blacksaint

Fujita leads productive group

David Brandt
(Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger

JACKSON, Miss. — With a combined 309 tackles, eight sacks and three interceptions, it’s safe to say the linebacker trio of Scott Fujita, Scott Shanle and Mark Simoneau was very productive for the New Orleans Saints last season.
But when it’s time for media interviews after practice at training camp, the unheralded trio can usually hop on their bikes or scooters and putt away unnoticed, off to the weight room or to the Millsaps cafeteria for a quick lunch.

But Tuesday was a rare day, one in which Fujita was asked to park his scooter for a minute and answer some questions about how the Saints’ linebackers continually manage to avoid attention.

“I think we’re used to that, though,” Fujita said. “Our situation — you either come into the league with a lot of hype or you don’t. Being late-round guys (in the NFL Draft), you’ve kind of got to build a reputation over the years. But all of us have made our way just being blue-collar guys who work their butt off.”

Last season, Shanle and Simoneau were added through trades during training camp, giving them little time to adapt to the Saints’ defensive system.
Simoneau said he was amazed at how smoothly the transition occurred.

“There’s a lot to process when you first come to a new team,” Simoneau said.
“Looking back, it was pretty impressive how we were able to make that work.”

Despite last year’s productivity, the linebackers will once again have to prove their worth this season.

The Saints’ defense ranked in the middle of the NFL pack in most categories last season and is widely considered the weak part of a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

“One of the things we’re really working on is cutting down the yards per carry against the run,” said Shanle, who was signed to a four-year contract extension in the offseason. “... One of the signs of a championship defense is the ability to stop the run, so that’s something we want to focus on.”

Fujita said one of the biggest knocks he’s heard about the three starting linebackers from last season — who all happen to be white — is a perceived lack of elite athleticism.

“I think our athleticism has been underestimated for years ... I don’t want to get into it too much, for obvious reasons, but there’s a reason people call us the (Snow Patrol),” Fujita said with a grin. “It’s something that everybody notices and, really, I’ve got no problem with it.”

The Saints added depth at the position in the offseason, bringing in veteran Brian Simmons from Cincinnati and Dhani Jones, who had several stellar seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants.

Both are battling for starting spots during training camp. Simoneau is probably the most in danger of losing his job, considering he and Simmons play middle linebacker.

“(Fujita, Shanle and Simoneau) did a good job last year,” Simmons said. “(But) I consider myself a starter in this league and I didn’t take this deal (with the Saints) to become a backup. That’s pretty much all that needs to be said about that.”

And that’s fine with coach Sean Payton. Both Simoneau and Simmons have worked with the first team during the first week in camp, and Payton’s not tipping his hand toward who he prefers.

“I really like the competition that’s been created,” Payton said. “... You’re looking for the details and what things work better than others. You’re looking for that enthusiasm. I think we’ve created a good situation.”

saint4life
(504)

BlueDevil1978

The "Snow Patrol" ? What does he mean -- that because all three of the starters are white or that they look like they're trudging thru the snow?

iceshack149

Yes, it's because they are crackers. Race is very important to almost everybody.

phatoosdey

they all look black and gold to me

iceshack149

This was the correct response. Mine was of a more feculant nature.

Bottom line is that I want this linebacking crew to be good. Really good. I love linebackers and thanks to Johnson, Swilling, Mills and Jackson my expectations are pretty much unreachable.