Sports Illustrated Preview - New Orleans Saints
 

Playoffs or bust? Those seem to be the sentiments of Jim Haslett, who went from Coach of the Year as a rookie in 2000 to coach on the hot seat for the past three seasons. “Three times we’ve been knocking on the door and couldn’t get in,� he says. “This time we plan to knock the door down.�

Why the optimism from someone who oversaw the league’s worst defense, who needed to win the last four games to finish 8–8?

“It was the way our guys hung together when everyone was saying I was not long for this world as a head coach in New Orleans,� says Haslett. “This season can’t come soon enough. The players turned it around and all of the key ones are back.�

He was talking about Deuce McAllister, who became the first Saints running back to rush for 1,000 yards three years in a row; quarterback Aaron Brooks, who threw for 21 touchdowns while completing 57 percent of his passes; wideout Joe Horn, who set club records for yardage and touchdown catches; defensive linemen Darren Howard and Charles Grant, who combined for 21.5 sacks; and cornerback Mike McKenzie, who had five interceptions in his first season in black and gold.

“We’ve got to put words into action,� says McAllister. “Sure, we’ve had the talent to make the playoffs, but we’ve found a way to let our fans down. You can’t dig yourself the kind of hole we did last year and expect to be playing in January. It’s time for everyone to step up.�

Quarterbacks
Brooks has thrown for more than 3,000 yards in each of the last four seasons. He has thrown for more than 250 yards 28 times. He has thrown for 107 touchdowns since he became a starter midway through the 2000 season. In the fourth quarter, he has led his team on 16 game-winning marches. And yet? More than anyone, Brooks, who took every snap in 2004, has drawn the ire of Saints fans for four non-playoff seasons, despite the fact the defense has been far more inconsistent over that stretch. Saints fans are confounded by a quarterback who can throw a 50-yard strike one moment and follow it by losing a fumble in a seeming state of panic. The big question this year will be how Brooks adapts to a change in offensive coordinators, from Mike McCarthy to Mike Sheppard.

The head coach sees no problem. “Aaron grew up a ton when he got us going on that late-season run,� says Haslett.

Now Haslett will see how quickly fifth-round pick Adrian McPherson will grow up as he starts a new life. He’s the kid Florida State kicked off the team in 2002 after he was charged with cashing stolen checks and allegedly being involved in a gambling ring. The Saints gambled on his “tremendous potential.�

Running Backs
What can you say about McAllister? He runs hard and plays hurt. Give him a sliver of daylight and cornerbacks are playing catch-up. He had five 100-yard games last year despite a severe ankle sprain.

“All things considered,� says Haslett, “he has been the most consistent player on our football team, the ultimate team man, a warrior with not a trace of ego.�

Backing up McAllister will be Antowain Smith, a member of two Patriot championship teams. He’ll take over for Aaron Stecker, who has been retained as a situational back and special teams contributor.

Receivers
Everyone knows what Horn, the team’s go-to guy, can do. Last year, Saints fans discovered what a healthy Donté Stallworth, and his 4.2 speed, could do when he grabbed a career-high 58 passes in his first completely healthy season as a pro.

“Donté stretches the field; he makes life a lot easier for me,� says Horn.

It remains to be seen whether Devery Henderson makes life easier for Haslett. A second-round pick in 2004, the former LSU star made a splash in preseason with a 70-yard touchdown catch against Green Bay. But he spent the regular season as a spectator because he had trouble picking up the system and was tagged a draft bust. Haslett disagrees. “Devery has the game-breaking speed and he will be a star in this league,� he says. “The kid’s got everything.�

At tight end, Shad Meier figures to stir the pot and could wind up nudging Boo Williams or Ernie Conwell out of a starting job.

Offensive Linemen
The signing of free agent Jermane Mayberry and the drafting of Oklahoma’s Jammal Brown in the first round turned out to be the biggest news of the offseason. This gives an area troubled by a ton of false-start penalties two new starting tackles and, hopefully, a more consistent ground game.

Mayberry, who spent nine seasons with the Eagles, goes to battle with a 6-foot-4, 325-pound frame, while Brown, champion of the pancake block in college, stands a shade under 6-foot-6 with a playing weight of 320 pounds. Guards Kendyl Jacox and Montrae Holland return along with center and Pro Bowl candidate LeCharles Bentley.

“It’s the best shape we’ve been in since I got here,� says Haslett, who likes the depth provided by Spencer Folau, an eight-year veteran, and Jon Stinchcomb, a second-round pick in 2003.

Defensive Linemen
The talent is here to help pull the Saints out of the defensive cellar, assuming Darren Howard can have an injury-free season and take a bunch of head-hunters along for the ride. Howard and Charles Grant are imposing bookends to a front four that also features Howard Green, who became a force when he shed 15 pounds, and Brian Young, last year’s top free agent signee, at the tackles.

