No! No! N.O.!

No! No! N.O.!

What was it the New Orleans Saints spent their money on this off-season? Apparently they spent their money on defense, but they also drafted a talented SEC wide receiver in the first round. Robert Meachem clearly isn't getting any time on O, so...can he play DB? OK, maybe it's not to that point of desperation, but the Saints must face a serious offensive threat from the Tennessee Titans next Monday night, and therefore they must face the fact that an 0-3 start is very much a possibility.

The offense looks sick, and makes me sick to look at. The defense should be the poster child for Hoover Vacuum Cleaners, because we all know that nothing sucks like...right, you get the picture. Sean Payton looks like Hades; has he slept since the week 1 loss? Reggie Bush, Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister – non-factors. Marques Colston, Devery Henderson – resorts of desperation. This is NOT the New Orleans Saints squad that was so entertaining to watch in 2006. However, the one thing that still remains is the phenomenal amount of potential.

I said it last week after the Colts put the hurt on the Saints. Deuce McAllister must carry the ball at least 20 times a game! Did Coach Payton listen? Did Coach Payton partake in my insight? Of course not. McAllister had 10 carries, and is averaging nearly 4.5 yards a carry, but apparently that's not good enough? OK, coach, feast on this: The Saints are 0 – 4 in the last two years when McAllister has 10 or fewer carries. It's true, check your facts and figures.

Sean Payton is a great coach. He is simply a victim of trying to do too much with all the weapons at his disposal. Just like the new bride who's gotten 20 new goodies for the kitchen – you don't have to use them for every meal. Sometimes turkey and cheese on wheat is just what the doctor ordered. You don't have to bake the bread, roast a turkey and slice the block of smoked Gouda. I attempted giving it straight last week, but maybe Coach Payton prefers this analogy.

In order for the Saints to improve, it has to start with the defense. The defense is a somewhat capable unit, but only for short periods of time. The longer they're on the field, the more opposing offenses take on the role of shark tasting fresh blood in the water. They're vulnerable to giving up big plays. Indianapolis was their one-time season exemption, but somehow they got worse with 10 days to prepare for Jeff Garcia – who they made look just as good as Peyton Manning. The D-backs are absolutely atrocious – yes, Hoover Vacuumesque.

The offense must stay on the field and put together some long scoring drives early. Lining up and running down field, getting the ball to McAllister at least 5 - 10 times early in opening drives will help cure some of these defensive woes. Sunday vs. the Bucs, Brees had 44 passing attempts to the 20 rushing attempts shared between Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister. The formula for success should look more like this: McAllister 20 carriers; Bush 10 timely carries and multiple receptions; Brees 30 passing attempts.

For the Saints, there will be nothing like coming home to the Louisiana Superdome for a little home cooking. 3 weeks into the season and they're already facing a must-win situation, however, they've yet to hear one rousing chant of “Who Dat?!” Could it be the difference? They better hope so, or 2007 could become a long, long season. Regardless, this will be the last time I offer free advice. I'm sending a bill to the Saints organization if they can't get it together next week vs. the Titans.

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