapolis (7:30 p.m., NBC)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
2007 Record 12 - 4


Sept. 16 - at Tampa Bay (noon, FOX)

Sept. 24 - vs. Tennessee (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

Sept. 30 - Bye

Oct. 7 - vs. Carolina (noon, FOX)

Oct. 14 - at Seattle (7:15 p.m., NBC)
Rainy field, 12th man, helps Saints lose by three.

Oct. 21 - vs. Atlanta (noon, FOX)

Oct. 28 - at San Francisco (3:15 p.m., FOX)

Nov. 4 - vs. Jacksonville (noon, CBS)
We still have a problem with physical AFC teams, lose by five points.

Nov. 11 - vs. St. Louis (noon, FOX)

Nov. 18 - at Houston (noon, FOX)

Nov. 25 - at Carolina (noon, FOX)
A very hard fought game, with Saints losing by two on last second field goal.

Dec. 2 - vs. Tampa Bay (noon, FOX)

Dec. 10 - at Atlanta (7:30 p.m., ESPN)

Dec. 16 - vs. Arizona (noon, FOX)

Dec. 23 - vs. Philadelphia (noon, FOX)

Dec. 30 - at Chicago (noon, FOX)
Saints already captured NFC South crown so game didn't matter, with starters resting Saints lose by seven.


"That's my 2007 predictions, barring any key injuries. I don't see the Saints having too many problems with their 2007 schedule, 12 - 4 is extremely reachable and attainable."

saint4life
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