Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2016 regular season. Today, the New Orleans Saints.
2015 in a nutshell: The defense is epic-level bad, surrendering 29.8 points per game. Drew Brees has another stellar year, but the offense can’t compensate for those defensive deficiencies and they finish 7-9.
Why 2016 could be different: They’ve tweaked that much-maligned defense, which is now being run by Dennis Allen.
Major additions: Top pick Sheldon Rankins, who could be a defensive rookie of the year candidate up front, and they bolstered that front seven in free agency by adding Nick Fairley, James Laurinaitis and Craig Roberston. They also signed tight end Coby Fleener.
Major losses: Stalwart receiver Marques Colston was released, while tight end Ben Watson signed elsewhere in free agency.
Breakout watch: Linebacker Stephone Anthony was a bright spot on defense during his rookie season in 2015, so he might have a chance to become a star in 2016.
Position to watch: At this point in his career, Brees needs stellar play from his tight ends. Watson had 825 yards last season, and they’ll look to replace that with Fleener, who failed to hit the 500-yard mark last season with the Colts.
Prediction: The Panthers are too good, the Buccaneers are going to be better and the Falcons are superior as well. This is a seven- or eight-win team, even if the defense is slightly better.
