Fox/TSN team report...Interesting

Danno · 02-16-2004, 07:01 AM

Pretty good stuff, BOLD's by Danno

Sporting News team report
http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2146858

If the team can't reach a long-term deal with RE Darren Howard, it's expected to designate him its franchise player. The Saints can't afford to let a player with Howard's talent, experience and potential get to the open market. With the franchise tag, Howard would make $6.8 million next season.

The coaches were extremely disappointed in the downfield blocking by the wide receivers last season and plan to hammer that point home this offseason. They believe RB Deuce McAllister could have rushed for 2,000 yards if the receivers would have held their blocks better on certain runs. If the receivers don't block better next season, they will be replaced by players who will get the job done.

SOMETHING TO PROVE

DT Johnathan Sullivan and LE Charles Grant, both former first-round picks, need to prove they are worthy of their multimillion-dollar contracts. Grant has shown flashes of ability but is inconsistent with his effort and production. He has a great burst off the edge but is only average in run support. Sullivan is a tremendous athlete, but he was hampered last year by a contract holdout that caused him to report to camp late and out of shape. He needs to improve his strength and conditioning to become a force inside. Both also need to mature off the field. Sullivan was among the most heavily fined players on the team last year for being late to meetings and medical treatment appointments.

02-16-2004, 07:01 AM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,747	Fox/TSN team report...Interesting Pretty good stuff, BOLD's by Danno Sporting News team report http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2146858 If the team can't reach a long-term deal with RE Darren Howard, it's expected to designate him its franchise player. The Saints can't afford to let a player with Howard's talent, experience and potential get to the open market. With the franchise tag, Howard would make $6.8 million next season. The coaches were extremely disappointed in the downfield blocking by the wide receivers last season and plan to hammer that point home this offseason. They believe RB Deuce McAllister could have rushed for 2,000 yards if the receivers would have held their blocks better on certain runs. If the receivers don't block better next season, they will be replaced by players who will get the job done. SOMETHING TO PROVE DT Johnathan Sullivan and LE Charles Grant, both former first-round picks, need to prove they are worthy of their multimillion-dollar contracts. Grant has shown flashes of ability but is inconsistent with his effort and production. He has a great burst off the edge but is only average in run support. Sullivan is a tremendous athlete, but he was hampered last year by a contract holdout that caused him to report to camp late and out of shape. He needs to improve his strength and conditioning to become a force inside. Both also need to mature off the field. Sullivan was among the most heavily fined players on the team last year for being late to meetings and medical treatment appointments.