An opportunity

The New Orleans Saints can make any quarterback look like Tony Romo.

In 2007, the Saints defense allowed opposing QB’s a combined passer rating of 96.9. That’s just a shade behind the season rating posted of 97.4 posted by Mr. Jessica Simpson.

This stat is somewhat astounding considering that the Saints played in the NFC South. The Falcons and the Panthers featured the QB waiver wire from hell all year long. Chris Redman of Atlanta passed for 298 against them (on a day when, by the way, the Falcons rushed for 37). Luke McCown QB’d the Bucs in one of their two meetings and threw for 313 yards.

Outside of the division some mediocre passers shined as well. They lost to Kyle Orton of the Bears. Quinn Gray of the Jags lit them up for 354 yards. When the Saints played Tennessee Vince Young completed 64% of his passes and Kerry Collins went four of four.

This pass defense, an area the Saints did virtually nothing to address in the offseason, could be just what the doctor ordered for Jason Campbell. Perhaps he’ll trust his initial reads and will be able to throw eight-yard passes on third and seven.