The New Orleans Saints are entering a brand new era. Dennis Allen is entering his first season as head coach with a solid team that could get better. The improvements of Jameis Winston could make him a solid quarterback for star wide receiver Michael Thomas, though both players have injuries to recover from first.

Allen told Rich Eisen on his show that Winston and Thomas are both making good progress on their rehabs.

Winston's first season as the Saints' starter lasted just seven games because of an ACL tear. He had one of his best seasons before going down with injury and Allen's hope is that he will be the team's starter in Week 1. New Orleans failed to find a reliable quarterback down the stretch of the season.

Thomas missed all of last season after undergoing a second ankle surgery but is now looking to get back to work with the Saints. He will be teaming up with Chris Olave, a fellow Ohio State standout wide receiver who New Orleans drafted with the 11th overall pick.

The Saints adding Tyrann Mathieu will make a good defense even better and Winston should have another productive season with his improved wide receiving core. They came just one game short of the 2022 postseason but should be able to with their improved offense, though they may not have Alvin Kamara for the beginning of the season.

With Allen taking over for Sean Payton, the Saints will begin the new era in the hopes that they can get back to the postseason.