Cute cheap shot. But 8-8 would be an average to below average year for the Saints. They've firmly planted themselves as a mediocre team. For it to be a "good" year, they'd have to be at least 10-6.
Was just a kiddin. I think they'll be 10-6ish. Probably a pretty crucial draft as far as their future with Brees goes.
I'm thinking 8-8 or 9-7. A pretty decent year. Nothing special. I just don't trust Payton enough. At some point, teams can shut down his 100 pass attempts a game.
I think Williams as DC equates to 3-4 more wins that we would have otherwise have lost next year with Gibbs. The schedule is tough, however. Had it been this year's schedule, I would be projecting a 12-4 record instead. How bout them Cowboys? 7-9, 6-10? What's your feeling? Probably too early to tell with the freak show going on out there at Vally Ranch.
You can't always tell how tough a schedule is going to be this early on. Teams can change alot in one offseason. I certainly think next year will be tougher than this year, though. Would love to get the NFC West before they strengthen back up, but we'll see where they're at in 2010. Overall, I'm very hopeful with the upgrade at defensive coordinator that this team will be one of the best in the NFL next year, regardless of the schedule. I don't expect Williams to come in and turn us into a Top 10 defense in one offseason, but I think it's not unreasonable to expect to get to the top 20. If our defense can create a few turnovers or get off the field every once in a while, it would allow the offense to do it's thing. No matter what happens from this point forward, I have hope for a few reasons. First, Sean Payton has now proven he is not the kind of coach who'll go down with the ship just to protect one of his "guys". Getting rid of Gibbs answered a lot of questions about how blindly loyal Payton will be. Secondly, our team fought pretty well last year given all the injuries we had. Additionally, the team has a lot of young players that showed some potential before injuries set in. Porter and Adrian Arrington are the two that most come to mind. Hopefully we'll continue to see those guys grow. All and all, I just think it's a pretty optimistic time to be a fan. Can't wait to see what the rest of the offseason holds. Don't expect it to be very busy, because the Saints are right up against it with the cap, but we'll see what magic Loomis can work. Working the cap has always been Loomis' strong suit, so I trust he knows what he's doing there.
Great post DH. Tremendous post, actually. Who would have said the NFL South was going to be as great as they were this year? No one. Next year, Philly could flop after winning a SB or McNabb could be gone. The Giants may lose Jacobs and their offense be highly suspect. The Cowboys are running a zoo out there. Washington has a suspect head coach. Maybe Miami returns to being an inconsistent 7-9 team and the Jets are in transition at QB possibly. Buffalo has a turd for a head coach and refuse to fire him. Do the Pats resign Cassel, and if not does Brady return to form in 2009 after a devastating knee injury? That's 8 teams that aren't guaranteed anything next season, except a shot to prove things on the field. Lots of things can happen quickly. We could look back at 2009 and say the Saints had a pretty easy schedule.
I think 4-2 or 5-1 in the division. I'm glad we get some sure wins against Detroit, St. Louis, and Dallas.
You know its sad, when the Superbowl hasnt been played yet and here we are talking about the 2009 Saints season.
very good observation Dallas could easily be 5-11 next season. I am just praying they keep a declining T.O. on their team. He can be a team obliterater and a worthless talent in the same season for once. Projections are for his shenanigans are only going to get worse as his skill level declines. It's gonna get real fun soon to watch it all unfold. Please Jerry Jones, keep him.
