It is a virtual certainty that this team will surpass the three wins it managed last season, what with the drafting of Reggie Bush and the signing of stud quarterback Drew Brees.

Still, there are enough inadequacies in other areas, especially defense, that prevent us from picking the Saints to escape the NFC South cellar. Also remember that Drees is recovering from shoulder surgery and Bush is still unsigned, and if either player misses significant time it would basically insure another last-place finish. At least the Saints have some nice insurance at running back in free agent signee Michael Bennett, and Deuce McAllister is still in the fold although he is rehabbing the knee ligament he tore last year. The receiving corps looks very solid on paper with Joe Horn and Donte Stallworth, as well as newly acquired Chris Horn.

The defense however was unable to stop the run last year, and we do not see much improvement in that area. New Orleans allowed a disturbing 134.1 rushing yards per game, 27 th in the NFL. Sure the pass defense ranked 4 th in the league, but that was mainly because opposing teams had no reason to throw, securing leads by running right through the Saint defense. The Saint did sign free agent linebacker Anthony Simmons away from the NFC Champion Seahawks, but we do not feel that is nearly enough. They also made a curious draft selection in the second round, tabbing safety Ronan Harper when they already have safety Daniel Bullocks, who was drafted in the second round last season, and the newly acquired Bryan Scott on the roster. New Orleans would have been much better served by trying to bolster the front seven.

2006 Prediction: 4 th Place NFC South