Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: New Orleans Saints
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions play their sixth nationally televised game of the 2015 season in a week 15 road game against the New Orleans Saints.
To check up on the New Orleans Saints as they prepare to report to training camp, I got together with Andrew Schuster, editor at Who Dat Dish.
Here are my questions followed by Andrew’s responses.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"I’d say the New Orleans Saints had a pretty good offseason. While, of course, the less knowledgeable are quick to say the team is doomed after trading away Jimmy Graham, I’m here to say things may actually be better without the All-Pro tight end. Parting ways with Graham means it’s time for the offense to once again be unpredictable, which is an ideal situation for Drew Brees’ continued success. Acquiring C.J. Spiller could definitely add a Reggie Bush/Darren Sproles type spark, if he can stay healthy. While the addition of Brandon Browner could potentially give the Saints one of the most threatening cornerback tandems in the NFL. As for the draft, the team addressed most of their needs. Many believe Brees has nobody to throw to after the Saints failed to address the WR position. However, Brees has the ability to make everybody around him better, and history shows this (Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Pierre Thomas, Devery Henderson). The Saints have a handful of young receivers ready to make an emergence, and Sean Payton and company are very comfortable going forward. Between rookies and those veteran free agent signings, I give the Saints’ offseason a B+."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"Stephone Anthony. He’s got the size, speed, power and intelligence to be a force in the middle of that defense for the long haul. He’ll be calling the plays soon. He looked solid at OTAs and minicamp, and now we’re ready to see what kind of play-making abilities he brings to the table at training camp. Hau’oli Kikaha comes in a close second. With Junior Galette now out of the picture (needed to happen), Kikaha could be thrown into a major role sooner rather than later."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"Leadership on the defensive side of the ball, hands down. It was nonexistent a season ago, and quite embarrassing at times. Junior Galette was a captain, so I rest my case. Hopefully cleaning up the locker room gets the team back on a steady beat. The talent was there, the chemistry was not."
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"With added protection for Brees, a strong draft, some key free agent acquisitions, and the addition of Dennis Allen (Saints secondary coach for Super Bowl team) in a senior defensive assistant position, I expect New Orleans to bounce back after an uncharacteristic year in 2014. While the NFC South remains up for grabs, I believe the Saints have the best shot at getting back on top and making the playoffs."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"A toss-up for now, leaning towards a win. With the Saints getting back on track, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome should be one of the toughest houses in the NFL once again, especially primetime on a Monday night. It should be a great matchup between two improved teams. I’m looking forward to being there, as well as covering it."
For more on the Saints, check out Who Dat Dish.
Next: Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Rams