1. The loss to Dallas. They were already running on empty, and if they had won that game, they’d have kept chugging trying to get that 16-0. I think it would have cost us in the playoffs and the Saints would not have won the Super Bowl.

2. Drew

3. Tie: Defensive end and defensive tackle

4. I freely admit that it’s “crazy” but I’m not afraid of being wrong. I’m convinced that Reggie Bush will be in Seattle this fall. I also freely admit that part of it is a little wishful thinking on my part, and I know that most people will think I’m stupid for wishing that. Sue me. I don’t think this offense needs Reggie Bush anymore (if it ever did) and I think there are any number of players the Saints could draft on the first day who could help this team more than Reggie Bush does.

5. Malcolm Jenkins, in a good way.

   1. The steam roll of the Patriots. It really set the tone for the post-season for me. I think the Saints were resting starters during all three losses so I don’t really count those games.
   2. Thomas Morestead/Jonathan Vilma – There is one obvious player I could pick here but I won’t. Both of these guys were rock solid all season. Tommy’s kicks were instrumental in some huge plays throughout the season. Vilma was there every game playing by example and managing that defense throughout the season.
   3. DT, we desperately need a powerhouse next to Ellis.
   4. Sharper
   5. Jenkins – We have watched him develop all season, struggling at times and playing solid at others. it seems like he has learned the system. I think he will be huge in 2010 as a transitional player from CB to Safety.

1. The come from behind victory over Miami. It was awesome that we could get things together like that and come out on top.
2. Morestead because of the Onside’s kick and the way he could pin the Colts back and give them horrible field position.
3. DL, because we need to help out our run game better.
4. I think that it may be a toss up between Bell and maybe even, I hate to say it, Reggie. I love Reggie and I wish he would stay with the Saints, but I think that he would love to go to SD and I think that Drew might push PayLoo into taking LT, just so that LT can get that championship ring
5. If we do pick up LT, I think he will be a good surprise just to show that he still has it in the tank. If he is not with us, and we still have Reggie, I think Reggie will show us what he is really worth, that he is worth not redoing his contract.

You know you’re a REAL Saints fan if…

reply to this comment by filling in the blank to finish the above fragment with the weirdest/craziest/biggest thing you’ve ever done as a Saints fan.

1. The beatdown of New England on Monday night. It was a sure sign this team wanted it.

2. Sean Payton. From helping to pay for Gregg Williams to drafting Morestead. His belief in aggressive play calling. He pulled it together.

3. Defensive End. We need someone opposite Will Smith.

4. I think it will be Sharper. I’m afraid someone is wiling to pay him more than the Saints.

5. Believe it will be our 2 draft picks from last year. The 2 that spent the season on IR. Chip Vaughn and Stanley Arnoux.

1. Giants game – We played a team considered at that time to be the best. They were at full strength and we delivered the beat-down. I think it showed that we were for real.
2. Payton – the way he prepared this team, buth physically and mentally, was the key
3. LB – getting a LB that can effectively blitz and make plays would be huge in G-dub’s system
4. Bell
5. Lynell Hamilton – I think the reason they’re willing to let Bell go is because Hamilton can fill that role for less

…I hear Deborah Kerr in my head for days afterward.

1. Drew Brees holding his son up in a storm of confetti.
2. Gregg Williams. Sean Payton called a gutsy game (he even won a critical challenge!), and Drew played lights out, but without Williams the Colts likely would have been playing some other team.
3. Probably defensive end. They made do with Charles Grant; now they’ll likely have to make do without him. I think our linebackers and defensive tackles can hold the fort. Having said that, if all the good defensive ends are gone by our first pick, and Jared Odrick is still available, grab him. Same goes for Sean Weatherspoon.
4. How should I know that? You said it’s a surprise. Um…Drew Brees.
5. Dave Cariello. On a lark, he attends the Saints’ open trials, and wins the backup quarterback position. When Drew unexpectedly retires to take up puppetry (anyone?), Saintsational Dave amazes the NFL by throwing only nine interceptions in his first game before Jared Allen takes his head off. As he comes off the field, Payton snaps at him, “What helmet are you wearing? Yeah, that ****** figures!”

1.the first playoff game against arizona,that was a satatement game and showed that the saints were the real deal

2.all the coaching staff that prepared an amazing gameplan to beat the Colts

3.DE and DT, Charles Grant is getting old and isnt producing well,and a big DT to go with S.Ellis would be a great addition

4.Sharper

5.M.jenkins will surprise us in a good way way playing at safety

Giants game—set to tone for beating the crap out of teams that we weren’t “supposed” to.

