12 NFL teams who will be playoff contenders in 2015-16
By Will Osgood
4) New Orleans Saints
Seven-and-nine.
The Saints’ 2014 record was a buzzword for the team this offseason. It seemingly rang annoyingly in Sean Payton’s ears, haunted him in his sleep, and darn near led him to go batty from the time season ended on December 28 until March when the Saints could first start retooling their roster.
It must have. Payton and the Saints’ front office took the 7-9 record not as an indication of a down year, but an opportunity to completely slash and burn the second tier of their roster, getting rid of anyone not willing to buy into Payton’s plan. The results made any knowledgeable New Orleans fan giddy.
Max Unger was brought in to solidify the interior of the offensive line. Brandon Browner is an absolute upgrade over anyone at corner, save Keenan Lewis. And Dannell Ellerbe and first-round pick Stephone Anthony are huge additions at linebacker.
Most importantly, problem children Jimmy Graham—among the players who presumably caused locker room discord last season—and Kenny Stills are gone to teams whose coaches are far looser than the militant Payton.
Best of all, the Saints clearly made a concerted effort to become a run-heavy offense. They paid Mark Ingram decent money to return and become a bell cow ball-carrier, though he’ll yield some carries to Beast Mode 2.0 Khiry Robinson.
Meanwhile, C.J. Spiller was brought in to reprise the Darren Sproles role in the offense, which he’ll do with little trouble (assuming he stays healthy). The results should be a more physical offense capable of inserting its will on opponents, while still maintaining big-play ability (thanks mostly to Brandin Cooks).
The Saints are the most balanced team of any in the NFC South, and Payton will not have 7-9 ringing in his ears next New Year’s Day.
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