Last season Saints starting quarterback Jameis Winston was lost for the season with a torn ACL suffered in a game against the Buccaneers. It was his first game against the team that drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2015 NFL draft.
Things ended on a sour note in Tampa with Winston tossing 33 TDs but also adding 30 interceptions in his final season. The Saints presented a fresh start, and under then-coach Sean Payton and QB Drew Brees, Winston sat a year and learned, coming out like gangbusters last season prior to his injury.
Saints re-signing QB Jameis Winston to 2-year, $28 million deal. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/pUxN9BkKuN
— NFL (@NFL) March 21, 2022
NFL analyst Bart Scott sees Winston going to an even higher level this season. He spoke about it on ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday.
“But I tell you the team I am really sold on this year is the New Orleans Saints. I tell you what, the New Orleans Saints are 4-1 against Tom Terrific with Trevor Siemian and Taysom Hill. Jameis Winston has an array of weapons, Super Bowl-caliber defense, you talk about, just the ability to be multiple offensively and shut you down on defense. It is a physical defense.”
Scott continued:
“I think people are going to understand the greatness of Jameis Winston. … Environment matters, and he’s in a perfect environment for him to thrive.”
Winston Was 5-2 Last Season Before Injury
Prior to his season-ending knee injury, Winston was 5-2 as starter. He passed for over 1,100 yards, 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions before the setback. His ball protection was a marked improvement from his tenure in Tampa, where he consistently had high turnover numbers due in large part to the nature of the Bucs offense, which was designed to force the ball downfield with high risk. With the Saints it’s more of the short passing game to set up the home run shots. The team finished 9-8, losing six of their last 10 games despite a top-five defense. The QB play was abysmal at times without Winston under center, and it showed.
Now he’s got a clean slate, and, if healthy, the Saints are real contenders.
Tom Brady holds a 29-10 record since he became the starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. That includes a Super Bowl win, one division title and other numerous accolades. But one thing he and the Bucs haven’t done much of is beat the division rival New Orleans Saints.
In fact, they’re 1-4 against their division foe, with their only win coming in the divisional playoff game in 2021. The game also happened to be the final game of NFL all-time passing leader Drew Brees’ remarkable career. The Saints have manhandled the Bucs, including a 38-3 victory and 9-0 win at Raymond James Stadium.
Saints Have Some Pieces, But Alvin Kamala’s Legal Situation Is Huge For Them
The Saints have some guys on offense in do-it-all scatback Alvin Kamara and former All-Pro wideout Michael Thomas, who returns after missing last season following ankle surgery. GM Mickey Loomis landed talented pass-catcher Jarvis Landry. The team also drafted Ohio State wideout Chris Olave in the first round of April’s draft.
But the explosiveness of the offense hinges solely on the availability of Kamara, who’s awaiting word on a possible suspension from the league after being caught on video beating a man unconscious with help from his friends.
If he’s cleared, and with the defense being loaded, the Saints definitely can make it to Glendale for Super Bowl LVII.
