saintz08

Oct. 13, 2003


Audibles

Saints aren't lacking for talent at skill positions

The following quotes were made by NFL scouts, coaches and front-office personnel on the condition of anonymity:

“I think what we’re finding out in Atlanta is that Atlanta goes as Mike Vick goes. They’re struggling without him. There’s just not enough there.�
“(North Carolina State QB) Philip Rivers, as good as his numbers have been, is still not more than a sixth- or seventh-rounder in my eyes. His mechanics are awful.�
“I don’t know if Jay Fiedler can hear Brian Griese’s footsteps or not, but let him know Griese is coming.�
“(49ers rookie OT) Kwame Harris is going to be just fine. He gets out of sync a little bit and forgets his size and leverage is an advantage.�
“The Saints are sorry. They have as much talent at the skill spots as anyone — Kansas City, Denver, Green Bay, Buffalo — you name it. How that team is (2-4) is baffling.�
“When the Seahawks get Shawn Springs back, you shouldn’t be able to throw on that secondary. Ray Rhodes is getting the pressure he wants for the most part, and that first three — Ken Lucas, Marcus Trufant and Springs — at corner (is) special.�
“As productive as (Cardinals rookie WR Anquan) Boldin has been, he still makes a lot of rookie mistakes. He has to do a better job of recognizing blitzes and running hot routes.�
“(Dallas DT) Daleroy Stewart is playing tough. He manhandled (Jets All-Pro C) Kevin Mawae (several weeks ago). He’s an ox.�
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Can anyone say , one the field and off the field leadership ???

saintz08

New Orleans

Why have the Saints struggled so mightily this year? Insiders say one of the reasons has been the team’s inability to score early in games and its habit of falling behind by halftime, which often limits RB Deuce McAllister’s role in the second half. The Saints have yet to score on their opening possession of a game this season and have scored a touchdown on their first possession in just 5-of-55 games under head coach Jim Haslett. New Orleans also has been outscored 27-15 in the first quarter this season and 81-34 in the first half. We’re told part of the reason for the struggles could be a lack of intensity early in games from QB Aaron Brooks and the players in general, who don’t really seem to come alive until they get behind. That strategy has backfired this year, as the Saints have dug themselves holes that they haven’t been able to climb out of. The Saints’ focus in the week leading up to their matchup with the Bears was to get out to a fast start, but they failed miserably, holding just a 6-3 lead at halftime.

\"Americans play to win at all times. I wouldn\'t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed.\" - George S. Patton
On another note, I\'ll take a bite of that crow 08. - Saintfan
Brooks is a moron!! - Halo

billybignuts

I think that we have a huge problem with special teams play. We dominated on special teams last year, it seemed like we always started on the 40 yard line. This year we are getting no field position and are letting other teams get huge yardage on punt and kickoff returns.

rich006

Not only does poor field position make it a longer field for the offense, but this offense doesn\'t seem to play with the same intensity when they start at their own 20 as when they start at midfield. I bet if you looked at all the 3-and-outs, you\'d find that there are more of them deep in Saints\' territory than near midfield or in opponents\' territory. I guess the offense needs a big play by the D or special teams in order to get fired up-- which doesn\'t speak well for the on-field leadership of the offense.

"I'm going back to New Orleans, to wear that ball and chain."