Saints sign Sproles to replace Bush

i checked out a Chargers forum to see what they thought about Sproles-to-New Orleans

--all of them praised his character, his attitude, his work ethic, how much of a class act he is, how he doesn't seek the limelight. even when they said negative stuff about him as a player, they'd praise how much they liked him as a person, how they'll miss him, and how they're sad to see him go

--all them agreed he is great for someone his size in pass blocking/pass protection, he's even upended guys twice his size, that they'll miss his pass blocking, and that poor Rivers is going to get sacked on 3rd and long now

--a sizeable portion of them felt his production over the last 2 years was nowhere close to the money he was making (he just finished a 2-year contract for 14 million), that the Chargers got ripped off/made a dumb decision paying him that much, that he hasn't done anything great in the last 2 years, that he was way overpaid, that they were all questioning why he was still on the roster with such a high salary last season, that most of wanted him gone by the end of last season (a few people disagreed, saying he drew attention to himself on the field regardless of whether he touched the ball or not which made the team better, that he will be missed in the passing game, that he was clutch, that he was only disappointing in the return game, not on offense as a 3rd down back, some didn't think he was a disappointment period and that the money spent on him shouldn't be regretted)

--a sizeable portion of them felt that his skills are rapidly declining, that he is very close to being done, that his best days are behind him, that he is past his prime, that he lost a step, that he was getting caught from behind, etc (some were unsure if he was truly declining or not, some felt that he was only in decline as a returner, not as a 3rd down back, some didn't think he was in decline period)

--he played on grass in San Diego, and some pointed out that the turf is going to be really tough on him, while others thought playing on turf would be better for him


so it was an interesting read. i remain excited, but i thought it was interesting to see he was getting so much criticism. so hopefully it left him with a big chip on his shoulder and he's about to blow up and have the best seasons of his career as a Saint Saintslogo

 

I opened this thread thinking it was about Sproles. Could somebody change the topic to pi$$ing contest and then start a Sproles thread?

 

we will see. i don't see him as being the player to cause mis matches as reggie did. But, i do see him as an upgrade especially on special teams. he will be fun to watch in black and gold and at a great price.

 

Why not?

 

maybe its because of the way he was used in SD. Maybe its just me but didnt they just use as mainly a 3rd down back with limited carries on 1st and 2nd. However w/CSP as coach we will probably use the hell out of him, I love the p/u.

 

I didn't really notice when I watched Charger games if he usually stayed in for an entire series or not. I think he should create match up problems for LB's in the passing game. I don't think his 40 yd dash speed was quite as fast as Bush at the NFL combine, but the guy sure can cut on a dime. I would think that would translate in route running, allowing him to gain separation from defenders. One thing is for sure though, he isn't a very big target for Brees.

 

I think Sean Payton will find plenty of ways to get Sproles the ball. This man is an offensive mastermind. Sure, Sproles is short to say the least, but make no mistake the dude will fit perfectly into Payton's scheme. Get him isolated in the open field against a bigger, slower linebacker or strong safety, and watch "Spud Webb in pads" do his thing. This guy is an excellent pickup. I'm stoked to see this offense with the additions of Sproles and Ingram. Getting rid of Reggie was addition by subtraction.

 

TwistedTiger I accept the challenge.:shock: But first give me some time to see my Urologist, check the old prostate and get some Flomax. Better give me another few weeks after that to let the Flomax kick in. In addition I would like a copy of the rules. Is it strictly distance or is accuracy involved? If accuracy is an issue I will be sure to practice. Will you be supplying the bulls eye targets or shall I? Who will judge this colossal competition? With a name like TwistedTiger I really don't think you should be that hands-on, if you know what I mean. Is it an open competition? Are teams involved? My strategy is to pick the young guys. Is the event timed? Will there be testing for diuretics?

 

that's about 5 sentences too long.