SpagNOLA- Saints new DC

This :thumb:
I think a change at DC is JUST what the Saints need right now. GW (we call him "man-titties") had his run. Brees and the OL played an outstanding game against SF. If the D would have HAD A PULSE, we'd probably be anxiously awaiting the superbowl again. Thanks man-titties, don't let the door hit you in the arse...

 

He said man titties. :lol:

 

I don't know that many people are far-sighted enough to realize how accurate that statement is.

The Saints have enjoyed an incredible six-year run (07 and 08 seasons not withstanding).

But the facts are the facts. Drew is a phenomenal athlete and elite quarterback. But he's also 33 years old (I think). Even with his fanatical physical training and tireless film study, how many years are left? Six? Seven? Eight at the outside? At some point, time will take its toll and Drew, like every other athlete, will come to the day where he can simply no longer physically perform at the level required of an elite NFL quarterback. A couple of examples: Favre finally hung em up at 41, Elway retired at 39, Montana, Young and Marino retired at 38, Aikman at 35, Peyton Manning is 35 and may be out for good.

Couple that with the fact that he climbs the pocket with the best of them, which means that it's imperative that his interior line is outstanding, and he needs a stable of skill players to get the ball to means that it takes a huge effort to surround him with a supporting cast.

This year alone, after his contract is done, Mickey Loomis still has to get Nix and Colston back in the fold. The most likely solution would be to lock up Colston long-term while hanging the franchise tag on Nix. That solves 2012. Then what? Guards are a bit easier to replace than big, strong, fast, sure-handed receivers but they still don't grow on trees.

And I think Evans becomes a UFA after 2012 season.

No, the window certainly isn't close to slamming shut. But it's not as wide open as it was the last two years.

 

Well, I wouldn't say the offense was outstanding. As bad as the D sucked on SF's last drive, the offense turned the ball over 5 times. That's the reason we lost. Score on just one of those drives were we turned the ball over and we win the game. Score on 2 of the 5, and we win comfortably.

There's a reason why the Saints are 18-1 under Payton when they don't commit a turnover.

 

I disagree. Guards may be easier to replace, but Pro Bowl guards most certainly are not. Let's face it, the crux of the Saints success is the amount of time the offense line gives Drew to throw. I love Colston and don't want to see him go, but if we have to choose between one or the other, I say Nicks is the more important of the 2.

Look at the other FA WR available. Reggie Wayne (who may or may not be on the down side of his career), Duane Bowe, DeSean Jackson, Mario Manningham, Mike Wallace. Now those guys don't necessarily possess the same skills as Colston (big, possession-type receiver), but the would be adequate replacements in this offense. Not sure you can find as many guards the same caliber as Nicks.

Again, don't get me wrong, I want to keep them both. And it would suck is Colston is a cap casualty even if we get one of these other guys, but I think Nicks is the bigger priority once Drew's deal gets done.

Other cap casualties will probably be Meachem, Porter, Will Smith, and Vilma. Definitely Vilma because of his injuries.

Drew is also the consummate team player. Wonder if he'll structure his deal to get more $$$ on the back end of his contract to free up cap room to sign some of our FA.

 

You're absolutely correct. I suppose you can look at it that way, for that game. But, looking back over the season, plus last year, the D seems to go downhill. The Saints did have a lot of turnovers against SF, but if you watch that game again, you'll see that SF were seriously and solely there for that purpose. I've never seen a team fight so hard (and CONSTANTLY) to rip a football (for an entire game). It almost seemed like dirty football in the first quarter. After watching that crap, I don't hold our OL responsible for ALL of those turnovers. I wish I could find video of one of these situations.

Anyway, don't want to veer off topic too far. Spag should bring some positive change. We had a fairly good defense a few years ago, it just hasn't been consistent. Hopefully we'll see noticeable improvement next season.

 

Agreed. I STILL say the hit on Pierre was 'helmet to helmet' and should have been flagged. We score a TD on that drive, the opening possession, and I believe it changes the entire complexion of the game in our favor.

 

Yep, it was helmet to helmet, and even the league didn't fine him once they reviewed it.