Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

Yes it's ONLY preseason BUT I see improvement in areas that were huge weaknesses over the past 3-4 years. That's what I look for in preseason. We can get to the QB, which we haven't seen in preseason for years. The individual players are doing their jobs and don't look sloppy. I see intensity in the defense which I haven't seen in years.
The DBs look better. Not only does it look like we have better and more experienced players in the backfield it looks like they will do their job better because of the guys up front.

Also, all things considered the injury bug has not hit us as bad so far.
Armstead was to be expected, I never had much hope for Breauxs miss diagnosed vagina, and I figured Lattimore would be out a good bit. Unger was my main concern but it looks like he will be back in time.
Am I excited we are winning in preseason? No not really. I do think the players needed some wins for confidence and to break the losing streak but as far as winning, I'm not taking too much from it.
The sacks and blowout has me excited.
I just hope the offense does what it's been doing the last 10 years. If so we can sneak into the playoffs.

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

I have no stats or data, but my eyes are telling me from seeing them play that this team is going to be good and fun to watch. They look like the 09-11/13 teams.

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

The eye test. Yup. That what I pointed out too, Papa. It doesn't matter who they are playing, what I am seeing is speed and intensity that I haven't seen in years.

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

Looking at the schedule objectively 2-2 after four is probably the odds on bet.

I'm thinking 10-6 is likely, 11-5 wouldn't surprise me, 9-7 would be disappointing.

So if we go 2-2 after 4, I expect 8-4 after that easily (barring excessive injuries like last year)

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

Wait and see approach but we have never looked this good in preseason. The Defense always seems to be in better position than in the past. Never can tell by preseason, really, but at the same time there is reason to like what we see. If we looked bad I'd be talking about that too. There is hope, really good reasons to believe we are better than we have been the last 3 seasons.

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

Probably, even though the best 2-2 would be losses in the 2 AFC games, which I believe is unlikely. I also wouldn't be thrilled with either starting 0-2 with a must win situation on the road against Carolina, or any scenario that includes a Carolina loss.

So while 2-2 may be an objective peak, I'm pinning my hopes on a 3-1 start with wins both in Minnesota and Carolina.
Agreed. 9-7 means faltering down the stretch. That would not be good.
I'm going with 3-1 to start and 9-3 to finish with at least a 5-1 record in the division. I agree with others that the defense is passing the eyeball test. I don't see the Saints having 4 minute drill problems this season as in the past. More of those "Oops!" losses will be "Yeah Baby!" wins.

SFIAH

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

I think 2-2 out of the gate is the key, no less for sure. And I think they may even surprise with more, the way they're improved on special teams as well!

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

Maybe some are giving Miami more props than they deserve. I just don't chalk up playing Cutler on a neutral field as an L.

Given that, and the presumption of a L to the Pats (which personally I'm not ready to concede), then a 2-2 record means a loss to either the Panthers or the Vikes. Both are tough as they are road games. And both have formidable defenses. But what exactly do the 2-2 callers see in these two squads that chalks up either as a definite loss?

That's why I believe in the 3-1 start. While I concede that the game against the Pats is going to be tough, I'm not giving up on any of the three road games until the final score is in. Looks to 2013. Brees' offense + improved defense = wins.

3 road wins point up with a bullet.

SFIAH

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?
 

I keep forgetting about the run game as well, if the D holds up in the 2 minute periods AND we can run out the clock, I don't think any road game scares me

Re: It's still just the preseason, but the Saints have played three quality games now; Is it OK to hope?