... In their 2009 Super Bowl title campaign, the Saints were loaded -- particularly on offense -- with both talent and experience. The offensive line was as good as any in the game, with Jonathan Goodwin at center, Carl Nicks and Jahri Evans at guard, and Jon Stinchcomb and Jermon Bushrod at tackle. That made everyone around them better; Brees had more time in the pocket, while the ground game had bigger holes to work with.
New Orleans was deep at wide receiver with size and speed. Tight end/matchup problem Jeremy Shockey complemented multi-talented running backs Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush.

Now the line is patchwork. The Saints scored talented center Max Unger from Seattle, but they had to give up Graham to get him. Marques Colston remains at wide receiver, but he's 32 years old.

Brandin Cooks, of course, is a very promising second-year pro, but the Saints have nothing at tight end to compromise a defense and give Cooks more room to operate. They are relying heavily on the productivity of Mark Ingram at running back. Yet, behind this subpar line, Ingram is averaging an anemic 3.1 yards per carry -- easily the lowest figure of his career.

All of the above factors into the current uneasiness in the Big Easy. How can the Saints heal their wounds?

Payton might eventually have to consider taking a page out of Mike McCarthy's book and focusing solely on the head-coaching duties, ceding play-calling responsibilities to his offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael. That could work; Carmichael and Brees have proven they are more than capable of running the offense without him. In 2012, when Payton was suspended in the wake of the Saints' bounty scandal, Brees had 43 touchdown passes and eclipsed 5,000 yards through the air. Of course, Brees' shoulder issue could delay any potential large-scale changes in duties.

It's obvious that our O-line has been on the decline for years now. Grubbs was sub par and Goodwin was just too old to produce the second time around. Our LT and LG are old and their skills have been deteriorating for the last couple of years(from where I sit). Unger isn't exactly a spring chicken either. But he's not in decline yet. However, we will most likely give him an incredible extension.

What happened to the great Josh Hill? Everyone including Payton talked this guy up as the second coming of Jimmy but those who knew football knew better and so far they were right. The guy is nonexistent in the offense, great job Sean.

What happened to the great Josh Hill?

Rumors of Brees' demise are exaggerated and premature. He is the youngest of the "Big Three" future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in his age group: Brees is 36, while Tom Brady is 38 and Peyton Manning is 39. He takes great care of himself and has the complete support of his coach.