This week our New Orleans Saints writers tackle areas of improvement, the importance of re-signing Drew Brees, and who else has impressed us in the NFC.
1. Where is the area most in need of improvement right now on the Saints? (be as specific as you want)
Jake Lipsman – The secondary. It’s being nitpicky, because the 241 yards per game the Saints have allowed through the air isn’t horrible considering who they played in week 1. The reason I look at the secondary here is because the pass rush has produced the third most sacks in the league (8), while the secondary has produced the fewest turnovers (0).
Jake Madison – Tackling. It looked better against the Bear but there is still room for improvement. This is worrisome because as the season progresses and defenders become fatigued, tackling usually gets worse.
Jonathan Christensen – Tackling. The tackling exhibited by the Saints defense has been absolutely atrocious. Poor tackling has led to big plays against the defense, especially in the run game. Hopefully this gets corrected soon, because the next two running backs the Saints face (Arian Foster and Maurice Jones-Drew) could have huge games.
Dan Lawton – Tackling. Matt Forte gutted the Saints by picking up countless yards after the catch. The Saints secondary has shown an inability to wrap up receivers when they’re in the open field, which could become increasingly problematic as the season goes forward.
Joe Gerrity – Short yardage situations. While the Saints remain one of the best in the league at converting on third down, they seem to lack that go-to play that gets them half a yard when they really need it. I suggest the QB sneak up the middle.
2. On a scale of 1-10, how important is re-signing Drew Brees before the offseason?
Jake Lipsman – Depends who you ask. This is a question of when, not if, the Saints will re-sign Brees, so for the Saints, I’d put this at about a 1. It’s a bit higher for Brees, say a 5, but only because the risk of injury without an agreement in place jeopardizes his future earnings. I don’t buy the idea of Brees being distracted on the field by his negotiations off of it.
Jake Madison – I’ll go with a 3. A deal will get done so there is no real concern. The Saints obviously want to keep Brees and he is genuinely happy in New Orleans. I’m betting this happens sooner rather than later.
Jonathan Christensen – 3. Brees will retire a New Orleans Saint. Both sides probably want to get the deal done as soon as possible. However, if an extension isn’t reached in the next few weeks, there shouldn’t be any reason for panic.
Dan Lawton – 5. Brees is a professional so it likely won’t bother him too much, but if the deal drags on and seems at any point to be at an impasse, it could fuel media speculation that Brees isn’t being sufficiently appreciated, and that could become a distraction.
Joe Gerrity – 2. While it may get played up in the media, I can’t imagine him seriously even considering signing anywhere else.
3. Which NFC team has impressed you the most so far this season?
Jake Lipsman – The Detroit Lions. I knew they’d be better, but I didn’t think they would look this good. Matthew Stafford looks like the real deal, and as long as he stays healthy I expect this team to finish behind Green Bay for second in the NFC North and certainly in the mix for a wild-card playoff berth.
Jake Madison – The Washington Redskins. I wanted to agree with Jake and pick the Lions, but the ‘Skins were supposed to be bad. Come on, Rex Grossman is the starting QB. I know they’re not that great, but I’m impressed from a not-as-awful-as-I-thought angle.
Jonathan Christensen – The Detroit Lions. The Lions are making believers out of many observers from their quick start this season, and with good reason. The offense, led by a now healthy Matthew Stafford, looks very competitive, filled with athletic skill position players that can put points on the board. The defense, although weak in the secondary, is improving, especially along the line. I will be very interested to see how this team responds to success moving forward.
Dan Lawton – The Falcons. Yeah, they got pounded by the Bears in week 1, but last week’s come-from-behind victory against the Eagles was a gusty performance that showed how well-rounded this team is.
Joe Gerrity – I’ll to with the Lions as well. While I can’t imagine that they actually do anything this year, they are certainly a team to watch going forward.
