For the first time in the post-Drew Brees era, the New Orleans Saints have some tangible hope.
They have a new, quality quarterback in Derek Carr, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders, and an additional productive running back in Jamaal Williams, along with wide receiver Michael Thomas, a two-time Pro Bowler.
Although the NFC South has gotten a little bit better since last season, it’s still a relatively weak division, which should help the Saints’ cause.
Another thing that will help is their schedule, which looks amazingly weak and has a huge lack of playoff-caliber opponents, as noted by SportsLine.
Are you taking the over? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ebeRymc1HE
— SportsLine (@SportsLine) May 5, 2023
Last season, New Orleans won just seven games, as starting quarterback Jameis Winston was benched early in the season in favor of Andy Dalton.
Although they had one of the league’s most productive passing defenses, their offense was weak, and they finished 19th in total yards gained and 22nd in points scored.
The arrival of Carr should improve those numbers.
While he isn’t an elite signal-caller, he’s a solid one, and his nine years of pro experience should give the Saints a reliable producer under center.
In addition to Thomas, they also have wideout Chris Olave, who was one of the league’s better rookies last year and tallied 1,042 yards and four touchdowns.
Next season may not be a repeat of 2009, which was the last time New Orleans won the Super Bowl, but they could be a dark-horse team in the NFC that could do some damage and perhaps even pull off an upset in the playoffs.
NEXT:
Drew Brees Expresses His Confidence In Derek Carr