After last years disgusting 3-13 season?thanks partly to hurricane Katrina?the Saints are hoping 2006 brings better fortunes. Unless you have been in a coma, you know the Saints drafted one of the top college players, Reggie Bush. He recently signed a deal. Could the Saints actually improve? They were averaging about 8 wins per season prior to 2005.



Quarterback

The New Orleans Saints get a major improvement at the QB spot thanks to the signing of Drew Brees. He will be a huge upgrade, and the Saints now have a formidable passer leading the offense. Brees is coming off of shoulder surgery. Although he will be fine come the season opener, it's something to keep an eye on. With Brees at QB, the Saints have an above average man at the position.

Running Back

Deuce McAllister tore an ACL in his right knee last season. He's been working hard and will come back with a vengeance in 2006. He better come ready to play, because first round pick, Reggie Bush, is waiting in the wings. Bush really isn't a full-time running back, but he can severely eat into McAllister's playing time if Deuce fails to perform. Bush adds an interesting element to the backfield of the Saints offense. The McAllister/Bush combo could give opposing defenses fits.

Receivers

Joe Horn had hamstring issues last season. He will rebound this year, which is his 11th in the NFL. Donte Stallworth has his best season yet in 2005 and he should improve again in 2006. With Drew Brees at QB, the receiving unit should get the opportunity to shine. A healthy McAllister and the play of Bush could loosen the grip on the receivers this season. This unit has the ability to be above average this season.

Defense and Special Teams

Coming into this season the linebacker unit was really the weakest point in the defense. The Saints added LB Scott Fujita and LB Anthony Simmons. While the linebacker unit won't be stellar, they could be average, which would be an improvement. Overall the Saints defense will not stop many people in their tracks, but they could get in the way enough to slow down the scoring and give the offense a realistic shot at winning the game. The special teams has two dynamite players?first there's John Carney kicking field goals and second there's Mitch Berger kicking punts.

2006 Prediction

It would be hard for the Saints to repeat the disaster that was the 2005 season. Still, don't expect the team to head to the Super Bowl. They have 12 games against teams that figure to be above their level and 4 games against teams that could be anywhere?like the Cleveland Browns. First-year head coach, Sean Payton, has his work cut out for him. I look for the Saints to win 5-6 games this season. Anything more is a bonus.