I really hate bringing up the playoffs to any New Orleans Saints fans. I know the hurt, maybe even the resentment that still lingers after seeing how close the Saints were to a Super Bowl appearance two years ago and an NFC Championship Game three seasons ago.
The controversial no-calls have unfortunately been the highlight of New Orleans’ postseason appearances in recent years. The Saints have had very few problems getting to the playoffs; they’ve made eight appearances since quarterback Drew Brees became a starter in 2006 with three consecutive postseason runs dating back to 2017. The team’s recent success, despite those hapless endings, have put it in the upper echelon of the NFL. Since 2017, New Orleans has won the most games in the league (37), but it hasn’t hoisted a Vince Lombardi trophy since 2009.
Brees, at 41, is seeing the last of his playing career with two years left on what could be his final contract. It leaves the Saints’ Super Bowl window more narrow as the seasons pass. After coming so close in previous years, in order to call 2020 a success, New Orleans needs to win it all.
Brees continues to cement his legacy on the field. In 2019, he set the NFL record for the most career regular-season touchdown passes (547) and had his best quarterback rating (116.3) to date. Brees, however, only has one Super Bowl win under his belt, and for a passer on his way to the Hall of Fame playing for one of the most well-rounded teams, one ring isn’t enough. Brees has everything he needs and more to add to his collection this year.
When talking about Brees, I cannot ignore his recent comments regarding player protests. He’s since apologized twice, but the willingness to double-down on a false narrative in the first place rightfully angered his teammates, with Malcolm Jenkins voicing some of the strongest public dissents. Teammates, including wide receiver Michael Thomas, have said they’re willing to move forward. I doubt players won’t buy into a Super Bowl-contending team, but Brees’ comments will be hard to forget even if all parties are moving forward.
Thomas makes up one-third of the three-headed beast on offense. Brees, Thomas, and running back Alvin Kamara create a trio of talent that is nearly impossible to contain—which is why the Saints have put up the most wins (37) in the last three seasons—and they only added to their offense since.
After Thomas set an NFL single-season record with 149 receptions, New Orleans added another reliable playmaker: Emmanuel Sanders. Thomas has carried the load largely by himself since Brandin Cooks left following the 2016 season. Sanders will likely get back to his 2014-16 form when he recorded at least 76 receptions and 1,000 yards in each of the three seasons.
There’s also tight end Jared Cook, who is coming off two of his most productive seasons, and the Swiss Army knife Taysom Hill, who are all playing behind one of the league’s best offensive lines that got better with the addition of 24th overall draft pick Cesar Ruiz. According to Pro Football Focus, the Saints finished 2019 with the fifth-best offensive line and going into the 2020 season, PFF ranks New Orleans No. 2 behind the Indianapolis Colts. This ranking, in a large part, is due to the success of tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk.
This was all just the offense. The Saints’ defense boasts just as much talent with defensive end Cameron Jordan up front, linebacker Demario Davis patrolling the middle, and a secondary now featuring Jenkins as well as the returning Janoris Jenkins and Marshon Lattimore. Their run defense is one of the best in the NFL and the unit consistently outplayed the Saints’ offense in the playoffs each of the last three seasons.
If there’s a team with the talent, top to bottom, that can get to the Super Bowl and win, it’s the Saints. Their problems often are out of their control but a team with this roster shouldn’t be in a position to let a playoff victory, or loss, come down to a blown call. As I was finishing this, I saw a Jordan quote. He acknowledged his now decade-long career and excitement going forward on a SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday.
“There’s nothing in me that is telling me that our team isn’t close to a championship or being a championship-caliber team if you look at the last three years. You know, playoffs, playoffs, playoffs. Playoffs, NFC championship, playoffs,” he said. “This is something that we have to capitalize on.”
It was fitting as I was halfway out of my chair when it popped on my timeline. New Orleans has to absolutely capitalize on the talent they have. The Saints are all-in to win a Super Bowl in the final years with Brees under center, anything less would be a failure.
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