The expectations for the 2019 New Orleans Saints have never been higher. Even more than last year. This season, it’s the Lombardi Trophy or an unsuccessful run. The 13-3 record from last year set the bar high for 2019. In 2019, the record isn’t as important as the end result. Coaches and players understand the window is still open, albeit slightly cracked. Opportunity lies ahead.
Predictions for the 2019 New Orleans Saints and Playoffs
Defense Wins Championships
Let’s talk the positives first. First of all, the Saints found a bonified return specialist. Deonte Harris is legit. The upgrade cannot be underestimated. Harris could add one win this year.
Also, the experience in the secondary has to be a plus. If the secondary can stay healthy, it’s possible this unit can be a strength instead of a weakness. A few young guys were added as safety in the draft. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and Saquan Hampton came from the 2019 NFL Draft. Time will tell if either will play a viable role this season. Regardless, both players have shown their talent early on.
Obviously, the secret is staying healthy overall. On the other side of the ball, the secret is simply to keep doing what they have been doing. Without a doubt, having tight end Jared Cook gives defenses even more headaches. Cook is going to love playing for the black and gold.
There’s really only one concern which I’ll get to in a moment. Still, this 2019 version has plenty of firepower to deal out. Don’t expect an easy division this year too. The NFC South as a whole should improve from last year. Having Bruce Arians bothers me greatly. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are primed to play spoiler this year.
So here are my concerns in 2019. First, the Saints gotta get the early win this season. This team is way too talented to start 0-2 or worse. Last year, the Saints played much better down the stretch. Wrapping up games late with a period or exclamation point is important.
No more mental lapses or breakdowns. Super Bowl teams have to bring it all day long. Hopefully, the depth on this Saints team takes care of those gaps.
For the first time in years, the defense can hang with the offense. If healthy, our defense can literally take over a game. The weakness is still the secondary, but the pass rush looks to be much improved in 2019.
Changing of the Guards
The two guys the Saints will sorely miss are center Max Unger and running back Mark Ingram. On the field, there is no replacing those leaders. The stable leadership from both has to be the biggest challenge on offense.
Other than that, the offensive line as a whole may take time to gel. Center Erik McCoy looks the part. Now the real learning happens on the field.
Now the predictions. The NFC is a bit more wide open than the AFC in my opinion. There are at least eight teams in the NFC have the ability to win it all. On the other hand, the AFC has two. Those two haven’t changed from last year.
The NFC Marathon
However, the NFC is simply too close to call. As far as the Saints go, the target is on their back. Surely, no surprise there. Be that as it may, coming off a 13-3 season is tough to repeat. My original prediction was 9-7 before training camp. It’s unfathomable to put a team so talented at only nine wins. Nevertheless, the grind is going to be tough sledding in 2019.
A 10-6 record is the expectation after last year’s close call. Also, the Buccaneers are going to shock some people. It could be a three-way race between the Bucs, Falcons, and Saints. The NFC South is talented enough to send two teams to the playoffs in 2019. Regardless, the Saints have to win on the road in the playoffs to get to Super Bowl LIV. Saints fall in the divisional round to the Chicago Bears. The Bears beat the Rams in the NFC Championship. The Super Bowl features a new matchup between the Bears and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chiefs win it all. The Saints fall short again. But at least with no miracles or controversy.
