The New Orleans Saints Should Be Much Improved This Year

The New Orleans Saints look intriguing this year. The big news initially was the signing of quarterback Drew Brees away from the San Diego Chargers. The Saints finally landed a proven quarterback who has the potential to take them deep into the NFL playoffs.

But the even bigger news came on draft day when the Houston Texans made the mistake of the century by bypassing USC’s Reggie Bush. Bush fell to the Saints at slot number two and all of a sudden, they had a game-breaking player the city has never seen before.

When you look at some of the Saints other acquisitions, things are looking up in New Orleans, a city that needs all the good news it can get

The Saints have a new head coach in Sean Payton. The fact that he’s learned under a great one like Bill Parcells should bode well for the future. Aside from Brees and Bush, they also picked up center Jeff Faine from the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Hollis Thomas from the Philadelphia Eagles, and wide receiver Bethel Johnson from the New England Patriots.

These new players and their new coach should have a positive impact on the team’s results for 2006. But the most exciting addition has got to be Reggie Bush.

This guy can score from anywhere on the field. He can line up at running back and run the ball or catch passes out of the backfield. Or, the Saints can line him up at wide receiver or let him return punts. Anyway you look at it, he’s going to make a few defenders look silly this fall.

When you also factor in the fact that the Saints have Deuce McAllister back healthy again, their running game should take on a whole new dimension. Opposing teams will have to defend the bruising style of McAllister and then try to stop Bush’s speed.

They also have free agent pick-up Michael Bennett from the Minnesota Vikings. After drafting Bush, there’s been talk of trading Bennett. If they keep him, though, he’ll provide more proven, fresh legs for the running game.

As long as Drew Brees comes out of camp healed up and healthy, the Saints should have a much improved offensive attack to thrill the fans in New Orleans.