iceshack149

Saints report: Notes, quotes, anecdotes Jan. 29, 2004

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/teams/report/NO/7045557


The miraculous 75-yard touchdown by the Saints on the final play of their Dec. 21 game with the Jacksonville Jaguars has been voted by fans as the first NFL Play of the Year.
The winner of the award, which is sponsored by Levitra, was revealed during a news conference held in conjunction with activities surrounding Super Bowl XXXVIII. Former Saints coach Mike Ditka presented the award to running back Deuce McAllister -- one of five Saints involved in the play.
"All the plays were great," Ditka said. "But this was a phenomenal play. In the history of the NFL, you may not see anything like it again."

"It was about effort," said McAllister. "You keep trying and don't quit. Good things will happen if you don't quit."

The Saints will probably be looking at cornerbacks in the draft, so it was no surprise when coach Jim Haslett tracked down Oklahoma's Derrick Strait at the Senior Bowl workouts and had a lengthy chat with him.

Even though the Saints will probably be looking to add some youngsters at the position, Haslett said it's much too early in the evaluation process to begin naming names or identifying targets.

"It's early," he said. "We're just starting to get to know these players and find out about them. This is the first chance for the coaches to see players in person, to talk to them and get a feel for them. I've been telling the media, 'Don't ask me about players.' We're just getting started."