MICKLES: Five areas Saints need to explore

papz · 04-24-2011, 08:38 AM

DEFENSIVE END: It’s no secret the Saints would like to generate a better and more consistent pass rush after they had just 33 sacks in 2010 — with 10‰ coming from their defensive ends.

Right end Will Smith remains their best pass rusher, but he had only 5‰ sacks last season. Left end Alex Brown is more known as a run-stopper, so they might look for a young player who can apply pressure to go with Smith.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: The big question mark here is Scott Shanle, a heady and versatile five-year starter who can play either outside position.

He’ll be an unrestricted free agent and the Saints, who lost Scott Fujita in free agency last season, have to cover themselves in case he bolts as well. Jonathan Casillas, who was sidelined with a foot injury last season, will likely man the weak side.

RUNNING BACK: Coach Sean Payton has players to work with, but again, it’s not known what will happen with Reggie Bush and his unwieldy salary.

They’re obviously happy to have re-signed Pierre Thomas, but Chris Ivory, like Bush and Thomas, and Lynell Hamilton missed playing time with injuries — which has to be a concern.

SAFETY: The Saints have only one safety under contract — third-year pro Malcolm Jenkins — so that could be a priority as well even though they would like to get Roman Harper and perhaps 35-year-old Darren Sharper back.

But after that group, they might want to explore bringing in younger options if they don’t re-sign Usama Young.

TACKLE: Jermon Bushrod and Jon Stinchcomb are the starters, but Stinchcomb battled knee and shoulder injuries last season and wasn’t as effective as he has been.

The Saints know tackles don’t grow on trees, so they used a second-round draft pick on Charles Brown last season and may need another one for the future.

Full article below.
MICKLES: Five areas Saints need to explore | Saints | 2theadvocate.com — Baton Rouge, LA

04-24-2011, 08:38 AM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,768	MICKLES: Five areas Saints need to explore DEFENSIVE END: It’s no secret the Saints would like to generate a better and more consistent pass rush after they had just 33 sacks in 2010 — with 10‰ coming from their defensive ends. Right end Will Smith remains their best pass rusher, but he had only 5‰ sacks last season. Left end Alex Brown is more known as a run-stopper, so they might look for a young player who can apply pressure to go with Smith. OUTSIDE LINEBACKER: The big question mark here is Scott Shanle, a heady and versatile five-year starter who can play either outside position. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent and the Saints, who lost Scott Fujita in free agency last season, have to cover themselves in case he bolts as well. Jonathan Casillas, who was sidelined with a foot injury last season, will likely man the weak side. RUNNING BACK: Coach Sean Payton has players to work with, but again, it’s not known what will happen with Reggie Bush and his unwieldy salary. They’re obviously happy to have re-signed Pierre Thomas, but Chris Ivory, like Bush and Thomas, and Lynell Hamilton missed playing time with injuries — which has to be a concern. SAFETY: The Saints have only one safety under contract — third-year pro Malcolm Jenkins — so that could be a priority as well even though they would like to get Roman Harper and perhaps 35-year-old Darren Sharper back. But after that group, they might want to explore bringing in younger options if they don’t re-sign Usama Young. TACKLE: Jermon Bushrod and Jon Stinchcomb are the starters, but Stinchcomb battled knee and shoulder injuries last season and wasn’t as effective as he has been. The Saints know tackles don’t grow on trees, so they used a second-round draft pick on Charles Brown last season and may need another one for the future. Full article below. MICKLES: Five areas Saints need to explore \| Saints \| 2theadvocate.com — Baton Rouge, LA
	Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege. All little common sense goes a long way. Last edited by papz; 12-24-2011 at 06:46 PM..