Over the past 16 seasons, Sean Payton helped put the New Orleans Saints on the offensive map, leading to nine postseason appearances, a 152-89 record and a Super Bowl title (2009). His leadership will be missed. In the post-Payton Era, their success hinges on a rebound season from wide receivers Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas (he continues to have an injury tag next to his name), plus the development of receivers Marquez Callaway and Chris Olave and tight end Adam Trautman. Running back Alvin Kamara comes off the lowest output season of his career due to four missed games and below-par quarterback play. The most important question that needs to be answered in 2022 for New Orleans is whether Jameis Winston can revive his career and lead the Saints to a playoff-contending season.
Offense
With Drew Brees no longer leading the offensive show for the Saints and other issues at quarterback, New Orleans ran the ball over 50% of the time last season. In previous years, the Saints consistently ranked in the top-tier of the league in passing stats. With the same offensive coordinator returning in 2022, I would throw away last year’s stats when evaluating any Saints offensive players. On the surface, this offense has a goldmine of opportunity if three players play well (Jameis Winston, Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas).
