The New Orleans Saints were a total mess last season. The bounty scandal and the suspension of Sean Payton were a large distraction that played a role in New Orleans finishing 7-9 after making the playoffs the last three straight years. In need of change, the Saints get Payton back as coach, bring in Rob Ryan to re-design the defense and will enter into training camp with a new identity; at least quarterback Drew Brees is hoping so.
"We had 100 percent attendance in our offseason through every workout-weight workouts and once we got to our OTAs and minicamps," Brees told NFL AM. "So the commitment level by our team, by everyone, was unprecedented. Everybody's ready to go. Obviously, last year leaves a bad taste in our mouths, and we can't wait to get back on the field and get to work and watch out team come together and re-create out identity."
Brees thinks the Saints have had trouble concentrating after winning the Super Bowl. First they were faced with the pressure to defend the title, then the lockout occurred followed by the bounty scandal. The team has been faced with numerous distractions that the quarterback believes truly hurt their growth as players and ability to perform well. This year is different as the Saints enter in with a fresh attitude.
"It's all about football and that's really the way we like it," Brees said.
Coach Payton is certainly echoing those thoughts. The coach is ready to bring some fresh energy into the team and players are taking notice. Wide receiver Lance Moore says Payton looks happier than he has in a while.
"That time off definitely gave him a chance to reflect and realize how much he needs the game, how much he missed the game. And we're just as thankful to have him back," Moore said.
Brees is certainly happy to have his head coach back. He was disappointed in the team's record last year saying that it did not accurately reflect the effort the entire Saints team was putting in while Payton was absent.
"Having Sean back obviously gives us a tremendous rush offensively because he was the mind behind this offense when we all got here in 2006. I think more so than that, what he brings to our team, just his presence, his leadership, just the way he is able to communicate a certain message or a goal, we missed that by not having him here and that was the biggest difference," Brees said.
The Saints will certainly be searching for a better identity and a way to put together a team that ultimately fell apart last season. Brees is excited about the idea of starting fresh and thinks it will only bring better results.
