GumboBC

Deuce Deuce Deuce and more Deuce. That's the key to our spread offense this year. Just like Marshall Faulk was to the Rams.

The greatest "spread" offense ever was the St. Louis Rams. A lot of folks think the wide receivers were the key for that offense. But, the key to that offense wasn't the receivers, it was the running back. More specfically -- Marshall Faulk.

The two best years Kurt Warner ever had was in 1999 and 2001. That also happens to be the years Marshall Faulk led the Rams in receptions! Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself:

It's also no coniencidence when Marshall Faulk started to have injury problems it's the same time Kurt Warner was reduced to a mere mortal!

I've stated in the past I thougt the Rams offense had a big influence on what offense Hasett and McCarthy wanted to run.

Just look at the players brought in since Haslett's arrival. First, we get rid of Ricky Williams. Why? Well, he did fine running the ball but wasn't the type of receiving threat needed for the spread offense. We needed someone who was a REAL threat in the passing game. So, who better than Deuce McAllister? He's the perfect fit. A true double-threat!!

Of course the receivers are still a big part of the "spread" offense. The Rams had a bunch of FAST guys who could score from anywhere on the field. Well, Haslett and company wasted no time addressing that problem. To go along with Joe Horn, Haslett brought in Pathon, Stallworth, and now Henderson. This offense couldn't "mirror" the Ram's offense any closer!!

It's no secret the plan this year is to play more out of the "spread." If you want to see who the number ONE receiver is on our team this year, you had better keep an eye on Deuce McAllister. That's where the big mismatch is going to be. Afterall, they don't call it the "spead" for nothing. It's spread the defense out and throw to the running back that's covered by a linebacker. Good luck to the linebacker that's going to cover Deuce in the open field.

And just when they start to pay extra attention to Deuce coming out of the backfield, look for Brooks to hit one of our speedy receivers!!






[Edited on 20/5/2004 by GumboBC]

WhoDat

Good post Billy. While I doubt Deuce will ever come close to leading the Saints in receptions, I do agree that he is key. If the Saints spread the field and make teams use 5 or 6 DBs, that leaves only 5 or 6 players \"in the box\". Maybe 7 is they bring up a safety. I\'ll take Deuce behind our line vs. a 6-man front any day.

GumboBC

Deuce almost led in receptions last year. Deuce had 69 and Horn had 78. I would not be surprised to see Deuce catch the ball even more this year.

Deuce McAllister
Year Team G GS No Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ 40+ FD
2003 New Orleans Saints 16 16 69 516 7.5 39 0 2 0 22


Joe Horn
Year Team G GS No Yards Avg Lg TD 20+ 40+ FD
2003 New Orleans Saints 15 14 78 973 12.5 50 10 10 3 52

coastalkid

Deuce was close to the same numbers as Horn but keep in mind last year was a off year for Horn. Not taking anything at all away from Deuce. I totally agree that Deuce is Key but alot also depends on Brooks as well. I think Deuce is actually a better rb that Faulk is or was. This will be determined after their careers have ended and we\'ll see who statistically was better but make no mistakes Deuce is second to no other rb in this league. Very good post!

kenpersons

Did you guys see Deuce on Totat Access tonight? To my knowledge he\'s the first Saint to appear on the show this offseason. He was well spoken and didn\'t include himself in his top three backs in the league, making the point that to be great you have to be productive over an extended period of time.

He also acknowledged that the talent is not the problem with the Saints, and I\'m proud of him for it. He noted that they simply hadn\'t done what it takes to win. He mentioned sweeping the Bucs the year they won the Super Bowl and being in close games with the Panthers this past year.

That, my friends, is accountability. Recognizing the problem and calling it the spade that it is. If the coaches and other players accept this same accountability then my beliefs are reinforced, and it is our year to win it all. It just is.

We\'ve been good enough all along. Now\'s the time to prove it.

It\'s not a question of whether or not the Saints will win the Super Bowl this year. It\'s a question of which Saint will be the MVP of the game.

What do you mean I\'m not supposed to snort the granola?