It's here. Finally.
With what's happened to this team this offseason, last year seems like a distant memory. But at long last the offseason from hell is over. Saints FOOTBALL is back.
Here are 12 thoughts about the 2012 Saints Training Camp and beyond.
AFR is back: let's break it all down.
Putting behind the bounties
Frankly, every player, coach, media member and fan that has been around the Saints offseason is over everything associated with the bounties.
Opposing teams, their fans and media are not. In this aspect, the bounty saga has only just begun. The questions will come from every opposing media member about the situation and fans at road games will be very hostile towards the Saints. How the Saints handle this will be a big part of their success or failure in 2012. The Saints have dealt with adversity before but this is different kind of obstacle. No longer are they feel-good story of the NFL, now they're the villains of the league. Will they be comfortable in this role? They will have no choice so they better embrace it.
No Coach Payton
The man has an unmistakable presence, and now that presence will be gone for a full season. How much it affects the club remains to be seen. There are legitimate questions to consider: How will the Saints respond to not having their true commander in chief? Will gameday adjustments still have the same positive result? When it's 4th&1 and 70,000 people are screaming and someone has to make the right decision, can Vitt make the right one? He's done it before. Can he do it again without Sean Payton to lean on?
Drew Brees said sometimes the measure of good CEO is how successful his company is once he steps away. That analogy is spot-on here. The 2012 season will be the perfect way for Payton to see the type of program he's built.
In Drew We Trust
Brees is the unquestioned leader in the Saints locker room and now that leadership will be counted on more than ever. I'm curious to see his disposition now that he knows all eyes will be on him, especially in light of his historical contract. He addressed the question beautifully at his press conference when he said all he needs to be is him. That's more than enough for the Who Dat Nation.
As I observed Brees at his presser Tuesday, I noticed a very relieved, relaxed Brees. The contract situation and not being around his teammates clearly was frustrating for him and now he has the look of a man that is glad to be back to doing what he loved.
Saints new look defense
The live-by-the-blitz/die-by-the-blitz days of Gregg Williams had run its course even before all the bounty stuff. The Saints needed a change in philosophy and Steve Spagnuolo brings that change. Spags relies heavy on pass rush from his front four and blitzes in a more conventional way. How will the team's current personnel mesh with Spagnuolo's principles? Who will emerge as the consistent pass rusher this team has sorely lacked over the years? Will it ultimately be an improvement from 2011?
Most Overrated Offseason Loss: Robert Meachem. By the time last year rolled around Meach became more of a luxury than necessity. I don't think the Saints will miss his production that much. He was never going to be ‘the guy' in this offense. I am curious to see who emerges in his place. In saying that, I think Meachem has potential to have a big-time year in San Diego.
Most Underrated Offseason Loss: Tracy Porter. True, his production dropped somewhat but he was still a steady nickel cornerback who at times I thought should have played the outside. Third cornerbacks are crucial in the NFL with the multi-receiver sets. The favorite to win the job is Johnny Patrick, a player who's never started a game in the NFL.
Position Switch: I really like the move of Martez Wilson from linebacker to defensive end. Wilson has the frame for a pass rushing specialist. We saw his ability last year in this department when he blitzed multiple times from the LB slot. He has to learn to play with his hand in the ground but I think physically he has the skills to be a pass rusher the Saints can count on.
Newcomer to Watch: Ben Grubbs. Grubbs replaces Carl Nicks, who was in my opinion was the best offensive lineman on the team last year. Grubbs fits the bill physically but I have concerns about him coming from an ultra-simple offense to one of the most intricate in the NFL. This offense is not easy to pick up and Grubbs is in a critical position. Perhaps more than any other quarterback, interior protection for Drew Brees is key because of his size. Brees has great ability to slide to avoid pressure from the outside but needs steady protection from the inside. Grubbs must excel at this. Plus, the Saints offense has perfected the screen game and a big part is offensive lineman getting to that second level. If Grubbs cannot do this he will not be a starter for long in the Saints offense.
Biggest Training Camp Battle: Kickers. Yes, I said kickers. I was shocked when the Saints brought back John Kasay. Clearly, they are not convinced Garrett Hartley is completely healthy. Hartley signed an extension before last season and given his age will likely be given every opportunity to succeed but Kasay is a steady veteran and Hartley will have competition for his position and will have to earn it.
Linebacker Explosion: Very close second to the biggest training camp battle. If there is one position where Spags felt he needed an infusion of talent it was linebacker. The Saints brought in David Hawthorne, Curtis Lofton and Chris Chamberlain to compete with Jonathan Casillas, Scott Shanle, possibly Jon Vilma among others. If there is one core veteran player who's susceptible to be cut from this roster, I say it comes from this group.
Stat I bet you didn't realize: Along with returning the NFL's top passing offense, the Saints will return the NFL's sixth best rushing attack as well. They also tied for fewest fumbles in the NFL.
Fearless Predictions:
- The team leader in sacks will be Junior Galette. He's got true speed around the edge. If he can grasp the new system he'll have every opportunity to be on the field more in 2012.
- Cam Jordan eventually settles at defensive tackle. Jordan doesn't have dynamic play-making ability on the outside but he is stout against the run and with his pass-rushing versatility could be a force on the inside. Particularly when Spags goes to his ‘Nascar' package of four defensive ends on the field.
- Marques Colston will finally get his just due and make the Pro Bowl this year.
- Roman Harper sees a tremendous drop-off in sacks this season. He won't blitz nearly as much and if his coverage skills don't improve his snaps could diminish as well.
- My preseason pick for Saints comeback player of the year is… Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins will benefit the most from the coordinator change. He was a disappointment last season but by the end of the season, Jenkins will lead the team in interceptions.
- One record Brees will not break is his own 71.2% completion percentage from 2011. That number still boggles my mind considering how often he threw the ball.
- I backed off my original bold prediction slightly. The Saints will go 11-5 and win the NFC South.
My favorite time of year is here.
Let the games begin.
© Brees will be the same leader he's always been since 2006
