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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) catches a touchdown against Arizona Cardinals cornerback Brandon Williams (13) in the fourth quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 48-41. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
21

New Orleans Saints 7-9

Last week: 3rd, NFC South
Last rank: 21st

Looking Back: Despite the amazing numbers put up by quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints once again finished under the .500 mark. To be more specific, Sean Payton’s squad has posted a 7-9 record three straight years and in four of the last five campaigns. The defense got somewhat better in 2016 but it remains a major albatross.

Looking Forward: The future remains bright for Payton and Brees in terms of offense. In each of the past 11 seasons, the Saints have been ranked no lower than sixth in total yards per game. And this year, New Orleans led the NFL in total offense. Young receivers such as Brandin Cooks, Michael Thomas and Willie Snead make this quite an attack. And running backs Mark Ingram and Tim Hightower were keys to an improved ground attack. But Dennis Allen is the latest defensive coordinator on the hot seat in the Big Easy.

Offseason needs: The Saints continue to have defensive issues but the team got a big year from defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who they need to re-sign. However, this unit produced only 30 sacks while New Orleans came up with only 21 takeaways. The team needs to find a couple of top-notch pass-rushers in the draft and invest most of their picks on this side of the football. Playing in a division with Matt Ryan, Jameis Winston and Cam Newton is tough enough without having major issues in the secondary. Things were better than a year ago but no team in the league allowed more passing yards per contest.

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