Exit Interview: Defensive overhaul on agenda for Saints

Attached Thumbnails · 01-21-2012, 12:02 AM

What Went Right: Almost anything that draws up images of offense, scoring, or dudes in black tights slam-dunking the ball over the crossbar and running around like little kids ... that went right. The Saints seemingly scored at will, topping 40 points eight times during the 2011 season, including four in a row from Week 15 to the wild-card win over the Lions.

Drew Brees was unstoppable, taking advantage of the rules that consistently limit the manner in which defensive backs can play, throwing for a league-record 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also cut down his interceptions from 22 to 14. Meanwhile his receivers consistently made big plays, with Marques Colston leading the pack with more than 1,100 yards. Like Colston, Lance Moore had eight receiving touchdowns while Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson contributed several big plays between them. Tight end Jimmy Graham (99 receptions, 1,310 yards, 11 TDs) has only one peer in the NFL: Rob Gronkowski.

NFL.com news: Exit Interview: Defensive overhaul on agenda for Saints

ScottF · 01-21-2012, 01:01 PM

can really only think of 2-3 names that would complete this sentence:

The defender that the Saints REALLY need back in 2012 is ___________.

Danno · 01-21-2012, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by ScottF

can really only think of 2-3 names that would complete this sentence:

The defender that the Saints REALLY need back in 2012 is ___________.

I think you can say that about all 32 teams. There are only a handfull of players that you REALLY need back on each team every year.

I can say the same thing about the offense.

ScottF · 01-21-2012, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

I think you can say that about all 32 teams. There are only a handfull of players that you REALLY need back on each team every year.

I can say the same thing about the offense.

That's partly true because our skill players are so interchangeable: 4 RB's and #2-5 WR's are all equally effective
as for REALLY needing players back on Offense : I wouldn't put Brees, Graham, Colston, Nicks, or Evans in the replaceable category.

Danno · 01-21-2012, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by ScottF

That's partly true because our skill players are so interchangeable: 4 RB's and #2-5 WR's are all equally effective
as for REALLY needing players back on Offense : I wouldn't put Brees, Graham, Colston, Nicks, or Evans in the replaceable category.

It depends on salary. If Colston is gonna make 7 million per year, I can see him being replacable if we have 7 million per year to offer someone else.

The only player we REALLY need back on offense is Brees. There isn't anyone out there can replace him at any price. Everyone else can be replaced at the right price.

I'm essentially nit-picking the term "REALLY Need Back". Very few players in the NFL are irreplacable.

gandhi1007 · 01-21-2012, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

It depends on salary. If Colston is gonna make 7 million per year, I can see him being replacable if we have 7 million per year to offer someone else.

I agree with this. Of the "Big 3" free agents (Brees, Nicks, & Colston), he's the most replaceable. Reuben Randle will go in the 2nd round & as much as I love Colston.......Reuben Randle is pretty much the same guy........ 6'4" receiver that runs good routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle, big yardage after the catch, & doesn't drop squat! Just saying.

FinSaint · 01-21-2012, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by gandhi1007

I agree with this. Of the "Big 3" free agents (Brees, Nicks, & Colston), he's the most replaceable. Reuben Randle will go in the 2nd round & as much as I love Colston.......Reuben Randle is pretty much the same guy........ 6'4" receiver that runs good routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle, big yardage after the catch, & doesn't drop squat! Just saying.

Most if not all of the picks will probably be on the defensive side, so I wouldn't count on the Saints' drafting any receivers - at least not with their 1st pick.

CharityMike · 01-21-2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by FinSaint

Most if not all of the picks will probably be on the defensive side, so I wouldn't count on the Saints' drafting any receivers - at least not with their 1st pick.

Man if we got a receiver with our first pick, I think there would be a mutiny!!

gandhi1007 · 01-21-2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by FinSaint

Most if not all of the picks will probably be on the defensive side, so I wouldn't count on the Saints' drafting any receivers - at least not with their 1st pick.

The point was.......If Colston's salary demand becomes too high, he is replaceable. And IMO.....if he goes to another team for more money, you can bet Sean Payton will be looking for a similar replacement.

FinSaint · 01-21-2012, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by gandhi1007

The point was.......If Colston's salary demand becomes too high, he is replaceable. And IMO.....if he goes to another team for more money, you can bet Sean Payton will be looking for a similar replacement.

Or they might decide to keep Meachem and promote from within.

Still, one thing is certain - they wouldn't replace Colston through the draft and the FA market isn't really overfilled with great WR talent to be had for bargain price.

