METAIRIE, La. – Has any team ever appreciated an early-season bye more than the New Orleans Saints?
They survived the first five weeks at 3-2 despite missing eight starters for most of the season: Receivers Michael Thomas and Tre'Quan Smith, left tackle Terron Armstead, center Erik McCoy, defensive tackle David Onyemata, defensive end Marcus Davenport, linebacker Kwon Alexander and kicker Wil Lutz.
Combined, that group has a total of three All-Pro honors, eight Pro Bowl selections and 355 games started, including the playoffs.