D_it_up

I have a few questions that I want to ask everyone, and I hope to get some feedback on them. I'm even going to answer my own questions as they are directed to get OPINIONS of the off-season, next season, and the franchise as a whole.

1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

This is something that could go either way, I think. With the way the team played through the first 12 games, you would think there would be a major overhaul of players once again. Turnover is something that the Saints are accustomed to, so why not continue the trend? However, the final 4 games of the season showed that this teamed FINALLY gelled as a unit on both sides of the ball. Players stepped up and played beyond expectations or they finally played up to the potential that we've all been spoon fed from the coaching staff for the last several years. I think the Saints may realize they are still an impact player or two away on either side of the ball to be able to truly compete for the playoffs. I don't think they go all out on a big name free agent, but it wouldn't surprise me if they tried.

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

As much as I want Venturi gone, I don't see it happening. The coaching staff as a whole may have salvaged their jobs after that 4-game winning streak and almost bullying their way into the playoffs. I honestly think that the entire staff will return next season. Except maybe for the offensive line coach. Somebody has to take the fall.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? Possibly. I think he wants out and the interview with him proclaiming his greatness was a sign of that to me. There are a few teams out there that could be very interested in Brooks and we may be able to sneak some high draft picks or some talent from them (Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, and Miami just to name a few).

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

I pray that it does. I can't see the future, but I do think this team made major strides in improvement. They became the laughing stock of the league to a team that no one wanted to meet in the playoffs almost overnight. The team had a swagger about them in Carolina that I had not seen since the 2000 season. Confidence ran rampant through the team. This is what these guys needed. They know they can play now and I do think it will carry over into next year with a winning record and a playoff appearance.......no matter who is coaching or quarterbacking.

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

It will be harder for them to do so now with that winning streak because it puts them in the middle of the draft pecking order. Hopefully the "best player available" theory will be someone who plays a position of need as well. Will Smith has turned out to be an ingenious move, and I expect a big year from him whether Darren Howard is back or not. Hopefully someone like him falls into their laps next season.....just not at the defensive end position. I pray it's a linebacker, offensive line, nose tackle, or wide receiver.

There's just a few for now. Answer away fellas. I may come up with more later.