Saints sign Sproles to replace Bush

It's a good thing I went with the short version instead of the long one then.

 

Payton will definitely find ways to use him and don't kid yourself, he may not be as fast as Reggie, but he will create mismatch problems if you try to guard him with an LB or safety. I love the pick up, but still think we need some help on defense. Our starters are solid, but I don't think we're especially deep.

3 things need to happen and if they do, then we'll be the team to beat in the NFC:

1. First and most important, we need to get our running game back on track. We probably have the best stable of RB in the league, so we have a pretty good shot at having a good run/pass balance. Bushrod and Stinchcomb both need to play better then they did last year.

2. The defense needs to cause more TO. They were one of the top units in the league last year, but their TO ration dipped from the '09 team. We don't necessarily have to have the D score a bunch of TDs off those TO like before. Just get the ball and give it back to your O.

3. Brees needs to return to form. Although we still had one of the top offenses in the game, Brees wasn't quite right last year; especially on throws of 20 yards or more. He wasn't quite as accurate. I attribute that to the lack of running game and partially because Brees spent most of the off season after the SB win touring and making appearances and I believe that took away from his preparation. I could be way off base with that, but for whatever reason, he wasn't as accurate with alot of his deep throws last year as his was in '09.

If the team can accomplish those 3 things and I don't see why we can't, then I predict that we will win the Super Bowl.

 

i tend to like having my best talent on D, but Payton's philosophy is pretty cool: by loading up on offense, it helps us accomplish #1, #2, and #3 that you listed. making your running game better makes your passing game better and vice versa. also, by having a great offense, it makes it easier for your defense to get turnovers because Gregg Williams can be more aggressive. also, by having a great offense, it forces the other team to play catch up, making them throw more, which makes them unbalanced/one-dimensional, and easier to stop

 

Fair enough

 

Very good post. On your first point I totally agree. I really hope those 2 lineman have a better year. In addition, Ivory's recovery is key to having that great depth. His injury was apparently very serious, in large part because of its location and the lack of blood flow in that area which plays a role in healing, but I'm no doctor.
2. I agree we need more turnovers. Without going back and looking at the numbers from the Superbowl year though I think we had a unbelievable amount that year. In other words, I think we can improve, but I'm not sure we can duplicate that year. More than anything we just need a better 3 and out defense IMO.
3. Yep, Brees didn't have as good of a year for what ever reason. He seemed to press at times and threw uncharacteristic interceptions. He made some desperate throws falling down, and under pressure that didn't work out well. Better pass protection, healthy RB's and a good running game will work wonders and I think he will come back strong. I don't know that I would want any other QB in the league over him.