New Orleans Saints season preview

Last years record:10-6 (1st in division)
Coach: Sean Payton

Key Addition:Eric Johnson could have a very good season if he stays healthy as the Saints spread the ball around very well. Johnson is a good pass catching tight end and could get around 40 catches and 4 touchdowns.

Key Loss: Michael Lewis is a good return man who was a threat every time he touched the ball. The team will also miss his presence in the locker room but as he got older he seemed to lose a step of speed. The Saints should have an easy time replacing him potentially using 4th rounder Antonio Pittman.

Draft: This draft doesn't look that deep for the Saints after the first couple of rounds. But then again, they were the ones who drafted Marques Colston in the 7th round. 1st round receiver Robert Meachem from Tennessee should compete for a starting role this year. The team should be concerned about the facts that Meachem needed knee surgery and came to mini camp overweight. 3rd round cornerback Usama Young from Kent State was a bit of a reach here but is a good athlete. He should be a nickel back this year but should step into a starting role in a few years. 4th round running back Antonio Pittman from Ohio State should make an impact on special teams this year but, could be a reliable no.2 back as Deuce McAllister is getting older.

Offense: This offense is one of the most explosive in the league. Drew Brees had a MVP caliber season as he led the Saints to the teams first playoff berth since 1999. Brees is a great pocket passer and knows how to get all of his weapons involved. Reggie Bush is one of the most explosive players in the league and should be more involved in the running game this year. Deuce McAllister is more of a bruiser type who should see more limited carries this year with Bush getting better. He should still be a threat around the red zone. Marques Colston was a huge surprise getting over 1000 yards last year and evolved to a go-to-guy down the stretch. Devery Henderson is a great deep threat and if Meachem isn't ready could be the number two starter. The offensive line really helps a top running rushing attack. Jammal Brown is turning into a top caliber tackle in just his 3rd year in the league. Jahri Evans was also a great surprise as a rookie last year and is playing at a pro bowl level.

Defense: The Saints defense was solid in the regular season but was exposed in the playoffs as the Bears put up over 35 points against them. Will Smith is becoming a monster on the defensive line as he got 10.5 sacks last year. He should continue that trend this year. Charles Grant has slowed down a little as he doesn't command double teams anymore. He is still a threat for 8 sacks. Brian Simmons should come in at linebacker and improve the defense. He has lots of experience and should become the leader of the defense. Mike McKenzie is a solid corner who had two interceptions last year. Jason David improves the other corner slot as he is also experienced and has played in big games.

Fantasy Studs: Drew Brees QB: Brees is one of the top quarterbacks in the league and makes the offense go. He is definitely worth a choice as a number 1 quarterback.
Reggie Bush RB: Bush really stepped up later in the season as he became a touchdown machine. He is a great no.2 back but is a good number one in reception leagues.
Marques Colston WR: Nobody will be surprised about Colston this year as he is now the Saints clear number one receiver. He should have another great season and is a great choice as a no.2 fantasy receiver.

Prediction: The Saints are a very explosive team as they have a variety of playmakers. As a dome team,it will be very important for them to get home field advantage in the playoffs to help avoid another January game in Chicago. If that happens they could more dangerous than year. My prediction is 11-5 and first place in the division.