New Orleans Saints: Hard(er) Times Ahead in Big Easy?

Back in 2009, the New Orleans Saints authored one of the greatest stories in the proud history of the National Football League.

A franchise that called numerous states and stadiums home four years earlier due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina opened the ’09 campaign with 13 consecutive wins and would eventually turn up the juice in the playoffs, rolling the Arizona Cardinals, outlasting the Minnesota Vikings in overtime and eventually stunning the favored Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17.

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It was quite the triumph for the franchise, city and region and the two major catalysts were head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees. The latter would eventually be named Super Bowl MVP in the win over the Colts in South Florida and many still own the picture of the veteran signal-caller holding his young son in their memories.

Oct 5, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan talk on the sidelines during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints would return to the playoffs in both 2010 and ’11, falling short of the NFC title game in each instance. But things have been a lot different ever since in the Crescent City when it comes to this football team. In 2012, Payton was suspended for the entire season for his knowledge in the controversial “Bounty Gate” situation.

One year later, with their head coach reinstated, New Orleans jumped out to a 5-0 start only to go 6-5 down the stretch. While the team did wind up back in the playoffs, they settled for a wild card berth (albeit the franchise notched their first-ever road playoff victory). This past season, a 2-4 start would culminate into a 7-9 finish, low-lighted by five straight home losses over the course of their last eight games.

Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills (84) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Saints won the game, 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

So what do we make of Payton, Brees and this edition of the Saints to date? Well, there was a bit of a sale going on in Louisiana this offseason. Pro Bowl players such as tight end Jimmy Graham and guard Ben Grubbs were traded away, as was promising wide receiver Kenny Stills. Long-time running back Pierre Thomas was released, as was inside linebacker Curtis Lofton. Former first-round cornerback Patrick Robinson signed a deal with the San Diego Chargers and just this week, the team cut loose veteran kicker Shayne Graham.

What in the wild, wild world of Mardi Gras is going on here?

Apparently, it’s time for a culture change in the Big Easy. Regardless of the circumstances each year, the team is a combined 25-23 in its last 48 regular-season contests. The defense has been a total disaster in each of the two losing campaigns. In 2014, the Saints allowed the second-most total yards in the league. Three years ago (2012) Payton’s squad allowed the most yards in one season in NFL history.

Rob Ryan remains as defensive coordinator but how much has this unit changed from a year ago. Surprisingly, not as much as you would think for a group that allowed 384.0 total yards per game, ranking 29th in the league against the run (132.8 yards per game) and 25th in the NFL vs. the pass (251.2 yards per game). In 16 regular-season contests, the Saints forced only 17 turnovers and fielded a pass rush (featuring linebacker Junior Galette and defensive end Cameron Jordan) that totaled just 34 sacks.

One year earlier, Ryan’s first season with the defense, the Saints were ranked fourth in the league in total defense. Only three clubs gave up fewer points while Galette and Jordan spearheaded a club that got to opposing quarterbacks an impressive 49 times.

This is a cupboard far from bare when it comes to talent. Veterans such as wide receiver Marques Colston, guard Jahri Evans and tackle Zach Strief all enter their 10th season with the club. Part of the deal that sent Jimmy Graham to Seattle brought former Pro Bowl center Max Unger to New Orleans. And running back Mark Ingram comes off the best season of his brief career, rushing for a team-high 964 yards and nine touchdowns.

A defense that was less-than-opportunistic this past season can only hope that 2014 free-agent pickup/free safety Jairus Byrd can stay on the field. It is also a unit that added free-agent cornerback Brandon Browner and picked up inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe from the Dolphins in the trade that sent Stills to Miami. And Brees returns for his 10th season with the franchise and his 15th in the league.

Simply put, the Saints don’t scare anyone like they did a few years ago and their former Fortress of Solitude per se known as the Superdome has proven to be less than frightening for the opposition as of late. A bounce back season for Payton, Brees and company may not be as easy as some may think.

Next: New Orleans Saints: Stephone Anthony will stand out in 2015

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