Will The 2014 Saints Be Better Than The ’09 Super Bowl Team? [Video]

The Sean Payton/ Drew Brees era has been epic. The excitement's not over by a long shot! After being cut at the knees by a "Bounty" scandal in 2012, the Black & Gold bounced back in 2013 to an 11-5 season and a playoff win. The defense went from being the worst in NFL history to a #4 overall ranking. They were, however, dead last in takeaways. That won't fly with a pedal to the metal coach like Sean Payton.

Several key moves have been made this off season to turn that around. They signed ball hawking free safety Jairus Byrd, and future hall of fame cornerback Champ Bailey in free agency.  They drafted all big 10 cornerback Stanley Jean Baptiste (Nebraska), linebacker Khairi Fortt (semifinalist for the Butkus award) and strong safety Vinnie Sunseri (from the national Champion Alabama Crimson Tide).

This infusion of youth & physicality, balanced with the veteran leadership of Bailey will make the Who 'Dat "D" even more formidable.

What about the offense? Let's start with Biletnikoff award winning wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Second year receiver Kenny Stills has breakaway speed. Stills caught 32 passes last year & looks poised for a breakout season. There's plenty of depth at running back...And Some guy named Brees.

Will this team be better than the squad that won Super Bowl XLIV? Time will tell. I'm pretty optimistic.