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NFL.com news: Saints camp: Defending champs take steps to repeat


Can Saints repeat as Super Bowl champions?
History says the Saints, like so many other Super Bowl winners, will fall short in 2010. If it happens, some will say they couldn't handle success, while others will point to a few critical injuries, and still others will say the division closed the gap. New Orleans has Drew Brees under center, and he will be driven to repeat. As for injuries, the Saints went to the Super Bowl with six starters on injured reserve last year, and they might in fact be a stronger team this season. It'll be tough to stay hungry, but the early season schedule with a rematch on opening night with the Vikings, a trip to San Francisco and hosting the Falcons should be enough motivation to have a solid camp.
How do Saints adjust running game without Bell?
Mike Bell, who signed with the Eagles, was a role player for the Saints who played a critical part as a short-yardage back and an occasional starter when injuries hit Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. Bell had 172 carries for 654 yards and five touchdowns along with many short-yardage runs that moved the chains. Even when Thomas was healthy last year Thomas didn't always get the call, but he might this year. Keep an eye on FB Heath Evans if he's healthy. He used to handle some of those short-yardage duties for the Patriots a few years ago. When the Saints didn't re-sign Bell it also made a strong statement about Lynell Hamilton, who signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. If things go well in camp he's the answer to the void left by Bell's departure.
How can Saints top their takeaways from last year?
New Orleans' defense came through with 39 takeaways last year and had nine touchdowns off those turnovers. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will get even better execution from his defense with most of the starters back for a second year in the system. The issue of repeating the turnover success rests on the health of Darren Sharper, who is entering his 14th season and coming off microfracture surgery on his left knee. Teams have had an entire season of game tapes to study the Saints' defense and work around some of the danger spots. If the Saints' offense repeats its ability to score often and quickly, then opposing offenses will have to throw to catch up. And that presents the opportunity for more interceptions.

-- Pat Kirwan

st thomas

coming from pat kerwin thats good stuff. he seems to always stay back on the saints. we pounded him wrong in 09