The New Orleans Saints had a successful regular season finishing with a 13-3 record but they were upset in the Wild Card round by the Minnesota Vikings.

Even with all the wins, the season has to feel like a failure because they had dreams of winning another Super Bowl. Looking back on the season, there are some key takeaways for the Saints.

4. The Saints defense isn't a weakness anymore

For many years, it was the Saints offense making up for their defensive issues, but that wasn't always the case this season. The defense gave up 21.3 points per game, which was in the top half in the league. Their biggest strength was giving up 91.3 yards per game on the ground, which was 4th in the NFL.

This is something they need to build on next season, especially as Brees gets older.

3. Alvin Kamara needs to be a focal point of the offense

Kamara dealt with injuries this season but even when he was back, the team didn't give him enough touches. He still finished the season catching 81 passes and rushing for 797 yards, but that wasn't enough.

Next season, the Saints need to make sure Kamara is the main running back by force-feeding him the ball. If they do that, the offense is going to have even more success.

2. The Saints need to have a plan in place for when Drew Brees is done

Drew Brees is still a good quarterback, but he can't play forever. When next season starts he will be 41 years old, and at times, he has shown some signs of that age.

The team doesn't need to announce it publicly, but they need to make sure they have a plan in place because the end could be coming soon for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

1. Michael Thomas could be the best wide receiver ever

Michael Thomas is still young, and this is a bold claim, but he could finish his career as the greatest wide receiver ever.

Thomas finished the season catching 149 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. It didn't matter who was throwing the ball to him, he had a lot of success. If he can continue this success going forward, he is going to go down as one of the greatest wideouts in NFL history.

Reaching the level of Jerry Rice is going to be tough, but as long as he stays healthy, it wouldn't be shocking to see him break a lot of NFL records.