Brees, the obvious choice.

DT or DE

Bell

Crazy pick here—Stan Arnoux

1. Regular season folks (I see some post season comments…). Meacham’s strip/fumble TD against Washington. That’s when I knew they could win any game they put their minds to.

2. Sean Payton. He knew they needed to drastically improve on defense, and he did what was necessary to make it happen. No Gregg Williams, no trophy; however, no $250K pay cut (which he got back yes, but he still DID it), no Gregg Williams. Honorable mention to Mickey Loomis for giving Payton the tools.

3. DT/DE

4. Jamal Brown. Someone will be willing to match the tender and give up a couple (very important to the Saints) draft picks.

5. Stanley Arnoux. (Yeah, been saying this as long as I’ve been here, but there’s a reason – I watched a lot of WF football the past few years, and he’s the real deal). Honorable mention to his former college teammate, Chip Vaughn, who will be in the rotation at safety and look very good.

1. so many to choose from for a change. Week 4 vs. the Jets, The offense largely stifled, the defense coming up with 2 TDS in a 24-10 win over the previously unbeaten Jets. Knew then that defense had the power to actually win games for us against a quality opponent
  - runner-up: Brees dunking the ball over the goalpost in Miami after his 2nd rushing TD. Drew got hops.

2. Drew. Nufff said

3. Defensive line: pick your position, beyond one player (Will at DE or Sedrick at DT), there’s not a lot, with apologies to Anthony Hargrove whatever he is.

4. Lance Moore

5. Jammal Brown: will not recover well from his injuries and rust and fans at the Dome will be chanting “BUSH – ROD”, “BUSH – ROD”. Reggie will be confused and amused. KK will simply blush

1. The defining moment of the regular season has got to be the destruction of the Patriots. That game truly was a torch-passing from one great NFL franchise to the next.
2. Gotta go with the boss, Sean Payton. What else is there to say. Calling for the onside kick, and going for it on fourth and goal showed a ton of faith in his team.
3. Defensive end, without a question.
4. Gotta agree with GSO and say Jamal Brown.
5. I’m gonna go with a pair of receivers, Robert Meachem and Marques Colston. It’s hard to call anything Colston does a surprise considering his performance already relative to his draft position, but Meachem is set to have a big year. Bank it.

1) The comeback against the Redskins – when I felt this was our year, winning a game we had no business winning.
2) Sean Payton, hands down. Drew is second.
3) A pass rush – whether it comes from olb, de, or a dt that can get a push up the middle
4) Lance Moore
5) Robert Meachem

   1. There’s a lot to choose from. I’m tempted to go for the dismantling of the Giants or Patriots. But the comeback in the Miami game still stands out. Regrouping after a terrible start and making huge clutch plays through the rest of the game. It felt like Drew dragged the Saints across the finish line.
      - Plus, personally, it was the best game-day thread of the year and an amazing drunken rollercoaster ride. “Drink!”
   2. Drew Brees.
   3. DE. Got by with only one last year, so how much better could we be with a good DE instead of makeweight (make-a-lot-of-weight) like Grant?
   4. I don’t think Bell is a surprise, so maybe Jammal Brown.
   5. Joining the Jenkins crew here.

1. Coming back to beat the Panthers
2. Offensive line
3. Def End
4. Sharper
5. The Wake Forest guys, in a good way.

My God folks: Has it sunk in yet!!!

1. Spanking the Pats
2. Sean Payton
3. OLB
4. Jamaal Brown
5. Malcolm Jenkins

1) I would have to say the defining moment of our season was Tracy Porter’s pick 6 against Peyton Manning. It epitomized the difference between the 2008 and 2009 seasons. It signaled a transition from a horrendous defense to a pretty good, opportunistic one.
2)It was a close one between Tracy Porter and Drew Brees, but it just has to be Drew. No one has done more for this team, for this city, for this state, and for this region than King Drew Brees. I love that man.
3) a pass rusher. yeah will smith is a really good pass rusher, but we need another guy so that other teams cant just double him. now whether it is someone to replace the fatso named charles grant or a linebacker who can rush the passer(ahem, sergio kindle anyone?) i am not sure.
4) hmmm this is a difficult one. i’m gonna go out on a limb and say mike bell. i think lynell hamilton will take his place as our power back. Darren sharper also got a little consideration, but i think we will end up bringing him back for a year or two(anyone think malcolm jenkins’ move to safety appears more imminent? i do…)
5) The simple answer: Reggie Bush. We saw what he was capable of doing against the Cardinals. Sean Payton also revealed that he was holding Reggie Bush back during the regular season because of his knee injury. I don’t see that happening this time around. If he stays healthy, he will dominate.

