New Orleans Saints' Are One Team with Two Separate Personalities

The Saints have always had one problem. They never have a good balance between their offense and defense.

In the early '90s, we had the famed "Dome Patrol" under Jim Mora. Those guys struck fear into every offense they played against. The problem was, they did not have an offense that could score. This lead to subpar seasons and the occasional playoff berth.

Present day, the New Orleans Saints have had one of the top ranked offenses in the league the last two years, but coupled with a defense that, at most times, seems non-existent. The defense has taken them from Super Bowl contenders to just another good football team.

I am sure every offensive coordinator that will face the Saints this year has already made their game plan and submitted it. Pass, pass, and pass, or something close to that.

On the other hand, any defensive coordinator that will face them this year will probably not get much sleep and will only hope that they make a good showing. The top question on their minds will be: Which do you focus on stopping: Bush, Colston, Shockey, or McAllister?

Some say having too many playmakers is not good, but Coach Payton will be sure to spread the wealth around to keep his guys happy.

Now, back to the defense.

Can someone please throw Gary Gibbs a bone? As a fan, it's frustrating to watch your offense dismantle teams, only to have your defense get to 3rd-and-long and give up a 30-yard pass. Then, on the next play, they give up a 50-yard touchdown pass, and there's not a soul close to the receiver.

How does this happen? How can you practice day after day against such a great offense and not become better. That defies the laws of probability in my mind.

I have been thinking long and hard about this for some time now. Overall, we have the right talent on the field. The Saints made some impressive moves this offseason, and there is no question that we have an equal amount of talent on the both sides of the ball.

That leaves only one question to be answered: How do you get the defense to show it's true potential?

In 2006, we almost made it to the Super Bowl. Only a few minor adjustments were needed to get us there in 2007, and we ended up going backwards. 

So far, it's not looking good, and the defense has not shown any signs of improvement. Yes, it's early, and the cohesion that defensive units need has not fully developed, but there should be signs of change, and that is not the case.

As a lifelong Saints fan, I am ready to see a true balance in both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. I am tired of roller-coaster games, with only one side showing up to play.

I hope Coach Payton can work with Gary Gibbs and his assistants to get things going by the beginning of September.

New Orleans Saints fans are ready to bring a Super Bowl Championship home!