I’ll admit it early on, I might have been a little harsh on the Saints this year. But even with all the good, I just think the ride of mediocrity is finally over and this is the year the ship sinks.

Even with a strong finish to the 2023 season, Derek Carr proved he’s the same quarterback in New Orleans that he was in Oakland/Las Vegas. He can move the ball between the twenties, but he just can’t make the plays that win football games. Klint Kubiak is a good coach and has been successful wherever he goes. There’s a chance that after a few games with Carr, he decides he’d rather ride with Spencer Rattler and develop him for future seasons.

Overall this team is aging. The salary cap is a mess, and even though the front office has worked magic to keep paying the players eventually the bill is going to come due. There are some great young pieces on this team, and they could do a soft rebuild over a couple of seasons and get right back on top of the division.

The offensive line has holes, and Kamara regressed last season. Without some help, the running game is not going to be there to help support Carr. The defense has been stout for years, but age and injuries are going to start taking effect. Last year teams were able to run on this defense and they weren’t able to put much pressure on the opposing quarterback. Forcing turnovers was their saving grace, but how long can they keep that up if the front seven starts breaking down.

Beyond all that, the biggest thing dragging down the Saints is Dennis Allen. He’s a good defensive coordinator, but he struggles in the head coach role. The schedule is brutal, and a slow start could see an early exit for the coach.

2024 Prediction: 5-12 3rd NFC South