<p>With their preseason just around the corner, the New Orleans Saints are back in full practice pads with a very different motto than previous years. This year, when the Saints’ players arrived to training camp, coach Sean Payton delivered a simple directive: “Prove ‘em right.” Rather than taking the typical approach of “blocking out the noise,” Payton asked his team to embrace the high Super Bowl expectations.</p>
<p>Despite having suffered a tough NFC Championship game loss last season to the Minnesota Vikings, and now facing the four-game suspension of running back Mark Ingram to start this season, the Saints have much to look forward to in the coming season The NFC South defending champions are led by all-time great Drew Brees. He has at his prolific passing fingertips wide receiver Michael Thomas and running back Alvin Kamara, a duo that could be an upcoming Le’veon Bell Antonio Brown combination. The team added further offensive weapons this off-season, including offensive lineman Don Barclay, and veteran wide receivers Brandon Tate and Michael Floyd.</p>
<p>At defense, the Saints brought in linebacker Demario Davis and safety Kurt Coleman, both potential leaders on and off the field.</p>
<p>As they head into their first pre-season game this Thursday, August 9<sup>th, </sup>the saints indeed are a team of great expectations—and we&#8217;ll be watching on the edge of our seats.</p>
<p>COVER PHOTO: NOLA.com</p>
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Great Expectations: The New Orleans Saints
