Saints: Rival executive already doubting New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints have made waves this off-season that few people really expected. They signed quarterback Derek Carr to a multi-year deal. They added running back Jamaal Williams and retained depth on the defensive side of the ball. After a year filled with injuries and uncertainty, the Saints made moves to compete. Clearly, one […]
The New Orleans Saints have made waves this off-season that few people really expected. They signed quarterback Derek Carr to a multi-year deal. They added running back Jamaal Williams and retained depth on the defensive side of the ball.
After a year filled with injuries and uncertainty, the Saints made moves to compete. Clearly, one rival NFL executive doesn't believe in the Saints' plan, though.
In a Mike Sando piece from The Athletic, one quote about the Saints stood out in particular.
“They are banking on being an offensive team and Dennis Allen finding a way to make the defense hang in there,” an exec whose team faced the Saints last season said. “They are still formidable, don’t get me wrong, but at some point you need a reset, and I don’t know if acquiring Derek Carr is part of that. What is your goal? To be a championship club? I’d be surprised by that.”
I don't think an "offensive team" is what the Saints believe that they are.
Their head coach is defensive minded. Much of their veteran talent resides on defense, and young depth like Alontae Taylor and Pete Werner will probably be key cogs in New Orleans for years to come.
The Saints' coaching staff could not afford a "reset" this year, and their front office has proven that their philosophy doesn't really abide by those either.
It is very easy to discuss "tanking" from the outside when your job isn't on the line like a coach or executive's is.
The Saints believe that they can contend in the NFC with Carr at QB and a healthier season at skill positions. Not to mention, the Saints defense has the upside to be a top ten unit in the league – undoubtedly.
It may blow up in their face, but their direction is clear, even if some folks do not agree with it. They dug themselves out of another demonstrative salary cap hole for a reason.
