NFL
By: Greg Rector
The New Orleans Saints find themselves in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL. The NFC South looks like it could be a division where either the Atlanta Falcons or the Saints could win the division while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers should both struggle. Let’s look at how the New Orleans Saints appear for the 2023 NFL season.
New Orleans Saints’ Offense
The New Orleans Saints made the signing of Derek Carr the former Raiders quarterback their off-season priority. How well Derek Carr plays with a suspect unit on the Saints’ offense will determine the NFC South division. Will Alvin Kamara face a suspension? Can Michael Thomas put in a full season at wide receiver? Can Derek Carr get the Saints into the playoffs and finally win a playoff game as a starting quarterback?
The New Orleans Saints drafted Kendre Miller in this last draft and also signed ex-Lions running back Jamaal Williams to shore up what might be a lack of Alvin Kamara if he is suspended for his off-the-field activities.
With Michael Thomas’s status to remain healthy the wide receiver at the top of the Saints is second-year receiver Chris Olave who must shoulder the load and needs to be used by Derek Carr often. AT Perry out of Wake Forest was drafted in this past draft and could become a speed option for Carr.
The weakest part of the New Orleans Saints’ offense appears to be along their offensive line. Can 6’8″ monster Trevor Penning become a functioning left tackle? That remains to be seen. If the Saints can protect Derek Carr decently enough then Carr should’ve enough weapons to assist the Saints.
New Orleans Saints Defense
The New Orleans Saints defense is still the strength of this roster. Cameron Jordan will be a nightmare to try and defend for opposing offensive lines. The Saints drafted Isiah Foskey from Notre Dame who will need to contribute as well. Foskey should be a right-side defensive end. The New Orleans Saints drafted Bryan Breese out of Clemson and if he can contribute on the inside of the defensive line as he showed he could do while at Clemson the Saints line should cause headaches for many teams.
Pete Werner and Demario Davis will be two tough linebackers to handle especially against the running game.
The secondary is the real strength of the Saints’ defense. Tyrann Mathieu is back at home and joins Marcus Maye as the safety and along with corners Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo this unit won’t be easy to fight through for opposing receivers.
New Orleans Saints Outlook
My thoughts on the New Orleans Saints’ chances this season come down to the offense. Can Derek Carr stay healthy and have enough weapons to allow the Saints to be competitive? I feel the defense has to step up, especially in the in-division games. I believe the New Orleans Saints could go either 9-8 or 10-7 and win the NFC South.
