The New Orleans Saints had a tough and drama filled season in 2012 after dealing with the bounty scandal and unprecedented suspension of Sean Payton, but after getting the head coach back and putting all the issues behind them, the franchise is ready to improve in 2013 with quarterback Drew Brees at the helm.
The team is holding minicamp this week in Louisiana and Payton is getting the team ready for a playoff season after bringing in Rob Ryan as defensive coordinator and the offense is expected to be more consistent with Payton returning. Drew Brees was his usual self while throwing for 5,177 yards in the air and the team ranked first in the league in passing yards per game, but the rushing attack was inconsistent all season and gained just 98 yards per game. The biggest change with Payton returning will be on defense and the team should greatly improve from ranking 31st in passing yards and 32nd in rushing yards allowed per game.
The Saints went just 7-9 and missed the playoffs after losing their first four games of the year and it was hardly a surprise after what happened with the bounty scandal, as losing a head coach is something hard for any team to overcome, as well as the media attention. This week the team is holding minicamp and Payton appeared back in the full swing of things, as ESPN.com reported that he was working most of the day on the offensive side of the ball, while he also said that cornerback Keenan Lewis was held out of practice but did not say why. The team will need Lewis to improve the secondary and after taking safety Kenny Vaccaro with their first round pick the Saints are clearly committed to that position.
Vaccaro will be a solid addition to the secondary to join Roman Harper and Malcolm Jenkins and while the rookie will likely start out with the second team in the offseason, there is a good chance he will be starting at some point or at least seeing some very legitimate playing time. Darren Sproles is looking to stay healthy for the season after dealing with some injuries in 2012 and he will stay in place as the top running back for the team out of the backfield, while Mark Ingram will work between the tackles. Payton has been working on getting Ingram into the passing game in workouts and if he shows off good hands he will get more attention out of the backfield this season.
The backup quarterback position could be an interesting battle in the summer during training camp, as both Seneca Wallace and Luke McCown have been battling during the week. Wallace has more experience than McCown and if Payton likes how he is digesting the offense he could be the selection on the depth chart. The Saints get their bye in Week 8 of the season and while the opening part of the schedule is tough, it shouldn't be as bad for the team last year. The team opens at home against the Falcons before another divisional game at the Buccaneers before playing at home against the Dolphins and Chargers. Tim Tebow is still without a job and he could be an interesting backup QB option for the Saints.
