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The Saints should have a good year and be in the hunt for a wild card spot.
They fell apart last season after the injuries to Brooks and Deuce, and the wearing down of the DTs.
The Saints line should be better than last year. Turley was a great right tackle, but mediocre at best on the left side. He was never a strong run blocker and consistently missed blocks against the better defensive ends. LeCharles Bentley should make the pro-bowl this season. Fontenot is a bit of a question. He was solid at the beginning of the season, but wore down as the season progressed.
The defense should be better (can it be worse) especially if Sullivan is able to contribute some. Norman Hand and Grady Jackson were so out of shape that by the end of the season they were useless. They were outplayed by never-beens Martin Chase and Kenny Smith. Sammy Knight played poorly last season, and age may have taken enough of his physical skills that his savvy play can no longer overcome his lack of speed. The corners last season, who were consistenly maligned by the press, were almost never healthy. Fred Thomas, a good cover corner against smaller receivers (i.e. Marvin Harrison) spent half a season with a cast on his arm, while Dale Carter was suspended before breaking his arm.
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