New Orleans Saints' Defensive Upgrades Need Help From Offensive Unit

As they head into the 2009 season, the Saints most glaring question mark is likely on the offensive side of the ball. Such a statement may come as a shock to many as Drew Brees and company ranked No. 1 in the league in both yards per game (310.7) and points per game (28.9) in 2008. After all, the knock on the Saints has long been their defense.

Key acquisitions in the secondary like veteran defensive backs Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper and Pierson Prioleau and first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins have the much-maligned unit holding considerably higher hopes for 2009.

If Randall Gay is successful in his bid to return from the injury that cost him in 2008 and Roman Harper and Usama Young continue to develop their skill sets, New Orleans may have depth in its defensive backfield for the first time in the Sean Payton era.

New Orleans also made significant moves to aid the first and second waves of the defense as well with the signing of defensive tackle Rod Coleman and the retaining of linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

Still, the greatest thing Payton and his staff can do to help its defense is to give it less time on the field by  manufacturing a run game.

The Saints averaged a paltry 99.6 rushing yards per game last season, a total good enough to merit the team the No. 28 league ranking in that category.

The 2009 plight could be similar as the club moves forward without long-time fan favorite Deuce McAllister. His departure figures to leave the bulk of the between—the-tackles load to Pierre Thomas, who averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2008.

However, headed into his third year, Thomas has yet to have his durability tested, averaging only 8.6 rushing attempts per game in his sophomore season.

Thomas projects as the likely running mate to the flashy Reggie Bush. The former No. 2 overall pick, Bush has not played in 16 games since his rookie season of 2006. The USC alum averaged only 3.8 yards per carry over his injury-shortened 10-game 2008 campaign.

That tandem leaves the Saints without a certain go-to inside runner. It is unlikely the team employs a committee approach to the task, but the Saints have certainly displayed a willingness to add depth at the position through its off season maneuvers.

With a roster that still boasts the likes of Mike Bell and Lynell Hamilton, the Saints moved to acquire the services of undrafted free agents Herb Donaldson (Western Illinois) and P.J. Hill (Wisconsin). A strong training camp by either man could earn the confidence of offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.

Aside from attempting to identify its greatest threat in the run game, the New Orleans offensive group is also hopeful for big contributions from receivers Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem.

Both wideouts have proven frustrating during their tenures with the team, flashing big play ability on multiple occasions while remaining wildly inconsistent on a week-to-week basis.

The unknowns in the receiving corps also include veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey. The team’s highest-profile addition last offseason, Shockey showed himself a considerable disappointment in his first season with New Orleans; turning in career lows in receiving yards (483) and touchdowns (0) while appearing to lose the faith of his quarterback down the stretch.

If the Saints continue to struggle with inconsistencies at key positions, they chances of surpassing the likes of Carolina and Atlanta in the NFC South will remain slight.