The New Orleans Saints came into the 2010 season off a remarkable Super Bowl run the previous year. While they were unable to repeat as division winners in the NFC South, they did manage to make the playoffs with an 11-5 record. Their attempt to return to the Super Bowl was ended in a shocking loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the first round. The Saints have made some nice moves this offseason and believe they are ready to take back the top spot in the division.

Current NFL odds have the Saints listed at +130 to win the NFC South.    

Key Additions: Olin Kreutz (C), Darren Sproles (RB), Aubrayo Franklin (DT), Will Herring (LB), Shaun Rogers (DT), Tank McBride (DE)

2011 Draft Picks: Cameron Jordan (DE), Mark Ingram (RB), Martez Wilson (LB), Johnny Patrick (CB), Greg Romeus (DE), Nate Bussey (LB)

Notable Losses: Jonathan Goodwin (C), Reggie Bush (RB)

Offense:

New Orleans featured the third best passing attack in the NFL, averaging 277.6 ypg, but the offense wasn’t as potent as it was in 2009. A big reason for that was a career-high 22 interceptions by Drew Brees. A lot of that had to do with a running game that was hit hard with injuries. Brees still finished with 4,620 yards and 33 touchdowns. I have a pretty good feeling he won’t make anywhere close to that many mistakes in 2011.

The receiving corps is basically the same unit that ended last season. Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Robert Meachem, and Devery Henderson form a dangerous combo on the outside. Colston led the team with 84 catches for 1,023 yards and seven scores, while Moore led the team with eight touchdowns on 66 catches. They are very excited about second-year tight end Jimmy Graham, who really came on strong late last season.

The Saints decided it was time to part ways with running back Reggie Bush after another disappointing season. His loss doesn’t figure to be keep the offense down at all, as they went out and signed free agent Darren Sproles and used one of their first round picks on Alabama running back Mark Ingram.  They also are bringing back Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory.

Defense:

While the Saints allowed the fourth fewest total yards (306.2) per game in 2010, they struggled in a couple key categories. After living off turnovers in 2009, the Saints ranked dead last in the NFL with just nine interceptions. They also had a tough time getting to the quarterback, finishing 18^th with just 33 sacks on the year.

New Orleans used their first pick in the first round on California defensive end Cameron Jordan. While Jordan won’t start ahead of Will Smith and Alex Brown, he figures to be on the field when it comes time to put pressure on the quarterback. They also added defensive tackles Aubrayo Franklin and Shaun Rogers, who will team up with Sedrick Ellis on the inside.

At linebacker, the Saints have one of the best defensive players in the game in middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who led the team with 131 tackles and was third with four sacks. Scott Shanle returns to start at outside linebacker, while free agent pickup Will Herring will take over for Jonathan Casillas at the other outside spot.

While the Saints had just nine interceptions, they had the fourth best pass defense in the NFL, allowing just 193.9 ypg. Strong safety Roman Harper is coming off a Pro Bowl season, and free safety Malcolm Jenkins flourished in his first season after converting from corner. Corners Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter form a solid 1-2 punch on the outside.

2011 Predictions:  1st in the NFC South, 11-5 Overall Record

I believe the Saints are primed to return to the top of the South this season. Both Atlanta and Tampa Bay are legit playoff contenders inside the division, but overall I think the Saints have the most talent of the three teams. Brees will be back on his game, and I think people are underestimating what Ingram and Sproles will add to the offense.