Saints Team Report - Jeff Duncan

tweeky · 12-03-2003, 07:02 AM

Saints Team Report - Jeff Duncan /

Hail Holland

Rookie Montrae Holland has played well in place of injured LG Kendyl Jacox, giving the staff confidence Holland can be a full-time starter next season. He is not extremely agile or mobile, but he can overpower linemen at the point of attack with his natural strength and leverage.

CB Dale Carter, 34, has worn out his welcome and is turning into a major bust. He has been ineffective and unreliable, missing most of five games because of injuries to his eye socket and his thigh. Carter's salary escalates next season, so the Saints could cut their ties with him if his attitude and production don't improve. The team plans to address the cornerback position in the draft and probably will draft a corner in one of the first two rounds.

Stretch run

On offense, the Saints will continue to ride the running of Deuce McAllister to set up the play-action passing game. The defense is getting good pressure on the quarterback from RE Darren Howard and LE Charles Grant, and that could produce more turnovers. The key will be how well the defense stops the run, a major weakness in recent weeks. Fortunately, none of the final four opponents features a dominant rushing attack.

Focal point

QB Aaron Brooks has improved in several areas this season, including completion percentage and decision making. But he needs to raise his level of play down the stretch and become a more dynamic force on and off the field. His easy-going personality can be a liability for an offense that often lacks direction and focus. Brooks also must overcome his troubling tendency to make mistakes, especially early in games, which have put the Saints in early holes in recent weeks.

12-03-2003, 07:02 AM	#1
tweeky 500th Post Join Date: May 2003 Location: South Alabama Posts: 779	Saints Team Report - Jeff Duncan Saints Team Report - Jeff Duncan / Hail Holland Rookie Montrae Holland has played well in place of injured LG Kendyl Jacox, giving the staff confidence Holland can be a full-time starter next season. He is not extremely agile or mobile, but he can overpower linemen at the point of attack with his natural strength and leverage. CB Dale Carter, 34, has worn out his welcome and is turning into a major bust. He has been ineffective and unreliable, missing most of five games because of injuries to his eye socket and his thigh. Carter's salary escalates next season, so the Saints could cut their ties with him if his attitude and production don't improve. The team plans to address the cornerback position in the draft and probably will draft a corner in one of the first two rounds. Stretch run On offense, the Saints will continue to ride the running of Deuce McAllister to set up the play-action passing game. The defense is getting good pressure on the quarterback from RE Darren Howard and LE Charles Grant, and that could produce more turnovers. The key will be how well the defense stops the run, a major weakness in recent weeks. Fortunately, none of the final four opponents features a dominant rushing attack. Focal point QB Aaron Brooks has improved in several areas this season, including completion percentage and decision making. But he needs to raise his level of play down the stretch and become a more dynamic force on and off the field. His easy-going personality can be a liability for an offense that often lacks direction and focus. Brooks also must overcome his troubling tendency to make mistakes, especially early in games, which have put the Saints in early holes in recent weeks.