New Orleans Saints: Projecting the Offensive Leaders in 2013

Last year amidst the chaos and turmoil that was "Bountygate," the New Orleans Saints still managed to rack up some serious yardage on offense.

Behind the black eye paint and golden arm of their fearless leader Drew Brees, the Saints offense finished second in the NFL, racking up 6,574 total yards (via ESPN). And for the second year in a row, the team led the league in passing yards per game thanks to a whopping 312.3 yard average.

With head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis reinstated for the 2013 season, the Saints will be looking to get back to business—making a deep playoff run in the process.

But who will step up and help guide this prolific offense to another monster year? Start the slideshow below and check out the top offensive leaders for the Saints in 2013.

Passing: Drew Brees

My friends, this is what you call a no-brainer. Drew Brees, the offensive maestro of the Saints' sinister attack, is coming off back-to-back 5,000-yard and 40-touchdown seasons.

One of the greatest quarterbacks you'll ever see play the game, Brees should continue to smoke opposing defenses with his unrelenting will to find the treasures of pay dirt all year long.

And with the return of Sean Payton as the team's stabilizing force, Brees' completion percentage should climb back up to the 70 percent mark next year.

2013 Projected Stats

Completion Percentage: 69.5

Passing Yards: 5,250

Touchdowns: 38

Interceptions: 13

Rushing: Mark Ingram

Mark Ingram has never really been able to break through for the Saints during his first two years with the team. Used in a more of a running-back-by-committee approach, Ingram's touches have been limited.

After averaging a scarce 3.9 yards-per carry last season, Ingram's mindset this year should be all about trying to break out. While the Saints will always be a pass-first offense, that doesn't mean they can't find a workhorse back to ease the load put on Drew Brees' shoulders.

With Chris Ivory headed off to the New York Jets, the Saints backfield currently consists of Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, Travaris Cadet and Shawne Alston. With Sproles being used as more of a pass-catching weapon and Thomas' minutes being scattered, Ingram should have a real shot at racking up majority of the carries this year.

While I don't expect a special season out of him, I do think that if he can stay healthy, he should get close to finally eclipsing that elusive 1,000-yard mark in 2013.

2013 Projected Stats

Rushing Attempts: 178

Rushing Yards: 778

Yards per Carry: 4.3

Touchdowns: 8

Receiving: Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham, the Saints' all-pro tight end, had somewhat of a down year last season. Nagged by an undisclosed wrist injury, Graham saw his numbers dip a bit after a ridiculous 2011 campaign.

This year, Graham will make sure that all of us realize he is the best tight end in all of football. If he can manage to stick to a clean bill of health, look for Graham to lead the team in receiving yards and touchdowns.

With Darrelle Revis heading to Tampa Bay and the Atlanta Falcons improving their secondary, you have to figure that Marques Colston's production will dip a little.

Graham is a matchup nightmare who will haunt opposing defenses once again all season long. Big things are in store for Jimmy Graham in 2013.

2013 Projected Stats

Receptions: 102

Receiving Yards: 1,400

Yards per Reception: 13.7

Touchdowns: 12

All-Purpose Yards: Darren Sproles

With all of the offensive firepower on the Saints roster, it's easy to forget about Darren Sproles. Sproles, Mr. All-purpose, is still lightning in a bottle whenever he manages to get his hands on the football.

Last year, Sproles underwent surgery on his hand, which sidelined him for three games and stunted his production.

When healthy, Sproles serves as a lethal weapon for quarterback Drew Brees. A dynamic playmaker in space, Sproles should turn things around in 2013 and get back to doing big things for the Saints.

2013 Projected Stats

Rushing Attempts: 88

Rushing Yards: 584

Yards per Carry: 6.6

Touchdowns: 2

Receptions: 80

Receiving Yards: 704

Yards per Reception: 8.8

Touchdowns: 8