Saints preview: Adrian Peterson seeks career rebirth in Big Easy
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the New Orleans Saints ...
1. Peterson arrives with much to prove
Adrian Peterson has to be the biggest wild card in the NFC South. But which version are the Saints getting? The one who averaged 1.9 yards on 37 carries in 2016 or the one who ran for 1,485 yards the year before? The answer to that question could help decide whether the Saints are postseason contenders or headed for a fourth consecutive 7-9 finish. One thing is clear: Sean Payton is going to get the most out of his new running back. The veteran coach is known for airing it out, but he often does so from condensed formations with extra blockers in the box. Peterson will fit right into New Orleans’ offense.
2. Cooks is gone from the receiving corps
The Saints added one star but lost another when they traded disgruntled wide receiver Brandin Cooks for the New England Patriots’ first-round pick. Cooks grew unhappy when rookie Michael Thomas became Drew Brees’ favorite target down the stretch and was unlikely to re-sign with the team when his contract expired. New Orleans remains deep at receiver, though. Thomas is a star in the making. Willie Snead is an underrated No. 2 receiver. And Ted Ginn Jr. should step into the deep-threat role that Cooks vacated. This group is more than good enough to make up for the loss with Payton calling the plays and Brees throwing the ball.
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3. Brees might be nearing his end in New Orleans
The Saints might not have the luxury of having No.9 behind center for much longer. Brees is entering the final year of his deal, and if New Orleans fails to make the playoffs, the front office might start from scratch. Those plans will not include a 38-year-old quarterback who takes up a significant chunk of the salary cap. Don’t expect an extension to get done before then. Brees has said he’ll play out his current contract and go from there. Barring a playoff run, all signs point to this being the final year of the Brees era in New Orleans.
4. The offensive line looks to be improved
When the Saints have been good in the past, the offensive line has been great — especially up the middle. That could be the case in 2017 if Andrus Peat, a 2015 first-rounder, takes a step forward at left guard. The rest of the line is solid, and now it’s deeper after the team drafted former Wisconsin standout Ryan Ramczyk in the first round in April. The rookie will compete with veteran Zach Strief for the starting right tackle job. If he loses out, the Saints might think about kicking him inside if Peat falters. Terron Armstead is a stud at left tackle. Max Unger, if healthy, is the rock in the middle. And free agent pickup Larry Warford is a good, all-around guard.
5. The defensive turnaround will depend on the front four
As in years past, offense is not the problem in New Orleans. The defense will be the only thing holding back this Saints team from making a run at the NFC South Division crown. And the unit will only be as good as its front line.
Follow Steven Ruiz on Twitter @theStevenRuiz.
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