My Pierre Thomas Blog

The New Orleans Saints were the best team in football in 2009, as they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints will have the difficult challenge of coming back even stronger the next season, as teams will do whatever it takes to knock them off their throne. Without question there is enough talent on this team to get back to the Super Bowl this season, but it all depends on how much the players and coaches want to win it all again this season. Here is a look at what the Saints will bring to the table in 2010, plus a look at where they will finish the season in the NFC South.

Offense:

If quarterback Drew Brees comes in focused and ready to go, the offense should have no problems getting going this season. Brees threw for 4,388 yards with 34 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions and set the NFL record for completion percentage at 70.6%. If Brees puts up those kind of numbers again in 2010, there is no question that he deserves to be mentioned with the likes of Brady and Manning.

The Saints decided to stick with the running duo of Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. These guys don't have to put up huge numbers in the Saints offensive scheme, as Bush is primarily used as a pass catching back, while Thomas does most of the running between the tackles.

At wide receiver it might not matter who the Saints put out there with Brees at quarterback, but they do have some very talented guys on the field at this position. Devery Henderson and Marques Colston, are the two likely starters on the outside, but this team gets plenty of production from guys like Robert Meachem, Lance Moore, and tight end Jeremy Shockey.

The offensive line was pretty solid for the most part in 2009, and will start the season with the same group they had to finish the year. The key will be for left tackle Jermon Bushrod to continue to play well, as he did a very good job stepping in last season when starter Jammal Brown went down.

Defense:

The Saints decided to let defensive end Charles Grant go this offseason, but that won't be a problem as they went out and signed veteran defensive end Alex Brown, who played for the Bears last season and will give them a much needed pass rush opposite of Will Smith. In the middle Sedrick Ellis and Remi Ayodele are expected to start the season at the two tackle spots.

The Saints lost a key player in outside linebacker Scott Fujita this offseason, and will likely turn to third year pro Jo-Lonn Dunbar to take over his spot, as Scott Shanle returns at the other outside spot. The key to this group is Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who has really excelled in the Saints defensive scheme.

In the secondary the Saints had their struggles with staying healthy at the corner spots., as 2010 projected starters Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter missed 11 games combined. The Saints did use their first round pick on Patrick Robinson, who will compete with Randall Gay for the starting nickel job. A big key to the Saints offseason was bringing back veteran free safety Darren Sharper, who played a huge role in this team winning the Super Bowl last season. Roman Harper is back at strong safety, and was the only defensive back to start all 16 games last season.

Prediction - 1st NFC South: I am counting on Brees and head coach Sean Payton to make sure this team is ready to go when the season gets underway, and I think that if this team comes in focused they are still the best team in the NFC. If the Saints struggle, look for the Falcons to take over the top spot in the South.

For a complete look at the upcoming season, be sure to check out our 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, be sure to check out our live NFL odds page each and every week!