Fansided

1 reason every NFL team can win the Super Bowl

By Andrew Garda

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A member of the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan stands on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints

It wasn’t that long ago that the New Orleans Saints were perennial Super Bowl contenders, or at least an automatic consideration prior to the start of each season. The last few years have seen this franchise in with some inconsistent records though, and this offseason it found itself divesting itself of some talented players, like tight end Jimmy Graham.

While the offense has struggled to be the high-scoring powerhouse it once was, it’s the defense which has really let this team down and the defense that holds the key to its potential to another Super Bowl appearance and a win.

Rob Ryan has been the defensive coordinator since 2013 and while the defense had a great season in his first year, it’s been a mess since. Some of that has been talent, but there is a real question as to whether Ryan is able to use the talent there to their fullest as well.

Well, the Saints went out and got him plenty of talent this offseason. Jairus Byrd (last season’s big get in free agency) should be healthy this year, and the team added Brandon Browner, Anthony Spencer and Kyle Wilson in free agency as well as inside linebacker Stephone Anthony, outside linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha, cornerback P.J. Williams, outside linebacker Davis Tull, defensive tackle Tyeler Davison and cornerback Damian Swan in the draft.

There is plenty of talent on defense now. Ryan has to utilize it.

If he can do that, this is a team which shouldn’t see a ton of competition in its division, and should be able to hang with anyone in the conference. A good defense, one in which Rob Ryan has shown he knows how to get the most out of his players, is one which can carry this team to a championship.

Next: Miami Dolphins

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