01-21-2012, 12:02 AM	#1
Threaded by QBREES9 Moderator Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New Haven Ct Posts: 23,985 Rating: (0 votes - average) What Went Right: Almost anything that draws up images of offense, scoring, or dudes in black tights slam-dunking the ball over the crossbar and running around like little kids ... that went right. The Saints seemingly scored at will, topping 40 points eight times during the 2011 season, including four in a row from Week 15 to the wild-card win over the Lions. Drew Brees was unstoppable, taking advantage of the rules that consistently limit the manner in which defensive backs can play, throwing for a league-record 5,476 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also cut down his interceptions from 22 to 14. Meanwhile his receivers consistently made big plays, with Marques Colston leading the pack with more than 1,100 yards. Like Colston, Lance Moore had eight receiving touchdowns while Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson contributed several big plays between them. Tight end Jimmy Graham (99 receptions, 1,310 yards, 11 TDs) has only one peer in the NFL: Rob Gronkowski. NFL.com news: Exit Interview: Defensive overhaul on agenda for Saints Attached Thumbnails
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01-21-2012, 01:26 PM	#3
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	Originally Posted by ScottF can really only think of 2-3 names that would complete this sentence: The defender that the Saints REALLY need back in 2012 is ___________. I think you can say that about all 32 teams. There are only a handfull of players that you REALLY need back on each team every year. I can say the same thing about the offense.

01-21-2012, 05:01 PM	#4
ScottF 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 6,324	Originally Posted by Danno I think you can say that about all 32 teams. There are only a handfull of players that you REALLY need back on each team every year. I can say the same thing about the offense. That's partly true because our skill players are so interchangeable: 4 RB's and #2-5 WR's are all equally effective as for REALLY needing players back on Offense : I wouldn't put Brees, Graham, Colston, Nicks, or Evans in the replaceable category.

01-21-2012, 05:11 PM	#5
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	Originally Posted by ScottF That's partly true because our skill players are so interchangeable: 4 RB's and #2-5 WR's are all equally effective as for REALLY needing players back on Offense : I wouldn't put Brees, Graham, Colston, Nicks, or Evans in the replaceable category. It depends on salary. If Colston is gonna make 7 million per year, I can see him being replacable if we have 7 million per year to offer someone else. The only player we REALLY need back on offense is Brees. There isn't anyone out there can replace him at any price. Everyone else can be replaced at the right price. I'm essentially nit-picking the term "REALLY Need Back". Very few players in the NFL are irreplacable.

01-21-2012, 05:25 PM	#6
gandhi1007 Part Time Pimp Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,967	Originally Posted by Danno It depends on salary. If Colston is gonna make 7 million per year, I can see him being replacable if we have 7 million per year to offer someone else. I agree with this. Of the "Big 3" free agents (Brees, Nicks, & Colston), he's the most replaceable. Reuben Randle will go in the 2nd round & as much as I love Colston.......Reuben Randle is pretty much the same guy........ 6'4" receiver that runs good routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle, big yardage after the catch, & doesn't drop squat! Just saying.

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01-21-2012, 01:01 PM	#2
ScottF 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 6,324	can really only think of 2-3 names that would complete this sentence: The defender that the Saints REALLY need back in 2012 is ___________.

01-21-2012, 05:28 PM	#7
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,961	Originally Posted by gandhi1007 I agree with this. Of the "Big 3" free agents (Brees, Nicks, & Colston), he's the most replaceable. Reuben Randle will go in the 2nd round & as much as I love Colston.......Reuben Randle is pretty much the same guy........ 6'4" receiver that runs good routes, isn't afraid to go across the middle, big yardage after the catch, & doesn't drop squat! Just saying. Most if not all of the picks will probably be on the defensive side, so I wouldn't count on the Saints' drafting any receivers - at least not with their 1st pick.

01-21-2012, 05:32 PM	#8
CharityMike Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Mid City, New Orleans Posts: 3,556	Originally Posted by FinSaint Most if not all of the picks will probably be on the defensive side, so I wouldn't count on the Saints' drafting any receivers - at least not with their 1st pick. Man if we got a receiver with our first pick, I think there would be a mutiny!! RockyMountainSaint and FinSaint like this.

01-21-2012, 05:40 PM	#10
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,961	Originally Posted by gandhi1007 The point was.......If Colston's salary demand becomes too high, he is replaceable. And IMO.....if he goes to another team for more money, you can bet Sean Payton will be looking for a similar replacement. Or they might decide to keep Meachem and promote from within. Still, one thing is certain - they wouldn't replace Colston through the draft and the FA market isn't really overfilled with great WR talent to be had for bargain price.

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