PFT PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS:  NO. 28

Why, you ask? 

Because writing about the crappy teams is getting old.

And although we're gradually working our way up the ladder, we feel like the guy who empties out the septic tank at the apartment building next to a Mexican restaurant. 

With a measuring cup.  One scoop at a time.

So we continue slinging the sludge by singling out the No. 28 team on the PFT Preseason Power Rankings. 

The New Orleans Saints.

They've managed to land above four other franchises because of the potential possessed by running back Reggie Bush.  Though we're still not sure whether Bush will actually perform in his rookie season like he did at Southern Cal, the possibility that he'll import his jaw-dropping plays to the next level is enough to drag the Saints out of the basement.

But still there are plenty of problems with the team.  First, we still don't agree with the decision to hire Sean Payton to be the head coach.  But he got the job because, in our view:  (1) Payton was purchased on the cheap by one of the cheapest owners in pro sports; (2) his contract can be bought out quickly and cleanly if the team is sold and moved; and (3) Payton poses no threat to the powers-that-be in the organization, including most notably "G.M." Mickey Loomis, a glorified bean counter who landed in his current job several years back and who has yet to be held accountable for the team's horrendous performance.

In addition to the arrival of Frankie Muniz, Sr., the team made news between the lines by signing quarterback Drew Brees to a big-money, long-term deal that could be, in the end, a one-year, $10 million relationship.  As we heard it at the time, Brees wanted to play for the Dolphins, but wanted more money than the Fins would pay.  So Miami pulled its offer, and Brees suddenly decided that the Bayou wasn't so bad. 

Especially since no one else was interested. 

Other moves by the team during free agency included trading left tackle Wayne Gandy to the Falcons, acquiring Browns center Jeff Faine via trade, cutting guard Kendyl Jacox, and signing linebacker Scott Fujita, running back Michael Bennett, receiver Chris Horn, linebacker Anthony Simmons, and safety Omar Stoutmire.

Also, the Saints lost center LeCharles Bentley, defensive end Darren Howard, linebacker Sedrick Hodge, and cornerback Fakhir Brown to free agency.

The biggest offseason news for the Saints, however, was the big chunk of manna that fell from Heaven when the Texans decided not to make Reggie Bush the future of the franchise.  Despite all of the glaring flaws on the roster (and throughout the organization), Bush gives the team something the folks in New Orleans haven't had much of lately -- hope.

For now, though, Saints fans should be hoping that Bush hasn't been giving away money to various local charities in order to dampen the P.R. hit that would result from a protracted holdout, which could render him far less likely to have a big impact in 2006.  And our gut tells us that a holdout is a-comin', due to various factors.  First, we believe that agent Joel Segal won't even begin to engage in serious discussions until the Titans establish the floor for Bush's contract by signing Vince Young, the No. 3 overall pick.  Second, despite what Bush or his handlers have said publicly, we're convinced that he wants to get a deal that is as close as possible to the contract signed by the guy taken with the pick that Bush surely believes should have been him. 

And if Bush misses a big chunk of training camp and/or the preseason, we don't look for the team to do much better in the won-loss column than it did in 2005. 

Even if Bush gets in early and has an impact, the Saints are stuck in a very difficult division, with two games each against the Falcons, Panthers, and Bucs.

Bottom line?  No playoffs (again) for the Saints.

Now, the fantasy grades.

Quarterback:  After two less-than-stellar seasons as the starter in San Diego, Drew Brees came alive in 2004 with 27 touchdowns, only seven interceptions, and a passer rating of 104.8.  He took a slight step back last year, with 24 scores, 15 picks, and an 89.2 rating.  Complicating matters is a shoulder injury suffered in his last game with the Chargers, which could hamper him in 2006 and/or make him susceptible to re-injury (see Pennington, Chad).  This one could go either way -- we'll give him a B- for now, and we strongly suggest taking him as a second-stringer at the position. 

Running back:  Even if Reggie Bush does the things in the NFL that he did at USC, the presence of Deuce McAllister will as a practical matter limit both of their total carries.  Also, McAllister is coming back from a torn ACL, so it remains to be seen whether he'll be able to get back to the form that took him to more than 1,600 yards in 2003.  But our preference is to use tailbacks who are certain to get 20-to-25 touches per game, so we'd avoid either of these guys unless and until it becomes obvious that one of them will get the majority of the work.  Besides, there undoubtedly will be an owner in each and every league who'll draft Bush based on hype.  The smart play?  Let it happen, and focus on proven players who'll get the chances and, in turn, the points.

Wide receiver:  Joe Horn is one of the top receivers in the game, but his numbers tanked in 2005 due in large part (we believe) to the team's horrendous circumstances.  He scored only one touchdown and generated merely 654 yards receiving.  He gets a C.  Donte' Stallworth fared significantly better, catching seven touchdown passes and putting up close to 1,000 yards.  But he's unhappy with his contract and was on the trading block earlier in the year; whether his head is in the game this season remains to be seen.  He gets a C, too.

Tight end:  Drew Brees knows a thing or two about throwing to the tight end.  But Brees benefited from the presence of a guy named Antonio Gates; the cupboard in the Bayou is bare.  Go with a third receiver if you can.

Defense:  Avoid.  Avoid.  Avoid.

Kicker:  Avoid.  Avoid.  Avoid.  (Is there an echo in here?)