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The New Orleans Saints have been known as one of the NFL's best offenses for years with quarterback Drew Brees at the helm, but in 2013, their defense may be the hallmark of the team.

Many wouldn't have dreams of such a scenario just last season, when the Saints gave up an NFL record 7,042 yards of offense to their opponents. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has brought his aggressive scheme with him, which has given the Saints their attitude back.

The fact that those Saints finished with a 7-9 record, without their head coach and with an historically bad defense, is a testament to Brees' dominance at quarterback. Even with all the dysfunction, Brees still led the league in passing yards and touchdowns for the second straight year.

Let's take a look at the best the Saints have to offer, and a quick recap of their season to this point, headed into Sunday's matchup with the Patriots.



Record: 5-0

How they got here: The Saints are off to their second 5-0 start in the past five years, having reeled off 13 consecutive wins to start the 2009 season. They have won games every which way this year. They grinded out their first two wins of the season, winning two division contests by a combined eight points against the Falcons and Buccaneers, needing a late field goal to pick up a 16-14 win over Tampa Bay. The Saints then rolled to big wins over the Cardinals (31-7) and Dolphins (38-17) before their most impressive win of the season in Week 5 against the Bears, holding Chicago to just 10 points in the first 57 minutes of action.

Key cog, offense -- Jimmy Graham, TE: Brees would be the easy answer, but Graham is having an outrageous season to this point, and the Patriots haven't defended tight ends very well in awhile. Graham leads the NFL in receptions (37) and yards (593), and ranks second in receiving touchdowns (6). At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, Graham is the quick, big-bodied tight end that can create problems up the seam and in the red zone. He played basketball from 2005-2009 with the Miami Hurricanes, and has plenty of experience winning jump-balls as a result.

Key cog, defense -- Cameron Jordan, DL: The Saints defensive line has created a lot of pressure this season, but one of their best defenders has been Cameron Jordan. He has 19 quarterback hurries, five hits and four combined sacks, making him the second-most productive pass-rushing 3-4 defensive end behind Texans defensive end J.J. Watt this season. Jordan has a 6-foot-4, 287-pound frame to help him hold stout at the point of attack, but also a quick burst to get through the line when rushing the passer. Jordan will likely face off with left tackle Nate Solder for the majority of the game.

Read more: Scouting the New Orleans Saints - Going Deep - Boston.com

|Mitch|

Very Cool!

homerj07

More worried about rushing TDs with our D.

Rugby Saint II

So, we kinda' small up front. Huh!