1. The big wins against then #1 defenses Philly and the Jets. Made me start believing we have something special going on this year.
2. Most instrumental in just the S/B game? or thru the entire season? Thru the entire season, aside from Drew, I am going with DSharp.
3. A run containing DT
4. Bell
5. Meachem. I am expecting pro-bowl type numbers.

1. The comeback game against Miami. It showed we had the grit to come back and win any game. Plus, in Miami, we had the same type of game against the Colts.

2. Sean Payton. He planned every game meticulously, and he did what was necessary for us to get to and win the Superbowl (signing HW, committing to run and the D).

3. DT. If we’re able to get a DT, then we’ll be able to switch Hargrove back to his natural DE position.

4. Grant. I want him gone

5. Malcolm Jenkins. He may not have blazing speed, but he might be able to be a physical CB.. or a very good safety.

1. The Meachem strip vs the Redskins. It was the theme of the season that even when things were going badly, the Saints found a way to win. That played clued me in that fate might be involved.
2. Drew Brees. Hands down.
3. This season I thought the Saints were weakest at left tackle, but that can be fixed with Jammal Brown’s return from injury. I think the Saints most need a consistent pass rushing threat.
4. Does Charles Grant count as a surprise? If not, I’ll say Scott Fujita.
5. I think the one player that will really step up next season is Chase Daniel. He’ll claim the #2 QB spot and play well in spot duty (hopefully not due to injury, of course).

Im still here with yall. I just read more than I post. I get a LOT of my football smarts, and team info from all you guys here. So if I ont post too often, it just means that I’m readin EVERYTHING you all post. Had to let that be known…. before I could read all that I’ve missed for the day.

1. probably would porters picks those two showed what the saints did all year in great fashion
2. i would have to say sean payton because of the two points and the onside kick
3. i would say linebacker
4.i think mike bell it doesn’t look good for him
5.meachem and bush for good

1. Defining game: The comeback against Miami. It truly defined the season because it showed that we truly BELIEVED that we could win ANY game, no matter the circumstance.

Defining single moment: Brees’ INT which lead to Meachem’s strip, scoop, and score. It was a single moment that further defined the belief we had in ourselves and our commitment to doing whatever it takes to win.

2. Winning the SB (the game): Tracy Porter for doing the film study to notice Manning’s tendencies. And then have the faith in his studies and safety help to jump that route.

Getting to the SB (the whole season): I love, love, love Brees and Payton, who unquestionably had a tremendous amount to do with it; but Gregg Williams REVOLUTIONIZED our defense (attitude, scheme, & execution), which was far and away THE “missing piece”.

3. Run stopping DT, is the biggest NEED. Pass rushing DE is the biggest WANT.

Bonus: An overlooked position of need is CB (Nickel back, who can start when necessary). We have two of the best CB’s in the league, IMHO; but if they go down the talent/execution level drops off SEVERELY.

4. If we’re going with “surprisingly”, you kinda have to go out on a limb… So, Scott Fujita. :.( (I like him a lot and I don’t want to see him go.)

5. I think we’ll be pleasantly surprised by Stanley Arnoux at LB. Although, I think a lot of guys are going to surprise us positively, including a couple of players that aren’t even on the team yet.

1) The loss to Tampa… gotta go there to come back

2) Gregg Williams… his defense was the jack in the box

3) DT… need a big body with Big Sed. Trade UP in the draft, even top ten

4) It’s gotta be Mike Bell. Ladies and gents enter LDT…

5) Rod Harper, Rod Harper, Rod Harper… did I mention Rod Harper too…??

1. being at the nfc championship when hartley’s kick went through the uprights. first thing i did was hug my brother, then turned to celabrate with our friends we had made over the season, finally turning around to see the field and realized i had missed most of the confetti.

2. i would have to say drew brees (obviously)

3.de and dl

4. darren sharper

5. malcom jenkins in my mind will be a top defender in this league. i think we are letting darren sharper test the market hoping we can get him cheap, if not jenkins will be ready to fill his very large shoes

1. Throttling the Patriots. That’s when I started thinking that this Saints team could be anyone, and I mean anyone, when it counted the most.
2.Brees. No question about it, but that answer has been said a million times already. So I’ll go with the Ying Yang Twins for teaching us all to stand up and get crunk.
3. A replacement for Grant at DE.
4. Surprising? I don’t know about any big surprises, so I’m gonna say Father Time, Mark Brunell will finally hang it up at some point.
5. I think this will be the year Sedrick Ellis finally asserts himself as a dominant force in the middle.

