New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NOLA.com Darren Sharper leaves Jacksonville without contract offer

Tackles Interceptions
Year Team G Comb Total Ast Sck SFTY P Def Int TDs Yds Avg Lng
2009 New Orleans Saints 14 71 51 20 0.5 0 15 9 3 376 41.8 99T

2008 Minnesota Vikings 16 69 60 9 0.0 -- 5 1 0 12 12.0 12

2007 Minnesota Vikings 16 63 49 14 0.0 0 8 4 1 61 15.2 41

2006 Minnesota Vikings 16 67 51 16 1.0 -- 5 4 0 10 2.5 10

2005 Minnesota Vikings 14 51 41 10 0.0 0 7 9 2 276 30.7 92T

2004 Green Bay Packers 15 70 57 13 0.0 0 3 4 2 97 24.2 43T

2003 Green Bay Packers 15 82 69 13 2.0 -- 8 5 0 78 15.6 50

2002 Green Bay Packers 13 68 51 17 0.0 0 2 7 1 233 33.3 89T

2001 Green Bay Packers 16 94 70 24 2.0 -- 11 6 0 78 13.0 23

2000 Green Bay Packers 16 -- -- -- 1.0 -- 0 9 0 109 12.1 47

1999 Green Bay Packers 16 -- -- -- 1.0 -- 0 3 0 12 4.0 9

1998 Green Bay Packers 16 -- -- -- 0.0 -- 0 -- -- -- 0.0 --

1997 Green Bay Packers 14 -- -- -- 0.0 0 0 2 2 70 35.0 50T

TOTAL 197 635 499 136 7.5 0 64 63 11 1,412 -- 99

Ok. If you can read this, I want to point something out here. If you notice, that in the 3 seasons, since he came into the league, where he had 9 interceptions, his tackle count solo, and combined are down. Where as the number of interceptions goes down, on the years where he has more tackles. Which should show you all what his strong point is right? He is a ball hawk. That's what he's been his entire career. Now I don't know about you, but I think it's been said by the best in the business, "Whoever wins the turnover battle, wins the game." Now, my point is this. Alot has been said about him missing tackles last year, which by my recollection, wasn't that many to begin with, but a legitimate concern none the less. If you look at his career stats, you will see, that he has never been "known" as a tackling machine, but a turnover specialist.

Now, with that said, at age 34, which everyone loves to point out on here, he had his best season for both categories with the Saints. He has solidified his HOF status, and I honestly think that he will be even better if allowed one more season in N.O. Look at the stats here, they don't lie. Now yes, he had his best season under GW, but the numbers from his other two 9 int seasons, aren't that far off.

Not giving him ANY credit, for putting fear in QBs minds, before playing us, is very unfair. And if you guys want to talk about the level of competition, as far as the QBs he faced, then go ahead. But tell me, how many veteran QBs are even left in the league right now? Not many. And we will be facing some more rookies in the coming season. Do we really want to let this guy get away? Knowing what he brings to the table?