Coming off an 11-5 season in 2013, the New Orleans Saints hope to continue the same success in 2014. All 5 losses in 2013 came on the road, but the Saints made up for it with a road win in the first round of the playoffs.
KEY ADDITIONS: WR Brandin Cooks (first round, Oregon State), S Jairus Byrd (from Bills), CB Champ Bailey (from Broncos), FB Erik Lorig (from Buccaneers), C Jonathan Goodwin (from 49ers)
KEY DEPARTURES: RB Darren Sproles (to Eagles), FB Jed Collins (to Lions), WR Lance Moore (to Steelers), C Brian De La Puente (to Bears), DE Will Smith (costless agent), CB Jabari Greer (costless agent), S Malcolm Jenkins (to Eagles), S Roman Harper (to Panthers)
A few keys in the offseason are the additions of Brandin Cooks and Jairus Byrd, as well as the departure of RB Darren Sproles. Cooks will hopefully add some receiver help for New Orleans who, other than Graham, haven't had a real consistent threat alongside Colston. The departure of Sproles really hurts the Saints. Sproles gave the Saints a nice back to mix things up in drives, and specifically, third downs.
The pressure will rely on Drew Brees, who has to carry this team in a dangerous division. The NFC South has seen major growth. The 2013 NFC South winners Carolina Panthers will be quite strong behind their tough defense. The Atlanta Falcons, who won only 4 games in 2013, will likely make a run for the division with key players like Julio Jones healthy. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also made some key moves by adding QB Josh McCown, and drafting Mike Evans.
The Saints are not by any means out of the question of making it to the Super Bowl in 2014. The defense should get better behind Rob Ryan, and the offense is loaded with talent. Road games will have to be an area of focus if New Orleans wants to see a home playoff game.