1. The Meachem (Thats MY BALL PUNK!!!!….. In my best Deebo voice) strip vs. (of) the Redskins. It show the never quit attitude of our team(Plus I was the stands for that…….as it happened).
2. Drew Brees. (The COOL BREES that blew throught the NFL). Who else could it be???
3. The Saints weakest link was at left tackle IMO, but thats gonna change next season. We had a lot of injuries to deal with this season. So I think the best bet is to get some depth all the way around.
4. Charles Grant.
5. Malcom Jenkins. I think we are gonna stick him in at safety and he will blossum, into a pro bowler there.

1. The comeback against Miami set the tone for me, after that my mantra became “we got this”

2. Gregg Williams, we’ve had the offense pretty well figured out for a couple seasons.

3. A run stuffing DT would be a dream come true.

4. I gotta think Sharper is gone, but Reggie might not want to rework the contract.

5. Assuming Reggie is back, I think he’ll peg the needle out at both ends of the spectrum; game mvp one week, blooper reel the next. I also expect to Bushrod to step up and answer some of last seasons questions.

1- Walking into the SuperBowl party this year and my team was freaking playing in it!
(and Drew lobbying for the QB sneak, and getting it!)
2- Gotta go with Williams there, I think he’s the reason we got to the big game, and the D brought it to a close.
3- DT
4- If Sharper or Moore are gone next year, I will be saddened, and surprised. Predator is out for good.
5- I just want to see tacklers wrap up, and I’m down with the Jenkins Kool-Aid

1. Without a doubt beating the JETS. When Hargrove forced a recovered a fumble for the touchdown i realized that we FINALLY have a true DEFENSE.

2. also have to go with G Williams. Besides what is more exciting puting the game on ice in the 3rd quarter or intercepting a last second pass to steal the game away. I love drew, however when he is having a bad day the defense helps out.

3. I would say DT, but since we are drafting last, i am going with a LB

4. I think sharper blew it when he outsourced the media to help his marketability.

5. CHIP VAUGHN

1) Unknown Who Dat, smiling in the face of adversity.
2)Marie Leveaux (sp?)
3)back-up QB
4)Jeremy Shockey and Ricky Williams retire, start coffee shop in Amsterdam.
5)Saints trade up in draft for Aaron Hernandez, who wins Rookie of the Year.

1. The Redskins game. that comeback showed perseverance and the never say die attitude that a champion has to have (Miami game was huge too, but Redskins had a more dramatic finish.
2. Greg Williams. The defense has been the missing piece for the last four years. I was a little upset after years 2 and 3 of Sean Payton’s tenure with the loyalty he showed to his friend Gibbs, when the defense was what was keeping us from winning. When they signed Williams, I told all my friends ‘This is the SAINTS year! The unfortunate thing is that they will have a one year window, because when the rest of the league sees what he does with that SAINT defense, he’s going to get another head coaching job, and will be gone’.
3. Somewhere on defense. But honestly I do NOT know. It used to be easy to say the secondary, but they look pretty strong now (although I would like to see one of those really yoked up DB’s in a SAINTS uniform). I think our line bcaking corps and the defensive line are solid also. But, since I can’t cop out and not give an answer, I’ll say a defensive lineman.
4. Lance Moore. I don’t think Bell will be here, but I don’t think that will be a surprise either.
5. Courtney Roby. For good. I believe he will be even better at the return game, and with Moore’s absence he will even get some time with the offense

The undefeated New Jersey wins back to back. Once we put the first blemishes on each of those hot NY teams records, I knew we were in for something we’d never seen before.

Drew Brees. I don’t think there has ever been a Championship team with more people more deserving of mention, but Drew Brees was the executioner. And he did it flawlessly, against the “greatest” QB of all time. 114? That guy is sick…

Drew Brees. Now I doubt any of us NO fans will be surprised by his play next year. We’ve come to expect greatness out of him, and at every moment, in every game, in every situation he delivers. I just think fans of Football will be surprised. I think after this championship, he will start being scrutinized like he rarely has been before. Analysts are going to look at his numbers, and be compelled to really look at the past 4 years, and he will be declared the Elite QB of the NFL today.

OLB Not to spark any Shanle or Fujita debate. But I think an elite pass rushing OLB would be on GW’s wishlist before DE or even DT. We’re just as servicable at DE as we are at OLB, and we can already bring pressure from the ends sometimes. Defensive Tackle, while I think it needs improvement, I think is lower on Williams list due to the scheme he runs.

