New Orleans Saints Tickets

Head Coach: Sean Payton (Regular-season 05 record: 3-13) Offensive Coordinator: Mike Sheppard Defensive Coordinator: Rick Venturi

The Saints finally have a sense of normalcy. They are back in New Orleans, have a new head coach and a franchise QB. All of the excuses are gone. If QB Drew Brees, RB Deuce McAllister and WR Joe Horn return to Pro Bowl form after injuries in '05, and Reggie Bush lives up to expectations, then the Saints can compete in the tough NFC South. Growing pains with new head coach Sean Payton are to be expected, but enough talent is in place to compete.

2006 Team Draft Notes: With the Texans picking North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams for there Number one pick in the first round 2006 NFL Draft, the Saints were able to get USC running back Reggie Bush with the Nunber two choice overall. In the second round, the Saints traded down to Number. 43, where they selected Alabama free safety Roman Harper. The team looked for a good deal of depth on the second day with six picks. They came from all positions, including OT Jahri Evans in the fourth round and DE Rob Ninkovich in the fifth.

By drafting Reggie Bush with the No. 2 pick, the Saints have an abundance of riches in the backfield. Bush is a rare talent with a tremendous burst of speed, superb balance and an amazing ability to cut and change direction. He is expected to make an immediate impact even though former Pro Bowl RB Deuce McAllister will likely retain his starter's job. McAllister missed the final 11 games last season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. When healthy, McAllister is among the most talented running backs in the league. He is a banger inside with speed to get around the corner. He is not afraid to run at defenders head on. Despite McAllister's ability to handle a heavy workload, the Saints have three change-of-pace backs that are likely to take away some carries from McAllister.

New Orleans Saints 2006 Schedule