New Orleans Saints’ Third-Quarter Season Grade
By Chris Ross
@DraftScout_NFL
Getty Images
Coming into the season, the New Orleans Saints were expected to be one of the best teams in the NFL and a definite Super Bowl contender. Sitting a 4-7, however, it’s clear that this Saints team isn’t what everyone expected it to be. Fresh off their third straight home loss, the Saints are a team in disarray, and it’s hard to think things are going to get any better this season for the squad.
Perhaps the biggest reason why the Saints have struggled so mightily this season is the poor play on the defensive side of the ball. Rob Ryan‘s unit has been carved up week after week, and with injuries taking their toll, especially in the secondary, opposing teams have been able to exploit all the holes in New Orleans’ defense. Just one season removed from being one of the best units in the league, the Saints’ defensive woes have been especially concerning this season, as it’s costing them wins.
That said, not all the blame should lie at the feet of the defense. The offense has seemingly lost their identity this season, and Drew Brees has been struggling with turnovers. Mark Ingram was a bright spot for a few weeks, but even he came crashing back down to earth on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens with just 27 yards on 11 carries. For a team that has prided itself on offensive firepower for years, it’s extremely surprising to see the unit struggle so badly.
Not only have the Saints proven they aren’t contenders this season, but they have also shown that a rebuilding project may be imminent. With the way New Orleans has played this season, it’s hard to see them as anything more than a mediocre team that is only in playoff contention because of the awful division they play in. It’s been a rough season for the Saints already, but things might get a lot worse before they get better.
Grade: D-
Chris Ross is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter,@DraftScout_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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