Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are likely in the midst of a multi-year process to fully rebuild their roster and identity for the future. The team’s new vision won’t fully take shape in 2025. But in order for it to get off the ground running, there are a few key elements that must take shape quickly.
Quarterback
This is the obvious headline to the Saints’ season, but not the lone ingredient for success.
Whether it’s second-year passer Spencer Rattler or rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, getting steady play at quarterback is imperative. The thing is, the Saints don’t necessarily need superstar-level production in the process. Though they’ll take it if they can get it.
Reliable, consistent and competent game management and good decision making will go a long way. New head coach Kellen Moore has a track record of successful rushing offenses, which can take some pressure off the young quarterback.
Offensive Line
In order for the quarterback and Moore’s run game to produce, the offensive line will have to hold up.
When healthy and on the field last year, the Saints’ top-five were very effective. In the rare games in which all five linemen were healthy, New Orleans was at its most explosive.
The drop off from starter to backup, however, was drastic and hard to overcome.
New Orleans made clear improvements to their offensive line, swapping former journeyman left guard Lucas Patrick for tackle-turned-guard Trevor Penning, drafting Texas Consensus All-American Kelvin Banks Jr. to man the left tackle role and moving Taliese Fuaga back to his collegiate right tackle spot.
Should this line perform as expected and, most importantly, stay on the field together, it could jumpstart the Saints’ rebound and drive improvement over the next few years. Continuing to build experienced depth will be another important factor.
New Defensive Scheme
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is bringing a lot of change to the Saints’ defense. So much change, that it may take some time for everything to gel. That could take numerous games, it could take the entire season. But in order to move the needle, the team’s new defensive scheme will need to show some effectiveness early. Even if it’s inconsistent to start.
Staley’s exotic pressure packages, complex coverage scheme and game-by-game adjustments will all be welcome shifts of philosophy. However, they may also command patience as the roster adjusts to its new approach.
