Category Archives: Saints News
The Saints in ‘09: Dare to Dream
What’s more frustrating than supporting a football team that can’t put points on the board? Try supporting a team that leads the league in offense, averaging nearly 30 points a game, and yet still can’t manage to make the playoffs. That’s the kick to the gut reality of the 2008 New Orleans Saints.
Last season, our offense clicked on all…well most cylinders. (Lest we forget the repeated failure to convert on those dreaded 3rd and shorts.) But even with the injuries to key players like Marques Colston and Reggie Bush, other players like Lance Moore and Pierre Thomas stepped up to fill the offensive gaps. As for Drew Brees, he played like the MVP-caliber quarterback we’ve come to know and love. But that defense…oh the dreaded defense.
Saints Make Additions, But Does It All Add Up?
Just cause ESPN stopped their marathon (see: mind-numbing) coverage of the draft, doesn’t mean the wheeling and dealing came to an end: The Saints picked up 8 undrafted players to fill out their roster. Among the most notable, tailback Herb Donaldson from Western Illinois. He could potentially soothe the nerves of those who still believe the Saints need to add a little beef to their running back corps. Smart move to seek out strong talent from the free agency field as opposed to making some weirdo move during the draft to get a running back.
Speaking of weirdo moves, we traded up for a punter? Umm….is this Tom Morstead dude like a Kordell Stewart a.k.a “Slash” kind of player in that he’s not only a punter but a backup QB and potential second string Center? I mean, I know the Loomis “wants what it wants”, but this one was a head scratcher…and not just cuz the media told me so.
It’s clear that unlike in seasons past, Sean Payton’s 2009 Saints will strive for a little balance. We put the “D” in draft this time around, picking up a corner, safety, and 3 linebackers in one whirlwind weekend.
Safety First
The biggest surprise from the Saints so far this draft? There were no surprises. All the experts and non-experts predicted Malcolm Jenkins would get scooped up in round 1 and so he did…and thank heavens.
There are those among us who wanted to see Chris Wells, (the Cardinals inevitable choice) join our offense to give Reggie Bush a little support. Clearly those people overlooked the talent of a certain PT Bruiser, aka Pierre Thomas. Others hoped upon hope for an outside linebacker to compliment the talent of MLB Jon Vilma. Those people weren’t entirely off base.
Breaking News: The Young and the Ign’ant?
Jamar Nesbit is out 4 weeks after testing positive for something naughty.(Read More) But his teammates say the test doesn’t tell the whole story. (Nola.com) So was he doping or is he just a dope? Stay tuned…
Meanwhile, is it too early to ask if Coach Payton broke a mirror or walked under a ladder or opened an umbrella indoors during the offseason? This string of bad luck has gotten beyond ridiculous.
I Can See Clearly Now…
Picture Courtesy: Nola.com
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; the only hurricanes I like are the kind you can drink. Gustav turned out to be quite the troublemaker, but thankfully…hopefully…it didn’t cause the widespread devastation so many of us feared. I got to experience the wonders of going 2mph on I-10 as part of a Saturday afternoon evacuation, the frustration of my friend being forced to cancel her big wedding in exchange for a quickie, scaled down version in Audubon Park, and the shock of only recently realizing I had no idea what the hell was going on with my beloved Saints. Still, it’s a comfortable trade off for the peace of mind that comes with knowing my city isn’t being overtaken by water.
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