Quick Preview: New Orleans Saints

Since the last time we saw them:
2008 Record: 8-8
Key Additions: FS Darren Sharper, DE Paul Spicer, CB Jabari Greer, FB Heath Evans, DT Rod Coleman, S Pierson Prioleau, TE Darnell Dinkins, C Nick Leckey, DC Gregg Williams
Key Losses: RB Deuce McAllister, S Josh Bullocks, CB Mike McKenzie, DT Bryant Young, TE Mark Campbell, CB Aaron Glenn, FB Mike Karney, S KEvin Kaesviharn, DT Antwan Lake, C Matt Lehr, RB Aaron Stecker, DT Hollis Thomas
Top Draft Pick: CB Malcolm Jenkins

What we now know:
Best Player: QB Drew Brees
Most Underrated: NT Kendrick Clancy

Looking Forward:
Breakout Candidates: RB Pierre Thomas, WR Robert Meachum, DT Sedrick Ellis, CB Tracy Porter
Looking to bounce back: WR Marques Colston, RB Reggie Bush, TE Jeremy Shockey, DE Will Smith, DE Charles Grant
Time to step up: CB Tracy Porter, RB Pierre Thomas

Strengths:

• The NFL's best QB without a ring in Brees leads elite passing attack
  
• A fantastic pass blocking Offensive Line that allowed just 13 sacks last year, anchored by Pro Bowl LT Jammal Brown
• NFL's "best kept secret", according to Jon Gruden, in RB Thomas, who rushed for 475 yards and scored 9 TDs in 5 starts last season.
• WR Meachum has reportedly been extremely impressive all off-season and WR Colston is fully healthy again
• MLB Jonathan Vilma
• Deep and improved secondary with additions of CBs Greer and Jenkins and FS Sharper
• S Roman Harper will be able to maximize blitzing and run stopping ability in new DC Williams's aggressive scheme
  
• Punt returner Bush had 3 TDs in just 10 games last season
• Saints lost 6 games by total of 18 points
• Team had 17 player wind up on I.R. in '08
  

Concerns:

• Rushing game could continue to be among NFL's worst if RB Thomas fails to break out
• Pass rush was awful last season and little was done to address that
• Chemistry cancer TE Shockey
  
• DEs Smith and Grant's dreadful, injury plagued '08 campaigns and possble suspensions for StarCaps incident
• OLB Scott Shanle
• LB depth real concern with likely season-ending injury to key backup Mark Simoneau
  
• Whether K Garrett Hartley can prove to be reliable for a whole season and sure up woeful kicking game
• Team's ability to close out and finish games

Expectations: Playoffs