Will Smith, a No. 1 pick in 2004, stepped into the starting lineup when Howard was sidelined for the first two games and responded with 7.5 sacks for the season, tops for an NFC rookie. “Will Smith can push the pocket, chase ball-carriers and drop into coverage,� says defensive coordinator Rick Venturi.

Along with Smith, Willie Whitehead has proved to be a consistent force in a supporting role.

Linebackers
This remains a suspect area, the hope being that a little maturity will help. James Allen, a third-rounder in 2002, has come on as a 10-game starter who finished last season with a career-high 49 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Haslett is still waiting for the same progress from Colby Bockwoldt, who started the last seven games in his rookie season, and Courtney Watson, who caught fire as a starter late in the year. Haslett is looking for incoming third-round pick Alfred Fincher to battle for a starting job.

Defensive Backs
The big story in the secondary is free agent Dwight Smith moving in at free safety and Tebucky Jones moving out altogether after a disappointing two years. How good is Smith? In the minds of the Saints, good enough to land a five-year, $15 million deal. He joins strong safety Jay Bellamy, an 11-year vet who is a tackle machine.

McKenzie, who led the team with five picks and added 33 tackles and seven passes defended, and Fakhir Brown have become fixtures at the corners. “No one in the league knew who Fakhir was until we put him in there,� says Haslett of a player who started the last 10 games.

Specialists
Placekicker John Carney still has life left in the leg after 15 seasons, and punter Mitch Berger returns after a trip to the Pro Bowl, earned during a season in which he led the league in net yardage.

Michael Lewis remains a serious threat on both punt and kickoff returns. He averaged 23.8 yards on 51 kickoff returns and took one back 96 yards. Lewis has company in Stecker, who had a 98-yard return of his own last year. Veteran special teamers like Fred McAfee and Mel Mitchell add spice to return and cover units.

Final Analysis
An unexpected 4–0 finish saved Haslett’s job. It said something for a group that circled the wagons in the face of merited criticism and responded to a coach’s decision to lighten practices at a time when there was a growing chill between the coaching staff and front office. Owner Tom Benson handed Haslett a two-year contract extension. The Saints still have to prove, especially on defense, they’ve turned a corner. At least the coach has a talking point, following the strong finish.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/foo...ns_saints.html

tiggerpolice,

That's a well written and objective article. It's nice to read intelligent, supported material from a credible source to put things in perspective. The negative Nancy's on this forum are significantly more interested in thier own egos and arguing about Aaron Brooks than clearly thinking about the Saints or football in general for that matter. I guess they're just trying to see who has the cutest picture in their threads and who can get the highest number of posts which is somehow supposed to make them a knowledgeable authority.

It's not rocket science, it's football. As for Aaron, I have met him a few times and had good conversations with him. If these people even had the chance to meet him and have a conversation, which they won't, they would realize that he is intelligent and dedicated to winning and taking the Saints into the playoffs. I hope the team stays healthy this season to show the negative Nancy's how little they actually know about football compared to what is real 8)

Very interesting that they are projecting that Gandy doesn't even start on the line this season. I'd hate to eat that cap number for a non-starter.

Stinchcomb is still conspicuous by his absence.

man when i read about the d line it makes me think if we stay healthy we have a pretty good d line. cause whitehead was hurt at first last year. i would like to see sully do something if not we will be ok. also if not cut him after this year. i am thinking playoffs this year. oh wait i was thinking that last year and the year before. we will see but god just dream guys about watching our guys in january. man christ at least give me that this year. anyone else thinking the way i am this year?

When weren't they healthy last year? Deuce for two games?

This is coach speak BS. Aaron played like crap the vast majority of those wins, and took the opportunity to call himself a great QB on a struggling, inconsistent team before the most important game of the season. He played well in the Carolina game. So if growing up is making immature statements and playing one good game with three crap ones thrown in, Haslett needs to be fired before he gets more delusional.

With that said, damn I hope we can win the division this year somehow.

I liked the Roaf, Turley, Fontenot line better, but depth wise, we are loaded. That is exciting. MAybe this year if someone screws up we can pull them for osmeone who will perform.

Is this official? I thought Benson balked on this and it hasn't been agreed to yet.

A late season run ???

In difference to the past seasons and the December slide ???

What a Public Relations joke ......

| 14 | at Dallas Cowboys | W | 27-13 |
| 15 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W | 21-17 |
| 16 | Atlanta Falcons | W | 26-13 |
| 17 | at Carolina Panthers | W | 21-18

Dallas tied for last in their division
Tampa was last in our division
Atlanta - started ATL: M. Schaub (17-41, 188)
Carolina was a good game against a divisional opponent .

Hasbeen has Alzheimers .

08,

i agree with you first off, and ill only add one thing...

sure those last games werent against top-tier guys, but man we actually won games against noticebly lesser opponents, something we have struggled with in the past. how long have we wanted the saints to win the games they were supposed to win?
its a step, one small step in the right a direction

The past lines had more star power, but this one definately has much more depth.

