VIEW FROM THE COUCH: VOL II

NEW ORLEANS PRIDE
By D’Arcy Maine, 4th & Goal Columnist

With the media frenzy surrounding Michael Vick and his canine abuse, corrupt NBA referees and Barry Bonds controversial record breaking attempts, it’s easy to become disenfranchised with the current state of sports in America. So, I wanted to remind myself of what is right in sports today and one team instantly came to mind.

Last season the New Orleans Saints became the feel-good story in sports and provided a bright spot for a devastated city. After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans was desperate for some positive attention and something to cheer for. The Saints did just that, bringing hope and unity for thousands of area residents while simultaneously becoming America’s team, representing all that was good in professional sports.

During the 2005 season, the Superdome made headlines, not for football, but with images and stories of thousands of residents crammed into the stadium after losing their homes while the nomadic Saints tried to pull it together, splitting their home games between San Antonio and Baton Rouge, finishing with a dismal 3-13 record. The team seemed to symbolize the fallen city as it searched for a new home and identity with little to hope for.

But the 2006 season defied all expectations. With their home opener at the Superdome, a spirited Saints and an even more spirited crowd drew the admiration of the nation and drew ESPN’s highest ratings to that point (this was recently beat by David Beckham’s American soccer debut). The Saints easily defeated the Falcons in a rout, instantly making the Saints heroes for New Orleans and beyond.

Led by first-year head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, the team shattered all expectations for the season winning the NFC South and making it to the NFC Championship before finally falling to the Bears, 39-14.

Brees had a standout season in his first since leaving San Diego, leading the league with 4,418 passing yards and finishing third for touchdown passes with 26.

But, perhaps most importantly, the team dedicated themselves to being ambassadors for New Orleans both on and off the field.

So what happens now to “America’s team”?

After a Hollywood-worthy season and securing a place in the hearts of American sports fans, it will be interesting to see what happens for the 2007 season. With the majority of their starters returning, the team should be one of the better teams in the NFC. However, questions continue to arise about last season being a fluke driven by a team’s strong will and high emotion from all those around.

The Saints are returning almost their entire starting lineup and look to return to the NFC Championship game with a different ending this year.

Payton won 2006 Coach of the Year honors and his off-season decisions showed no signs of slowing down for the second-year coach. After releasing the chronically injured Joe Horn, the Saints all-time touchdown leader, to great public dismay, Payton drafted Robert Meachem in the first round. Meachem had an impressive career at the University of Tennessee and it looks as if the former Volunteer will solidify a starting position early in the season, joining Marques Colston at the wide receiver position. It is nearly impossible to successfully gauge how a rookie will fare in the NFL, but Meachem could potentially make an immediate impact to an already impressive offensive team.

After a mediocre rookie season, it remains a mystery as to if Reggie Bush will emerge as one of the premier running backs. After an incredible career at USC, 2006 was a disappointment for Bush and Saints fans with his inconsistent performances. However, he showed incredible potential during the second half of the season scoring seven touchdowns in the last five games of the regular season. This bout of late-season success should bring Bush a much-needed boost of confidence entering the 2007 season as he and Deuce McAllister should be one of the most feared running back duos in the league.

The past few years have proven the value of an experienced and accurate kicker and Payton recognized this during the break by signing Olindo Mare. Mare has spent his entire NFL career with the Dolphins and has an 82 percent accuracy rate over ten years. Last season's kicker, John Carney, struggled with long field goals and Mare should be a key member of the special teams.

The Saints offense remains almost entirely in tact and they have become the heart of the team. Colston is entering just his second season and improved tremendously game-to-game as a rookie. This trend should continue this season as he looks to improve his numbers. As long as he can stay healthy and avoid injury, it should be another breakout year for the former Hofstra star. Colston easily connected on the field with Brees and after a productive off-season of training together, these two should have no problem connecting for even more touchdowns this season.

The biggest question mark this year will be the defense. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant are expected to lead the charge. New Orleans signed veterans Jason David, Brian Simmons and Kevin Kaeshivarn during the off-season and these three bring much-needed experience to the squad. Usama Young of Kent State was drafted and he should provide speed and agility to the new and improved defense.

The Saints face the defending Super Bowl Champions, the Indianapolis Colts in their season opener and this should give an early indication of how successful the team will be. The Colts will be heavily favored to win but if the Saints can keep it close it will be a good sign for the 2007 campaign. The team lost 20-7 in their first exhibition game on Sunday against the Steelers but it is too early to jump to any conclusions, particularly considering the relaxed nature of pre-season games and the lack of minutes played by the team’s star players.

The 2006 season was an incredible year for the New Orleans franchise and many could argue that the team was running on an emotion and motivation that they will be unable to emulate. But, like the city of New Orleans, this team has something to prove and their talent, combined with their heart, should make them the team to beat in the NFC and lead them deep into the playoffs.

Tired of the same old AP Wire reports? Get a real insider’s take with D’Arcy Maine as she provides inside perspective on the news you want to hear about!

Email: darcy@nfldraftbible.com