2015 NFL Preview: Saints look to rebound after offseason overhaul
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New Orleans Saints
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | 2nd in NFC South/9th in NFC |
The Saints were a popular pick to advance to Super Bowl XLIX after a solid 2013 campaign, but they instead took a big step backward. Whether it was a lack of leadership, as head coach Sean Payton believes, or overconfidence, as defensive coordinator Rob Ryan suggested in December, the Saints are eager to move on from last season's woes.
Highlight of 2014
Drew Brees throws five touchdown passes without an interception in the Saints' 35-32 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, snapping the team's three-game losing streak. It was Brees' seventh career game with at least five touchdowns passes and no interceptions - the most in NFL history.
Preseason Power Ranking - #22
Cap issues forced the Saints to make some surprising moves in the offseason. The team appears to be rebuilding on the fly, as they try to avoid their third losing season in the last four years. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Sean Payton
Off. Coordinator: Pete Carmichael
Def. Coordinator: Rob Ryan
There was speculation after last season that Ryan could be shown the door, making 2015 an important year for the defensive coordinator. He'll have some added help, though, as the Saints brought former Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen on as a senior defensive assistant.
Drew Brees will turn 37 in January, but is showing no signs of slowing down after finishing first and second, respectively, in passing yards (4,952) and completion percentage (69.2). He'll have the benefit of playing the fifth-easiest schedule this season based on 2014 records.
Key Additions
- RB C.J. Spiller
- OT Andrus Peat (first round)
- C Max Unger
- CB Brandon Browner
- LB Anthony Spencer
- LB Dannell Ellerbe
- LB Stephone Anthony (first round)
- LB Hau'oli Kikaha (second round)
Key Departures
- TE Jimmy Graham
- WR Kenny Stills
- RB Travaris Cadet
- RB Pierre Thomas
- OG Ben Grubbs
- LB Curtis Lofton
- CB Patrick Robinson
With Graham and Stills - the Saints' two leading receivers from last season - gone, second-year receiver Brandin Cooks will be relied on heavily to help replace their production. Spiller also figures to play a big role in the offense, but will reportedly be sidelined until the regular season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery.
The Saints have several new faces on the other side of the ball too, which likely has a lot to do with the unit plummeting from fourth to 31st in the league in total defense.
Bold Predictions
The Saints finish the regular season with the most wins in the league. This team still has enough pieces to put together one last run. With Drew Brees and Sean Payton playing for their futures, nobody should sleep on the Saints. Nine of their last 11 games this coming season are against teams that finished 2014 below .500. - Joe Thomson
Brandon Coleman will be the Saints' leading receiver. Marques Colston is the Saints' most recognizable name at the position, and Brandin Cooks is the dynamic young playmaker expected to have a breakout year, but Coleman shouldn't be overlooked among the Saints receivers. Look for his imposing size to earn him plenty of targets from Drew Brees, taking full advantage of defenses placing their attention elsewhere. - Daniel Wilkins
The Saints will entertain trade offers for Drew Brees. After a slow start to the season, the Saints will finally acknowledge the salary-cap hell they've dug themselves into and begin to ponder a full rebuild. The first major step? Trade discussions involving Brees. - David P. Woods