If an NFL team could fit the description “boom or bust,” suffice to say your 2008 New Orleans Saints were it.

The boom: The Saints led the league in both total yards (410.7) and points (28.9) per game, the first number being the fifth-best by any team in the past 10 seasons (only the 2000 and 2001 Rams, 2004 Chiefs and 2008 Patriots had more). Drew Brees managed 5,069 passing yards, the second-best single-season total in NFL history. As a team, New Orleans won eight times, scoring 30 or more points in six of those.

The bust: The Saints’ defense was a sieve, ranking 23rd in the league with 339.5 total yards allowed per game and 26th with 24.6 points allowed per game. Thus, New Orleans also lost eight times, in five of those surrendering 30 or more points.

Brees’ individual performance was the Saints’ story of the season; in addition to his passing yardage, he set a personal best with 34 passing touchdowns. Most impressively, he did that despite injuries costing four key offensive helpers a combined 18 games (Reggie Bush missed six, Marques Colston five, Jeremy Shockey four and Deuce McAllister three). Given their success, it’s no surprise the Saints made few changes to the overall shape of the offense, allowing just the aging, brittle McAllister and disappointing David Patten go during the offseason.

The team did, however, attempt to address the faulty defense, signing cornerback Jabari Greer and safety Darren Sharper and using three of its four 2009 draft picks on defenders. The Saints also lost cornerback Mike McKenzie to free agency, but the veteran battled knee issues for much of last season and wasn’t especially effective when he was healthy enough to play, making it a probable net gain. Still, with starting defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith facing possible suspensions, New Orleans’ defense can hardly be described as “fixed.”

Via ESPN, written by Tristan Cockcroft – http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k9saintscamppreview

This high-octane offense put on a dazzling show last season, but it only led them to a record of 8-8, thus causing the New Orleans Saints to miss out on the playoffs. The defense let the Saints down for a good chunk of last season and the offense wasn’t able to produce enough points to capture enough wins. Heading into the draft, the Saints front office knew what had to be done as they spent three of their four draft picks on defensive players, focusing on their secondary which was rocked all of last season as they allowed 221.7 Passing Yards Per Game. If the defense can get things under control, this Saints team can make a lot of noise next season, especially if Drew Brees can keep the offense flying high.

Without Deuce McCallister on the roster, the Saints will now need Reggie Bush to become that explosive playmaker they hoped he’d be when they selected him in the NFL Draft. Pierre Thomas will more than likely play the role of what Deuce had a season ago and if last season was any indication, he should fill into the role just fine. After all, he did lead the Saints in rushing last season with over 600 yards. New Orelans will also need Marques Colston to perform how he did in the 2007-08 season when he came onto the scene, surprising the opposition.