After finishing last in the league in total defense, many Saints fans expected and called for changes to the defensive coaching staff. Instead of subtracting, though, coach Jim Haslett added. New senior defensive assistant Willy Robinson was hired to a newly-created position in hopes that he can assist coordinator Rick Venturi in weekly game-planning and aide the staff's young assistants on that side of the ball. Robinson, a nine-year NFL coaching veteran, is regarded as a sound defensive strategist who has experience in all areas of the defense. Haslett, whose background is on the defensive side of the ball, will also be more involved. The defense improved dramatically down the stretch, and Haslett and Venturi want to carry that momentum into the 2005 season. The addition of Robinson is the first step in that direction. . . .

Something to Prove: Third year defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan is probably looking at his final shot with the organization this offseason. Defensive line coach John Pease has made the underachieving lineman his personal project. Haslett has mandated that Sullivan drop his weight from the 320-330 range to around 300. He also wants Sullivan to spend his entire offseason in New Orleans. Sullivan reported to camp in terrible shape a year ago and never regained top playing condition. That ultimately cost him his starting job. The Saints are looking at Sullivan as a wild card. They aren't counting on him, and anything they get out of him is a bonus.