It's easy to question why the Saints enter 2004 feeling some sense of comfort.
Their 2003 campaign ended without a playoff appearance for the second straight season. Their defense gave up a lot of big plays and finished 27th in the league against the run. Their coach, Jim Haslett, is clearly on the hot seat.
But in New Orleans, a place where witchcraft is as commonly accepted as taxes, the Saints are feeling particularly magical.
The reason is that while their NFC South division counterparts were engaging in extreme makeovers during free agency, the Saints opted to live, primarily, with what they had on offense. And add significantly through the draft on defense.
Sticking mostly with the status quo, the Saints believe, is good for the mojo.
"We're further along than we've been in the past," Haslett said. "We're a little bit behind in the passing game, but I think the running game is right where it's supposed to be."
That confidence is tied directly to the legs of running back Deuce McAllister, who had 2,157 yards from scrimmage last season, and the play of quarterback Aaron Brooks, who passed for 3,546 yards and 24 TDs.
The duo combine to make up one of the most potent offenses in the league, one that can beat its opponents in a number of ways. But in 2004, with a rejuvenated receiver Joe Horn and a sparkling rookie flanker named Devery Henderson (second round, LSU), the Saints have raised the bar.
"There is definitely some room for improvement before the season opener," McAllister said just before the end of the preseason. "I think we've got some things done as far as the team's concerned. But there is room to improve and we'll take these (last two) weeks to do it."
Naturally, training camp provided a slight wrinkle. A sore right quadriceps muscle kept Brooks from his normal reps in training camp and the preseason.
"I think we'll be OK by the time the season rolls around," Brooks said. "We've got some time to get better and get well. That's the good news."
If there is an area where New Orleans did need help it was on defense. So the arrival of ex-Rams defensive tackle Brian Young and the stunning play of rookie defensive end Will Smith (first round, Ohio State) and rookie linebacker Courtney Watson (second round, Notre Dame) have created optimism for one of the league's worst units last year.
"There's not a lot of new learning," Haslett said. "The guys feel much more comfortable with what we're doing. Then the two young guys have been excellent. Courtney has been a great addition playing inside. He doesn't really panic. He's very intelligent. Will Smith is a great player in his own right. We've got three good defensive ends, and we can do a lot of different things with them."
One such thing is going to a 3-4 defensive front, a scheme unveiled just before the third preseason game.
The 3-4 scheme was used by Haslett when he was the defensive coordinator for the Steelers (from 1997-99) but it had never been seen in Bayou country.
Smith has enough athleticism to allow him to play end or linebacker, which gives the Saints the chance to play ends Darren Howard and Charles Grant on either side of Young.
"It's a little change-up," defensive coordinator Rick Venturi said. "We just wanted to take a look at it. It's not a magic potion, but it's all going to be part of our package."
-- Information from other news sources was used in this report.
IN FOCUS
IN THE HUNT: The Bucs had their day. So too did the Panthers. And the Falcons certainly appear headed in that direction. But what of the Saints? While their three rivals made changes to specific areas, they opted to make no waves through big name free agents and focus on adding a quality defensive end (Ohio State's Will Smith) and a big play receiver (LSU's Devery Henderson) through the draft. Some may say the move was risky, others argue it is a testimony to the long-term plan. But the real reason for optimism is the duo of running back Deuce McAllister (1,641 yards and 8 TDs) and quarterback Aaron Brooks (3,546 yards, 24 TDs and 8 picks). Either way, coach Jim Haslett will certainly be feeling the heat should the Saints crumble again late. The division may be one of the toughest but that will not buy Haslett another pass.
KEY LOSSES: CB Dale Carter, TE Walter Rasby, FB Terrell Smith and RB James Fenderson.STATISTICAL LEADERS: QB Aaron Brooks (306-of-518, for 3,546 yards with 24 TDs and 8 INTs); RB Deuce McAllister (351 carries for 1,641 yards and 8 TDs; 69 receptions for 516 yards); WR Joe Horn (78 receptions for 973 yards and 10 TDs).
GAMES TO WATCH: Sept.21, at Titans; Sept.28 vs Colts; Nov.2 at Bucs; Nov.23 at Eagles; Dec.28 vs Cowboys.
DID YOU KNOW: After going 10-6 in 2000 and looking like a team for the decade, the Saints have won seven, then nine, then eight games respectively. They have failed to make the playoffs the last three seasons.
QUOTABLE: "With the talent that we have here, I'm not going to get it that many times. Hey, I'm not a player hater. We have Deuce, Jerome Pathon, Boo Williams, Donte (Stallworth), and they shouldn't throw me 100 balls. It's all about winning football games. I'm totally satisfied with 50 balls a year, five or six touchdowns, Donte having 70 balls, Jerome having 20, Boo having 60. I'm totally fine with that ... if we're winning football games." -- Receiver Joe Horn on his expectations for the season, considering the depth of talent on the Saints offense.
