Like Jason David, and like the situation a few years ago with a certain quarterback and coach who simply had to go, in order for the team to ever improve, I think it all starts with getting rid of Browner. That alone will kickstart the process. If they got rid of Browner, I think people here would be surprised, at how much improvement that move alone could make on the defense. Without the penalties, first downs and yards that he has given up single-handedly, the Saints would actually be in the mid-20s as a defensive rank right now! He gives up crucial first downs, that extend drives and then result in scores: if you take even just one or two of those scores/drives away, if you stall those drives, then almost ALL these games are completely different in character. He's a cancer. He is single handedly affecting the outcome of these games, and quite honestly I wouldn't be surprised at all if we found out down the line someday, that he was somehow influencing them through gambling or by affecting fantasy league betting or changing point spreads or something, like the point shaving scandal at Tulane or the fixing the 1919 World Series. I would not be surprised or shocked if that were true!

For me it all starts with getting rid of Browner. Same way the Saints went through a bad spell with Jason David, and once he was eliminated from the roster, the team actually kinda took off and soared, it was like a weight had been lifted from their collective shoulders. I'm over simplifying, of course, but everything truly starts with that move. Browner being on the next train out of town after the Falcons game, will give me hope for next year.

Truth be told, the Saints could use help at every position on the roster except running back

On defense, first thing you have to do is decide what kind of defense is going to be schemed because we've drafted 3-4 personnel for the front seven the past two drafts and we're running a 4-3 to feature Cam Jordan (who's looked awful as a pass rusher and has blown containment on several big run gashes (Detroit late comes to mind))...

Cam is a poor fit, should be traded for that reason and to begin to unload cap space...

So we're not that far away...Now, if we reverse course and build a 4-3 around Cam Jordan, there's more work to be done and is a mistake because Jordan isn't as effective against regular starting offensive linemen...

I don't understand the reasoning behind getting rid of Jordan. He is the best lineman we have and arguably the best defensive player. He has as many pressures as J.J. Watt and is THE leader of the defense. We need to be building around him on the front 7. Here is what ProFootball Focus said about him in their '10 biggest pro bowl snubs' article:

Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans Saints (91.6):

A late season surge is something that you could definitely not level at Cameron Jordan, who has been ultra productive on a bad Saints’ defense since the start of the season. That last point is perhaps what has held Jordan off of the roster; unfairly overlooked on an individual level due to the failings of the defensive unit around him. What more Jordan could have done than rack up 66 defensive pressures, five batted passes, and 30 stops to help those around him, I’m not quite sure. A crowded pack on the edge for certain, but Jordan’s play this season is absolutely worthy of a trip to Hawaii.

Cam Jordan is easily the best defensive player we have. He also consistently ranks out on the top of his position in pass rushing and run stopping according to pff. Don't pay attention to the knee jerk reaction folks.

Cam needs some players across the line which can also draw double teams. Outside of Cam we have NO ONE that poses any threat. We have the worst front 4 in the NFL, if jj watt had the supporting cast Cam had, jj wouldn't be a pro bowler every year.