Players Saints looking at

TheDeuce · 01-25-2008, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by iceshack149

If the Saints keep Eric Johnson at TE they'll ne fine. And a healthy Mark Campbell is a benefactor for this offense. Billy Miller has proved to be a good fill in guy too. Tight end is fine. Focus on the defense.

The Saints are fine at RB too. I'd hate to beat a dead horse so I'll simply list the RB's and leave the RB topic alone. Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Aaron Stecker, Pierre Thomas, Jamaal Branch, Mike Karney. Shoot, Kevin Dudley impressed the heck out of me in the 2007 pre-season. The offense backfield for the Saints is very good. Focus on the defense.

The WR position is fine also. I'm eager to see what Meachem can do for the Saints this year. Bring Patten and a healthy Copper back and get rid of Henderson! This isn't a great WR group but the Saints must focus on the defense.

I might be alone here, but I would be happy if we didn't get another TE this offseason and gave the job, full-time, over to Billy Miller. The guy was phenomenal this season. He averaged 12 yards a catch, and was very sure handed. In many games he made big catches that kept drives going, and he also proved to be a big play guy. Eric "Oops" Johnson was very unimpressive, and I hope not to see him again. Maybe if we used a later round pick on a tight end, maybe a guy who would be a "project", that could work nicely. But if this guy had more chances to catch the ball, I think he could be a huge weapon. He averaged more yards per reception than Alge Crumpler, Jason Witten, and Tony Gonzales. The only problem was that he didn't get to start until late in the season after EJ blew two games for us.

msmith · 01-25-2008, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by TheDeuce

I might be alone here, but I would be happy if we didn't get another TE this offseason and gave the job, full-time, over to Billy Miller. The guy was phenomenal this season. He averaged 12 yards a catch, and was very sure handed. In many games he made big catches that kept drives going, and he also proved to be a big play guy. Eric "Oops" Johnson was very unimpressive, and I hope not to see him again. Maybe if we used a later round pick on a tight end, maybe a guy who would be a "project", that could work nicely. But if this guy had more chances to catch the ball, I think he could be a huge weapon. He averaged more yards per reception than Alge Crumpler, Jason Witten, and Tony Gonzales. The only problem was that he didn't get to start until late in the season after EJ blew two games for us.

Early on in the season I was very hopeful about Johnson, and he did make some nice plays... but down the stretch I'd have to agree with you.

On more than one occasion I had to wonder if Miller would've succeeded on certain plays that Johnson flubbed...

Also, Miller's enthusiasm and dedication seemed to shine through on the occasional interview that would be shown on the news.

I'm just glad that we seem to have a TE that has produced, and stayed healthy (knocking furiously on wood). Over the years, it always seemed to me that we'd have more turnaround @ the TE position than any other.

The only negative that I've really heard about Miller is his blocking ability... I don't know details, but I was told that he was primarily a WR in college and that he still had much to learn concerning run/pass-blocking and blitz pickups.

With that said, he seems like he's motivated, gifted athletically, and willing to do what it takes to win. I haven't focused on any games to spot any deficiencies, but if he is truly lacking in the blocking game then I hope he'll continue to grow in that aspect.

Supersaint19 · 01-25-2008, 12:46 PM

Avery is a devery henderson clone, i want to see him catch the ball more

TheDeuce · 01-25-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks for the input, I didn't realize that was a knock on Miller. But as far as pass catching goes, I couldn't be happier with his play the second half of the season.

papz · 01-25-2008, 12:53 PM

I can definitely agree with both previous post (td and ms's). I really appreciate what EJ did for us but I'd like to see more explosiveness out of the tight end position. EJ provided us with no YAC while Miller can actually open things up and stretch the field. With that said, I wouldn't just hand Miller the starting gig. There are a few guys I'd like for us to bring in to compete for that job... mainly Utecht from Indy. We should also consider drafting a TE on the second day as Deuce mentioned earlier.

iceshack149 · 01-25-2008, 01:29 PM

I think that Campbell is being overlooked here. In my opinion, he's the most complete TE on the team. I guess the point is that TE is not a need for the Saints. Especially if Johnson can play like he did in 2004.

