Saints' Super Bowl hopes hinge on 3 key improvements
The New Orleans Saints certainly aren't front runners to be Super Bowl champions this season. That being said, surprising teams emerge every year. Last year's major breakout team was the Philadelphia Eagles. After a trip to the Super Bowl, they are primed to be a contender once again this season. For the Saints, they will […]
The New Orleans Saints certainly aren't front runners to be Super Bowl champions this season. That being said, surprising teams emerge every year. Last year's major breakout team was the Philadelphia Eagles. After a trip to the Super Bowl, they are primed to be a contender once again this season.
For the Saints, they will need to improve in every phase in order to become a contender. Playing in the weakest division in a befuddling NFC will definitely help that case, though. It should be an intriguing season for a Saints team with plenty of pressure on it.
If New Orleans wants to make a magical run, their hopes will depend on three major factors.
- Improved Turnover Luck
- The Saints defense was impressive for much of last season. From veterans to young playmakers, guys stepped up during an injury-riddled campaign. On the downside, they were one of the worst teams in the NFL at forcing turnovers. Only the Giants and Raiders had less interceptions than the Saints (7) last season. That will need to change this season. The defense is too talented to lack interceptions and forced fumbles – like it did a season ago.
- Better QB play
- This one is no shocker at all. The Saints cannot afford to see inconsistency at QB that costed them multiple close games last season. Andy Dalton was abysmal at times, and there was very little flow with the entire offense with whoever was at quarterback all year long. With the addition of Derek Carr, they believe that they've added a veteran that will aid those issues. He has the weapons to be successful, but he must deliver.
- Offensive Play-calling Increases Aggressiveness
- Pete Carmichael Jr. is the most important person that isn't a player around the Saints this year. The offensive coordinator must open up the offense much more with a trustable option at QB. Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed must see more downfield targets. Adding in more unique calls for Taysom Hill would make the offense even tougher to defend, too. He has to prove that he can be a successful play-caller this year, or he may not have his position after this season.
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