Saints-Lions Preview: Five Questions For New Orleans Against Detroit

The start of the regular season is upon us. Finally. It has been eight and a half months since the Saints have played a game that was worth something. Hopes are high in New Orleans because of Drew Brees and new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. With all the anticipation, though, we really don't know what to expect. Will the offense stay healthy this year? Will the running game get going or will Brees again have to drop back and throw it 40 times per game? Is the defense ready to make a leap forward and be an asset? Is Sean Payton going to stick with the same punter for the whole season or is he already scanning the waiver wire? While these questions will be answered throughout the season, here are five questions for week one.   How will the running game look with Pierre Thomas out of the lineup? The Saints announced on Friday that Pierre Thomas, the Saints' starter at running back, is out for Sunday's game. Thomas sprained his MCL during the preseason. To be hon...