SapperSaint · 01-25-2008, 01:39 PM

I won't say I'm ready to dump EJ, and Miller did a surprisingly good job as well. The verdict is still out on Campbell. I am however, all for picking up Utecht in FA.

msmith · 01-25-2008, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by iceshack149

I think that Campbell is being overlooked here...

COMPLETELY and totally forgot about Campbell...

Here's to hoping he's made a healthy recovery and can make an impact upon his return in 2008!

iceshack149 · 01-25-2008, 01:55 PM

Double post. Sorry, things move slowly up here..

iceshack149 · 01-25-2008, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by saintsfan1976

E Johnson can't catch. And the Saints are far from fine at RB. Too many unknowns headed into the year... Deuce and Reggie's durability issues, PT's limited experience and Stecker is not the bruiser Deuce once was.

WR is far from fine as well. Colston is our only solid player and he's been injury prone as well. Patten fills in nicely on occasion, but is nowhere near a #1. I won't speak of Meach until he plays in real games. Copper & Moore are still up in the air and you're right, Henderson needs to go.

So, while the Saints "focus" on defense, they need to continue to build on the offense. I hope to see this accomplished in free agency too.

It would seem to me that the Saints are set at RB more than any position on the team. The only question that I had in the running game is the run protection from the line. The run blocking was something that I questioned from the beginning of the year but once guys like Stecker and Thomas got behind the line and did well running I shifted the blame from the line to Bush.

I'm with you on the WR's but there are good and serviceable players there and one stud. I wouldn't be too upset if the team brought in a WR or two in FA but not at the expense of missing out on some good defensive players. The team needs players at CB, DL, LB, even kicker before worrying about WR. Meachem will be under some serious scrutiny from the team and it's fans next season. I sure hope that he's up to the challenge.

01-25-2008, 12:10 PM	#21
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928	Re: Players Saints looking at Originally Posted by iceshack149 If the Saints keep Eric Johnson at TE they'll ne fine. And a healthy Mark Campbell is a benefactor for this offense. Billy Miller has proved to be a good fill in guy too. Tight end is fine. Focus on the defense. The Saints are fine at RB too. I'd hate to beat a dead horse so I'll simply list the RB's and leave the RB topic alone. Deuce McAllister, Reggie Bush, Aaron Stecker, Pierre Thomas, Jamaal Branch, Mike Karney. Shoot, Kevin Dudley impressed the heck out of me in the 2007 pre-season. The offense backfield for the Saints is very good. Focus on the defense. The WR position is fine also. I'm eager to see what Meachem can do for the Saints this year. Bring Patten and a healthy Copper back and get rid of Henderson! This isn't a great WR group but the Saints must focus on the defense. I might be alone here, but I would be happy if we didn't get another TE this offseason and gave the job, full-time, over to Billy Miller. The guy was phenomenal this season. He averaged 12 yards a catch, and was very sure handed. In many games he made big catches that kept drives going, and he also proved to be a big play guy. Eric "Oops" Johnson was very unimpressive, and I hope not to see him again. Maybe if we used a later round pick on a tight end, maybe a guy who would be a "project", that could work nicely. But if this guy had more chances to catch the ball, I think he could be a huge weapon. He averaged more yards per reception than Alge Crumpler, Jason Witten, and Tony Gonzales. The only problem was that he didn't get to start until late in the season after EJ blew two games for us.
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928

01-25-2008, 12:24 PM	#22
msmith Rookie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 17	Re: Players Saints looking at Originally Posted by TheDeuce I might be alone here, but I would be happy if we didn't get another TE this offseason and gave the job, full-time, over to Billy Miller. The guy was phenomenal this season. He averaged 12 yards a catch, and was very sure handed. In many games he made big catches that kept drives going, and he also proved to be a big play guy. Eric "Oops" Johnson was very unimpressive, and I hope not to see him again. Maybe if we used a later round pick on a tight end, maybe a guy who would be a "project", that could work nicely. But if this guy had more chances to catch the ball, I think he could be a huge weapon. He averaged more yards per reception than Alge Crumpler, Jason Witten, and Tony Gonzales. The only problem was that he didn't get to start until late in the season after EJ blew two games for us. Early on in the season I was very hopeful about Johnson, and he did make some nice plays... but down the stretch I'd have to agree with you. On more than one occasion I had to wonder if Miller would've succeeded on certain plays that Johnson flubbed... Also, Miller's enthusiasm and dedication seemed to shine through on the occasional interview that would be shown on the news. I'm just glad that we seem to have a TE that has produced, and stayed healthy (knocking furiously on wood). Over the years, it always seemed to me that we'd have more turnaround @ the TE position than any other. The only negative that I've really heard about Miller is his blocking ability... I don't know details, but I was told that he was primarily a WR in college and that he still had much to learn concerning run/pass-blocking and blitz pickups. With that said, he seems like he's motivated, gifted athletically, and willing to do what it takes to win. I haven't focused on any games to spot any deficiencies, but if he is truly lacking in the blocking game then I hope he'll continue to grow in that aspect.
msmith Rookie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 17

