8. Rob Ryan won't perform any miracles with his new 3-4 defense in New Orleans, but with Drew Brees and the firepower of the Saints' offense, he doesn't have to. A legit middle-of-the-pack showing by the Saints' defense will lead to three more wins in New Orleans, and a return to the NFC playoff field after the debacle of last year's bounty saga. With a vastly improved secondary that draws on the energy and aggressiveness of fly-around rookie strong safety Kenny Vaccaro, and the well-honed coverage skills of veteran free-agent cornerback Keenan Lewis, the Saints' defense has its attitude back.