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Preseason Primer

http://www.nfl.com/teams/primer/NO

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SEASON OUTLOOK

Over the last four seasons, the Saints have played exactly .500 ball. Therein lies the problem. The Saints possess some of the finest offensive players in the league, but as a unit, the defense was dead last in yards allowed.

Heading up the offense is fifth-year starter Aaron Brooks. He has thrown for more than 3,000 yards in the last four seasons and has plenty of weapons at his disposal. The offensive system is being simplified to reduce the number of errors by Brooks and to highlight the running game.

Deuce McAllister is a versatile back, Pro Bowler Joe Horn and his 11 touchdowns remain the top target in the receiving corps, and the emergence of Donte' Stallworth has allowed the Saints to let Jerome Pathon go in the offseason.

But the Saints have simply been stuck in neutral for the last four years. Getting to the playoffs will likely depend on whether the last-ranked defense improves and if Brooks can become the leader that this offense needs.

CAMP QUANDARIES

Deuce McAllister
Is this the year Deuce joins the elite?
McAllister is probably right on the verge of joining the elites. A powerful inside runner with the speed to take it outside as well, McAllister has rushed for over 1,000 yards per season for the last three years, but his production was limited to 1,074 yards due to a nagging ankle injury. He needs only 74 more yards to becoming the all-time leading rusher in Saints history, and with the upgrade to the offensive line and an offensive system that will run the ball more, look for the Deuce to be set loose in 2005.

Is the late-season burst in 2004 going to continue?
The Saints ended the 2004 season by reeling off a four-game winning streak. For that to continue into 2005, Brooks must take command of the simplified offensive system and improve on his consistency. But ultimately the defensive unit will have to come out strong to give the Saints a chance this season. The Saints' first four opponents this year combined for a 30-34 record last season.

What has been done to improve the defense?
The much-maligned defense actually improved over the final four games last season, helping New Orleans get to an 8-8 record. Free agent safety Dwight Smith, acquired from Tampa Bay has been brought in to help solidify the secondary and third-round pick Alfred Fincher is expected to compete with some veterans and possibly land a starting linebacker spot. But overall, not much help was brought in via the draft or free agency.

RE: Preseason Primer

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McAllister is probably right on the verge of joining the elites.

Do you think that if Deuce played for any other team, this little tidbit would never have been written?

Don't you love to read that BS. Deuce "MAY" join the elite this season! In my opinion, he already has.

Re: RE: Preseason Primer

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Originally Posted by BlackandBlue

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McAllister is probably right on the verge of joining the elites.

Do you think that if Deuce played for any other team, this little tidbit would never have been written?

Agreed. Another little nugget:

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The offensive system is being simplified to reduce the number of errors by Brooks and to highlight the running game.

Even I will admit that's not the only reason, but it's still a good one. lol