WhoDat

Yes this is WhoDat, no aliens have not stolen my body, no I'm not drunk, yes I have had my daily dose of WhoTang.

Believe it or not, I see the upcoming season as a win-win proposition (or at least there's a 90% chance of that). Should the Saints falter and end up 8-8 or worse, I truly believe that fan and media pressure will cause Benson to make a change. Of course, I don't see that happening. I actually believe that despite having a coaching staff that is IMO less than stellar, the Saints will overcome this season.

Consider:

Many of the recent Super Bowls have been played by teams that came out of the middle of the pack the year before. Many have had "young" coaches within their first three or four years (OK so it's Haslett's 5th, close enough).

There's no question that a top flight RB leads to success in this league and we've got that. We've also got a QB capable of breaking out and WRs to rival those of the "greatest show on turf". Our O-line is young and nasty, but anchored by a seasoned vet, deep, and seemingly stable.

On D, there is no doubt questions remain... BUT... our D-line should be much improved and it all starts there. If nothing else, the youth and depth we have in our front 7 will allow for plenty of rotation and that means they'll still be coming on strong late in games and late in the season. There's no question we're talented as hell and if our guys play to prove something, we may just have the makings of something special.

Couple that with our late season success - often an indicator of teams on the rise - and there are many reasons for optimism this year.

Of course, it still is early - we're not even in pads yet - and there is this nagging voice in the back of my head saying, "but this is the Saints we're talking about." Nonetheless, I just may let myself believe this year boys. With the depth we have, even injuries should not slow this team down (or be an excuse) as it has been in previous years. We've got all the makings of a special year. Now we just need a touch of LUCK (saintfan) and a little magic.

Bless you boys - this may be the year. ;)

GumboBC

And the crowd goes wild.......

WhoDat

I think I know that girl on the end there.

kenpersons

This is most definately our year.

I used to have that same little voice (\"but it\'s the saints\") but I beat the crap out of him for lunch money.

swamee

cough, cough, (choking on my beer) talk about optimistic....................
there comes a time to see the light for all..................
what better time than now...the time to jump on the band wagon......
if watson is what the coaching staff thinks, look out.............swamee

GumboBC

Hey, I’m always optimistic. It’s a new season and anything can happen. Since WhoDat is feeling optimistic, I’m going to play devils advocate. I’m going to break it down in the areas I feel are the most important. In order of importance!

I’ve always felt the less question marks you have heading into the season the better off a team is. Anyway, here’s the way I see it.

1. Stopping the run up the middle.
· Jonathan Sullivan – The one guy that REALLY has to step his game up.
· Brian Young – High motor guy, but is he the real deal?
· Courtney Watson/Cie Grant – Neither one has any experience in the NFL. Completely unknown how they will do!
2. SLB/WLB
· Sedrick Hodge/James Allen – Both players have not stepped their play up to a level that is acceptable. This year one of them must do so.
3. Cornerbacks.
· Jason Craft – The simple truth is we don’t know how he will do. He may play great or he may not.
· Fakir Brown – Same as Craft.
· Ashley Ambrose – It appears his best days are behind him, but that might not be the case. Jay Bellamy proved that last year. But, he can’t be counted on.
4. Safety
· Tebucky Jones – Has his tackling improved or will we see more of the same?
· Mel Mitchell – Is he fully recovered and if so, is he the real deal?

Bottom Line: We only have three proven players on defense: Darren Howard, Charles Grant and Fred Thomas. When you get right down to it, that’s it. I can sugarcoat it, but that’s the way it stands. Now, there’s all kinds of reasons to be optimistic- but we have 3 guys out of 11 that we know for sure they will bring it each week. Compared to other defenses around the league and that’s not a good sign.

kenpersons

That\'s not to mention a fumbling quarterback, one WR who can barely play consecutive games, a blazing rookie WR with a drop problem, a TE with a history of mental mistakes, and a new center, something which could elevate or devastate the chemistry of a line.

And if Deuce gets hurt, a gag of hasbeens and neverwillbes behind him.

I\'m sorry, I can\'t do it. We\'re gonna win it all this year, come hell or high water. I believe.

GumboBC

kenpersons --

It\'s right before the start of a new season and most every team has a legit shot of going all the way. I don\'t think anyone wants someone telling them their team can\'t do it. I know I don\'t.

I REALLY feel we have the strongest and most complete team in the HISTORY of the New Orleans Saints. While we might be lacking in some areas, we have enough talent to make it all the way. We just need the one thing that\'s been lacking. And that\'s for all these players to come together as a TEAM.

The encouraging thing is, the coaches seem to realize this and are taking the proper steps.

GO SAINTS!!!

I\'m just no good at this pessimisim stuff.. :P

CheramieIII

I beleive that the Saints will win the division with an 11-5 record. My reasons are simple the Saints will control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We have arguably the best D and O Line in the game this year. Depth, strength and speed.

This is the first year in a long time that I actually believe we will having a winning record, win the division, make the playoffs and possibly win the BOWL.

Geaux Saints!!!!!!!!

WhoDat

Folks,

Welcome to the Twilight Zone.

Sir WhoDat (Joe!)