Saints Searching for Consistency In Second Half

Midway through the 2011 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints are 5-3, and in first place in the NFC South.

The Saints have scored the most points in the NFL (260), and lead the league in yards per game (444.1), as well as passing yards per game (326.8).

Despite the success in some areas though, the Saints have suffered from inconsistency in others.

A week after crushing the Indianapolis Colts, 62-7, the Saints were shocked by the previously winless St. Louis Rams, 31-21.

The inability to consistently run the football, and to stop the run, as well as create turnovers, are also concerns for the team.

The Saints are currently a first-place team. But are they an elite team?

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees

Quarterback Drew Brees tells James Varney, of the Times-Picayune, that they have the ability to be, but that they haven't proven it, so far.