tweeky

Jeff Duncan's report...
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 #2 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.
END REPORT

Rogers all but won spot? Good news / bad news ?
Good-I thought this kid was good and may break into the starting line-up. But this fast? During coaching sessions? Was he simply in the wrong system in Miami as many of us claimed, including yours truly?
Bad- That may be a sign that our other OLB's aren't as good as some of us thought, including yours truly.

Pathon 10 lbs of muscle? I keep hearing about a lot of players coming in bigger stronger faster, Smith, Mitchell, Allen, Lewis, Riley come to mind. Do you think that strength guru we hired away from Jax is the reason? I hope so. They blew quite a bit of smoke up his rear when we hired him.

[Edited on 23/6/2003 by tweeky]

BillyCarpenter1

I dont\' think the fact that Rodgers may have won the starting spot is any indication that the rest of the linebackers aren\'t any good. Instead, I see it as an idication that the coaching staff feels like they may have landed a very good linebacker.

Derrick Rodgers was named Sports Illustrated NFL defensive rookie of the year in 97\' and has been a big part of the Dolphins defense since entering the league.

This guy has all the physical skills and experience to make a major impact on the Saints defense this year.

The Dolphins got rid of Rodgers because they felt like they had a better player for their system, just as the Saints will probably start Rodgers because they feel like he\'s the guy for the job.

By everything I\'m hearing about the type of defense the Saints plan to run this year, I can see him not only stopping the run, but also using his outstanding speed to rush the paser.

tweeky

That was pretty much my sentiment on the guy, but to win the starting job so fast surprised me. I hope its an indication of how good this guy is instead of a reflection on the incumbents. Sometimes its difficult to break 33 years of optimism turned heartbreak. It frequently raises its ugly pessimistic head.

I\'d heard early reports that Allen may supplant Hodge on the other side.
Hmmm...
Allen, Ruff, Rogers the starting 3? Who would have thought this 2 months ago?

BillyCarpenter1

Since we\'re talking about defense..............


When you look at the new players on defense this year, one thing is certain. They are bigger and faster!!!

I\'m more excited about this years defense than I have been in many years.

I\'m going to go out on the limb and say the Saints defense will finish in the top-5 this year.

Number #1 offense---#1 special teams----------#5 defense

Am I dreaming?????

WhoDat

\"The Dolphins got rid of Rodgers because they felt like they had a better player for their system, just as the Saints will probably start Rodgers because they feel like he\'s the guy for the job.\"

I just needed to quote you on that... very interesting... so the Dolphins got rid of a more talented player b/c they didn\'t feel he fit the system? That\'s what you\'re saying?

BillyCarpenter1

WhoDat,

Did you see anywhere on that post where i said they got rid of a more talented player?

One day you will win one.


But it ain\'t today!!!!

BlackandBlue

Oh no, you used his own quotes against him. This has never been done before! :P

This bit of sarcasm is brought to you by \"Monday: The Worst @$#%^&* Day of the Week!\"

Now, if I can figure out a way to keep people from using the terms \"Homerism\" and \"Anywho\". Everytime I hear/read it, I feel like stapling my ears/eyes closed.

BillyCarpenter1

No what he did was totally mis-read what I said.

Anywho, it was just a little homerism for ya !!!!!!!!

tweeky

Billy, put down the beers, you\'ve had enough.
On second thought, what the hell, drink up brother, I like the enthusiasm!
Anywho, I do think our Defense will be upper 1/3 of the pack, maybe a top 10!

BlackandBlue

I hate you all!