(NOTE: THIS WAS ALSO POSTED ON THE MESSAGE BOARDS AT CBS SPORTSLINE, SO GO THERE IF YOU WANT TO JUMP IN THE DISCUSSION.)

Okay, so I am a homer -- a Saints fan -- and every year I want the Saints to go to the Superbowl, and every year they let me down; however, I truly believe that if they ever had a legitimate shot of making it all the way, then this is the year. Here is how I see it:

REASON #1 - ARGUABLY THE MOST POTENT OFFENSE IN THE NFC

QB - Drew Brees

WR - Marques Colston, David Patten, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore

TE - Jeremy Shockey, Marc Campbell

FB - Mike Karney

RB - Deuce McCallister, Reggie Bush

OL - Jammal Brown, Jamar Nesbit, Jonathan Goodwin, Jahri Evans, Jon Stinchcomb

Drew Brees - what more needs to be said? Last year - 4,423 yds. passing, and 28 touchdowns; he averaged 276 passing yds. per game, trailing only Tom Brady. And, hear this, he had at least 10, yes 10, catchable touchdown passes that were dropped last year. The majority were dropped by our weakest link as a receiver, Devery Henderson, who has amazing potential, but seems to drop easy passes too often, while catching ridiculous passes. So frustrating! Anyway, had those been caught, as they should have been, then Drew would have been the number three QB overall, and ranked in the top five in every relevant category, including passer rating. He is an elite QB, period.

Marques Colston - this kid, in case you didn't know is not your typical 7th round pick. In fact, I am quite sure that, if NFL teams had known then what they know now, he would have gone in the top ten in the 2006 draft. He is only getting better, and in my opinion, is the third best reciever in the league after Randy Moss, and Terrell Owens. But, truth be told, I would prefer him over either of them due to his high character and work ethic. Statistically, he is usually found in the top ten. Last year - 98 catches, 1,202 yds., 11 TDs. This year the sky is the limit, as he is in his third year, and will see fewer double teams, with the addition of Jeremy Shockey.

Jeremy Shockey - needs no introduction. Four time, Pro-Bowl tight-end, and considered to be one of the premiere players in the league at his position. Big, physical, good blocker, and gets yards after the catch. His biggest question marks were his attitude, and his health. So far he seems to be the picture of contentment, and has been remarkably low-key since being traded to New Orleans. So, I think he is going to work out fine, and is happy in Sean Payton's system, and out of the big-city spotlight. I expect him to flourish in the New Orleans offense, which features a heavy passing attack, and needs a big, reliable target in the middle of the field. He is reportedly back to full health after last season's broken leg.

David Patten - Mr. reliable, and the "seasoned veteran" among the receivers. What he lacks in size, he makes up for by being perhaps our teams best route runner, who has good speed, strength, and quickness, and very sure hands. He is very solid at number two. In his career, he won three Super Bowls with the Patriots.

Robert Meachem - Number one choice by the Saints in the 2007 draft, but was sidelined the entire year due to a pre-season injury. Has had a stellar camp, and had breakout games, and unbelievable number so far this pre-season, with practically no drops. Very sure hands, good speed, and yards after the catch. He worked with Patten in the offseason, and it shows. He is running routes better, has put on some weight, and is really frustrating opponents cornerbacks. Expect a statement season from him this year; it's his coming out party.

Devery Henderson - The biggest question mark at receiver, he was a standout at LSU, posting very impressive numbers in their run to the National Championship. He has breakaway speed, and is the Saints best deep threat. He is known around the league for his "big play" ability, but has been up and down. His biggest knock has been the number of drops he had last year. Still, it seems, so far, that he may be improved in that area, and if so, then he will complete one of the finest receiving corps in the league.

Lance Moore - All you need to know about this kid is that he catches everything that is thrown to him. Seriously, I don't know that he has ever dropped a ball. Of course, I am sure he has, but they are VERY rare. He is small, but makes up for it by being strong, quick of the snap, having adequate speed, and being a very smart, and aware route-runner. His timing is phenomenol, and he should turn some heads this year too.

Deuce McCallister - Pro-Bowl running back, and all-time rushing leader for the Saints. Big, strong, physical, and fast in his prime; however, he is coming off his second knee surgery in two years, so speculation is rampant. Questions abound as to how he will perform, and if he will still have the speed, and strength necessary to be the team's number one rusher. So far, all signs point to maybe; or, even quite possibly. But, the jury is still out.

Pierre Thomas - This is our ace in the hole. While everyone has looked at Reggie as the only option at back, they have overlooked this emerging talent. He is an amazing runner between the tackles, with great speed and balance. Every time he gets the ball good things happen. He is a great receiver, and blocker too. For more on him, please watch the Saints vs. Bears highlights from last year. He gained over 100 yards rushing, and 100 yards recieving in his single start, and against one of the league's best defenses. Or, just watch the highlights from last week's preseason game, Saints vs. Bengals. The truth is there on the tape. He is a serious talent.

Reggie Bush - USC superstar RB, but who has failed to live up to the hype he received coming out of college. After putting up above average numbers during his rookie season opposite Deuce, he went backwards in 2007 after Deuce went down with an ACL, and he became the primary back. It's widely believed that he is not a pure back, but is more of an open field threat. Now that Deuce is back, and with the emergence of Pierre Thomas, look for Reggie to be used more like he was in 2006, and have a break-out season. The addition of Shockey will also help Bush.