Scott Shanle Although I’d like to see him still around as a backup to our new Elite OLB, I don’t think it will happen. With the rookie’s we have coming up I don’t think there will be a place for him.

1. Miami game. Right before half, Drew dunking it and staring into the crowd. I knew we were coming back right then and there. It let everyone know that we werent just the labeled “finesse” team. We could come back and dominate. Plus, Bush’s leap was just damn awesome.

2. Gregg Williams. With his aggressive style of play calling it finally made our Defense just like our Offense: dominant. Statistically in yards allowed it may not have shown, but our secondary was dominant at times and we led or were in top 5 in turnovers all year. Turnovers on D lead to Championships.

3. Just like the past countless seasons, I think we can easily upgrade at OLB. I know arguments have been made for and against Shanle. Regardless, he is offering, at best, average output, and that can be easily replaced. Lets see a Sean Witherspoon with our Super Bowl Winning draft pick.

4. Charles Grant. I think that signing Will Smith is tops on our priority list, right behind Jahri. Saying that, I dont think Grant has ever produced enough to make the money he is making. I think he could be traded for draft picks and to clear up some space for Will.

5. Im gonna stick on this bandwagon till its wheels fall off and im shut up. Im gonna say Chip Vaughn. Gregg hyped this guy in TC last year and was really impressed. If he stays healthy, I think he could push Harper or Sharper for playing time.

1.Texans vs Saints preseason, live west of Houston and this is when I get to see my teams play. At that game you could see organization from the water boy up to the head coach. You just knew this was something special.
 2.Sean Payton come on if that onside kick doesn’t work.
3.OLT but agree big dog in the middle on defence would be
 nice also.
4.Lance Moore think he’s great but just a hunch.
5.Jenkins, this guy grew up right in front of us this year and was showing up in the picture closer and closer and finally making some good plays their at the end. I agree this kid will be one hell of a player next year. Starter, yes.

1. Miami Dolphins 21 point comeback……Or the Redskins OT win…..both let me know we can win the one’s we
      usually loose.
2. Gregg Williams without him they wouldnt have brought in some of the guys they had.
3. OLB or backup QB
4. Charles Grant…………..SUPRISE!!!!
5. Malcom Jenkins the guy had a decent rookie year so I think he gets moved to FS and plays lights out!

The first question deals with the regular season. Obviously the Super Bowl is the defining moment.

1. The most defining moment of the season for me:

The game against the Redskins. I was sitting there, slitting my wrists and offering my life-water as a sacrifice to my voodoo dolls like any good fan when the Unknown Whodat was shown on screen. At first he embarassed me (I don’t know why), but the more I thought about it the more I realized he embodied the spirit of Saints fans – unending, undying loyalty and support for one’s team.

As I’m snarling at Drew’s INT, I smash my drink against the wall and spin around in disgust, only to hear the crowd ROAR. I spin around, catch Meachem’s strip, and watch him waltz into the endzone for a TD.

That’s when I knew the Saints were going all the way. Drew only affirmed my suspicions when he said that “maybe it […was] our time to catch some breaks.”

The day that calls/flags/plays start going the Saints’ way, look out!

2. Most important personell on the Saints staff this season:

It’s a tie: Coach Payton and Coach Williams. Drew comes a close second. Without that nucleus, the Saints are nothing. I’m eternally grateful to these gentlemen for finally bringing my team what I’ve dreamed about since I was 7 years old – the Lombardi.

3. Biggest needs in the draft:

*Without a doubt, DE and OLB with speed and authority against the run.

4. Who will be gone next year:

Charles, and perhaps Reggie, if the offer is right.

5. Who is due a monster year:

My heart wants to say Meachem, but WR has too much depth – it’s extremely stacked with talent and skill.

If Jenkins successfully converts to FS and studies under Sharper, I think he has the best opportunity to have a breakout season, unless of course Reggie stays, continues to produce his solid numbers, and adds more touches to his stats.

Prediction: Saints make a deep playoff run next year, but winning the division will be much harder with a healthy Falcons team, a youthful Bucs team and a hungry Panthers team. We may split a game with every one of them, and it could very well come down to wins in the conference/strength of schedule.

1. Week 13, Washington Redskins

2. Gregg Williams

3. Defensive End

4. Darren Sharper

5. L. T???

1. There were several defining moments. The one’s that made the biggest impression on me were the comeback victory at Miami and the Patriot’s game. If I have to choose just one, it’s the MIAMI game. It was then that I fully realized, this is a really good team that has the potential for us to actually start thinking Super Bowl.

