New Orleans Saints Predictions and Offseason To-Do List

The New Orleans Saints are a very talented team. In fact, they are my dark horse pick to win the 2010 Super Bowl, assuming they make a few necessary moves in the next few months.

First of all, they need to start wide receiver Robert Meachem. He is one heck of an athlete who needs a shot. He is better than Lance Moore but just hasn't been able to prove it yet. My prediction is that Meachem will go for more than 1,000 yards and at least nine touchdowns.

Marques Colston will do the usual and amaze everyone, except this year he will lead the league with 1,600 yards and 15 TD. Drew Brees will lead the league in passing yards and get the record he deserved last year, be the only quarterback in the history of the NFL to have back-to-back 5,000-yard seasons, and finally get the long-deserved MVP award.

Pierre Thomas will have a career season and rush for at least 1,000 yards and 10 TD. TE Jeremy Shockey will silence the doubters and have the best season of his career with 950 yards and eight TD. And, last but not least, Reggie Bush will finally live up to what everyone thought he was capable of by rushing for 1,000 yards and receiving for 1,000 yards, not to mention crossing the goal line 12 times.

As far as offseason moves, the Saints need to cut Mike Karney and replace him with Heath Evans. Evans is more versatile and is a faster back. Karney proved last year that he cannot handle the load when, more than once, he could not get the short yardage needed...and it cost them quite a few key first downs and possibly a few close games.

The defense needs to cut Kevin Kaesviharn, Josh Bullocks, Jason David, and Mike McKenzie. Then, they need to act quickly and sign Gerald Sensabaugh, Jabari Greer, and draft Brian Cushing or Rey Maualuga. This would give them a very young and talented defense.

With all these pieces in place, there's no reason to think the Saints won't reach the Super Bowl, or at least finish the regular season 12-4 and earn a playoff spot.