The season is approaching. The editorial staff of DNA of Sports invites you to take stock of the strengths and weaknesses of the 32 franchises. Today, the New Orleans Saints 2023. You can find all the presentations by clicking on this link.
The post-Sean Payton era has been synonymous with a transitional season in New Orleans. But the team has never been ridiculous despite a negative season. Rookie Chris Olave was a source of real satisfaction and hope. Now led by Derek Carr, the freshly recruited quarterback, the front office sent a signal: the transition will not last because the Saints have ambitions.
Last season: 7 wins – 10 losses, 3rd in NFC South
Movements in the off-season
Notable arrivals: Derek Carr (QB), Jamaal Williams (RB), Trai Turner (OL), Khalen Saunders (DL), Nathan Shepherd (DE), Johnathan Abram (S), Foster Moreau (TE), Jesse James (TE) , Storm Norton (OT), Lonnie Johnson (BC)
Re-signings: Michael Thomas (WR), Jameis Winston (QB), Will Lutz (K), Tanoh Kpassagnon (DL)
Draft: Bryan Bresee (DL), Isaiah Foskey (Edge), Kendre Miller (RB), Nick Saldivieri (OL), Jake Haener (QB), Jordan Howden (S), AT Perry (WR)
Notable losses: David Onyemata (DL), Shy Tuttle (DL), Marcus Davenport (Edge), Kaden Ellis (LB), Andy Dalton (QB), Adam Trautman (TE), Deonte Harty (WR)
Undoubtedly one of the most media moves of the offseason: Derek Carr joined Louisiana after being dropped from the Raiders. The franchise hands over the offensive reins to the 32-year-old quarterback in hopes of finally ending the post-Drew Brees transition years. To surround him, few movements, with the only notable arrival of Jamaal Williams, touchdown machine in the red zone in 2022 (17). The franchise is instead relying on stability and a group that has already proven its abilities. The return of Michael Thomas, hoped to finally be in shape, and the restructuring of Andrus Peat’s contract go in this direction. Foster Moreau, back on his feet after an illness-related break, returns to the state in which he is doing his university studies to replace Adam Trautman who left for Denver.
In defense, it is the first curtain which has undergone a major facelift. The combined departures of Onyemata, Tuttle and Davenport are compensated by rookies who will have to confirm their potential. Former Clemson star Bryan Bresee and the highly effective Isaiah Foskey will have a role to play immediately. The solid Khalen Saunders, author of a great season with champion Kansas City, will be at the center of this line.
The strong points)
Among the strongest defenses for several seasons, the Saints rely on two veterans to pull the whole squad up. At 34, Demario Davis and Cam Jordan continue to imprint their talent and pull their entire squad to the top. On the pass rush for one and against the race for the other, this duo forms the soul and the basis of this defense. But it does not stop there. NFL’s second air defense, the backfield defensive is formidable. Very experienced on all lines, this squad puts the age and intelligence of its players at the service of its efficiency.
Despite the little telling statistics, the offensive line of New Orleans has talent in all 5 positions. Compilation of player selected in the 1st round, with the exception of Erik McCoy (midfielder of the 2nd round), the protection of the quarterback is taken seriously. Deprived of a large part of his rookie season due to injury, Trevor Penning will join the left side this year to strengthen this line.
The weak spots)
Worst aerial attack in 2021, the team raised the bar in 2022 thanks in particular to the arrival of Chris Olave. However, we remain quite far from the standards of the Brees-Payton years. The signing of Derek Carr goes in this direction, but the cast behind the duo Olave – Thomas (if the latter finally plays again) remains slim. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, in the shadow of Sean Payton for 13 years, must prove that he can also draw an effective and dynamic attack.
With only 14 stolen balls, the Saints are among the least effective in the league. A badly needed lapse to help the attack get off to a good start. Despite the playmakers whether Tyran Mathieu or Marshon Lattimore are, they had all the trouble in the world to regain possession of the leather. Fortunately for them, Jameis Winston is no longer the starting pitcher, which limits the risks of a balance of turnovers too unfavorable.
X Factor: Derek Carr (QB)
Often criticized, even sometimes mocked, the fact remains that Derek Carr is a quarterback who has proven himself in the NFL. Exceeding 4,000 yards in four of the last five exercises, he has always responded despite a too often limited cast around him and a pathological instability in his old franchise. Now in a stable and serious team, Carr can again aim for the playoffs. In an open division where all the teams seem to be starting new cycles, his arrival places the Saints as favorites.
If he is not the most talented in his position compared to Mahomes, Burrow or Allen, Carr remains a solid quarterback capable of leading an attack and moving the chains. Leader at heart, he has never been put in the conditions to be able to cross a threshold. Now in a reputable serious franchise and finally with a defense to help him, this season will be a testament to his abilities. Solid line, committee of productive riders, squad of talented targets, he has never had such good cards in his hands.
Player to watch: Chris Olave (WR)
The bar of 1000 yards crossed in his rookie season, leader of the aerial attack, Chris Olave was a perfect success in his debut in the NFL. While he could (should!) have won the offensive rookie trophy of the season, the former Ohio State receiver ultimately remained in the shadow of New Yorker Garret Wilson. To shine even better in 2023? Either way, all the ingredients are there.
With the arrival of Derek Carr in New Orleans, Olave will clearly go upmarket in terms of pitching. The announced return to the field of Michael Thomas should also remove the pressure of the only receiver capable of moving the chains, and could even offer him some additional freedoms in the middle of the opposing defenses.
2023 New Orleans Saints Schedule
Titans, @Panthers, @Packers, Buccaneers, @Patriots, Texans, Jaguars, @Colts, Bears, @Vikings, Bye, @Falcons, Lions, Panthers, Giants, @Rams, @Buccaneers, Falcons
The audio preview of the podcast
In summary
In a division under reconstruction, the Saints almost naturally act as favorites. Unlike their NFC South competitor, all the fundamentals are present: an established quarterback offering real guarantees, a duo of very talented receivers, a full committee of runners, and a solid and experienced defense.
Thanks to an affordable calendar, they have all the ingredients to find the playoffs this season. From there to consider going far in January, it’s another story. Derek Carr will then have to show that he has it under his feet when we put him in good conditions.
