In 2012 New Orleans went 7-9 with one of the worst defensive performances in NFL history. A year later, Sean Payton in-depthreturned and the team experienced a turnaround, winning 11 games in the regular season and a wild card playoff.

The Saints eventually fell to Super Bowl champ Seattle in the second round of the playoffs, but a rejuvenated squad left fans buzzing heading into 2014. There have been some big names brought in and some prominent vets that left the team in free agency and trades, as well. So is the 2014 version of the Saints primed for another run? Travis Dauro, a writer with Canal Street Chronicles, shares his thoughts on what has to happen for New Orleans to take that next jump.

Tellijohn: In the first year back at full strength with Sean Payton the Saints won the division and a playoff game. How do you assess 2013?

Dauro: Besides the Super Bowl year in 2009, I’m really inclined to put 2013 as the next best year for the Saints in the Coach Payton era, with the only other year competing for second being 2006. The defense was largely dominant in 2013, which was glorious to see as the team has notoriously had a below-average defense over the past seven years, and the offense was still electric most of the time. The only thing missing from the offense was a little more consistency in execution down near the goal line.

Tellijohn: The offense actually scored less but appeared more balanced overall in 2013. Was there actually a change in philosophy? And if so, what brought that on?

Dauro: I don’t think the lack of scoring was due to a more balanced offense because the Saints didn’t really start running the ball more (and more effectively) until the latter half of the season. As I mentioned in my previous answer, the Saints were not as effective in the red zone as they have been in previous years. In 2012 the Saints had a red zone scoring percentage (touchdowns) of 68.42 percent while 2013 saw that number dip to 55.56 percent. Too many field goals were attempted instead of getting six.

Tellijohn: Drew Brees shows no signs of slowing down, but how many years do you think he has left and when should the Saints start prepping for the future?

Dauro: Personally I think Brees could play 4-5 more years in the NFL no problem. While his arm strength is noticeably taking a hit, he is still just as accurate as ever and can make all of the throws that he needs to be effective. Realistically the Saints could (and should) start looking around for his back up now because even though he is still in great shape, players obviously will be more prone to injury as they get older. Turning to another direction, the Aaron Rodgers sat three years before he got his chance to start. Getting a guy prepared for the big stage is certainly not a bad option at all. If nothing else, the Saints could groom a young quarterback and put him on the trading block for another quarterback needy team. The Patriots have been known to do this.

Tellijohn: The Saints went from 31st in points allowed and 32nd in yards allowed to fourth in both categories. How?

Dauro: It’s all in the scheme. Rob Ryan had the best game plan for the players that were on the Saints’ roster. Because the team has so many hybrid-type players that could play in multiple positions, such as Akiem Hicks and Junior Galette, using a hybrid 3-4 defense with a “Jack” linebacker worked out for the best. Due to the injuries the Saints played more of a 4-3, but the alignment was still played with three “true” linemen and a pass-rushing specialist. As far as the secondary there were tons of injuries in that department as well, but Keenan Lewis held his side off very well and Kenny Vaccaro played more as a joker, being used in either safety positions and as a slot corner. To sum this up, Rob has been able to maximize the Saints’ players’ effectiveness through their strengths.

Tellijohn: The team lost several players, including Will Smith, Roman Harper and Jabari Greer and Jonathan Vilma off a defense that was so improved in 2013. They did add Jairus Byrd. What does the 2014 defense look like?

Dauro: Prior to the start of the 2014 season, the Saints’ defense is automatically going to be better. Upgrading from Malcolm Jenkins to Jairus Byrd was huge and adding Champ Bailey will add experience and leadership to a relatively young defense. Some players, like Victor Butler and Patrick Robinson, will be coming back from injury as well, so it will be interesting to see how they perform. I also expect the Saints to get a cornerback, inside linebacker, and pass-rusher at some point in the NFL draft next week. The defensive line will stay the same for the most part.

Tellijohn: Darren Sproles was traded to Philadelphia and Lance Moore was lost. What do you think of those moves and how do the Saints replace their contributions?

Dauro: The Darren Sproles trade was sort of mysterious at first, but because he will turn 31 soon and he suffered a down year in 2013 in comparison to his production in 2012 and 2011, it was easy to understand in the end. I also believe the Saints are moving toward a more traditional offense, so he just wouldn’t really have a defined role anymore due to his finesse-style of play. I saw the departure of Lance Moore coming from a mile away because of his injury and the fact that Kenny Stills pretty much worked him out of the system himself. At running back the Saints will be fine, as they still have Thomas, Ingram, Robinson, and Cadet on the roster. The receiver position, on the other hand, needs more depth. You can bet a receiver will be taken in either the first or second round of the draft.

Tellijohn: There seemed to be some tension between the team and Jimmy Graham over his free agency position situation and then he sent out critical tweets in March regarding free agency. Where is that relationship at and what’s his situation going forward?

Dauro: I honestly haven’t heard much about the whole Jimmy Graham situation in the past month or so. A while back it was said that the two sides would reach an agreement by April 22nd, but that clearly didn’t happen. All has been quite lately, but I expect something to get done soon. I’m not too worried about it, though, because contract disputes have become pretty regular in the NFL.

Tellijohn: Who on the roster do you see breaking out in 2014?

Dauro: Khiry Robinson is going to be “my guy” in 2014. He really showed out in the back part of 2014 and proved that the Saints could lean on him as a bell cow back when they needed to. Bill Parcells likes him as well, as he related him to Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin in conversation with Sean Payton.

Tellijohn: New Orleans finished second to Carolina and lost to Seattle in the playoffs. San Francisco and a couple other teams are also top notch. How far are the Saints from those teams and what has to happen for the team to make the next jump?

Dauro: I believe the Saints are in a prime position to make a run in 2014. They have upgraded a couple of key positions on their roster and more is left to come through the draft. While Seattle and San Francisco both have great defenses and running games, the Saints have a dynamic passing attack. Add that to their revamped defense and up-and-coming run game and the Saints have one of the most well rounded teams in the league.

Tellijohn: What else would you like to see Saints do in the rest of free agency and then in the draft?

Dauro: As I stated a little while ago, I would like for the Saints to grab a receiver, cornerback, inside linebacker, and pass rusher in the draft. Double dipping in either of those positions wouldn’t do the team any harm, either. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the Saints draft a kicker, as Shayne Graham, who stepped in after Hartley was jettisoned from the roster, is climbing up there in age. Getting a young, strong leg on the roster would be great.

Tellijohn: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Dauro: Don’t forget to check out canalstreetchronicles.com for all of your latest Saints talk! Who Dat!?

Follow Travis Dauro on Twitter at: @WolfOfGridiron
Follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at: @SaintsCSC
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