New Orleans Saints are setting the mold for other NFL teams

The New Orleans Saints are breaking the NFL mold in more ways than one.

No one is surprised the New Orleans Saints are one of the frontrunners to win Super Bowl LV. With Drew Brees returning for his 20th season, it’s a given. Complete with guys like Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore, the Saints have one of the most complete rosters. In a lot of ways, the Saints are one of the few examples of an NFL team setting the mold for what other teams could be.

Starting with the roster, New Orleans managed to sign a lot of healthy and impactful free agents during this offseason. The two big names are obviously Malcolm Jenkins and Emmanuel Sanders. Both were hot commodities and the Saints were able to lock them both down. It was a huge win for the team as they don’t usually make many moves during free agency.

Additionally, the Saints put together an impressive draft including making some draft-day deals. While the team originally started with five draft picks, they ended up trading one away. It was an unexpected move but the reward could be ten-fold for the team. Savvy moves during the draft are hard to come by but the Saints have provided somewhat of a blueprint.

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Let’s not forget the locker roomy dynamic either. After Brees’ comments regarding the national anthem and the flag, there could’ve been a major fracture in the team. Instead, the veteran quarterback talked with his teammates and corrected his understandings. There may still be some tension but things are seemingly on a positive path.

How the New Orleans Saints are handling COVID-19 sets an example.

Then there’s the safety of the team and the rest of the league. New Orleans rented a hotel for the players to reside in during training camp. They’re trying to do their part to flatten the curve. Considering that Sean Payton contracted COVID-19, this team should be well aware of the risks. And the franchise is taking the proper moves to take the pandemic seriously amid a new season.

That’s something that NFL teams should be taking note of. They should be following New Orleans’ example if they want the regular season. Playing football during a pandemic is risky but this would be a way for all 32 teams to mitigate those risks.

And, as touched on, let’s not forget how good the Saints roster is. The organization is a shining example of how an NFL franchise can set an example. New Orleans should be applauded and, especially in the way of how to deal with COVID-19, followed.