Many analysts have trashed the New Orleans Saints this entire offseason, regarding them as one of the bottom feeders of the league. In reality, it isn’t quite the long shot that people are making it seem. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees certainly doesn't seem to think it is.
Brees believes that the squad is prepared to shock some people around the league. “I think we’re poised and ready to make a statement in the NFC South this year.”
The NFC South was once known as a division full of parity, inserting three different playoff squads into the 2017 NFL playoffs. That hasn’t the case over the last 3 seasons, as the division has been up for grabs.
The NFC South lacks a top contender
All signs would indicate that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are head and shoulders above their division foes after being crowned champions the past four seasons. Brees thinks differently.
There’s no dominant team in the NFC South, and yes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won the division the last couple years in a row. I think the Saints are in position to surprise some people.”
Some will debate Brees' stance that the Saints can make a push, but it's hard to argue against there being no clear top team in division. It's hard to find a team that is viewed favorably among the quartet.
The NFC South ranks as one of the bottom feeding divisions, due to its lack of superstar talent. Although there are very good players in this division, the majority of the players are not viewed as high caliber stars. Outside of Mike Evans and Bijan Robinson, there is a lack of big names.
In addition to the lack of star power, the division has been mediocre in recent seasons. The division lacks a true contending team. The division winner often sneaks into the playoffs with losing or barely winning records and is frequently eliminated early in the playoffs. The trend will likely continue as the talent gap remains close with all four teams.
While the Saints are viewed as a bottom of the barrel team my most onlookers, the lack of a true force in the division keeps the door open for anyone to claim the title.