New Orleans Saints: If…And…But for 2015

Oct 26, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

If

If the Saints defense can rebound in a big way, as was the case in 2013, then this team will contend again in the NFC South.

But what unit do we expect to see? Back in 2012 and under the guidance of Steve Spagnuolo (while minus the leadership of head coach Sean Payton), not only did New Orleans finish dead last in the league in total defense, they gave up the most yards in a season in the history of the NFL.

It was onto 2013 and the hiring of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan who orchestrated an amazing turnaround. That season, only three teams in the league gave up fewer total yards and total points.

However, it all came apart this past year as only the rival Atlanta Falcons gave up more yards per game. The Saints ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing defense and 25th against the pass.

So can Ryan once again put together a more-than-respectable unit? A healthy Jairus Byrd at free safety would help a unit that once again struggled to take away the football. The line is formidable with defensive ends Akiem Hicks and Cameron Jordan and the secondary has added cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Kyle Wilson. And could outside linebacker Anthony Spencer recapture the Pro Bowl form he showed under Ryan with the Dallas Cowboys?

Next: It May Not Be a Brees