2008 predictions

NEPASaint · 05-03-2008, 10:14 AM

I've been a Saints fan since they took George Rogers over Lawrence Taylor. So, I've been accustomed to disappointments year after year. There is quite a bit of optimism for 2008. I have seen improvements especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, there are still question marks in a few places.
One, will Deuce McAllister be anything near his former self? If not, will the Saints give the ball consistantly to Pierre Thomas? Without the running game, it puts a lot of pressure on Brees and the receivers. I have all the confidence in the world in Colston, Patton, Cambell, and I think Arrington is going to be a big surprise. But, you can't put the load all on them. The Saints need to run the ball. If the Saints decide to give the wrecking ball they drafted, Nicks, a chance at guard, we'll see what happens. There just wasn't enough of a running game last year to keep defenses honest.
Two, will the players the Saints picked up for defense pan out? Will Vilma return to pro bowl form? Can Dan Morgan even get a few games under his belt before he gets his bell rung again? Will everyone put too much pressure on Sedric Ellis to perform at Rookie of the Year level? Who will man the OLB position opposite Fujita? Will the secondary perform much better now that the front seven will be able to take away from the time that opposing QB's have to throw the ball? There are a lot of questions on the defense. We just have to hope that the team can perform up to their potential. We can't expect miracles from them. Just a slight improvement over last year.
With that said, the record last year was 7-9. If the defensive changes were enough, I can see the Saints finishing either 9-7 or 10-6. Don't get me wrong, I've really excited about this years team. I have all the hope in the world of them finishing 11-5 or 12-4. I just don't see that happening. The running game is too big of a question mark, and the defense, while improved, is still a mystery.
You Gotta Believe!
Geaux Saints!!!!!!

05-03-2008, 10:14 AM	#22
NEPASaint Rookie Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 18 Blog Entries: 1	Re: 2008 predictions I've been a Saints fan since they took George Rogers over Lawrence Taylor. So, I've been accustomed to disappointments year after year. There is quite a bit of optimism for 2008. I have seen improvements especially on the defensive side of the ball. However, there are still question marks in a few places. One, will Deuce McAllister be anything near his former self? If not, will the Saints give the ball consistantly to Pierre Thomas? Without the running game, it puts a lot of pressure on Brees and the receivers. I have all the confidence in the world in Colston, Patton, Cambell, and I think Arrington is going to be a big surprise. But, you can't put the load all on them. The Saints need to run the ball. If the Saints decide to give the wrecking ball they drafted, Nicks, a chance at guard, we'll see what happens. There just wasn't enough of a running game last year to keep defenses honest. Two, will the players the Saints picked up for defense pan out? Will Vilma return to pro bowl form? Can Dan Morgan even get a few games under his belt before he gets his bell rung again? Will everyone put too much pressure on Sedric Ellis to perform at Rookie of the Year level? Who will man the OLB position opposite Fujita? Will the secondary perform much better now that the front seven will be able to take away from the time that opposing QB's have to throw the ball? There are a lot of questions on the defense. We just have to hope that the team can perform up to their potential. We can't expect miracles from them. Just a slight improvement over last year. With that said, the record last year was 7-9. If the defensive changes were enough, I can see the Saints finishing either 9-7 or 10-6. Don't get me wrong, I've really excited about this years team. I have all the hope in the world of them finishing 11-5 or 12-4. I just don't see that happening. The running game is too big of a question mark, and the defense, while improved, is still a mystery. You Gotta Believe! Geaux Saints!!!!!!