So far, this has been a decent season for the New Orleans Saints. They have a 3-2 record after Week 5, and they’re coming off a 34-0 destruction of the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Their offense isn’t a juggernaut — new starting quarterback Derek Carr’s numbers have been somewhat lackluster, and they rank just 24th in passing yards and 27th in passing touchdowns. However, their defense, which is fourth in points and total yards given up, has been holding opponents down.
The Saints aren’t in first place in the NFC South, and they’ve had an easy schedule so far. If they want to get serious about returning to the playoffs for the first time since Drew Brees’ retirement following the 2020 season, perhaps they should double down on defense.
Over in the AFC West, the Denver Broncos are suffering through another miserable season, and they could look to sell off at least one of their key players by the trade deadline. Perhaps pass rusher Frank Clark could be one of those players who they put on the market.
If so, David Latham of Last Word on Sports feels New Orleans would be a good destination for him.
“The NFC South has been far more competitive than anyone believed at the start of the season, so the Saints will probably need to add another piece or two if they want to lock down a postseason berth,” wrote Latham. “Derek Carr is starting to feel comfortable in his new home, Michael Thomas is staying healthy, and this team could make a decent playoff push if all these pieces continue to improve as the season progresses.”
Clark spent the previous four years with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he made the Pro Bowl three times and took home two Super Bowl championship rings. That type of experience would be invaluable for a Saints team that is looking to get to the next level.
At age 30, he is a definite veteran, but he should still have at least a couple of good years left in the tank if he avoids any major injuries.
If New Orleans’ defense continues to hold up, the hope is that wide receivers Chris Olave and Michael Thomas step up their production. They only have 318 and 284 receiving yards, respectively, and a total of one touchdown through five games this season.
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