Saints: Anything Less Than The Playoffs Is A Disappointment

After an exciting 2023 offseason, the New Orleans Saints have no choice but to succeed with Derek Carr, revamped defensive line and numerous weapons.

It has been a rather impressive offseason for the New Orleans Saints these last few months. Everything from signing their new quarterback to hiring new analysts to returning a big name like Jimmy Graham, it has been a busy combination of turnover and retention. Along with their efforts has come a contagious confidence around the team. But there is one truth that cuts through the optimism: anything less than reaching the playoffs will be a massive disappointment by and for the Saints.

Aug 1, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

With offseason improvement comes not only hope but expectation. There have been such sizable moves in New Orleans since the dissatisfying end of the 2022 season that many believe the team has no excuse but to win this year.

The Saints revamped their coaching staff, building it more in the vision of head coach Dennis Allen. They spent $150 million over four years to bring in veteran quarterback Derek Carr in the hopes of elevating play at the position. They kept dominating wide receiver Michael Thomas in the building and have the confidence he will be healthy. Despite their many losses on the defensive line, the team rebuilt the unit in no time with talent that is already looking like an improvement.

The list goes on. The Saints have made good, sound decisions all offseason. Even down to their draft. Whether players were selected for their potential, their production or their versatility, the decisions all made sense. Everything was in lockstep with what the team has said it wanted to do.

The moves have no been without their risks, and potentially costly one. The Saints traded starting kicker of six seasons Wil Lutz to the Denver Broncos, moved on from starting punter of two years Blake Gillikin and replaced both with rookies. Now, every player was a rookie once that is true. So the two deserve and will have the chance to prove the team's confidence correct. However, reward does not remove the presence of risk.

Jun 13, 2023; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen gives instructions to cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during minicamp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans also moved on from veteran slot cornerback Bradley Roby in favor of further investing in young star corner Alontae Taylor. Taylor does not have much experience in the slot, but has the confidence, traits and tenacity that project well in the position. This could be an upgrade once Taylor gets comfortable, the hope is that he settles in sooner rather than later. 

Further additions on both sides of the ball should have major impacts. Reuniting Carr with tight end Foster Moreau, the next steps in the development of young wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the addition of last year's rushing touchdowns leader in running back Jamaal Williams, all point to giving their new signal caller one of the strongest units he has ever had.

Meanwhile the defense, which finished as a top-5 overall unit last year, should undoubtedly be the best unit that Carr has relied on when off the field. With the addition of defensive veteran linemen Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd combining with newcomer rookies Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey, the trenches should be in good hands on that side of the ball despite preceding departures.

Aug 11, 2023; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen looks on during training camp at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans looks to have everything that it needs to end their two-year postseason drought. If they do so here in 2023, as many expect they will, it would be on an unprecedented timeline.

The overwhelming feeling of optimism is matched only by a foreboding concern that things will not work out. A return to the postseason just three years after the departure of a future Hall of Fame quarterback and two years following the loss of a Hall of Fame-caliber coach would be remarkable. And while some look at that outcome as a potential longshot, the expectations here in New Orleans are that the return is nothing less than a sure thing. 

It is on the new-and-improved unit to be out of its own way, eliminate the plaguing self-inflicted wounds of yesteryear and be the team they want to be: a contender. Anything less will be met with disappointment and, even if unwarranted, demand for larger shake ups the following season.