FanHouse AntwanLake

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.

For the first time in weeks, the Saints should have all of their starters in place this Sunday against Tampa. The final piece in that puzzle, Brian "Don't Call Me Bryant" Young, is expected to return this week.

Young has missed the last four weeks with a knee injury, and the Saints pass rush has softened because of his absence. In his stead, the Saints have been rotating Kendrick Clancy, Antwan Lake, and McKinkley Boykin, all run-stuffers. Young's a 3-tech tackle who specializes in getting at the passer.

Young's replacements all contributed positively, but none of them bring the skills or high motor that Young has. Though the Saints' run defense and sack totals haven't really been damaged by Young's absence, the quarterback pressure hasn't been as persistent and consistent with him gone, because the team hasn't had the weaponry to risk blitzing and abandoning the secondary.

Last week's return of Charles Grant and now Young should get this defense back on track. Plus, this is a contract year for Young, and there's no better way for him to prove his worth than showing the contrast with and without him in the lineup.