New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Profile

If Sean Payton ran for president, he'd win the state of Louisiana. In fact, he might even take every state in the gulf coast region. He's young, he's energetic and his positive energy was exactly what the city of New Orleans needed last fall. After making his mark in 2006, there's no secret that his goal is to put his players in a position to take the Lombardi trophy in February of 2008.

Calling the plays from the sideline, Payton led his 2006 New Orleans Saints to having the #1 ranked offense in the NFL. But if you ask him, there's still room for improvement. He learned valuable lessons in last year's NFC Championship match-up, and feels that his team has what it takes to get to that final level. Perhaps he would be best served with a disclaimer after his name. Sean Payton: Owns weapons of mass destruction and will use them.

New Orleans Saints Off-Season Moves

After Payton and his crew cleaned house before the 2006 season, there hasn't been much to discuss in regards to off-season moves that have or may possibly make a formidable impact on the 2007 Saints. This team was almost built from scratch last year, and the pieces that were used offered pleasing results. With that being said, the Saints are always on the lookout, and they have made some excellent moves in regards to adding athleticism and experience to the roster.

Losing Joe Horn was a tough emotional loss for the Saints, and for the New Orleans community. In a word, he was – beloved. However, it was time to let Horn move on. His injuries had plagued his play, and he wasn't getting any younger. Maybe he can offer the same healing to the city of Atlanta.

New Orleans Saints 2007-2008 Outlook

Good. Very good. Next question. Seriously, is there any team that a football fan would rather play for right now? We remember the Rams and their “Greatest Show On Turf,” and as good as it was, I have to say sorry to the Rams, you've been out-done. Last year was a dream season, and the Saints look to make 2007 the reality. Running on an emotional high, the Saints enjoyed one of the best turn-around seasons in NFL history, ending their season one game shy of the Super Bowl.

There's no doubt what the goal is this year: Super Bowl or bust. The Saints have worked hard in the off-season to fill in the gaps defensively, while continuing to add more offensive fire power. The 1 – 2 punch of McAllister and Bush offers the most feared backfield in the NFL, and the group of wide-receivers led by the ripe, 24 year old Marques Colston, has the potential to rival some of the great wide-receiver corps in NFL history. Speed, strength and sheer size of targets will offer Drew Brees potential for another monster season.

Defensively, the Saints are still suspect. Poor cornerback play cost them 6 of their 7 losses last season, including some big plays against the Bears in the NFC Championship Game. They got busy in the draft going after DB's with speed, size and excellent technique, hoping that they can cure some of their nickel and dime diseases. If the defense improves only slightly, New Orleans will be a scary team to face once the winter months roll around.

New Orleans Saints Trivia

During the early franchise years, when the Saints played outdoors at Tulane University, they would opt for their white uniforms, forcing opponents to wear dark jerseys in the sub-tropic heat. When the Tulane playing surface was changed from natural grass to astroturf, the heat on the field would sometimes stretch to over 130 degrees.

Archie Manning still holds the all-time record for most passing yardage by a Saints QB with 21,734.

Kicker Morten Andersen has played more games (196) and scored more points (1,318) than another player in Saints history.

Kicker Tom Dempsey still shares the record for longest field goal kicked in an NFL contest at 63 yards.

Did you know: The placing of paper bags over one's face due to shameful nature of a team's play, was originated in New Orleans, when the Saints were affectionately refered to as the "Aints."

New Orleans Saints 2007-2008 Roster

New Orleans Saints 2007-2008 Depth Chart

New Orleans Saints – Superdome

Construction Began: August 1971
Opened: September 28, 1975
Capacity: 69,082
Location: New Orleans, LA
Surface: Sportexe Momentum Turf

Perhaps now the most storied stadium in American history, no doubt it will someday be protected from destruction due to its role not as a sports arena, yet as a shelter during 2005's Hurricane Katrina. The dome, renovated and repaired after the destructive nature of the category 5 hurricane, is home to the Saints once again after they were displaced for the 2005 season, playing their home games in San Antonio and in Baton Rouge. The Superdome has been home to the Saints for 30 years, as well as hosting several events: The NCAA Final Four, the annual Sugar Bowl, the Super Bowl and several local sporting contests.