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During the next couple of weeks we are going to find out if the New Orleans Saints own an important component that goes a long way toward winning a championship.

I have always felt that having a signature quarterback, having a defense that can create pressure and get turnovers and being strong on special teams are the key ingredients to winning a Super Bowl title.

But the last element is having a very good offensive line.

In watching the Saints in the first six weeks of the season, they have one of the elite players in the NFL in quarterback Drew Brees, a defense under Rob Ryan that is creating turnovers and has registered 20 sacks (after it only had 30 sacks in 2012) and a pretty strong special teams unit.

The big question is do the Saints have enough up front along the offensive line.

Today that group faces the toughest defensive front it has faced all season long in Kyle Williams, Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus of the Buffalo Bills. In 2013 the Saints are averaging 3.4 yards per rush behind that offensive line.

In 2009 the Saints averaged 4.5 yards per rush and won the Super Bowl. In 2010 the Saints were ravaged with injuries at the running back spot and averaged 4.0 yards per rush. In 2011 the Saints averaged 4.9 yards per rush and in 2012 the Saints averaged 4.3 yards per rush.

There has been a talent drain for the Saints along the offensive line, and it shows. Gone are left tackle Jermon Bushrod, guard Carl Nicks, center Jonathan Goodwin and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer.

And it has not only been in the run blocking part of the game that the talent loss and coaching shuffle have been impacted.

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Mr.Riaton

the more the season goes on,the more I think the o line will be the main focus in draft/FA...and/or new o line coach.

Danno

My desperation grab at hope is what Ross Tucker said about zone blocking schemes, which we're using a lot more of this year than last.

Paraphrasing... O-lines can't just switch to a zone scheme and everyone be on the same page right away. It takes time to adjust, sometimes a lot of time.

I'm hoping we get better as the season progresses and at times it does look like the O-line is starting to play more in sync. (no, not the band).

Euphoria

I disagree its the last thing.

If you don't have a good line your QB is moot. I don't care who you have at QB if you can't protect him it might as well be my grandmother at QB.

rezburna

Aaron Rodgers won it all with a ****ty o line.

homerj07

Well Duuhh! Most of us have been saying this since before the season started.

I have always said losing Kromer was our BIGGEST off season loss. The man is an offensive line genius.

triman

Tackle to Tackle on both sides of the ball is how you win football games.That being said we have not invested in the OL. This will be addressed in the off season. BPA at OL,WR OR Pass rusher. With salary cap still a concern. J.Graham will eat up most of the cap. The draft is where we will need to score this type players.

dueceloose

I think the oline will be able to get by.. if we get ahead earlier it'll be easier for the defense and oline. I'm just enjoying the ride.

triman

It has been fun so far

TheOak

Aaron Rodgers is not Drew Brees, different style and different abilities. He has also suffered at least 3 concussions that I know of.


Brees Career Rushing in 13 years - 643

Rodgers career rushing 9 years - 1548

Apples to oranges