Saints: real or one hit wonder?

[FRPLG]

So I got to thinking Saturday while watching the NO game that NO is actually a good team. Not good in the way that they are playing well and did well this season but good in the way that I think they are going to be a force in the NFC for the foreseeable future. I mean with Brees, Colston, Bush and McAlister on offense they won't have problems scoring. If their defense stays as sound as it has been they are maybe the best all around team in the NFC for the next two or three years. Am I crazy or are they playing over their heads right now?

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Honestly, I think they're only going to get better. They need someone not so injury-prone to play opposite of Colston, a couple of defensive players and they'll be a team to be reckoned with.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

So I got to thinking Saturday while watching the NO game that NO is actually a good team. Not good in the way that they are playing well and did well this season but good in the way that I think they are going to be a force in the NFC for the foreseeable future. I mean with Brees, Colston, Bush and McAlister on offense they won't have problems scoring. If their defense stays as sound as it has been they are maybe the best all around team in the NFC for the next two or three years. Am I crazy or are they playing over their heads right now?

I agree, this success is sustainable for them. But let's remember that the NFC is horrible this year. You have to assume that the NFC is going to bounce back, including a team in their division who underachieved this season: the Carolina Panthers.

They have every part they need on offense, and should for the foreseeable future. They'll need to get better on defense if they really want to be great.

[dall-assblows]

they are going to the superbowl. i have no doubt about that.

they are the real deal.

[12thMan]

I think they could be playing a bit over their heads, but not much if they are. They are a good team.

I think the difference maker there is Sean Peyton. They seemed to be very prepared for games. I distinctly remember when they played the Redskins, Peyton challenged a call in the red zone to allow his defense to recover more so than actually turn the play over. That five minute window slowed our offense down and threw us out of synch. We never really recovered during that game.

[724Skinsfan]

They're good, no doubt. A lot of one-year factors are playing in their favor. Disaster-stricken area in desperate need of a pick-me-up, first year head coach, two sensational rookies, weak conference/division.

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

They're good, no doubt. A lot of one-year factors are playing in their favor. Disaster-stricken area in desperate need of a pick-me-up, first year head coach, two sensational rookies, weak conference/division.

I don't see how any of that is gonna change except for the first year head coach, though. New Orleans ain't gettin any better, they'll continue to need a diversion, the rooks are only gonna get better and I don't see that division getting much better either. I think they might be playing over their heads as well and might be woken up by the Bears, but I'd love to see them in a Super Bowl.

[GTripp0012]

This is a great question.

I tend to lean to the side of one hit wonder. I think there is little doubt that that offense is completely sustainable. But I look at the talent on the defensive side of the ball and can't help but think they are overachieving. Over the offseason, I think that D slides back down into the 20-25 range, and they post a .500 record next year.

But they can build the defense up and gradually get back to where they are now and in the future be a dominant NFC power.

[MTK]

The Saints have a lot of weapons offensively and as long as Brees is their QB they will be competitive.

[GTripp0012]

I also doubt Brees will ever play as well as hes been playing this season. He's been unbelieveable.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

I also doubt Brees will ever play as well as hes been playing this season. He's been unbelieveable.

He could be having a career year but he did have a couple of great seasons in San Diego too. He's proven himself to be one of the better QBs in the league.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

He could be having a career year but he did have a couple of great seasons in San Diego too. He's proven himself to be one of the better QBs in the league.

No doubt hes going to be in the top 10 for a long time. I'm just saying that this season is off the charts.

[dmek25]

they remind me of the playoff teams that Jim Mora had there. the one difference is they don't have bobby Hebert playing quarterback. but for some reason, the saints could never sustain success. so i vote one hit wonder. plus, i think the owner, Benson, might have some issues

[brent]

Your odds of success at the top level depends foremost on your QB and your ability to run the ball. With Drew Brees and two all-pro RBs on the roster, the Saints are going to be at the top of the NFC for a long time.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

No doubt hes going to be in the top 10 for a long time. I'm just saying that this season is off the charts.

I hear ya, but I also wonder if Marty ball held him back a bit in SD. Who knows, maybe in a more open offense he would have been putting up 4,000 yard seasons there too.