If you have a defense that can shut down opponents, then that strategy is fine. While our defense will be improved, its success will hinge as much on the offense's ability to put up points in a hurry and make the opponent 1 dimensional. I agree that we could use some "meat" in the backfield, but both Stecker and PT are capable of taking carries between the tackles and I think you will see a more patient Reggie this year. Keep in mind that you do not have to be 230-240 lbs to effectively run the ball between the tackles. I think we have the things that you are looking for. Periement runners (Reggie), B/t the tackles (Deuce, PT, Stecker), Recieving TEs (Johnson, Miller), Blocking tight ends (Miller, Campbell). I hear you on the injury concerns but keep in mind that the ball will be spread around for the RBs as will the snaps for the TEs. We arent asking Deuce to pound the ball 25-30 times a game. We arent asking Johnson hold his blocking point of attack on a trick knee for 40 snaps a game. Our offense finished 4th in the league last season. We add some experience to PT and Reggie. We get a even somewhat healthy Deuce back. We get Meachem playing time. If we finished 4th last season, the pieces are in place for us to finish in the Top 5 again this year as we have all what we had last year plus more.

Also, our bad start last year was a result of more than an ineffective, between the tackle run game. Drew was not playing as well. Our defense forced our offense to play from behind, thus limiting our run game. And our schedule was not a cake walk by any means in the first 3 games.

We have to do more. RB / TE / DB still a weakness that teams will exploit.

The 08 schedule is tougher than 07 !

The opponents have upgraded. What have we done.

The only bona fide upgrade has been Ellis and McCray. This will help somewhat. But against elite teams ??

We have to do more. RB / TE / DB still a weakness that teams will exploit.

Vilma... does that ring a bell?

we have solid depth at RB, i dont know why ur still harping on this...

TEs are servicable... with all the other talent on offense, this is really a position of luxury.. not a need...

we have good depth at CB and with an improved pass rush, this area should be much improved...

Let's talk about him when he actually takes the field and not before.

Losing Deuce in 07 severely hampered our O. We don't have him back yet and probably won't for 08. Can you say 'microfracture surgery'?

Serviceable skill position players make it tough to get a team to the SB. TE's are key positions for Colts, Chargers, Steelers, Broncos. All of those teams have been to the SB

More rookies and old veteran players do not equal better on the field production.

No, I meant real TE's, that can block in the running game as well as catch in the passing game.

Deuce 6'1" / 230lbs.

Matt Forte 6'2" / 232lbs, over 2300 yards rushing in one season.

I don't have Matt Forte listed as a Scat Back.

4 back to back games with over 1000 yards rushing.

why not? he is arguably the best LB the saints have had in over 5 or 6 years... just b/c he hasnt suited up for the saints yet doesnt mean a thing...

yes i can.. but obviously you dont keep up with recent news... since he is already running and will be ready for training camp...

chargers havent been to the SB in 10 or 15 years.. the colts also have payton manning, marvin harrison, reggie wayne, an awesome Oline, and a very fast and punishing defense... the steelers made it to the SB with a good defense and a great running game.. the broncos had john elway and terrell davis.. as well as a beast of an Oline..


what about the patriots, or eagles? or seahawks? or bears? none of those teams had really great TEs, yet still made the superbowl...

my point is we dont need an awesome TE to make the SB, it is a luxury, not a need... i would love to have gotten shockey, i think he would have made our offense even more unstoppable.. but it wasnt a need..

no but experience and learning the system does...

Matt Forte
Height: 6-1
Weight: 224 lbs.

and he isnt the bruiser that his height an weight suggest.. he is more of a finesse back then pounder

against Memphis, Army, UAB, and Southern Methodist

thats almost impressive... he had 73 yards against a real defense when they played LSU... 43 when they played Miss St...