The New Orleans Saints have some challengers for the league’s best offense, but for now, they’re leading the pack. The latest ranking from Chris Wesseling of NFL.com puts New Orleans in the driver’s seat as summer workouts begin to accelerate.
Sure, Wesseling has questions for the Saints:
- Is Drew Brees losing strength in his throwing arm?
- How big of a downgrade from Mark Ingram is Latavius Murray?
- Can Michael Thomas and Jared Cook make up for the rest of the receiving talent?
- Will Erik McCoy be an adequate replacement for Max Unger?
These are all valid concerns, but Wesseling makes sure to surround them with praise. In his mind, Brees might be the favorite to win league MVP after coming up just short a season ago. He’s also eager to see what’s next for versatile reserve Taysom Hill. Given the injury concerns haunting Los Angeles Rams superstar Todd Gurley, he points to Alvin Kamara as the gold standard at the position. Michael Thomas is doing the same at wide receiver, dueling Houston Texans sensation DeAndre Hopkins for top honors. And an offensive line flush with (now-healthy) Pro Bowl talent is even better.
In total, the Saints earn high marks in each position group. Wesseling gives them a B-plus at quarterback, receiver, and offensive line, and an A-minus at running back. It’s tough to argue with those marks.
The teams vying with the Saints for the top spot include the Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and Los Angeles Rams. That’s fine company to be in, barring the dirty birds.
