SaintNik

In todays NFL most teams keep at least one player on the roster other than the kickers who are not expected to contribute on offense or defense though they may be listed at one of those positions, but are considered specialists that excell in a certain area regarding special teams. The Saints in recent years have kept several players on the active game day roster that fit this description. Though listed as a TE, Kevin Houser has had a roster spot as a long snapper. Listed and experienced as a RB, Fred McAfee has kept a roster spot as a kickoff/punt team cover man which is how S Steve Gleason has made the club. The same can be said of WR Michael Lewis who specializes as a returner and as a cover man in the kicking game. While Michael Lewis has improved his game and has seen limited action on the field as a WR, the other players have not. I like the effort all of the above guys give, but if one of our regulars could replace any one of the above guys with equal productivity, then that would allow us to keep an extra player who could be called upon to contribute on offense or defense as well as special teams.

One area of special teams that had a huge impact and actually decided several games this past year was the blocked FG and PAT, yet, there doesn't seem to be any specialists in this area.

One player the Saints have on the roster that stood on the sidelines all year that could specialize in a few areas is our TE Zach "Pear Ass" Hilton. At 6'8" tall, he towers over most players on the field. I would love to see him in the game when we are near the goal line. It would be physically impossible for a defender 12 inches shorter to stop him from catching a jump ball type of pass. I would also like to see him lined up directly behind the nose guard attempting to block PATs and FGs. To me the coaching staff failed to utilize him in these areas where it seems obvious that he has the height advantage to be effective. For any of you thinking "white men can't jump" then I say how about we sign 7'6" Manute Bol to perform in the same capacity as a specialist. He is the NBA all time shots blocked per minute played player. While this may sound a bit wacky just remember midgets have played major league baseball. Ah, to be a specialist.

[Edited on 28/4/2004 by SaintNik]

[Edited on 28/4/2004 by SaintNik]