FROM THE CHEAP SEATS: Keys to Saintly success

Saints previews used to read more like obituaries because seasons would be dead before they even started.

But last summer they resembled birth announcements, as the region anxiously welcomed a new coach, new players and a newfound commitment to excellence.

In the ensuing months, New Orleans went on to assemble an 11-7 record and advanced to the NFC Championship Game for the first time in league history. As a result, the fleur de lis became a ubiquitous emblem that symbolized triumph, moxie and inspiration to the highest degree.

The 2007 campaign will determine whether it will also symbolize &#8220Super Bowl.”

Along the way, however, the Saints will need to tackle certain priorities before fans can begin booking those February flights to Phoenix, Ariz.

Turn Deuce loose

Reggie Bush might be a flashy Ferrari, but Deuce McAllister is the Dodge Ram the franchise depends upon to grind out the tough yards.

And it’s these yards that wear down defensive lines, free up passing lanes and, ultimately, win football games.

Even though he might be past his prime, McAllister proved he still had some gas in the competitive tank when he motored to 143 yards on 21 carries in last year’s playoff win against Philadelphia.

Bush is a game-breaker, but the Saints will suffer without the legs of McAllister. Barring a knee injury, they should try to ride #26 for at least one more season.

Make secondary primary concern

New Orleans’ second line of defense was a noticeable weakness in 2006.

Mike McKenzie is a capable cornerback with decent speed, but Fred Thomas was torched by the deep pass on numerous occasions.

The franchise has already taken steps to shore up its secondary by adding free-agents Jason David (cornerback) and Kevin Kaesviharn (safety). Draft picks Usama Young and David Jones should also compete for starting jobs.

Throw a rehabbed Roman Harper (strong safety) into the mix, and you have a young unit that is brimming with potential.

Nonetheless, it’s one that will struggle unless it develops consistency.

Eric the Great

When the Saints signed Eric Johnson during the offseason, the team got a good catch – literally.

The 6-3, 250-pound tight end proved his receiving ability in 2004 when he snagged 82 passes for 825 yards and two touchdowns with the 49ers.

That was with Tim Rattay calling the snaps. Imagine what he could do alongside Drew Brees (a signal caller who ran an offense that relied on tight end Antonio Gates in San Diego).

Johnson is a perfect fit in Sean Payton’s West Coast offense and needs to be incorporated regularly. He’ll make an attractive target for Brees when too much attention is being directed toward wideouts Marques Colston and Devery Henderson.

Injury-bug repellent

Our mothers don’t run the NFL.

Therefore, don’t expect to see the day when we’ll be able to completely prevent on-field injuries. It’s a violent game, and athletes will always get hurt.

Saints brass, on the other hand, can keep a vigilant watch on the off-field activities of its players. Any sort of dangerous activity such as jet-skiing, sky-diving and motorcycle riding (see Roethlisberger, Ben) should be strongly discouraged.

Entire seasons can be wiped out by the reckless behavior of a few.

Individual liberties matter, but Super Bowls matter more.

Believe the hypeŠconservatively

A slew of sports magazines are touting the Saints as a favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

An organization’s rise from powder-puff to powerhouse in the span of a year can elicit some elevated prognostications.

But in today’s NFL, teams can fall just as quickly as they rise.

Confidence is a good thing, but New Orleans can’t afford to look past the &#8220gimme” games on their schedule (Arizona, Houston, Tampa Bay).

Otherwise, its playoff hopes will crumble like a house of cards.

Should the reborn Saints address these areas, they might actually mature into a team that can finally bring the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Big Easy.

Yet if nothing else, credit the franchise for finally providing the region with a newfound feeling of excitement and anticipation.

And most importantly, a feeling of hope.

Chris Scarnati can be reached at (985) 876-3008 ext. 17 or chris@tri-parishtimes.com.

Reggie Bush (center) and the Saints are hoping the good times will continue all the way to Super Bowl XLII. (Photo courtesy of NEW ORLEANS SAINTS)