By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – When the NFL owners and players announced they reached a collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout, football fans across the nation rejoiced. There would be a season, and a full season, at that.

What was shortened, however, was the amount of time players had to practice in the off season as well as the period during which coaches and other team officials could work toward securing their roster.

Accordingly, last week L’Observateur asked visitors to its website how they thought the shortened time period for such activities would affect the New Orleans Saints.

In all, 60 percent of respondents thought it would be an advantage for the Saints. Within that group, three-fourths thought the fact many of the same key players are returning to the squad meant the team would not need as much time to gel. The other quarter thought it presented an advantage because many of the other teams in the division are young and have much more work to do than the Saints.

At the other end of the spectrum, 40 percent of respondents felt the shortened period for practice and deals would put the Saints at a disadvantage. Of these, three-fourths believe it will be a disadvantage because the Saints rely on a precision offense to win games, and a lack of practice time will put them behind more defensive-minded squads. The remaining respondents believe the disadvantage comes because the front office will have less time to secure key supporting players.

A full breakdown of results follows:

• 45 percent of respondents chose “It will be an advantage because the team is bringing back most of the same staff and key players from last year.”

• 15 percent of respondents chose “It will be an advantage because the rest of the division is young and trying to incorporate many new pieces.”

• 10 percent of respondents chose “It will be a disadvantage because the Saints still need to figure out a way to retain many of its supporting players.”

• 30 percent of respondents chose “It will be a disadvantage because a rusty offense may mean falling behind more defensive-minded teams.”