On last Wednesday's edition of the Around The League Podcast, we discussed the possibility that the Seahawks and 49ersmight be losing ground to the Packers and Saints in the NFC power rankings.
Drew Brees is on board with that notion after the Saints spent the offseason improving their roster on both sides of the ball.
"We have as good a chance as anybody," Brees recently told Tom Pelissero of USA Today.
"We still have a lot of work to do. But I know this: We are an extremely well-coached football team. We've got one of the best head coaches in the league, Sean Payton. ... Why not the New Orleans Saints? Tell me why we can't win the championship."
We never believed the Saints were a legitimate contender last season.
The offense was too reliant on Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles, as wide receivers accounted for a mere 37 percent of Brees' passing yards. The defense was improved, but still not on par with Seattle and San Francisco.
New Orleans has since added potential difference-makers on both sides of the ball in Pro Bowl safety Jairus Byrd and playmakingrookie wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
That's not the only change. The Saints boast several young players ready to "Make the Leap," including running backKhiry Robinson, wide receiver Kenny Stills, safety Kenny Vaccaro and defensive end Akiem Hicks.
NFL Media's Albert Breer has also noted the coaching staff's high expectations for receiver Nick Toon and physical rookie cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste.
Brees is correct. This roster is Super Bowl-ready.
In the latest episode of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys discuss Rob Gronkowski's expected return to action and Cordarrelle Patterson's potential rise this season.