Mike Karney - One of the best blocking full backs in the league, and has gained league-wide recognition after several stellar performances in 2006 and 2007. How many fullbacks do you know who have ever caught three TD passes in a single game?

Saints Offensive Line - One of the best pass blocking lines in the league, they are the reason that Drew Brees has been able to post such remarkable numbers. Features Pro-Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown to guard Brees' blindside, and an All Rookie Guard in Jahri Evans, and is solid at all the other positions. Ranked in the top five last year. Biggest knock is that they are slightly undersized, and struggle in run-blocking; however, the addition of a couple of players likeCarl Nicks, and Zach Strief will give them the size and strength to get the job done, not to mention the added depth.

REASON #2 - AN IMPROVED DEFENSE

The Saints struggled last season mostly because of the poor play at defense. The key areas of weakness were an ineffective pass rush, lack of a solid MLB, and a couple of very suspect corners, including Jason David. The Saints managed to address every problem area by picking up Jonathan Vilma in a trade as a stand-out MLB, Sedrick Ellisand Bobby McCray who should dramatically improve the pass-rush, plus Randall Gay, Aaron Glenn, and draft-pickTracy Porter to shore up the secondary. Plus, the recent acquistion of Lance Schulters at safety should also improve that unit. Overall, every weakness was addressed, and is generally believed to be a significant upgrade. (Rumors are abounding that they may also trade for Lito Shepphard, but nothing substantial has occurred.)

REASON #3 - THEY ARE THE BEST, ON PAPER, IN THEIR DIVISION

The Saints SHOULD win the NFC South which has the Atlanta Falcons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the CarolinaPanthers. The Falcons are troubled this year, and still struggling with the loss of Vick, and trying to find their identity, but did manage to improve themselves in the draft. But, it should be another rebuilding year for this franchise. The Panthers and the Buccaneers are good teams, but are riddled with question marks. At worst, I see the Saints splitting with these two teams, and project them to go no less than 4-2 in division play, and win the division. But, they could sweep the NFC South this year based on what I am seeing so far. At any rate, I see them winning the division and making the playoffs.

REASON #4 - A WEAK SCHEDULE

Thanks to last year's flop (an anomaly) the Saint's were blessed with the high draft pick, in Sedrick Ellis, but also with about as weak a schedule as you can get in the NFL. Here is how I predict the season going:

W - Sep 07 vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

W - Sep 14 @ WASHINGTON Redskins

L - Sep 21 @ DENVER Broncos

W - Sep 28 vs. SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

W - Oct 06 vs. MINNESOTA Vikings

W - Oct 12 vs. OAKLAND Raiders

L - Oct 19 @ CAROLINA PANTHERS

W - Oct 26vs. SAN DIEGO Chargers

X - Nov 02 BYE

W - Nov 09 @ ATLANTA FALCONS

W - Nov 16 @ KANSAS CITY Chiefs

W- Nov 24 vs. GREEN BAY Packers

L - Nov 30 @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

W - Dec 07 vs. ATLANTA FALCONS

W - Dec 11 @ CHICAGO BEARS

W - Dec 21 @ DETROIT Lions

W - Dec 28 vs. CAROLINA PANTHERS

This would put the Saints with a post-season record of 13-3, which should clinch home field throughout the playoffs. At worst, I see them 11-5, and suspect that will be second or third in the NFC. However, I truly believe that the Saints will finish either first or second in the NFC. I believe that Dallas will occupy the other position in the top two, and predict a meeting of the two teams in the Championship. If they do meet, the good news is it will be either at Texas Stadium, or the Superdome, which will give the Saints the advantage of better weather than two years ago when they faced the Bears in the Championship.

The Cowboys would have the advantage of a slightly better O-line, and better defense. The Saints have better personnel at the skill positions overall. Sure, the Cowboys have Romo, Owens, and Witten, and a good ground game, but the Saints are the only team, in the NFC, that matches those players and raises the bar (see above.) I believe Brees is better than Romo, Colston is equal to Owens, and Shockey is close to Witten. But, advantage Saints in depth at those positions, and they're better in the backfield. I also believe that the Saints have a better coach than the Cowboys, in Sean Payton. This game, if it's played, could go either way, and I am not making a prediction. I will only say that I BELIEVE that they will win, repeating what happened two years ago in the regular season; though, I believe it will be a closer game than before, for sure.

So, there you have it. That's how I see the Saints getting to the Super Bowl this year. I look forward to your comments and analysis of my opinions. I don't know if they will win, but frankly I would be pretty happy just seeing them there -- FINALLY!!! Though, I think they match up pretty well against any AFC team too. I give the advantage to the Patriots, though, if they're there agains. Anwyays, GEAUX SAINTS!!!

WHAT DO YOU THINK????

(NOTE: ONCE AGAIN, THIS WAS ALSO POSTED ON THE MESSAGE BOARDS AT CBS SPORTSLINE, SO GO THERE IF YOU WANT TO JUMP IN THE DISCUSSION.)