JOESAM2002

By Jeff Duncan/New Orleans Times-Picayune
Saints Team Report
July 11, 2003 Print it


Preseason priority

With seven new starters, the defense must quickly become a cohesive unit. Competitions at tackle (Kenny Smith and Grady Jackson), weakside linebacker (Derrick Rodgers and James Allen) and right cornerback (Fred Thomas and Ashley Ambrose) must be settled quickly so the starters can jell. The unit is expected to have six starters with four years' experience or less, so it is imperative that veterans such as S Tebucky Jones, Rodgers and LB Orlando Ruff fill the leadership roles vacated by S Sammy Knight and LB Charlie Clemons. Coordinator Rick Venturi will keep things simple until the young starters become comfortable.

Position battle

The spot opposite rookie DT Johnathan Sullivan could be a weakness. Neither Jackson nor Smith has been a model of consistency, yet the defense needs one of them to become a force. When motivated, Jackson can dominate with his natural power and quick first step. But he was overweight and a no-show at the training complex this offseason. Smith, on the other hand, has been a model participant in the conditioning program and seems eager for a starting chance. He is a big-time athlete but lacks experience at the position.

On the spot

RB Curtis Keaton will get a long look in the preseason to determine if he is ready to assume backup duties to Deuce McAllister. He disappointed last season and needs a strong camp to win the confidence of the staff and his teammates. If he doesn't produce, the team will look for a veteran after final roster cuts.

Camp confidential

McAllister enjoyed a breakout season in 2002, but the Saints don't think he has come to close to fulfilling his potential. As with most natural athletes, things come easily to McAllister. So despite being a star and one of the best-liked players on the roster, he'll be pushed by the coaching staff harder than ever this season. … After this season, Darren Howard should be mentioned among the top defensive ends in the league—if he can stay healthy. A lingering shoulder injury hounded Howard last season and robbed him of his strength, but he's 100 percent now. The Saints plan to build a number of their pressure packages around his natural pass-rush skills, so a double-digit sack season is within reach. … Second-year CB Keyuo Craver might be the biggest sleeper on the defense. He showed flashes of potential last season before injuring his knee in Week 2. He has room to make big improvement after a full offseason of work in the conditioning program and studying the playbook. … Rookie Mark Mariscal won't beat out Mitch Berger for the punter job—the veteran has a five-year contract—but he out-kicked Berger for most of the offseason. If and when Mariscal is cut, look for him to land a job with another team; there's a shortage of quality punters in the league.

Offseason grade: B+

The team achieved its goal of improving the defense's speed and athleticism by acquiring four new starters. It fortified the middle by adding rookie DT Johnathan Sullivan, MLB Orlando Ruff and S Tebucky Jones. On offense, LT Wayne Gandy and QB Todd Bouman are solid additions, and versatile TE Ernie Conwell is an upgrade.