Can the Saints Football Team Overcome Their Biggest Weaknesses This Season?

As I sit down to analyze the New Orleans Saints' upcoming season, I can't help but draw parallels between their situation and what I witnessed during Miguel Tabuena's golf practice session last month. The precision required in professional sports never ceases to amaze me - whether it's a golfer perfecting his swing or a football team refining their strategies. Tabuena's coach Altea mentioned something that stuck with me: "He just wants the curvature of his shots to be where they should be." That statement resonates deeply when considering whether the Saints football team can overcome their biggest weaknesses this season. It's all about getting that perfect curvature - that ideal execution - when it matters most.

Looking back at the Saints' recent performances, there are clear patterns that need addressing. Last season, they finished with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs despite having what many analysts considered top-15 talent across the roster. The team's passing defense ranked 22nd in the league, allowing an average of 245 yards per game through the air. Their red zone efficiency was particularly concerning, converting only 52% of opportunities into touchdowns. These numbers tell a story of a team that's close but not quite there - much like Tabuena during his practice session, where he spent hours at the range after nine holes, constantly refining his technique with coach Quillanan observing intently.

The quarterback situation remains the elephant in the room, if we're being honest. Derek Carr's performance last season was... inconsistent, to put it mildly. He completed 67% of his passes but threw 14 interceptions against only 25 touchdowns. Watching him sometimes reminds me of Tabuena working on his putting - there's clear talent there, but the execution doesn't always match the preparation. I've seen enough Saints games to know that when Carr gets into rhythm, he's as good as any quarterback in the league. The problem is maintaining that rhythm throughout four quarters, especially against divisional opponents who know his tendencies inside out.

Defensively, the Saints have what I'd call a "bend but don't break" mentality that sometimes breaks at the worst possible moments. Their third-down conversion rate allowed was 42%, which places them in the bottom third of the league. The secondary, while talented on paper, has shown vulnerability to double moves and play-action passes. Remember that Thursday night game against Jacksonville? They gave up three touchdowns of 40+ yards in the second half alone. It's the kind of mental lapse that can derail an entire season, and it's exactly what the coaching staff needs to address during training camp.

Special teams is another area where I've noticed significant room for improvement. Blake Grupe's field goal percentage of 82% ranked 24th among qualified kickers last season. In a division as competitive as the NFC South, every point matters - just ask fans who remember the heartbreaking 13-10 loss to Atlanta where two missed field goals cost them the game. The punt coverage unit wasn't much better, allowing 12.3 yards per return. These might seem like small things, but in close games, they become enormous.

What gives me hope, though, is the organizational commitment I'm seeing this offseason. The Saints have invested approximately $28 million in free agency acquisitions, focusing specifically on defensive depth and offensive line improvements. They drafted two cornerbacks in the first three rounds, showing they recognize the secondary issues. The coaching staff has implemented new analytics-driven approaches to play calling, particularly in third-down situations. It reminds me of how Tabuena and his team approach practice - methodical, focused, and constantly seeking marginal gains.

The NFC South landscape has shifted considerably this offseason. Atlanta improved their defense through free agency, Tampa Bay retained most of their core players, and Carolina... well, they're rebuilding. But realistically, the Saints have the most complete roster in the division on paper. The question is whether they can translate that potential into consistent performance. From what I've observed in preseason workouts, the energy feels different this year. Players are buying into Dennis Allen's system, and there's a sense of urgency that was missing during last season's disappointing finish.

Personally, I believe the Saints' success this season hinges on three key factors: offensive line health, defensive communication, and situational awareness. The offensive line allowed 40 sacks last season, which isn't terrible but certainly isn't elite. With Terron Armstead now in Miami, the left tackle position becomes crucial. Defensively, I've noticed too many coverage breakdowns in critical moments - the kind that cost games. And situational awareness... let's just say I've lost count of how many times I've seen questionable clock management in the two-minute drill.

As we approach the season opener, I'm cautiously optimistic about the Saints' chances. They have the talent to win 10-11 games if everything clicks, but they could just as easily stumble to 7-10 if the same old issues persist. The organization seems to have adopted Tabuena's mindset - focusing on getting that perfect curvature, that ideal execution. Altea's comment about wanting "the curvature of his shots to be where they should be" applies perfectly to football too. For the Saints, it's about making the right reads, the proper throws, the crucial tackles - all the elements that separate good teams from great ones.

Ultimately, overcoming their biggest weaknesses comes down to consistency and mental toughness. The Saints have shown flashes of brilliance, like their dominant 38-3 victory over New England last October. But they've also had head-scratching losses, like the 20-10 defeat against Houston where they committed three turnovers. If they can find the level of focus that Tabuena demonstrates during his practice sessions - where every detail matters and nothing is left to chance - then yes, they can absolutely overcome their weaknesses. But that's a big "if" in a league where parity reigns supreme. My prediction? They'll finish 10-7, good enough for a wild card spot but not quite division champions. The curvature won't be perfect, but it'll be enough to keep them in the hunt.