Defence of the Realm

[Rob]

No, not the excellent film. It really is an excellent film.

No, I mean the Saints Super Bowl Championship defense but I'm pretty sure you knew that.

Quarterback: No problem whatsoever there. Get a few truckloads of money and lock him down. I'd like to see a younger, more capable backup but all foreseeable Saints seasons ride on #9 staying healthy. In fact, any argument with NFC fans about the Saints returning to the Super Bowl for the next few years starts with "We've got Drew Brees and you don't".

Running Backs: They'll probably have to let Mike Bell go, He didn't contribute much late in the season. I think the Saints and I both would prefer to keep PT on the field and on the roster but he's earned a nice pay raise. Keep Reggie Bush, but restructure his contract. Hamilton provides a decent backup for PT. We're pretty good here, too.

Tight Ends: I like Shockey and Thomas. Keep them and find a third.

Wide Receivers: If you can re-sign Lance Moore, great. If not, stand pat with Colston, Henderson, Meachem, and two others.

Offensive line: I like the idea of Bushrod and Brown competing for left tackle but keeping Brown might prove to be expensive. The other four and Zack Strief as a utility backup are just fine. I like Nicks, Goodwin, and Evans on the interior. They are the best group at those positions in the entire NFL.

Punter/Placekicker: With a rookie and a 2yr man, we're fine there for the next several years.

Defensive line: An area of concern. Upgrade here through the draft. Not very good against the run and can't generate a pass rush on their own against the good teams. They need too much help from the blitz.

Linebackers: Would like to get younger, faster, and more athletic here. Vilma is solid bordering on outstanding. Shanle and Fujita get the job done but an upgrade here would be welcome.

Secondary: Porter and Greer are a great combo that should only get better for a few more years. Jenkins should be better next year, too. Randall Gay is only OK. Harper had a great year. Sharper is the big one that might get away. I think they should try to keep him but I don't know how deep they should go into their salary structure. It's a tough call. Usama Young and the others will never be much more than special teams players. Another young addition will be welcome here, too.

The biggest thing they gained this year is experience and they now know they can do it and they know what it takes. I see no reason this team can't stay in contention for many Super Bowls to come. I'm not even going to throw out the "barring injuries" disclaimer because they overcame a ton of injuries this season. With all of those guys back next year competing for roster spots on a pretty good team already, the Saints could be even better next year.

Dare we say REPEAT?

It has ALWAYS been but now, man, is it ever great to be a Saints fan.

[Hyde]

Dare we say REPEAT?

It has ALWAYS been but now, man, is it ever great to be a Saints fan.

Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase - "(Can't) Wait 'til next year!"

[Rob]

During the Mora years, I thought maybe the Saints were on the right track. That derailed.

There's no maybe in the Payton era. The Saints are squarely on the right track. The formula is fairly simple for the next few years now. Play at least a little bit of defense, continue to be aggressive, give #9 just a little time to throw, and they'll win lots of games ...

[Hyde]

That formula reminds me very much of the 49er teams of the '80s and '90's that did it to us so many times. It would be nice to see "experts" start referring to Payton/Brees as the new Walsh/Montana.

[Rob]

Right down to the bellhop uniforms.