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Article:
Year of the Saints by: Corey LeBlanc Well Saints fans the beginning of football season is almost upon us. With the start of training camp, it's time to take a look at the upcoming season. Saints fans have become familiar with the high expectations early and the depressing let downs late into the season. There have been too many seasons, for the comfort of Saints fans, that have ended with the Saints looking from the outside in on the playoffs. Every year we flutter to find an excuse for our all too early elimination from contention. This is something Saints fans have dealt with since the inaugural season back in 1967. Every year we ask ourselves the same questions, 'When will it be our turn to bask in the glory of a title?' or 'What would have happened if a few plays or injuries had went another way?' and sigh to ourselves 'Next year will be our year!'. With all the short comings of this organization you begin to wonder if it will ever happen. Do the Saints really have a chance at a title? The answer to that question would be 'YES!'. I mean why not, every team has a chance right? If you don't think so look back at the Carolina Panthers not even a year ago. Sure they didn't win it all but can you say they didn't have a chance. Well I bet you would have a said they didn't a year ago. Did anyone think the New England Patriots would win it all in 2001-02 against the mighty Rams? Mighty Rams? Did you think you'd hear that before the '99 season? The truth be told, everyone in the NFL has opportunity to make a run. It's up to the players, coaches, and yes fans! So is this finally the year of the Saints? Are there reasons for faith, well lets take a look. Led by 4th year starter Aaron Brooks the Saints' offense has shown flashes of greatness. Brooks has shown poise at a position that needs it most. Aside from a case of the fumbles last year, Brooks showed improvement in his ability to run the offense, as he posted a career best 88.8 quarterback rating and threw for 24 touchdowns to only 8 interceptions despite a injury plagued year that limited both Joe Horn and Donte' Stallworth. With all the negatives put on Brooks you have to take a long look back to a certain Mr. Manning to find a better Saints quarterback. Aaron has posted some of the best passing numbers in Saints history since becoming the starter and ranks in the team's top five in every major passing category, including: Net yards passing ('8
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