re: "All we need is a mediocre defense."

Lack of turnovers is not the issue. Yesterday the Saints ran twice as many plays on offense as did the Panthers, and had a sizable lead in time of poss. You don't fault lack of turnovers by D when your offense is on the field twice as much as the other team. This is all on the offense - oline play, lack of speed at rb/wr; and Brees has been less than spectacular on the road. And, Payton's play calling is to put it mildly, puzzling at times.