2. A strong argument can be made for Sean Payton. But without DREW BREES, Sean’s vision wouldn’t have worked. As good as we all know Drew is, I think he is so good we may sometimes forget that, without him, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation.

3. Any number of defensive positions. Would depend on the best player available.

4. Not sure if this qualifies as a surprise, but I think BELL’s “slip” was the last play he will ever make as a Saint. A bigger “surprise” would be if Sharper’s not back, but I suspect he will be.

5. REGGIE BUSH will remain a Saint and have the consistent production we’ve been waiting for.

1. The Miami game, that was our first close game and showed some grit and showed we could make a comeback (not only comeback but still beat them by 12 pts). Also that was our best start to a season since ’91. at that point we knew we had something special going.

2. Drew Brees. Did you see what happened when we put Brunell in that last game against the panthers? I know he didn’t have all the weapons that Brees had, but look at his stat line: 15/29 (51.2%) 0 TD’s and 1 INT. If any player got hurt on the team, we have solid backups, but Brees is not one of them.

3. Either DE of FS. DE to replace CG and safety is kind of worrying me with all this D sharper talk. They’re not putting the franchise tag on him because they don’t want to pay him the avg. of the top 3 safetys in the league (even if he is one of the top 3 safetys in the league)

4. Sadly I’m going to say Fujita, even though I really don’t want him to go. But idk he seems to really love this city.

5. If we get Weatherspoon and he starts right away, I think he will win DROY (but thats way out there…for a more solid choice I’m going with Reggie, I think he’ll stay healthy and work on his strength/explosion game actually (he had that going for him the past few games)

What was the defining moment of the 2009 regular season?
Game 1 against the Lions. 35 rushing attempts, 34 passing attempts. It was the purest example of the offensive balance that was absent the two seasons prior. A balance that led to the Saints winning the TOP battle week after week, while keeping their defense fresh and energetic enough to cause key turnovers throughout their subsequent thirteen game winning streak. From 37.5% rushing in 2007 (7-9), to 38.5% in 2008 (8-8), to 46.2% in 2009 (13-3). As is so often the case in the NFL, the teams with the most balanced (read: least predictable) offensive attacks, are the teams that come out on top.

Which one Saints person, coach or player do you think was most instrumental in winning the Super Bowl?
Pierre Thomas, the first Saints RB to total over 1000 yds from scrimmage since 2006, despite splitting carries with three other backs and missing two games due to injury. His contributions to the overall success of the team cannot be overstated. As an undrafted free agent, he has exceeded any and all expectations in just three short years. While whether or not he’s capable of being a featured back in this league has yet to be determined, his presence within the Saints’ RBBC rotation has proven invaluable.

What do you consider the Saints biggest position of need this off-season?
OLB. Primarily on the weakside, where the need for a legitimate backfield disruptor is paramount. The strongside could stand to be upgraded, as well. In either case, someone with the reactionary skills and agility to contain runs to the outside, cover TEs and the flat, etc. DE and DT are secondary needs, imo. I feel as though we have adequate depth there. 1 out of 2 question marks at either position in the starting rotation, doesn’t outweigh the 2 out of 2 clusterf*** at OLB, imo. Other areas of concern: LT, a HB/FB hybrid with some bulk — a true H-Back (Chris Cooley type) would provide all the “decoyism” this offense requires, imo — FS depth, C/G depth, a relatively young veteran backup QB with starting experience, and maybe another headhunter or two on special teams. If that equates to a temporary downgrade at dime back, WR6 or RB4, I’m cool with that.

Which player will, surprisingly, not be with the Saints next season?
Jammal Brown. Something tells me a draft day trade involving the former two-time Pro Bowler is on the horizon. One considerably less beneficial in compensation than the 1st and 3rd round pick tender he was recently offered. Look for a second round pick or a moderate upgrade of our first.

Which player will really surprise fans with his play next season? Good or bad.
Rod Harper. A true darkhorse pick here, one fully contingent on Reggie Bush’s immediate future with the team. If he departs, Harper likely nails down the 6th WR spot and becomes a staple at PR.

1. As many have said, the Meachem strip-6 was epic, even the beginning of the play was defining for our season, as Drew gets a quick rush on him and just stiff arms the defender into the ground. I was going Ape with that alone, then crying with the pick, and to see Meach bust through the 2 blockers and key in on that ball and make the play made you believe that no matter what these guys are gonna fight to the last breath and can achieve anything.

