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Ok, I've been noticing a couple of things about the Saints lately, that I'd like to bring up for discussion to see if anyone else has noticed this as well.

First, over the last 2-3 weeks, I've noticed that GW has been using Franklin and Rogers more as starters at DT on the D-Line. Yeah I know about the convienient excuse of Sed Ellis' hammy (See the Ingram/Ivory dance)but I'm not necessarily buying that. What I have seen is the Saints stop some SERIOUS RB's over that span and help the team with getting 3 & outs more and even a few TO's. Could they be getting that lineup ready to go against Turner, a more powerful runner?
Second, I've been seeing more of Montez Wilson. Every time I see this guy, he's around the ball and involved in the stop. That chase down of the QB was OUTSTANDING. This guy has the size and speed to go against Gonzales while allowing Harper to blitz more maybe?

Third, I think it would be a BIG MISTAKE to sit Ivory and bring up Ingram for this game. Ivory is the faster more powerful runner and is starting to get a good feel for the game and I think is ready to break out. He's like a slightly smaller Steven Jackson, and don't go to sleep on his recieving skills either, we just haven't been showcasing them.

Thoughts?

AlaskaSaints

YOU DA MAN, Marlboro!

Great thoughts on what's happening. I'm not much of a line studier. I'm usually watching where the ball is GOING, but I'm in full agreement that we are doing a much greater job of covering the run and pressuring the QB even though the sacks may not be flowing. I had expected such pressure to increase our picks, but the opportunities have been there for those we just have not made the catches.

Wilson - much more dynamic than Shanle. Faster and more aggressive to the ball, not chasing it.

Ivory - you hit it dead-on. I can't wait for Ingram to find his game FULLY, however I don't think it should be done by sitting THE BEAST, Ivory.

I'd love to see them all rotate in one game one day if that's possible.

Alaska*

HERE WE COME, TA GE' CHU!!!!

Marlboro Man

Let me ask you this, I've been having a suspicion lately that SP has a 4 RB game plan in the works for the playoffs. It will be something no one has seen yet and will take our opponents by surprise. It may only be for 1 game, say the NFCCG in Lambeau maybe?

jcp026

I'm all for having Frankilin, Rogers, and Wilson on the field, but injuries to Ellis and the LB corps allowed them to get extra playing time. As far as the Ingram/Ivory question, I think when you have a guy of Ivory's caliber it would be dumb to rush back your 1st round running back. I don't care which one is active this week. I like our chances.

homerj07

I dont care if they play Rudolph & Mrs Claus on the D line - JUST WIN BABY!!!

halloween 65

I also like what Wilson has shown but I thought Cassillios was the one injured. The DT's have looked good with Ellis out in the last few games, makes me wonder if he has lost his step or power because he hasn't got the job done all year. And Ivory, he is a beast, young, hard nose runner, he and Ingram will be great togather. Atlanta is going to test the D but I think they are going to get a rude awakening, this is nothing like the same D they faced earlier in the year. I hope we shut them down.

Marlboro Man

Yeah, Cassillas is the one injured. He's been up and down all year and not consistent enough. I like the line up of Jourdan, Franklin, Rogers and Smith. Wilson, Vilma and Dunbar, and I suspect we might see a new wrinkle in the offense. Something with a 4 RB package. Don't know why, just a feeling. Don't expect it thought until maybe Carolina at the earliest or NFCCG.

xan

Wilson has been injured most of the season, and has just started getting significant number or reps. I think the lockout hurt Franklin and Rogers, they weren't in shape at the beginning of the season.