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2008 New Orleans Saints NFL Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

The Saints failed to make the playoffs in 2007 after reaching the NFC Championship game the previous year. They know the way to get back is to improve on the defensive side of the ball, where they ranked 26th last season. Find out if the Saints can make the necessary improvements with the NFL team predictions in Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 New Orleans Saints season preview.

Offense

The NFL’s fourth ranked offense should be ready to roll again. QB Drew Brees had another monster year, setting franchise records for passing yards, touchdowns, attempts, completions, and completion percentage. His 440 completions were also an NFL record. Brees got off to a slow start, throwing just one touchdown and nine interceptions in his first four games. He then kicked things in high gear, throwing 24 touchdown strikes and just six picks in the next 10 games. The Saints can not afford him to get off to another slow start.

With four-time 1,000-yard gainer Deuce McAllister coming off double knee surgery, the running back spot becomes a bit of a question mark. Whether he can return to form after his second ACL operation in less than two years is the question. When McAllister went down in week 3, Reggie Bush became a marked man. Defenses stacked the line to stop him and the result was the Saints ranking 28th in the league in rushing. So it appears that McAllister’s health is also vital to the success of Bush.

Second year receiver Marques Colston proved not to be a one-year wonder. Colston has 1,202 yards and 11 scores and ranked second in the NFC with 98 grabs. His 168 career receptions are the most by any player in their first two years in the league. Veteran David Patten, Robert Meachem are two more solid options.

The Saints have the best pass-protection unit in the league, allowing a league-low 16 sacks in 2007. It makes it easy to sit back and pick defenses apart when you don’t have to worry about being hit.

Defense

The defensive line was strong against the run in 2007, allowing just 102.9 yards per game, but the pass rush needs to continue to improve. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant combined for just 9.5 sacks. That’s just not going to get the job done. Adding veteran pass rusher Bobby McCray to the list will help out as will top draft choice Sedrick Ellis.

The Saints have been missing a playmaker in the linebacker spot so they traded for middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year will have to overcome a knee injury, but if he does, the Saints will have landed a steal.

The secondary is by far the weakest link on the defensive side of the football. The Saints ranked 30th in passing yards allowed and they gave up 32 passing touchdowns to tie for the most in the league. The Saints have turned to the draft and the free agent market to try to fix their problems in the defensive backfield. Free-agent corners Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn and rookie Tracy Porter should bring improvement with them.

Special Teams

Martin Gramatica replaced the injured Olindo Mare and made all five of his field goal attempts. Now, the veteran kicker has himself another gig. Pierre Thomas averaged 24 yards per kickoff return and is a legit threat to take it all the way.

Prediction – 1st NFC South

We don’t expect the Saints to get off to a 0-4 start again and the result will be a league title. The defense is going to make mistakes, but it will be an improved unit with several key additions. The offense is as explosive as there is in the league.

If you do your NFL betting on futures then you will want to take the Saints to win in all in the NFC South this season. Make sure you check out Jimmy’s other division winners to see who you should be making your wagers on. Beating the NFL odds will be a cinch all season long if you play Jimmy Award Winning NFL expert picks.

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