JOESAM2002

Michael Lewis determined to get back to Pro Bowl form

01:48 PM CDT on Monday, August 2, 2004


Lee Zurik / WWL-TV Sports Anchor



After most of his teammates had hit the locker room following Saturday’s practice in the intense heat of Metairie, receiver/return man Michael Lewis practiced catching passes from the team’s passing machine. This was all in an effort to regroup following a disappointing season in 2003.


Michael Lewis celebrates an apparent touchdown in the 2003 preseason opener with Philadephia.
“I was disappointed as far as injuries go,� he said. “When you’re out on the field you have to be 100 percent and give 100 percent, but if you’re not 100 percent, you can’t give 100 percent.�


Last year Lewis missed three entire games with a groin injury and was less effective on special teams than in his breakout season in 2002.


“I have something to prove every year because I still don’t have anything made,� he said. “There’s always going to be guys coming in to get your position. I don’t ever feel that I have a spot on this team.�


Lewis will be fighting for playing time at wide receiver, a position where the Saints are arguably the deepest they’ve been in club history. But it’s the other things he can do that will keep him on the roster come September.


"Michael’s our kick returner and punt returner,� said head coach Jim Haslett. “I don’t know if we have anyone better. He’s turned into a pretty good receiver and we just want to keep him making progress as a receiver and he’ll be alright.