What’s more frustrating than supporting a football team that can’t put points on the board? Try supporting a team that leads the league in offense, averaging nearly 30 points a game, and yet still can’t manage to make the playoffs. That’s the kick to the gut reality of the 2008 New Orleans Saints.

Last season, our offense clicked on all…well most cylinders. (Lest we forget the repeated failure to convert on those dreaded 3rd and shorts.) But even with the injuries to key players like Marques Colston and Reggie Bush, other players like Lance Moore and Pierre Thomas stepped up to fill the offensive gaps. As for Drew Brees, he played like the MVP-caliber quarterback we’ve come to know and love. But that defense…oh the dreaded defense.

Luckily, the Saints front office chose to no longer ignore the tackle-missing elephant in the room this off-season. They succumb to the adage that while offense sells tickets, defense wins games and went on the equivalent of a free agency “Supermarket Sweep.” By adding veterans like Jabari Greer and Darren Sharper to the secondary, the Saints have significantly reduced the likelihood of us fans watching Steve Smith, Antonio Bryant or Roddy White blaze into the end zone untouched. (Thereby reducing the likelihood I’ll try to drown myself in a puddle of nacho cheese.) The Saints kept their defensive focus in tact from free agency to the draft with key acquisitions like Malcolm Jenkins, safety Chip Vaughn, and linebacker Stanley Arnoux.

These new additions will be under the guidance of another fresh face on the Saints’ sidelines, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams was regarded as a hot commodity this offseason. But much like the head cheerleader, the Saints always get their guy. The former coordinator for the Redskins and Jaguars has had a rough go of it the past few years. He was regarded by some as an overrated, “mean-spirited bully” during his tenure with Joe Gibbs. And it’s not exactly reassuring that the Jags gave him the boot after only one season. Still the Saints and (fans) have high hopes that the Williams who turned the Titans into a defensive powerhouse in the late 90s will do the same for the boys in black and gold. If nothing else, I ask that he somehow inspire, will or perhaps even seduce our highly paid defensive ends into getting pressure on a quarterback…any quarterback…even a nip at Kyle Orton’s ankles will do. Of course, we won’t be able to evaluate his success rate until after Charles Grant and Will Smith return from their 4 game suspensions for use of a banned substance. (Sigh)

As for which of the new additions will actually make the roster, let’s just say one of them better be the punter we wasted a draft pick on. Beyond that, here are a couple undrafted rookie free agents to keep an eye out for: Wide receiver Adrian Arrington and Wisconsin linebacker Jonathan Casillas, who’s also exhibited safety skills during his time in the Big 10. On the offensive side, all eyes will be on Herb Donaldson of Western Illinois University. Donaldson brings to the table crucial short yardage skills, which just might perfectly complement the newly bulked up Pierre Thomas.

All in all, no one can say the Saints didn’t make an effort to address their most pressing issues this offseason. If the picks live up to their potential, we’ve got a more than decent shot of capturing the NFC South. Here’s hoping none of them suffers any Shockey-Esque “dehydration” episodes between now and training camp…