FanHouse AaronGlenn

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

Gregg Williams hasn't informed a free agent decision for New Orleans yet, hasn't hand-picked the inevitable defensive playmaker the Saints choose with their 14th-overall selection this year, hasn't installed a single scheme in a minicamp. Yet Williams' reputation has preceded him to the Crescent City, and his hiring as defensive coordinator is already considered one of the most important moves in team history.

After almost two decades of guaranteed defensive putridity, the last three of which have revolved around Gary Gibbs' lack of talent identification and bland scheming, the idea of Williams and his history of intelligent, hard-working, active, complex defenses coming to the Superdome is music to the ears. It also might finally push the Saints over the top.

One of the surprises of the Saints' cuts were that all of their cornerbacks made the roster, except Greg Fassit, was placed on injured reserve. That meant veterans Jason Craft and Aaron Glenn, battling it out for the token old veteran leadership spot, both stuck around. And it also meant that Jason David, who had a horrible season in his first as a Saint and has had a similarly bad preseason, also had a spot on the team, at least for the time being.

That time being seems about over.

Though the Saints' website still lists David on the roster, and there have been no reports, confirmed or un-, regarding his release, the NFL.com page for Saints transactions clearly says "Jason David (CB) cut" as of today.

If the information is true, David has obviously been cut to make room for someone else. And it means his solid performance in the preseason finale (three tackles, an interception, and a pass defense) wasn't enough to spare him. David never adjusted to man coverage, and this would make clear the team's little faith in him, as they don't believe his play will justify even his low price tag.

Still, with his athletic ability and young age, David can contribute for any team that runs a Cover 2. Unless the year-plus he's spent in New Orleans has Ankieled him, in which case I'll wait for his triumphant, redemptive return as a punter.

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is right around the corner, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: Drew Brees is, to me, the third best quarterback in the league. And that's not just because I have a giant man-crush on him. Say what you will about your Tony Romos and Carson Palmers, but I'd take Brees over those two, especially as he appears to be in the prime of his career. All he's done since arriving in New Orleans is put up gaudy numbers through the air, but he plays a heady game based on quick (and good) decisions. He's also a good guy off the field and the unquestioned leader of the team. Mark Brunell was brought in as Brees' backup while project Tyler Palko continues to develop, and while you don't want to see the old lefty play at all, his arm looks good enough in camp to sustain for a couple of weeks if need be. Anything more than that, though, and the Saints are in trouble. Heat Index: 9

Running Back: Running back committees are a bitch for fantasy owners, but none have encountered a mess like this, where four backs are going to get a fair share of touches. Exactly how the carries shake out depends on Deuce McAllister's health; ditto for the productivity of the group. All four backs -- McAllister, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Aaron Stecker -- are talented, but Deuce is the only pounder that can keep the running game glued together. If he's in the lineup, expect Bush to flourish, with Thomas making a solid impact as well. If he's not, Thomas takes on a larger role and, though he rolled up Chicago for over 200 yards from scrimmage in Week 17 last year, it remains to be seen whether he can be a full-time NFL back. Luckily, Deuce has looked healthy so far. Heat Index: 7

Sure, Jeff Garcia threw a pick on the next-to-last play of the game with Tampa Bay down by one point (he tossed his first interception of the season today, by the way), but that's not why the Buccaneers lost to the Jaguars, 24-23.

The Bucs lost to the Jags (in part, anyway) because Garcia threw a second-quarter interception that cornerback Aaron Glenn returned for six. That put Jacksonville up 17-3. Of course, Garcia hit Joey Galloway on a 58-yard bomb three plays later, but throwing pick-sixes is never a good thing (unless Tom Brady does it, then it was part of the game plan ... or something).

And then there was Garcia's second interception, in Jacksonville territory with Tampa Bay trailing by 17-13 in the third quarter. The Jags didn't score, but they took time off the clock and kept the Bucs from putting up points. Erase these three mistakes -- or, hell, just the first two -- and the Buccaneers probably win.

But that ain't what happened. First-time starter Quinn Gray, subbing for an injured David Garrard, finished the day just 7 of 16 for 100 yards, but he threw one snazzy touchdown, and avoided any turnovers.

Other than the score, Tampa Bay dominated the stat sheet, and if nothing else, they can chalk this up to a learning experience (or some similar-sounding cliche). More importantly, thought, the Bucs are still just a half-game out of the NFC South lead, and if Garcia plays like he did the first seven games of the season (and not the eighth), Tampa Bay should be in good shape come January.