NFC South Power Rankings: Preseason Week 4 standings

Aug 22, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) audibles against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of a preseason game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

3. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have lost all three preseason games, but I’m not interested in that in the slightest. While he hasn’t played many snaps, Drew Brees has looked strong. After sitting out of the preseason opener, Brees has completed 12 of 16 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the recent two.

On offense, New Orleans has a strong 1-2 punch with Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller. Ingram has rushed 14 times for 46 yards this preseason. Not remarkable numbers, but we can expect more from him and Spiller in the regular season once Brees is taking the focus of defenses. The Saints could take a page out of the Cowboys’ book and try to dictate the tempo of games with the rushing attack. Doing so takes the stress off their defense.

Brandin Cooks is a player people expect big things from. I’m not willing to jump on the bandwagon just yet, but he’s impressed during preseason. Through three games, he’s made seven receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 23.4 yards per catch. New Orleans expect big things from him, and he will have to deliver for this team to bounce back.

Next: No. 2