2. Call me a wanker if you must but I simply cannot place one player, or coach alone in this answer, so I will go to the top and say Mickey Loomis for being the guy who started the chain reaction, getting Payton, getting Brees, finding key draft picks, free-agents, great trades, and working to improve every year until all the ingredients came together and the Gris Gris Gumbo tasted perfect…..Well dang near perfect.

3. I am in the OLB group on this. But really depends on who is available when we make our picks, and how the in depth scouting turns out. But as much as I appreciate Shanle and Fujita’s work ethic, and efforts, a dynamic playmaker with speed and ability to get into gaps for GW’s blitzes would make our D so much more disruptive. However if we get a chance to get a possible starter at DE or DT and the available OLB’s don’t compare then we won’t do ourselves any harm beefing up the line.

4. I think we parlay Bushrod’s year in the limelight to an extra 2nd round pick ( I think that was his tender offer) I know we would get much better compensation for Brown, but really liked him and with ayear to rehab and rest he should be ready to really perform in 2010.

5.Hartley, We all love the kid, and I think he will be steady and remain our guy, but for some reason the fickle fate of the kicker always seems to wax and wane. A couple bad weeks for a kicker is sometimes all it takes to blight a good guy’s perception.

1. It’s tough to pick just one. I’m torn between the come-from-behind Miami game and the killing of the Patriots.
2. Again, how do you pick just one? I think that’s the beauty of this team, so many players made huge contributions. And the coaches are so great they need a category just for themselves.
3. Whatever it takes to stop the run.
4. I’m afraid it might be Lance Moore. I hope I’m wrong.
5. D#, in a great way. I think he has a lot more gas left in the tank and will prove it next year. I just hope it’s with the Saints.

1. Dolphins game. It helped that I witnessed it in person, but that comeback was unbelievable.
2. Bress. His ridiculous performance in all but the first quarter was just indicative of his play all season—something we’re totally spoiled with at this point.
3. DE. Even if we don’t cut Grant, we need an elite end to pair with Will Smith.
4. Bushrod. I don’t think teams are going to want to give up as much for Brown, and Bushrod’s play this season is definitely worth a 2nd round pick to a tackle-hungry team—and we could use that pick.
5. David Thomas. I know he performed well, but I’m not sure how much gas Shockey has left in the tank and I think Mr. Wendy’s will really establish himself as a top tier TE.

The GGM was instrumental in the Saints success, with the spells every week. Can’t forget about the GGM. Thanks GGM!!!!!!!

1. It was a season of defining moments:
a) I thought we were ‘for real’ after scoring 51 in less than 2 quarters against Oakland (and releasing Jason David) but I truly believed it when we went 5-0 after dismantling the Giants.
b) I think the players truly believed after the Miami comeback. We knew then that we were a really special team and would never give up or be out of a game.
c) The nation truly believed after the humiliation of the Pats. I Will never forget Belicheat’s face when he took his starters out.
d) The gods truly believed after the Washington comeback. We were a team of destiny.

2. Drew Brees: Superbowl MVP and rightful NFL MVP

3. DT/DE

4. A true surprise (and one I hate to even think about) would be Pierre Thomas. I’m very nervous that we only tendered him with a 2nd round pick. That is a steal for another team.

5. Pierre Thomas. I think we have only scratched the surface of his talent. I expect him to raise his game to an elite level over the next 3 seasons.

1; Winning in Washington,the day I began to truly believe.
2;Would like to say everyone from Tom Benson to the waterboy but I guess it`s got
    to be SP, though Hartley desesrves some love for his post season kicking.
3;A defensive lineman ,I reckon, but will leave that to the experts!
4; Lance Moore I had a dream he went to Carolina :(
5; Malcolm Jenkins,in a positive way.

1.Drew’s Slam Dunk in the Dolphin game, or Belichick throwing in the towel.
2.GW was the difference maker, Hon. Mention:Sharper. Drew should have been reg. season MVP along w/SB MVP.
3.DE, but knowing SP he’ll likes Offense maybe the best TE.
4.Bell, may be obvious,also Moore.
5 Pierre Thomas.

1) The Miami game has to be my official defining game. It was a surprising win, with a huge first half deficit, on the road, with big plays from every team playmaker. Two defensive touchdowns, Bush’s 6 yard touchdown leap, Shockey’s 40 yard stiff-arm, Mike Bell’s second half running(his last great game, and proof the Saints weren’t going to abandon the run, even when the situation was begging Payton to do it), Brees’ coldly calculated joviality in dunking over the goalpost after his first rushing touchdown(he’s a good leader, is all I mean). I would have been okay with a loss there, but I was amazed at the way they won. First game it really occurred to me that there wasn’t a situation these Saints couldn’t find a way out of.

