2021 New Orleans: Life Ain’t a Brees Anymore

Any talk about the Saints has to start with the retirement of the great Drew Brees. And let’s not forget New Orleans won this division in 2020, beating Tampa Bay twice in the regular season before losing to the Bucs in the playoffs. But, how much difference will it make not having a veteran like Brees whose leadership just exudes confidence throughout a locker room? That’s the big question heading into 2021.

The Saints have turned the quarterback position over to Jameis Winston a former No.1 overall pick. He had an up and down run as “the guy” at Tampa Bay and he now has a chance to revive his career under Coach Sean Payton. He has a lot of tools to work with starting with running backs Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray. Kamara not only rushed for 932 yards he also caught 83 passes for an additional 756 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. They hope to get a healthy Michael Thomas back at receiver and he can get back to his 2019 All-Pro status. The offensive line is the best in the division and should be able to provide ample protection for Winston.

Defensively, upfront they need Cam Jordan and Marcus Davenport to improve on their sack totals from a year ago. Demario Davis is a tackling machine at linebacker and they are hoping rookie Pete Werner can develop. Marvin Lattimore is a lock-down cornerback and safeties C.J. Gardner–Johnson, Malcolm Jenkins, and Marcus Williams are all talented safeties.

Schedule:

Must Wins: Miami, NY Giants, Carolina, Atlanta, at NY Jets,

Toss-Up Games: Buffalo, Dallas, at Carolina, at New England, at Washington, at Philadelphia, at Atlanta

Probable Losses: Tampa Bay, Green Bay, at Seattle, at Tennessee, at Tampa Bay

Summary in Two Sentences: It is impossible to judge New Orleans because of the loss of Drew Brees. There is such a slim margin between winning and losing in the NFL and can Winston win the same games Brees could?

Predicted Finish: 2nd Place in the NFC South