Foreshadow of Success for the Saints

There are usually signs that foreshadow a good or bad event before it happens. In a movie there is usually a weird moment early in the movie that foreshadows a bad event down the road. Football works the same way, there are usually things we can point to from the first few weeks that will show us how the season will turn out.  What are some signs that Saints’ fans want to see in week one that will project forward to a successful season?

A Grown Up at Left Tackle

The New Orleans Saints had one of the best left tackles in football on the roster for the past nine seasons with Terron Armstead. Armstead is now the left tackle for the Miami Dolphins. So how do the Saints move on without a player of his caliber at such an important position. The Saints drafted Trevor Penning and also have a veteran in James Hurst to fill Armstead’s shoes.

Hurst is projected to be the starter and week one against the Falcons will tell us a lot. Atlanta’s defense is not projected to be a good unit this season but they may present some issues the Saints offensive line. The Falcons play a 3-4 defense, so will Hurst be able to recognize who is rushing? Will he be able to stop outside linebackers from getting to Jameis Winston? If Hurst is able to hold his own without consistent help from a running back or tight end, this will be a good sign of things to come.

Hit The Slots

New Orleans traded away CJ Gardner-Johnson who is one of the best slot/nickel corners in the NFL. It has been reported that Gardner-Johnson and the Saints were not able to see eye to eye on a contract extension and this led to the trade. Another factor that could of led to the trade is the emergence of rookie corner, Alontae Taylor.

If the combination of Taylor and Bradley Roby, are able to hold their own in coverage when in the slot against the Falcons receivers. This will be a great sign for the defense going forward.

Safety Net

Last season, the Saints had one of the best safety combos in the NFL with Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins. Williams is now with the Baltimore Ravens and Jenkins retired from the NFL. The Saints replaced those two safeties with Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu . Mathieu has been one of the best free safeties in the NFL over his career but there is a question of, if he has lost a step. As I was writing this article, the news that Maye was arrested for assault with a firearm was broken. So who steps up if he is not able to play?

PJ Williams is a veteran member of the secondary who has had moments of brilliance while playing for the Saints. Williams or JT Gray will be playing in Maye’s place, if he is not able to play. The Saints need both Mathieu and Maye or his replacement to be able to play close to the level Williams and Jenkins played at last season. The Saints had the best red zone defense in the NFL last season and the safety play was a big part of that.

If the safeties start the year with a good game against Atlanta, this will be a good sign of things to come.

Continuation of Improvement for Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston was able to led the Saints to a 5-2 record to start last season before he got hurt. He had a great touchdown to interception ratio as he threw 14 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions. The former number one overall pick showed an improved mental side to this game, making smart throws and not forcing throws into areas that led to turnovers.

As well as Winston played last season, he should be even better this season. It’s his third year in this system and he has better weapons to throw to. The additions of Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry along with the return of Michael Thomas will make life easier on Winston. Winston’s timing with his new and returning weapons is the only concern as Winston missed some time in training camp with a sprained foot. If Winston is able to connect with the receivers on timing routes like slants, ins, curls and comebacks in week one. That’s a huge sign of success for the Saints offense.

New Coach, Same Culture

One of the greatest coaches of all time, Sean Payton is no longer the head coach for the New Orleans Saints. Dennis Allen is now the head coach after being the defensive coordinator for the past seven seasons. One of the major factors that coaching has an effect on is the discipline of the team. Last season, the Saints were one of the least penalized teams in the NFL, averaging 5.7 penalties per game.

This is a huge part of the game that can be overlooked at times. Penalties are both drive killers when on offense and also can revive drives for the opponent. It can truly be the difference between winning and losing. Saints’ fans want to see this team have seven or less penalties in week one and no penalties in big time moments.

If the Saints show positive signs in all the areas mentioned in week one. This will be a season to look forward to.