Niner Noise
FanSided

The top question facing each NFL team entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 31: Vonn Bell #48 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a stop against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 31, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – AUGUST 31: Vonn Bell #48 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a stop against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 31, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Saints

Can the Saints defense turn a page in 2017?

There aren’t any major question marks about the New Orleans Saints offense heading into this season. As long as quarterback Drew Brees is operating things, the Saints will remain one of the more prolific offensive groups in the league.

But the case for New Orleans in recent years has been its defense. Or, shall we say, the lack thereof.

Remember, the Saints finished 2016 with the NFL’s 31st-ranked scoring defense. It was bad.

Granted, some NFL Draft moves could help. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore looked good in the preseason, but remember what we said about rookie defensive backs.

Lattimore’s presence alone won’t be enough, and that puts even more pressure on a Saints defense looking to keep the team relevant in a tough NFC South.