I'm an OPTIMISTIC REALIST

GumboBC · 04-19-2005, 05:17 PM

I don't think I can ever recall a time when I've seen more bitter Saints' fans than what I do today. Not even back when the the Saints were 3-13 or whatever their worst season(s) were.

I can understand it to a certain extent. But I just won't let myself be swayed by other fan's pessimisim.

When I look at the 2005 Saints, I see a team that COULD possibly be one of the most talented teams in the NFC.

At receiver we've got Joe Horn, Donte' Stallworth, and Devery Henderson. Possibly the fastest WR corp in the NFL!

At RB we've got Deuce McAllister. A top five RB when healthy.

At QB we've got Aaron Brooks ... who is much better than what he is given credit for. And, say what you want, but Brooks' has been placed in a bad situation for the past few years.

Now, the offesive line is a concern ... but Mayberry will help. And Le Charles should be better at "center" this year.

This offense has all the components to be a dynamic and explosive unit. And they've PROVED in the past they can score as many points as anyone.

NOW FOR THE DEFENSE!!

The good news first!!!!!!!!!

The secondary is no longer a concern.

About middle-ways through last season we singed CB Mike McKenzie. Someone we desperately needed.

And Fakir Brown proved to be a solid #2 CB.

Add free-agent Dwight Smith at FS and now our secondary is set!!

Now ... for the bad news!!!

We need ONE LB. And in a very BIG way. While I'm not in love with Courtney Watson ... I do believe he's a solid, if not spectacular LB. And I believe he will excel at WLB. But I think he'll do okay at MLB.

And I think Bockwoldt is going to silence all of his critics this year.

We need Sullivan to step his game up or we need to solidify the DT with someone else.

To wrap this up:

This team is closer to having a complete team than at any other time in Saints' history. That includes the Jim Mora coached teams. And that includes the 2000 team that won the playoff game.

There are some fans who aren't going to believe this and won't believe ANYTHING until they see it with their own eyes. And that's fine.

Nothing is a given in the NFL. This Saints team could finish anywhere from 5-11 to 12-4, IMHO.

But ... with a little luck on draft day and a little luck during the season ... this could very well be the year!!!

Keep the faith!!

[Edited on 19/4/2005 by GumboBC]

04-19-2005, 05:17 PM	#1
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616	I'm an OPTIMISTIC REALIST I don't think I can ever recall a time when I've seen more bitter Saints' fans than what I do today. Not even back when the the Saints were 3-13 or whatever their worst season(s) were. I can understand it to a certain extent. But I just won't let myself be swayed by other fan's pessimisim. When I look at the 2005 Saints, I see a team that COULD possibly be one of the most talented teams in the NFC. At receiver we've got Joe Horn, Donte' Stallworth, and Devery Henderson. Possibly the fastest WR corp in the NFL! At RB we've got Deuce McAllister. A top five RB when healthy. At QB we've got Aaron Brooks ... who is much better than what he is given credit for. And, say what you want, but Brooks' has been placed in a bad situation for the past few years. Now, the offesive line is a concern ... but Mayberry will help. And Le Charles should be better at "center" this year. This offense has all the components to be a dynamic and explosive unit. And they've PROVED in the past they can score as many points as anyone. NOW FOR THE DEFENSE!! The good news first!!!!!!!!! The secondary is no longer a concern. About middle-ways through last season we singed CB Mike McKenzie. Someone we desperately needed. And Fakir Brown proved to be a solid #2 CB. Add free-agent Dwight Smith at FS and now our secondary is set!! Now ... for the bad news!!! We need ONE LB. And in a very BIG way. While I'm not in love with Courtney Watson ... I do believe he's a solid, if not spectacular LB. And I believe he will excel at WLB. But I think he'll do okay at MLB. And I think Bockwoldt is going to silence all of his critics this year. We need Sullivan to step his game up or we need to solidify the DT with someone else. To wrap this up: This team is closer to having a complete team than at any other time in Saints' history. That includes the Jim Mora coached teams. And that includes the 2000 team that won the playoff game. There are some fans who aren't going to believe this and won't believe ANYTHING until they see it with their own eyes. And that's fine. Nothing is a given in the NFL. This Saints team could finish anywhere from 5-11 to 12-4, IMHO. But ... with a little luck on draft day and a little luck during the season ... this could very well be the year!!! Keep the faith!! [Edited on 19/4/2005 by GumboBC]
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616