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The media buzz Tuesday afternoon at Saints headquarters in Metairie centered around the franchise’s chance of returning to its former greatness.

After all, the problems that plagued the Saints last season — from the field to the courtroom — appear to be resolved.

Coach Sean Payton, who nearly four seasons ago guided the Saints to a Super Bowl XLIV victory, is back. First-year defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has installed a 3-4 scheme and his defensive veterans have embraced his fiery attitude. And in general, players seem motivated to overshadow last season’s 7-9 finish, evident by their full participation at voluntary offseason workouts.

Will that be enough? Too early to tell, Payton said.

“Every year is different,” he said. “I never talk with this team about us being like the 2009, 2010, or the 2011 teams, so there is nothing promised.

“There is a process of working hard, and obviously there are a lot of things that we have to improve on, and that is what we are working on.”

Payton then reminded reporters that the Saints have yet to put pads on in 2013.

The 2012 season was marked by horrid defensive play, a lack of a running game, more Drew Brees interceptions and less Brees heroics than normal and suspensions tied to the pay-to-injure controversy that stripped the franchise of its leaders in the front office, coaching staff and on the defense.

Read more: Saints know returning to former glory won

homerj07

Well I know we all have high hopes for the season!!

Just like that ant & the rubber tree plant!!

AllSaints

It would be nice to see our team dominate again !

TheOak

Our offense has yet to stop dominating, the defense took a vacation for 1 year... The press makes it sound like we went all Lohan.

Seer1

Exactly what does this rag advocate for? Zzzzzzz

Rugby Saint II

It may not be easy but it'll be Breesy.

Choupique

first off, none of the talking heads are honest to admit the Saints were duct taped by the BOUNTY LIES of roger goodell, so anyone who talks about last year without mentioning the fact they were playing with a goodell liar handicap isn't worth listening to, because they're disingenuous.

end of story

saintsfan1976

Vince Lombardi said something like this; We will strive for perfection every year. We won't be perfect, because there is no such thing but our process will lead to excellence.

What this team missed last year was Payton's process.