Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

"The Saints had no qualms about letting DE Darren Howard sign with the Eagles as a free agent because they rank DE Will Smith as their best defensive player and want to get him on the field more. Howard's presence was stifling Smith by forcing him to share snaps and spend too many plays on the sideline. The team also expects Smith to become more of a leader with an expanded role; he has the respect of teammates because of his all-out style and no-nonsense demeanor. . . . "

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...=tsn&type=lgns

RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

I'll miss Howard...but smith is a great replacement........
Wassup with Grant?........kinda quiet last year.......

RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

Smith is awsome and will be 10 times the player Howard was. Howard was consistantly injured and I did like him. Grant was real quite last year, I hope he returns to form.

RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

10x? that's a pretty bold prediction.

RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

howard never finished the play....after 1 or 2 moves he would quit if he didn't get to the qb

RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

If he stays healthy and plays at his current level, I would say he's there already. The guy forces fumbles consistantly, gets to the quarterback, and is disruptive not to mention is a solid tackler.

Not to take anything from Howard, I really liked him, but he just could not get on the field after his first three years. He was a great pass rusher, but he just could not stay healthy.

Re: RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

Well said....but he will be missed....
Just imagine..(and I'm only reaching).If Sully brings his A-game this year....
Smith+Grant+Sully(at full thrust)=big ol' can of whoop ass. :wink:

RE: Re: RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

CHACHING, Rotate the three of them to keep them all fresh. MAN, what a force. QBs would be looking to dump the ball at all times for fear of the sack.

RE: Re: RE: Will Smith vs. Darren Howard
 

I just got a chill up my spine.......
Starting to sound like the D-line from 2000....
Glover, Hand,Johnson,Howard........
whew......more chills....

hey BJSIM..where did you get that pic of the dome? anyway you could give me a link..i'd like to make it my wallpaper :)

Howard was always a strong defender for us... solid pass rusher and was our best run defender on our pathetic D line. A healthy Howard will definately be missed around here, but Smith is a young exciting sack artist which definately softens the blow... in the long run, Smith will be the better player of the two barring injuries.

Howard is a good player. Probably a very good player. It's a shame that he spent so much time injured. He always played hard for us and was a real team guy (ala playing out of position at DT). He probably cost himself a lot of money by being flexible.

I hope he puts the hurt on Bledsoe, Manning and whoever the Redskins suit up this year.

Howard is great player when HE WANTS TO PLAY. Other than that he slacks off. He wasn't happy in N.O. and at times it showed. He does have alot of talent and will do very well in philly. Sullivan is a better replacement as he WANTS to play all the time. I echo the sentiment about Grant and hope he comes through big time.

I'll take Smith. Howard is good but he always looked like he really did not want to be here. Smith has the attitude, skills, and passion needed in our defense.

I agree with this BMG. Howard was a damn good DE, in fact, our best DE for several years, but he was just hurt too often. Also, even though he was very good, I do think Will Smith is just a more athletic, more physical, better play-making DE.

Will Smith is more athletic & stronger than Darren Howard was. Howard was a very good DE, but like others tated, you could tell the guy did not want to play for the Saints anymore. Grant will get back to form with the addition of a solid DT.

The good news referring to Smith is we have yet to see the best of him, he should have a big year next season.

I truly believe the organization did the right thing by letting him go. Howard was good but I think his departure will elevate the play of both Smith and Grant. I don't think the Saints will be looking for a DE until the later rounds of the draft, if at all. We need another solid LB, DT, OT, OG and definitely a Center.

Cheramie, I observed with great interest that you were not HAWKING the Hawk in your last post, or for that matter a LB. Have you relented? It is OK to feel the greatness of the BRICK. LOLOLOLOL

I only hope we can share the DIXIE!

I'll buy no matter who wins, but I still think we need another LB and if not Hawk I would settle for someone else but nobody past #34. I would take Brick but not at the 2.