by LES EAST; Special to The Advocate; , The Advocate

The Saints rank fourth in the NFL in rushing offense, seventh in passing offense and first in total offense and scoring offense.

Last season, New Orleans finished 8-8 after ranking 28th in rushing and first in passing, total, and scoring offense. Two seasons ago, it finished 7-9 after ranking 28th in rushing, third in passing, fourth in total and tied for 12th in scoring.

"You hear that you can't run the ball when you feel like you can, and you know you can, so I think it put more fire in us this year," center Jonathan Goodwin said. "You hear something like that over and over and over and you end up 8-8 and 7-9, it puts a chip on your shoulder to help make the team better."

The Saints are running the ball better because they are more committed to running it better. Quarterback Drew Brees said a turning point in that regard came after a 23-20 loss in the rain at Tampa Bay in the 12th game last season.

New Orleans ran the ball just 18 times for 44 yards and Brees threw it 47 and was intercepted three times, matching his season-high.

"We all felt like if we're going to be the type of offense that we want to be," Brees said, "there has to be (better) balance."

The Saints went out the next week and ran for a season-high 184 yards in a 29-25 victory against the Falcons, but it was too late to avoid a second straight season missing the playoffs. That led to an offseason, training camp and preseason commitment to being more balanced on offense.

"We just made a commitment that that's not going to be a weakness on this offense," tackle Jon Stinchcomb said. "We practice more on it, our focus is higher. It's something we really put an emphasis on, not only in meetings but on the practice field.

"(Balance) has been lacking in years past, and for us to take this next step, there was a realization across the board that we would have to become a more balanced attack."

Several players said the offense and the line have benefited from practicing against the defense under new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

"Coach Williams came in and he wanted to bring a physical nature to the defense, and by him doing that, that made us have to step up and be physical as well during camp," guard Jahri Evans said. "So I think it did bring a competitive edge to training camp."

Stinchcomb and Evans have started every game on the right side of the line during coach Sean Payton's three-plus seasons. But the three spots to Evans' left have changed since the end of the 2007 season. After that season, center Jeff Faine was allowed to sign with the Buccaneers as a free agent and Goodwin ascended into the starter's position.

Rookie fifth-round draft choice Carl Nicks moved into the starting lineup at left guard when Jamar Nesbit was suspended three games into last season. Nicks has never surrendered the spot and looks like he might be a budding star.

Left tackle Jammal Brown, the most-decorated player on the line, won't play this season after undergoing hip and hernia surgeries and being placed on injured reserve. Jermon Bushrod, a fourth-round draft choice two years ago, who had never started a game before this season, has filled in capably.

Zach Strief, a seventh-round draft choice three years ago who had filled in ably for Brown in the past before moving to the right side, stepped in for Bushrod, who had an ankle injury, three weeks ago and the line kept on humming.

"It's difficult and it comes down to the preparation for the last few years that he's had during that time, when he's not expected to play, but you're expected to prepare yourself to get ready to play," Stinchcomb said of Bushrod. "You're not getting the game-time reps on Sunday, but you better be getting better. I think both Zach Strief and Jermon have done a terrific job of improving their game without it having to come on Sunday."

Now, the offensive line is no longer being criticized for allegedly holding back the running game, but is being credited for the improved running game and offensive balance.

"You look at what they've done protecting me over the last few years," Brees said, "and now you throw in the balance and the run game and what they've been able to accomplish there. There's a direct correlation to how that front five is playing for us."

As much as everyone has emphasized the need to run the ball better, no one is forgetting the importance of protecting Brees, who has been sacked once every 40 times he has dropped back as a Saint.

"That's a necessity; we have to do that," Evans said of protecting Brees. "We take pride in doing that, and when we do that we're successful. As offensive linemen we don't have too many stats, but that's a stat we really try to accomplish."

Note

Saints LB Scott Fujita (calf) and CB Malcolm Jenkins (ankle) were listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Miami after practice Friday.

Saints at Dolphins

WHEN: 3:15 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Land Shark Stadium, Miami

TV: Fox

RADIO: WYPY-FM, 100.7

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