Here we go again as we enter the new beginning to new season, a different result, a lot of improvement left for the Super Bowl champions to make prior to their first game. Only the start of preseason the New Orleans Saints opened their first preseason game Thursday against the New England Patriots. The Saints gave up big plays and a decisive 28-yard field goal in the final minute as the New England Patriots opened their exhibition season with a 27-24 win Thursday night. The champs found out there’s lots of things the team needs to improve on prior to the season opener next month. Drew Brees was 9-of-13 for 55 yards. He led the Saints on a nicely executed 20-play, 86-yard scoring drive in the second quarter after a few three and outs. The Saints ran 37 plays in the first half and their longest gain was 13 yards, a pass from Patrick Ramsey to Pierre Thomas in the two-minute drill. The Patriots on the other hand dominated the first half. They outgained the Saints 189-135 in total yardage and scored on their first three series. As the Saints defensive starters showed they need lots of practice prior to the season opener when they face the Vikings September 9th . As the game went on the Saints were able to get back into as their starters were replaced by bench players. During their visit to New England, the Saints lost more than a game which began Tuesday with two days of joint practices. On Wednesday, No. 3 running back Lynell Hamilton tore his right anterior cruciate ligament, an injury that likely will sideline him for the season. And in the game Thursday the Saints lost their punter Thomas Morestead to a shoulder injury as he attempted knock Julian Edelman out of bounds after he kicked a 40 yard punt. Not to worry fans, the challenge of competition this coming season the team faces is a long road ahead as champs will do their best to repeat. With the same will, respect of fans and great team chemistry the Saints had last year they will be determined to be on the right path. Jonathan Vilma quoted. “We’ve got to prove ourselves all over again. We’ve got to keep working and improve on the little things.”