GumboBC

McCarthy takes duties to a higher level
Says switch to booth provides better view
Friday, August 13, 2004
By Brian Allee-Walsh
Staff writer
Offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy won't be in his familiar spot on the sideline tonight for the Saints' exhibition opener against the New York Jets.

He will be calling plays from the coaches' booth next to the press box, on the third level of the Superdome, a first for him in New Orleans.

"I just think we've reached a point and we're far enough along as an offense that it would benefit us more if I was up top," McCarthy said Thursday. "It's based on a number of different things -- the maturity of our offense, the quarterback, our ability to make adjustments, our staff. We just think the timing is right to do it this way."

McCarthy last worked in the booth in 1994 as a quality control coach with the Kansas City Chiefs.

He went through a practice run Wednesday night at the Superdome as the team worked out in front of several hundred season-ticket holders.

"It's amazing what you can see from up there," McCarthy said. "It's a heck of a game. You can't see anything from the sideline. It's a totally different viewpoint."

McCarthy said he will send the plays down via headsets to quarterbacks coach Mike Sheppard, who then will relay the plays to the quarterback.

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