During the offseason the team was evaluated and the decision was made to improve the right side of the O-Line. We picked up Mayberry and drafted Brown to solidify the right side of the line. If the protection is not sufficient for the QB to make reads then hurries, sacks, busted plays, and exponential frustration plague the offense's progress and consistency.

Now that the O-Line has been solidified, if the team can stay healthy throughout the season, consistency and time for the plays to develop as they are drawn up will increase which is a good thing.

I didn't know they solidified the right side of the line cause of injuries. Didn't Riley play all 16 games? I thought they solidified it cause Riley sucked and he was not brought back. I don't recall anyone being hurt on the line as being the reason they made this change. But still, they have solidified that side of the line and I am excited to see what these boys can do.

.. we are blessed in having someone with such great knowledge of the game of football as yourself, and so envy you for being a personal friend of Aaron Brooks...

... I can only hope that I would be able to get a little more insight on the game of football and our team through your keen observations and assertive agreements with articles that you find objective and well written...

Oh Lord. Please, set us straight. What's real? I know Aaron Brooks is REAL dumb. What else? LMAO.

It amazes me that each year Haslett has the same thing to say -- "we did a lot of things right last year -- we are looking forward to this year", AB is having a great offseason -- he is becoming a better leader -- been doing tremendous in an offseason program" == "I don't think the fans realize just how close we were last year -- one or 2 plays go differently and we'd have made the playoffs" --- We have the personell this year -- now its up to us to execute. We are going to be more focused on the fundamentals -- not making the mistakes we have made last year"

That's called coach speak --

Now lets hope this year the coachspeak is actually true this year

I'm sensing some sarcasm. :lol:

I didn't state that the right side of the O-Line was strengthened due to injury. I stated that in the offseason the team was evaluated and that the right side of the O-Line was decided to be improved.

We are blessed that we have a team to root for. I did not state that I was more informed about football than anyone else. Those with the fewest facts have the strongest opinions is what I was referring to about Aaron.

I understand that you don't like Brooks and that's fine. But, this is what I'm talking about with the negativity. It brings down morale. Why does everyone fixate so much on one player and, how is a man the starting QB for an NFL franchise for years making big money REAL dumb? That's an example of a person with the fewest facts having the strongest opinion. The Patriots won as a team with fans that supported the team. Brady isn't the reason the Patriots won the Superbowls. The fans had a positive attitude about the team and that's very important to go deep in the playoffs.

I guess my bad? I went off your original comment about the team staying healthy, but they were healthy last year. Then you started talking about the line. I don't know. then I guess I am wondering where the healthy thing is coming from? Did you just mean it as a wish for the coming season with no relation to the prior season? Cause we were healthy last year and a lot of players didn't show much. So the hope is we will be healthy again so these players who didn't show much last year will have another chance to show something? I can dig that.

hey djl,
don't let the wolves rattle you.....................
you're entitled to your opinion like everyone else.............
don't let em run you off.....................
it's interesting to say the least that you know aaron............
ask him for all of us please, why does he smile when a play does'nt go down and please, ask him to stop it..................this is from fans.........
now, i am not a big brooks fan but i'll give him this yr to show me something.............after that, what is one to do?
KEEP SUPPORTING THIS FRIGGING TEAM FOR ALL THEIR LIVES LIKE I DO?
yes, i guess it is what a saints fan should do.........................
show me the playoffs brooks, i think you can this yr........smitty

Yes, I did mean it only as a wish for this upcoming season. If Mayberry and Brown (or other starters) get injured then we'll be right back where we were. If the team is able to stay healthy and they don't make it to the playoffs this season with the depth and the talent we have then there is no excuse that can be made. Everything is in place as good as it can get and, talent wise, we have a better team than 2000 overall. I don't think any one player can hurt the team so bad that they don't make it in.

I'm not Aaron's best friend, but you'd be surprised how genuine he is in person. He's not goofy either. Yes, his goofy behavior on the field is annoying. What I would say it is is that he's a quiet, nice guy and that he's under extreme pressure during the game so when he makes a bone headed mistake, he acts goofy as a defense mechanism. It looks like that's just the way he is. I remember when Blake was the QB and Brooks came out in pre-season. Brooks was horrible and rolled around on the ground after busted plays and I remember Haslett looking at McCarthy like, "...and you said this guy was good!?" He has the talent to make the throws. I just don't think he copes well when it's all on him. If he has time, he'll have a very productive season.

Gotcha. Good man.

This is something that has gotten blown way out of proportion over the years. I see this exhibited all the time out of everyday people as well as NFL players. I guarantee that many of the same people criticizing AB for smiling after an onflield mistake have at some point done something moronic in front of a group of people and smiled about it. Not because what you did was plain funny but because it was moronic and you laughed at yourself about it. It is a natural response. I care much less about that than I care about the playing and joking around on the sidelines during losses. That is an outrage.

whoever said a smile was contagious, was'nt lying.............smitty