Yes folks, there is a pulse in the Saints locker room. The “Who ‘Dats” ain’t dead yet. No need to go looking for those old paper bags from way back in the days of the “Ain’ts”. No way. The Saints are looking to make a run for the 2013 Super Bowl……..nothing less.
There is a new attitude in town. Returning Head Coach Sean Payton said that it felt like he was starting all over again and that sense of renewal has permeated the Saints organization down to the water boys and the popcorn vendors. New Orleans is anxiously awaiting the upcoming football season and ticket sales for the Super Dome are already brisk.
Curtis Lofton, Jonathan Vilma, Will Smith are all about to take pay cuts just to stay with the Saints. There is something special brewing down in New Orleans.
The beleaguered Saints defense is getting a serious upgrade as we speak beginning with the hiring of a new defensive coordinator by the name of Rob Ryan. Ryan is the son of legendary NFL coach Buddy Ryan and he has a passion for the game that was a little too much for his former employer….the Dallas Cowboys.
The Saints will change over to a 3-4 defense for the coming season and we can expect to see some different pass rush and defensive schemes under Ryan. Defensive ends Junior Galette and Martez Wilson are chomping at the bit to be set loose on opposing quarterbacks.
Who Dat fans and players alike are anxious to put the specter of BountyGate mess behind them and get on with the football. New Orleans is a football town ready to see some serious football played in the Super Dome next year.
Unfortunately, some remnents of BountyGate are still hanging over the Saints. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has refused to lift his decision to take away the Saints number two pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Another pick was traded away to Seattle last year so the Saints are left with only 5 picks in the 2013 draft.
There still exists the possibility of making some trades before the draft gets here. Obviously, the Saints are seeking to improve their defensive prowess with the addition of some quality players on that side of the ball while Drew Brees and company take care of making the touchdowns.
So yes, the New Orleans Saints are alive and kicking and getting ready to take on all comers in the 2013 NFL season.