2) I have to begrudgingly say Sean Payton. Before this season, I was thinking ‘09 may(and should) be his last, but he made all the right moves, both in bringing in the new defensive players and coach, and in running his offense. Couldn’t be happier with a coach whose job security was dwindling in my eyes as recently as last August. And his big brass ball-y coaching and on-the-fly adjustments were on display in the Super Bowl, in particular.

3) I think DT is the most glaring weakness. I wasn’t even that impressed with Ellis by the end of the season. I think OLB or DE will get the most consideration, though. Grant leaving, and the nature of this year’s draft prospects makes that seem like the most likely scenario. But who knows with these guys. I’d love a young, heavyweight running back, too, but that’s not at the top of the list of needs.

4) Sharper. I think it’s very possible that the great FA find of last season will be the trash of this season. It seems like, to the Saints, his age all of a sudden is the factor everybody else said it was last year, and we have some good young prospects at FS, and I don’t think Sharper is going to be too happy about taking a background role on the team, for a short-term contract. I don’t know how surprising it would be at this point, but it seems like a genuine possibility for that particular popular player to get his gold watch a little early.

5)I’ll go with…Stanley Arnoux. I don’t really know why, just hoping, I guess. I’d love for somebody to break Shanle’s stranglehold on the starting OLB position.

1.What was the defining moment of the 2009 regular season?

I’m sure a lot of people have said this above (tl;dr), but it had to be Drew in the Miami game, springing up and sticking the ball over the goal line for the TD to cut the deficit from 21 to 14 just before halftime.

As much agony as it was to watch that first half and all of the harassment Drew was suffering and the looming unbearability of Joey Porter’s arrogant predictions being realized, my heart was on the verge of “same old Saints” despair, but then kept swinging back to a sensation I’ve never really felt as a New Orleans sports fan: the feeling that your team is PROBABLY going to overcome a tragic sequence of events. “NO. These are NOT the same old Saints,” my heart informed.

And then the next day in the news there was that picture from the game of that incredibly hot brunette with the “Black and Gold Super Bowl” sign, and I began to really dare to hope.

Let’s just have another look if you don’t mind:

Awesome. My wife is not a football fan (I’m filing for divorce in the morning).

2.Which one Saints person, coach or player do you think was most instrumental in winning the Super Bowl?

The Unknown Whodat.

Or Sean Payton. Drew Brees executed his offensive game plan to a T, but a less expert game plan would not have won the trophy.

3.What do you consider the Saints biggest position of need this off-season?

Outside linebacker. Preferably a DE hybrid. We have 2 remarkably consistent guys but they are only consistently decent. We need someone who can pressure the QB from the edge and that can hang with an increasingly dangerous rank of opposing tight ends. I like Shanle slightly better than Fujita, but both sides could use an upgrade.

4.Which player will, surprisingly, not be with the Saints next season?

If this is just a prediction deal, I’d have to say probably Sharper.

/knocks on wood

 That situation has all the makings of a perfect regrettable off-season story.
 Hope I’m wrong.

5.Which player will really surprise fans with his play next season? Good or bad.

Have to go with Lynell Hamilton ast the good surprise here. What he’s shown already combined with a lot of very positive off-season chatter gives me visions of him knocking free safeties helmets off (I’m picturing a Cowboys helmet for some reason).

Correspondingly and unfortunately, I think Mike Bell drops off this year.

For one, he’s probably still in Payton’s doghouse for not wearing “THE SCREW-INS!!” and blowing that TD run in the Super Bowl. Plus he’d already seemed to be fading down the stretch.

Again, I hope I’m wrong. (Good news: I usually am!)

1. The Giants game. I know they didn’t turn out as good as projected but that game not only showed we could hang with the big boys, but we could flat run them over. (That is the one game I got to see live this year so I may be a little biased.)

2.Has to be Sean Payton. Without him there’s no Drew Brees and probably no “New Orleans” Saints.

3.An athletic OLB. Someone who can put pressure on the QB and cover the athletic TE’s. I’d take a pass rushing end as well. Big Willy needs some help down there.

4. I’ll have to say Mike Bell but I don’t think it’s that big of a surprise. Maybe Charles Grant.

5. Heath Evans. I think he’ll come back strong and have a great season.