FanHouse TylerPalko

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

Now that the Saints have officially lost (won?) the Trent Green sweepstakes, it's time to look in another direction for Drew Brees' backup. But they're not looking to get any younger than the 38-year-old Jamie Martin, who held the spot last year, as the interest in Green would indicate. Especially now that Mark Brunell is coming to town.

The team is meeting with Brunell today, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him signed by tomorrow. He can step in adequately if needed (although no Saints fan embraces that possibility), but his value lies mainly in his being another set of discerning eyes, almost as if he's another coach.

That player/coach role will have its greatest impact on Tyler Palko, the young guy being groomed for the future. Between Brees, Payton, highly-regarded quarterbacks coach Pete Carmichael Jr., and possibly Brunell, Palko has an excellent group to learn from, and he should be ready to step into the backup spot in another year. Palko is also, like Brunell, left-handed, adding another potential learning benefit. Brunell might not have much in the tank, but he's still got a lot to offer the Saints, and he's a much better option in my mind than Green.