Saints need Brooks to go to next level

pakowitz · 09-01-2004, 10:35 AM

By Brian Allee-Walsh
Pro Football Weekly

Unlike the past two offseasons, when the comings and goings resembled a busy bus station, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Jim Haslett decided to make only a few key changes and coach up the players on hand.

Haslett brought in two veteran NFL assistants, Jimmy Robinson and John Pease, to instill more discipline and improve the work ethic for some of the younger wide receivers and defensive linemen, respectively.

Key additions include free agents DT Brian Young (from St. Louis) and RB-KR Aaron Stecker (Tampa Bay) and first- and second-round draft picks DE Will Smith and MLB Courtney Watson, respectively.

In order for the Saints to be successful, QB Aaron Brooks needs to take his game to the next level. He posted Pro Bowl-caliber numbers in '03 (24 touchdowns, eight interceptions), but they seemed insignificant next to his 11 lost fumbles. RB Deuce McAllister is poised for another banner season. Haslett (34-30 overall, 24-24 since '02) has missed the playoffs the past three seasons, suggesting the heat is on. But his current contract runs through 2006 at an average of $3 million annually, and he appears to have the full support of owner Tom Benson.

This might be Haslett's deepest and most talented team since he arrived in 2000. Time will tell.

more? click:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/previe...story?page=nor

09-01-2004, 10:35 AM	#1
pakowitz The Dark Overlord Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: dirty south Posts: 3,450	Saints need Brooks to go to next level By Brian Allee-Walsh Pro Football Weekly Unlike the past two offseasons, when the comings and goings resembled a busy bus station, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and head coach Jim Haslett decided to make only a few key changes and coach up the players on hand. Haslett brought in two veteran NFL assistants, Jimmy Robinson and John Pease, to instill more discipline and improve the work ethic for some of the younger wide receivers and defensive linemen, respectively. Key additions include free agents DT Brian Young (from St. Louis) and RB-KR Aaron Stecker (Tampa Bay) and first- and second-round draft picks DE Will Smith and MLB Courtney Watson, respectively. In order for the Saints to be successful, QB Aaron Brooks needs to take his game to the next level. He posted Pro Bowl-caliber numbers in '03 (24 touchdowns, eight interceptions), but they seemed insignificant next to his 11 lost fumbles. RB Deuce McAllister is poised for another banner season. Haslett (34-30 overall, 24-24 since '02) has missed the playoffs the past three seasons, suggesting the heat is on. But his current contract runs through 2006 at an average of $3 million annually, and he appears to have the full support of owner Tom Benson. This might be Haslett's deepest and most talented team since he arrived in 2000. Time will tell. more? click: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/previe...story?page=nor