Pease drops hammer on Sullivan

Danno · 01-24-2005, 04:17 PM

Fox Team Report.
Special Project: Disappointing DT Jonathan Sullivan will be the personal offseason project of line coach John Pease. The 2003 first-round pick irked team officials with his poor conditioning and indifferent attitude last year. As a result, he has been ordered to drop about 30 pounds and spend the offseason in New Orleans, where he can be monitored daily. Sullivan needs to prove to coaches and teammates that he is committed to becoming a contributing member of the team. If not, this is likely his last chance with the Saints, who have already exhausted almost all resources in trying to salvage Sullivan.

The person most affected by the likely departure of offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy is QB Aaron Brooks. McCarthy served as a security blanket for the embattled Brooks throughout his tenure in New Orleans. McCarthy was the coach responsible for coaxing the 2000 trade with Green Bay for Brooks and was a loyal supporter. A new coordinator likely won't be as willing to forgive Brooks for his faults. At the same time, Brooks also might have to adapt to a new offensive system after playing in McCarthy's West Coast scheme for the past five seasons. For that reason, it's a big offseason for Brooks, who finished the 2004 season on a high note with a big win at Carolina. . . .

Back-up running back is a top offseason. RB Aaron Stecker proved to be a valuable addition last offseason but he's not the every-down back the offense needs if Deuce McAllister goes down. The Saints have plugged a variety of veteran cast-offs at the position over the years but none has proven effective. It's imperative that they address this spot in the offseason, preferably in the draft where this year's class is especially deep in runners. With so many needs on defense, the Saints can't afford to spend a top pick on a back. But a mid-round pick would be a wise investment. It wouldn't hurt to have a young runner push McAllister, who is coming off a disappointing season. . . .

The Saints want to re-sign reserve defensive lineman Tony Bryant, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Bryant's strength is his versatility. He can play end or tackle. At 6-6, he is effective at disrupting passing lanes and is also a factor on special teams where he is adept at blocking kicks.

[Edited on 24/1/2005 by Danno]

01-24-2005, 04:17 PM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,653	Pease drops hammer on Sullivan Fox Team Report. Special Project: Disappointing DT Jonathan Sullivan will be the personal offseason project of line coach John Pease. The 2003 first-round pick irked team officials with his poor conditioning and indifferent attitude last year. As a result, he has been ordered to drop about 30 pounds and spend the offseason in New Orleans, where he can be monitored daily. Sullivan needs to prove to coaches and teammates that he is committed to becoming a contributing member of the team. If not, this is likely his last chance with the Saints, who have already exhausted almost all resources in trying to salvage Sullivan. The person most affected by the likely departure of offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy is QB Aaron Brooks. McCarthy served as a security blanket for the embattled Brooks throughout his tenure in New Orleans. McCarthy was the coach responsible for coaxing the 2000 trade with Green Bay for Brooks and was a loyal supporter. A new coordinator likely won't be as willing to forgive Brooks for his faults. At the same time, Brooks also might have to adapt to a new offensive system after playing in McCarthy's West Coast scheme for the past five seasons. For that reason, it's a big offseason for Brooks, who finished the 2004 season on a high note with a big win at Carolina. . . . Back-up running back is a top offseason. RB Aaron Stecker proved to be a valuable addition last offseason but he's not the every-down back the offense needs if Deuce McAllister goes down. The Saints have plugged a variety of veteran cast-offs at the position over the years but none has proven effective. It's imperative that they address this spot in the offseason, preferably in the draft where this year's class is especially deep in runners. With so many needs on defense, the Saints can't afford to spend a top pick on a back. But a mid-round pick would be a wise investment. It wouldn't hurt to have a young runner push McAllister, who is coming off a disappointing season. . . . The Saints want to re-sign reserve defensive lineman Tony Bryant, who will be an unrestricted free agent. Bryant's strength is his versatility. He can play end or tackle. At 6-6, he is effective at disrupting passing lanes and is also a factor on special teams where he is adept at blocking kicks. [Edited on 24/1/2005 by Danno]