The New Orleans Saints are at a crossroads. After a tumultuous 2024 season, it’s time for a fresh start and a new approach. This article explores a three-part strategy that could propel the Saints back to glory. A recipe for success if you will.
Part One: Hire Joe Brady as Head Coach
Joe Brady, the former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator and current Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator has proven himself as one of the brightest young minds in football. His innovative offensive schemes and ability to develop quarterbacks make him an ideal candidate to lead the Saints.
Proven Offensive Success with the Buffalo Bills
Under Joe Brady's leadership in the 2024 season, the Buffalo Bills' offense has demonstrated remarkable performance. The balanced attack of the Buffalo Bills this season is very reminiscent of a style similar to Sean Payton's 2011 offense. The team has been among the league leaders in several key offensive categories:
Points Per Game (PPG): The Bills have consistently scored at a high rate, averaging 31.0 points per game in the playoffs, ranking second among playoff teams.
Total Yards Per Game: The offense has been prolific, accumulating 464.0 total yards per game in the playoffs, placing them second in this category as well.
Passing and Rushing Balance: The Bills have maintained a balanced attack, with 272.0 passing yards per game and 210.0 rushing yards per game in the playoffs, showcasing Brady's ability to orchestrate a versatile offense.
This level of offensive production indicates Brady's effectiveness in game planning and play-calling, qualities that could greatly benefit the Saints.
2. Familiarity with the New Orleans Saints Organization
Joe Brady's coaching career includes a tenure with the New Orleans Saints as an offensive assistant from 2017 to 2018. During this period, he gained valuable experience within the organization. His prior association with the team means he is already acquainted with the organizational culture and operational dynamics, which could facilitate a smoother transition and immediate impact if he were to rejoin the Saints in a more prominent role. Brady also could be someone to come in and change the culture in the building for the better and get things back on track.
3. Track Record of Developing Quarterbacks
Brady has a notable history of working effectively with quarterbacks, enhancing their performance and maximizing their potential. His collaboration with Josh Allen in Buffalo has been particularly fruitful, with Allen delivering MVP-caliber performances under Brady's guidance. Additionally, Brady's work with Joe Burrow during his time at LSU was instrumental in Burrow's development into a top NFL prospect. This expertise in quarterback development would be invaluable to the Saints, especially if they are looking to groom a young quarterback or elevate the play of their current signal-caller.
Joe Brady's proven offensive acumen, familiarity with the Saints organization, and successful track record in quarterback development make him a compelling candidate for the New Orleans Saints' Head Coaching job. At 35 years old, Brady would bring a youthful energy that can resonate with a young roster. His ability to connect with players and understand modern offensive trends can inject new life into the team.
Part Two: Cut/Trade Derek Carr, Sign Justin Fields
The 2024 Saints season with Derek Carr had its highs and lows. The highs were high the first two weeks of the season. The rest of the season we seen some lows from a Quarterback who has been in the league for over 11 years now. Carr is what he is, no more development can happen at this point.
A move like signing Justin Fields could prove to be a very worthy one. Signing Justin Fields could be a strategic move for teams, like the Saints, seeking a dynamic and versatile quarterback.
In the 2024 NFL season, Fields played 10 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 106 of 161 passes (65.8% completion rate) for 1,106 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt. He threw 5 touchdowns against just 1 interception, resulting in a passer rating of 93.3. Additionally, Fields showcased his mobility by rushing for 289 yards and 5 touchdowns on 62 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Fields still just 26 years old, would be very cost efficient, which with the Saints cap issues, could be a smart move. Cutting Carr would give the Saints a large cap hit, but would signal the franchise is finally ready to right their wrongdoings.
Part Three: Draft Best Player Available
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Saints should focus on selecting the best player available to bolster their roster. Three potential targets stand out: Ashton Jeanty, Abdul Carter, and Tetairoa McMillan.
Ashton Jeanty
1. Exceptional Collegiate Performance
In the 2024 season at Boise State, Jeanty delivered outstanding statistics:
Rushing Yards: Accumulated 2,601 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
Touchdowns: Scored 29 rushing touchdowns.
All-Purpose Yards: Demonstrated versatility with significant contributions in both rushing and receiving.
These achievements highlight Jeanty's explosive playmaking ability and consistency, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offense.
Addressing Depth Concerns in the Saints' Backfield
The Saints' running back depth chart has faced challenges since Mark Ingram left town for the first time years ago. Integrating a dynamic player like Jeanty could provide immediate depth and a potential future starter, ensuring stability and continuity in the running game.
Versatility and Offensive Enhancement
Jeanty's skill set extends beyond traditional rushing duties:
Receiving Ability: His proficiency in the passing game adds a dual-threat component, aligning with the Saints' offensive schemes that value versatile backs.
Big-Play Potential: Known for breaking tackles and executing long runs, Jeanty can energize the offense and create scoring opportunities.
Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter, a standout defensive end for the Penn State Nittany Lions, delivered an impressive performance during the 2024 college football season. Here are his key statistics:
Tackles:
Total: 68
Solo: 43
Assisted: 25
Tackles for Loss (TFL): 24
Sacks: 12.0
Forced Fumbles: 2
Pass Breakups: 4
Carter's exceptional play earned him several accolades:
Unanimous All-American (2024)
Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year (2024)
These achievements highlight Carter's significant impact on the field and his readiness for the professional level.
Tetairoa McMillan
Tetairoa McMillan, a standout wide receiver for the Arizona Wildcats, had an impressive 2024 season. Here are his key statistics:
Receptions: 84
Receiving Yards: 1,319
Average Yards per Reception: 15.7
Touchdowns: 8
Yards per Game: 109.9
Career Receiving Yards: 3,423 (school record)
Career Receptions: 213
Career Touchdowns: 26
McMillan's outstanding performance earned him First-Team All-Big 12 honors and a finalist spot for the Biletnikoff Award.
Conclusion
If the Saints follow this recipe for success to a tee, then we could see a quick turnaround and see the team winning the NFC South and playing in the playoffs once again. What will the Saints actually do? We will find out in these next few weeks and even next few months!
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