Scouting insider Brian DeLucia: Saints pre-camp preview

GumboBC · 07-09-2004, 10:44 PM

Scouting insider Brian DeLucia: Saints pre-camp preview

New Orleans Saints

TEAM ATMOSPHERE
After another underachieving season, there's a strong sense of urgency in New Orleans, as with many other teams around the league. The Saints know they have a lot of talent, but must mature and improve their focus. That puts a load of pressure squarely on the shoulders of head coach Jim Haslett and quarterback Aaron Brooks. The defense also needs to play with added maturity and more discipline.

POSITION OF STRENGTH
Outside of Carolina, not many teams have as much talent at defensive end as the Saints. Darren Howard is the steady veteran of the group. He plays the run effectively. As a pass rusher, he lacks speed but is very instinctive. DE Charles Grant is one of the best athletes coming off the perimeter and has a lot of natural pass-rush ability, but must play up to that billing more consistently. There were indications this off-season that he could be starting to mature. Rookie Will Smith will play a big role on passing downs. He's a natural upfield speed rusher. Howard will slide inside on third downs, while Smith and Grant line up outside. The Saints should be able to generate a solid pass rush this season

The Rest:>>> http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2567486

07-09-2004, 10:44 PM	#1
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616	Scouting insider Brian DeLucia: Saints pre-camp preview Scouting insider Brian DeLucia: Saints pre-camp preview New Orleans Saints TEAM ATMOSPHERE After another underachieving season, there's a strong sense of urgency in New Orleans, as with many other teams around the league. The Saints know they have a lot of talent, but must mature and improve their focus. That puts a load of pressure squarely on the shoulders of head coach Jim Haslett and quarterback Aaron Brooks. The defense also needs to play with added maturity and more discipline. POSITION OF STRENGTH Outside of Carolina, not many teams have as much talent at defensive end as the Saints. Darren Howard is the steady veteran of the group. He plays the run effectively. As a pass rusher, he lacks speed but is very instinctive. DE Charles Grant is one of the best athletes coming off the perimeter and has a lot of natural pass-rush ability, but must play up to that billing more consistently. There were indications this off-season that he could be starting to mature. Rookie Will Smith will play a big role on passing downs. He's a natural upfield speed rusher. Howard will slide inside on third downs, while Smith and Grant line up outside. The Saints should be able to generate a solid pass rush this season The Rest:>>> http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2567486
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616