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

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

If used like Faulk is, he will find some lanes inside on draw plays, but Reggie will be Reggie when in space and when running screens.  This will keep the defensive front seven on their heels.  This will help Thomas tremendously, keep Reggie on the perimeter, and hopefully keep Reggie healthy.

The Defense:

As I've read many times in the last few months, I must concur that by far the best move the Saints made this off season in regards to the defense is the acquisition of Gregg Williams.

There were significant weaknesses at all three levels of the defense last year.  The linebacker situation, with Vilma back in the mix, is serviceable.  The secondary was its typical incompetent self last year, as it has been the last few years.  

Injuries played a factor, but the talent simply wasn't good enough. Yet the biggest problem in the secondary was that the defensive front's play was shameful. Again, some bumps and bruises slowed Grant and Williams, but the motor, the effort, the pride just didn't seem to be there. 

I won't go down the road about complacency after being shown the money, but if these guys don't produce this year under the new coordinator, I surely will have a negative opinion in that vein to write about.

So optimistically, I see Gregg Williams scheming for and motivating successfully Grant and Smith so that they can create some pressure each week and ramp up the teams sack totals dramatically.  Obviously, this will make the secondary's jobs much easier. Ellis looks solid and should improve greatly from his rookie campaign.  

The two rookies, Jenkins and Vaughn, are going to need to excel and stay healthy for optimal results, but getting Greer and Sharper as well will be a significant improvement in talent and experience over what we've seen in the last few years.

Arnoux unfortunately is hurt, but at least it was at the linebacker spot, and not in the secondary, where their draft was neutralized.

Drafting a skilled directional punter could prove to be a very shrewed move if he pans out. That is a lost art in this game, and I'd love nothing more than to see some punts go out of bounds inside the 10 as opposed to everything bouncing in the middle of the field on the five and just barely crossing into the end zone as the gunner misjudges his timing trying to down the ball. 

Over all assessment:

In general, I'd give the Saints an 'A' right now for their offseason moves. A ton of that optimism depends on the the current talent up front being ready to play and committing themselves to the new coordinator, so that his knowledge and experience can be implemented properly.  If Grant and Williams don't have outstanding years, and if Ellis doesn't improve, then it will be another disappointing year.

Sean Payton has a rare smile in the picture above.  He looks relaxed and confident.  His state of mind, confidence level, and leadership, are the second biggest factor in my grade assessment.  

He, like Grant and Smith, needs to show up and perform.  Payton is a tireless worker, so I'm not comparing him in regards to effort, but he has under achieved, and he needs to win at least one playoff game this season to remain in the unique, resilient, and crazy chocolate city.

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