Payton's Offseason Moves Should Keep a Smile on His Face In January

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Coming off a flat playoff loss to the Bears, the Saints have had two highly anticipated, somewhat exciting, yet ultimately two very disappointing seasons.  As with every team, one way or another, the head coach bares the burden for the fate of the team.

Sean Payton got a lot of traction after starting out his Saints tenure successfully. Furthermore, after surviving the once probable departure of the franchise to become the glue, the identity in large part, that kept Southern Louisiana from falling into the abyss of despair post Katrina, Sean Payton has been spared the hyper-scrutiny that is now the norm for his peers.

However, under the radar he shall fly no more. Although the city is still struggling for a host of reasons (I didn't mention Nagin, so you shouldn't either), the new deal for the team to stay in New Orleans, along with the simple passage of time from the impacts on the city in 2005, have allowed the resilient Saints fan base to raise their expectations to a very high level for the coming 2009 season.

There were many dents and worn parts in the Saints machine coming into the off-season.  From what we can see at this early stage however, there is reason to optimistic that Coach Payton will have his team prepared for the epic competition that will be the 2009 NFL Super Bowl derby.

The Offense:

The concerns are primarily in the backfield. Of course, every Saints fan knows, and most casual NFL fans came to realize due to the highly chronicled and highly pathetic results of the short yardage 3rd down offense, that the Saints absolutely needed to overhaul their rushing attack.

Deuce is out.  He was a great Saint, and deserves nothing but respect and admiration for  his job on the field...Thanks Deuce.

Although the personnel wasn't overhauled, I believe the rushing attack will be by the start of the season.  There is a lot of speculation about bringing in other backs, but I believe the unheralded former Patriot, Heath Evans, will play a vital role on this team.

There are three things that need to be done to overhaul the rushing attack:

1 - Get a short yardage back. Evans is the man for this. Evans is not a huge bruiser, yet he has the size to get 1-2 yards when you need it on a consistent basis.  He has moxy and just enough talent to be the man they need.

2 - Feature Thomas. Payton needs to scheme for and commit to getting Peirre the rock and committing the offense to the run.  Of course they will primarily be airing it out, but they need to establish a rushing identity, and that will come by properly using Thomas and Evans.

3 - Acknowledge what Reggie Bush is and what he is not, and use him accordingly. Reggie needs to stay healthy.  He works hard and is committed, so lets hope he fares better this year than last regarding his health.  Peyton needs to use him exclusively like the Patriots use Kevin Faulk.  

If he's in on 1st or 2nd downs, he needs to go in motion, split out to the slot, or loop to the flat to enhance the passing game and widen the spreads of the defensive linemen. On third down you can give him an occasional draw play, but Peyton must give up on trying to make Reggie develop as an inside runner.  

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