01-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#23
Supersaint19 Registered Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 59	Re: Players Saints looking at Avery is a devery henderson clone, i want to see him catch the ball more
Supersaint19 Registered Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 59

01-25-2008, 12:52 PM	#24
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928	Re: Players Saints looking at Thanks for the input, I didn't realize that was a knock on Miller. But as far as pass catching goes, I couldn't be happier with his play the second half of the season.
TheDeuce 1000 Posts + Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,928

01-25-2008, 12:53 PM	#25
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,737	Re: Players Saints looking at I can definitely agree with both previous post (td and ms's). I really appreciate what EJ did for us but I'd like to see more explosiveness out of the tight end position. EJ provided us with no YAC while Miller can actually open things up and stretch the field. With that said, I wouldn't just hand Miller the starting gig. There are a few guys I'd like for us to bring in to compete for that job... mainly Utecht from Indy. We should also consider drafting a TE on the second day as Deuce mentioned earlier.
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way. Last edited by papz; 01-25-2008 at 01:08 PM..

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01-25-2008, 01:29 PM	#26
iceshack149 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 4,238 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Players Saints looking at I think that Campbell is being overlooked here. In my opinion, he's the most complete TE on the team. I guess the point is that TE is not a need for the Saints. Especially if Johnson can play like he did in 2004.

01-25-2008, 01:39 PM	#27
SapperSaint Pink Nightmare Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 3,028 Blog Entries: 7	Re: Players Saints looking at I won't say I'm ready to dump EJ, and Miller did a surprisingly good job as well. The verdict is still out on Campbell. I am however, all for picking up Utecht in FA.

01-25-2008, 01:54 PM	#28
msmith Rookie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 17	Re: Players Saints looking at Originally Posted by iceshack149 I think that Campbell is being overlooked here... COMPLETELY and totally forgot about Campbell... Here's to hoping he's made a healthy recovery and can make an impact upon his return in 2008!
msmith Rookie Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 17

01-25-2008, 01:55 PM	#29
iceshack149 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 4,238 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Players Saints looking at Double post. Sorry, things move slowly up here..
	Last edited by iceshack149; 01-25-2008 at 02:01 PM..

01-25-2008, 01:57 PM	#30
iceshack149 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 4,238 Blog Entries: 1	Re: Players Saints looking at Originally Posted by saintsfan1976 E Johnson can't catch. *And the Saints are far from fine at RB.* Too many unknowns headed into the year... Deuce and Reggie's durability issues, PT's limited experience and Stecker is not the bruiser Deuce once was. WR is far from fine as well. Colston is our only solid player and he's been injury prone as well. Patten fills in nicely on occasion, but is nowhere near a #1. I won't speak of Meach until he plays in real games. Copper & Moore are still up in the air and you're right, Henderson needs to go. So, while the Saints "focus" on defense, they need to continue to build on the offense. I hope to see this accomplished in free agency too. It would seem to me that the Saints are set at RB more than any position on the team. The only question that I had in the running game is the run protection from the line. The run blocking was something that I questioned from the beginning of the year but once guys like Stecker and Thomas got behind the line and did well running I shifted the blame from the line to Bush. I'm with you on the WR's but there are good and serviceable players there and one stud. I wouldn't be too upset if the team brought in a WR or two in FA but not at the expense of missing out on some good defensive players. The team needs players at CB, DL, LB, even kicker before worrying about WR. Meachem will be under some serious scrutiny from the team and it's fans next season. I sure hope that he's up to the challenge.
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