Saints have been really impressive, but don't crown them yet

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The New Orleans Saints appear to be one of the elite teams in the NFL -- at least right now.

Everyone has known about the Saints' high-powered offense for years with Drew Brees at the helm, but now they have a good defense -- yes, I said good -- with new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams calling the shots. This attacking and ball-hawking defense is especially good when they can pin their ears back and rush the passer since the Saints offense has been building big leads.

That's a great recipe for success, too.

If you were still questioning how good the Saints really were, bet you're believing now since they kicked the heck out of the New York Giants, 48-27, and it wasn't even that close.

The Giants were torched by Brees (369 yards, 4 TDs) and the defense limited Eli Manning to only 14-of-31 passing for 178 yards with one TD and one INT. Plus that vaunted Giants running game was kept in check. Brandon Jacobs had 33 yards and Ahmad Bradshaw had 48.

So that should show you right there that the Saints are legit contenders in the NFC.

Don't go crowning them yet, but they are a complete team on offense (Brees, running backs Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Reggie Bush, and WRs Marquis Colston, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem, and TE Jeremy Shockey, etc.), defense (Darren Sharper, Roman Harper, Tracy Porter, Jonathan Vilma and Jabari Greer) and special teams (kicker John Carney, punter Thomas Morstead, punt returner Reggie Bush and kick returner Courtney Roby).

Head coach Sean Payton has a very good team, but it's way too early to say they're destine for the Super Bowl.

But if they stay healthy, who knows what this team can do? No doubt they're talented enough to make the playoffs and unlike years past, the defense is holding up their end of the bargain and is no longer a crutch.

In any case, the Saints have been impressive and extremely fun to watch.