New Orleans Saints 2005 season preview

Updated: September 2, 2005, 11:28 AM ET

Email Print Share

ESPN.com

Saints Home | Schedule | Roster | Photos | Search: New Orleans Saints

THE BOTTOM LINE

By Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com

Hailed by many personnel experts as arguably the most talented team in the NFC South, at least on paper, the Saints nonetheless have rated as one of the league's most underachieving clubs in recent history. And time is running out, not just on Jim Haslett, who hasn't guided his team to a playoff spot since his 2000 debut season as a head coach, but on many of the players who perennially fall short of expectations.

In fact, time might be running out on NFL football in The Big Easy in general, given the ongoing battle for a new facility, and the reality that the cash-strapped state of Louisiana struggles annually to meet its financial commitments to the franchise.

Owner Tom Benson invested heavily this offseason to retain key players, approving big-money extensions for veterans such as tailback Deuce McAllister, wide receiver Joe Horn and cornerback Mike McKenzie. The Saints signed high-profile veteran free agents like safety Dwight Smith and offensive lineman Jermane Mayberry. The one guy who was promised an extension and didn't get one was Haslett, and that should speak volumes about his job security. Then again, given the state of affairs in New Orleans, the status of the entire franchise could be tenuous without a playoff berth in 2005.

ESPN's TAKE

By Joe Theismann, ESPN.com

The Big Question?
Consistency is the question every year for the Saints. On paper they have all the weapons necessary to contend for a Super Bowl, but something seems to happen every season. This year, QB Aaron Brooks and RB Deuce McAllister have to put this team on their backs and lead them to the playoffs or there could be wholesale changes in New Orleans.

FANTASY TAKE

By Scott Engel, ESPN.com

Sleeper: QB Aaron Brooks
This could actually be the year in which he puts it all together. Brooks has made too many critical mistakes in the past and has always been inconsistent, despite his final totals always looking good. Brooks is playing in a streamlined offense this year and has much to prove. If he is ever going to bust out, it's going to be now, or it might never happen.
Bust: WR Donte' Stallworth
We have seemingly been waiting forever for Stallworth to have a major breakthrough year. But you can now resign yourself to the view that it might never happen. Stallworth has definite big-play ability, but he doesn't seem capable of making enough possession grabs or delivering consistently downfield. He's got tremendous pure skills, but Stallworth simply doesn't get open regularly and he's not versatile enough to translate his marvelous potential into fine fantasy totals.

From ESPN the MAGAZINE

The Big Number

32K Season-ticket sales continue to plummet -- down to 32,000 from 53,527 in 2003. Under Jim Haslett, the Saints are better on the road (24-16) than at the Dome (18-22). No wonder they want to move.

STRENGTH --> THE DEUCE

A severe ankle sprain slowed McAllister (1,074 yards rushing) in 2004 and crippled the entire attack. His power running wears down foes, chews up clock and protects a suspect D; his versatility (34 catches) is crucial to the passing game. Now Deuce (left) is healthy and in great shape, and he'll benefit from an upgraded O-line, led by FA Mayberry. Expect a monster 2005.

WEAKNESS --> NO BACKING

One of the weakest units in the NFL. Allen (left) has decent tools, but he's undisciplined and fragile. Watson? He's a finesse guy who'd be a better fit on the weak side but is forced to play in the middle. Bockwoldt and backups Cie Grant and Levar Fisher are young and athletic, but there's not a decent every-down starter on the roster.

PROSPECTS

New Orleans is a city of contradictions; so too is its NFL team. Yes, Horn set Saints receiving records last season (1,399 yards, 11 TDs), but the team never scored on its first possession. Yes, Deuce can be a bigger version of LaDainian with Mayberry and Brown blocking, but the Saints led the NFL with 1,141 penalty yards in 2004. Yes, Brooks threw for 3,810 yards, but his career completion rate is 56.5 percent. Yes, the line combined for 29 sacks, but the D ranked 32nd in the league. Yes, McKenzie and FA Smith lock up half the field, but the Saints still missed 15 tackles in the preseason opener.

"We care about each other," says Horn. "That will take this team a long way."

In what direction is anybody's guess.

Team Preview Centers