The last of the 2007 non-playoff teams gets the bottom spot in the top ten.
It’s the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints stumbled badly last year after a rough start. But the 2006 Saints likely would have been in a hole as well, if they’d opened the year with the same slate of games.
This year, the schedule is a lot easier, with games against the teams of the AFC West and NFC North, two of the weaker divisions in the league.
To improve their outcome of a year ago, the Saints have tried to address weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball, bringing in the likes of Randall Gay and Jonathan Vilma, and selecting defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis in the draft.
But the excitement remains on offense, especially with the presence of tight end Jeremy Shockey. If/when he’s healthy, he’ll help unleash the passing game, which in turn will open up the running lanes. And with the safeties worried about Shockey and Marques Colston, guys like Devery Henderson and David Patten and Terrance Copper and Robert Meachem will never face more than a single defender.
Quarterback Drew Brees remains poised to do very good things. Though he’s not at the level of “franchise” quarterback, he is very good — and he could help push this team a couple of rounds into the postseason.
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Champ_Kind, a Passionate Fan, on 9/4/08 at 9:52 am
Did I miss when you ranked the Bucs? I am baffled, because as a member of the national media (don’t deny it) you cannot POSSIBLY have denied the Glorious Saints their rightful spot atop the NFC South preseason rankings could you? Or am I right in thinking you just left the Bucs out altogether, and when you get past the 31st ranking entry, you will be like “Damn! Did I forget someone?”
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
navyation, a Passionate Fan, on 9/4/08 at 11:57 am
The thing about the internet is you can’t tell when someone is being sarcastic. I have no idea if you’re serious or not.
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samh, a Division Champ, on 9/4/08 at 12:18 pm
Um, maybe he considers them a top 10 team?
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Champ_Kind, a Passionate Fan, on 9/4/08 at 3:18 pm
It was sarcasm, yes.
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shackney4, a Cheerleader, on 9/4/08 at 3:44 pm
I you consider Tampa Bay a top 10 team, you haven’t wached a football game since Gruden left Oakland. The Saints will go off on that pathetic Tampa 2 defense that Kiffen loves to run. Shockey or no Shockey, the running game will have it’s feet under it and Brees is poised to be the league MVP in 2008. The defense is improved and will keep Garcia on his back, out of the pocket or at least very uncomfortable. Ellis, Vilma, McKenzie, Will or Charles..Maybe even McCray will have a field day. Everyone talks of the Cowboys offense…Take a look around and it’s not a stretch that the Saints have the best offense since Kurt Warner and Ike Bruce and Co…Played in St. Louis! Tampa…HaHa
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alexy, a Passionate Fan, on 9/4/08 at 7:54 pm
I *highly* dispute the notion that Drew Brees isn’t a franchise-caliber QB.
2006: 64.3% completion for 4,418 yards, 26 TDs and 11 INTs
2007: 67.5% completion for 4,423 yards, 28 TDs and 18 INTs
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jackers252, a Cheerleader, on 9/4/08 at 7:54 pm
How can you think Drew Brees is anything but a franchise QB? That leaves me completely speechless.
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
Anesthesia, a Passionate Fan, on 9/4/08 at 8:26 pm
shackney4, i’m looking forward to seeing what brees and bush to tampa’s pathetic defense. please feel free to email me and talk more @%&#^@ when the game is over: transformer70@gmail.com
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
freeemoore, a Cheerleader, on 9/4/08 at 8:28 pm
How can you say Drew Brees is not a franchise QB! If he is not one then I would like to know who is. Let me guess. Tony Homo. Yeah right. Pay attention this year as the SAINTS march to the Super Bowl.
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
SF Saints Fan, a Passionate Fan, on 9/4/08 at 9:25 pm
2008 New Orleans Saints:
Franchise QB: Check
Franchise WR: Check
Franchise LT: Check
Franchise RB: Well………
Franchise TE: Check
Franchise Coach: Check
Total Franchise Offense: Without a doubt!
Defense: How can they not be better. If the Defense can play like a top 15 or 20 Defense then the Saints have a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl. Their offense is better than ANY in the NFC. Including your beloved Romo led Cowboys who have not won a playoff game since December 28, 1996. Since that date the “lowly” Saints have won two playoff games and appeared in an NFC Championship game.
Mark it down………Saints are going to the Super Bowl!
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Rating: 3.4 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
FireTheCannons, a Cheerleader, on 9/4/08 at 9:26 pm
WOOOOOOOOW…i registered just for this thread and all the ignorant posters that replied in here about how the bucs defense is, and i quote, “pathetic”..shackney4 you are ridiculous, i can tell your 12 and 2 years ago was your first experience watching the nfl..you all must be kidding me when you say the bucs arent a legit team, especially on defense..your really gonna compare the saints offense, before the season even begins, to the greatest show on turf of 2000? really dude? what a TERRIBLE statement. tell you what, you keep talking up your saints, ill be watching galloway torch yall YET AGAIN while our beastly young o-line dominates your front 4, while barber, talib, phillips, TANARD JACKSON (learn the name he’ll be giving the saints and everyone else nightmares for years to come), RUUD, cato june, brooks, GAINES ADAMS and co. wreak havok this sunday and all year long
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
GeauxSaints12, a Division Champ, on 9/4/08 at 10:30 pm
Saints………2008 NFC South Champs………2008 NFC Champs…………WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!
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Rating: 2.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
The Q-man, a Division Champ, on 9/4/08 at 10:59 pm
Saints will be great on offense again. But the D, let me tell ya.
The Bucs beat them for first in the Div. Panthers may push them completely out of the playoff hunt.
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
freeemoore, a Cheerleader, on 9/4/08 at 11:34 pm
WHO DAT!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait to see Chucky Boy crying on Sunday.
Drew Brees - MVP
I can hear the chants already.
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Rating: 2.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
Scott Scarboro, a Cheerleader, on 9/5/08 at 2:29 am
We will find out on Sunday… Bucs 24 Saints 3. And make sure you use Galloway in fantasy this weekend as he will probably put up about 150 yards and 2 scores. It will be a laugher - just watch!
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
10TenTwo2, a Cheerleader, on 9/5/08 at 5:35 am
Did I seriously just read that Drew Brees is not a “franchise” quarterback? Wow.
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
stadanko, a Passionate Fan, on 9/5/08 at 1:00 pm
Saying Drew Brees is not a franchise QB is a SERIOUS mistake on your part. He’s number 3 behind Brady and Peyton Manning. He’s better than Romo, Eli, Palmer, Rothliesberger, McNabb, and anyone else in the top tier excluding those top two guys. There really are no QB’s I would rather have. Back to back 4000 yard seasons. That’s Marino-like numbers when his best targets are a 7th rounder from Hofstra and a running back that’s trendy to call a bust. PFT is a great site, but you got your head up your ass on that Brees observation.
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