If the first two preseason games are anything to judge by, the Saints are in trouble. In their first game against Tennessee, Chris Brown averaged over five yards a carry and then the Dallas Cowboys ran all over them. The pass defense has looked equally inept, especially against Dallas when Bledsoe completed 12 of 16 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns. If this defense does not start to pull things together pretty quickly, the Saints are going to be playing catch up in a lot of games this season.

That might make you think Drew Brees could be in for a big year, but he hasn’t looked great so far either. Through two games, he’s completed just 12 of 21 passes (57%) for 127 yards and no touchdowns. On top of that, the tight end position has been a complete afterthought in the passing game. Ernie Conwell has been running with the first team and Zach Hilton has been a complete non-factor. Nate Lawrie and Billy Miller are the only tight ends on the roster who have caught a pass in a game and they’ve got three receptions for 25 yards between the two of them.

Not to pile on or anything, but the offensive line has also had some serious problems. Running lanes haven’t been there and Brees was under pressure quite a bit against the Cowboys – particularly on one play when starting left tackle Jamaal Brown was practically thrown straight back into his quarterback. The second-year tackle’s transition from the right side where he played as a rookie has not been as smooth as the coaching staff would have liked. That’s a real problem considering he’ll be protecting Brees’ blind side.

Reggie Bush still looks like the real deal and McAllister was back in action against Dallas for the first time since his injury. Both backs have potential, but they’re going need a lot more help to live up to it.