By Ross Jackson
There is a lot of reason to be at least cautiously optimistic about the New Orleans Saints this year. Whether because of the always-stout defense, revamped coaching staff on the offensive side or the team’s new offensive system specifically, the team has made moves toward improving from 2023.
However, it will be the team’s ability to get comfortable quickly in their new offense that will dictate the success or failure of a very important season. This year could be the final chance for head coach Dennis Allen and possibly starting quarterback Derek Carr, especially with two exciting and young options behind him.
These are the tribulations of a “what have you done for me lately?” NFL business. Missing the playoffs in 2024 would be the first time the team has done so three straight years since the Jim Haslett era. Not necessarily the conversation anyone wants to see today’s Saints teams involved in.
In order to avoid that, the team will need its defense to hold up, yes. But on top of it all must be an improved and explosive offense that maximizes the talent on the roster. One that gets players out in space, utilizes the variety of attack options all over the field and plays to the strengths of its quarterback and playmakers.
It is far from a one-way street, though. It can be easy to pinpoint a system or play-caller when a team is struggling, but in order for one to succeed the players on the field must execute. The perfect play call will not win a game if a receiver drops a touchdown. Same goes if the offensive line lets up sacks in pivotal moments or if a quarterback turns the ball over too much. Not all of these were issues the Saints had specifically in 2023, but the point stands. The system does not matter if the players are not executing.
Both must be in concert, and that is what the Saints will need as their season opens in a little over a week. In their Week 1 matchup with the Carolina Panthers, the Saints have an optimal opportunity to get things clicking early and prove what they can be for the year ahead. A perfect chance to set the tone and establish a high standard of expectation.
The road gets tough from there, at least for the early goings. After hosting Carolina, the team will travel to take on the Dallas Cowboys, host the Philadelphia Eagles and then go on the road to face the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs. All will provide a true litmus test for whether or not the new offensive scheme is working and how the players are handling its implementation.
Early surprise wins in any two of those four games following what will need to be a win against Carolina sets the Saints up with a reach chance to compete. Dropping games to teams that are as good or better than them (on paper) was last year’s story. This year, the Saints will need to best the best out of the gate in order to outfit themselves with the best fighting chance as the schedule gets easier throughout the year.
The biggest concerns around the team now are still the same that plagued them last year. Chief among them being n offensive line with a lot of question marks and health. The Saints were ransacked with injuries throughout training camp, even though many extended absences to star players were likely precautionary. Between a lack of availability for contributing players and a lack of reliability on the offensive line, the team could have some seemingly insurmountable obstacles this season.
If they are able to meet those obstacles head on and navigate the adversity with greater success than last year, this team could surprise. But until that new offense gets off the ground, it will be a wait and see game for who the Saints will prove themselves to be in 2024.
