JOESAM2002

The lastest.
By Jeff Duncan/New Orleans Times-Picayune
Saints Team Report
June 20, 2003 Print it


WLB Derrick Rodgers has all but won a starting spot. He has taken quickly to the Saints' system since being acquired from Miami. Rodgers could have the biggest impact of any new starter except FS Tebucky Jones.

WR Donte' Stallworth supplanted Jerome Pathon as a starter, but that's no indictment of Pathon, who also is having a strong offseason. Pathon added 10 pounds of muscle and mastered all three receiver positions. Pathon's versatility makes him ideal for the No. 3 receiver spot; Stallworth is sticking primarily to the “Z� position on the outside.

Offensive tackles analysis

Willie Roaf and Kyle Turley left some big shoes to fill the last two offseasons. LT Wayne Gandy and RT Victor Riley might be a step below in sheer talent, but both are capable. Gandy isn't dominant, but he's consistent and can keep the pressure off a quarterback's backside. Riley is a strong drive blocker who has matured significantly. The team has better depth with solid veteran Scott Sanderson and rookie Jon Stinchcomb. Stinchcomb is extremely smart and an expert technician but probably needs a full year before he will challenge for a starting spot.

tweeky

I had a good feeling about Rodgers. Early word was that James Allen may replace Sedrick Hodge on th eother side. I wonder how that battle is going. I heard the Saints were a little disappointed at Hodges progression, and were pleasantly surprised at Allens.

I have a sneaky suspicion that this defense has much more of Haslets fingerprints on it than Venturi\'s.

My take is that Haslet is really the DC and Venturi is simply his #1 assistant.

BillyCarpenter1

This is the NFL man, which stands for: NOT FOR LONG !!!

That goes for players and coaches alike. If he had that little confidence in Venturi he would be gone.

As far as \"fingerprints all over\", he is the head coach after all.

rusta

i am happy to hear that rodgers is more than likely going to start, i was worried that we would wait until week 5 or so to give him a shot, this alone makes me feel better about our LB\'s