saintfan

If Saints players were unsure of Coach Jim Haslett's approach to this offseason, he removed all doubt with a rousing speech at a team meeting to kick off minicamp this week.

Haslett's emotional message was clear: Buckle your chin straps. Play time is over.

If the Saints fail to make the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season this year, it won't be because of a lack of discipline or focus.

Haslett began the offseason with a no-nonsense, zero-tolerance approach and did not let up through a rigorous offseason program that concluded Thursday with a three-day minicamp.

It all started in the days after the disappointing 8-8 season, when he fired assistant coaches Hubbard Alexander and Sam Clancy. Shortly thereafter he removed the card tables and eliminated game-playing in the locker room.

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