The Saints became the fifth different team to win the NFC West title in the
last five years. Their worst-to-first run -- and the first playoff win in
Saints history -- came because new general manager Randy Mueller made some
shrewd moves in free agency and new coach Jim Haslett ignited a dormant team
with his fiery personality and go-for-broke mentality. Together, Mueller and
Haslett changed the attitude of the organization and the fans. The Saints
blitzed on defense, attempted 17 fourth-down conversions and even tried an
onside kick to open a game.
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CAMP AT A GLANCE
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| Ricky Williams has been plagued by injuries in his first two seasons. |
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Location: Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, La.
Rookies report: July 29
Veterans report: July 29
Preseason schedule:
Aug. 11: Minnesota (San Antonio)
Aug. 18: Dallas
Aug. 25: at Denver
Sept. 1: at Seattle
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The Saints won't catch anyone by surprise this year, but they might not
have to. This is a team built the right way -- up front. Led by the front
four, the defense paced the NFL with 66 sacks. The offensive line, the only
legacy from the Mike Ditka era, might be the league's best. If sticky
situations at quarterback and halfback don't muddy the waters, the Saints
could be the division's first repeat winner since the 49ers in the early
1990s.
Man in the spotlight
Ricky Williams reluctantly has been under a
microscope since Ditka traded the Saints' entire 1999 draft to get him. The
spotlight will be brighter now that the Saints brass, which isn't enamored of
Williams' immature attitude, drafted halfback Deuce McAllister with the 23rd
pick in the first round. Williams emerged as a dependable back last year,
gaining 100 or more yards in five straight games and hitting 1,000 for the
season before he broke his ankle in Week 11. However, he ticked off the
Saints when he said he might try baseball and he hasn't been a regular in the
offseason workout program. Williams is said to be in great shape, though,
which is good because McAllister is a perfect fit for the West Coast offense.
He's big, fast and can catch. If not for durability concerns, he would have
been a top-10 pick.
Key position battle
Journeyman Jeff Blake was headed for a Pro Bowl berth
when he broke his foot in Week 12. At that point, little-used Aaron Brooks
took over and, to everyone's surprise, was better than Blake. Now the Saints
have their choice between Blake, a steady veteran with physical limitations,
and Brooks, who is inexperienced (194 career pass attempts) but has star
potential. Brooks is big, fast, athletic and has a strong arm. More
important, he is a gamer. Both quarterbacks had passer ratings above 80 last
year, but Brooks is the future of the franchise.
Biggest adjustment
Like any team that has a breakthrough season, the
Saints will find out that the whole world changes. Opponents won't overlook
them anymore. Some players will become satisfied and slack off. The degree of
difficulty goes up with the first-place schedule. Will the Saints be a
one-year wonder like Carolina and Atlanta before them? If Haslett has
anything to say about it, no. During the offseason, all but one player under
contract participated in voluntary workouts. Plus, the Saints added a new
weapon in deep threat Albert Connell and return Cam Cleeland, a prototype
West Coast tight end who missed last season after Achilles surgery.
Rookie report
McAllister might be the only rookie to make an impact on the
Saints' strong roster. However, third-round picks Sedrick Hodge, a
linebacker, and Kenny Smith, a tackle, add speed and depth on defense. If
bruising fullback Terrelle Smith doesn't recover sufficiently from back
surgery, fourth-rounder Moran Norris could end up starting.
Saints' complete offseason moves
