saintz08

Return man Michael Lewis is back in Pro Bowl form after a subpar 2003. In three games, he is averaging 11.3 yards on punt returns and 24.9 on kickoffs. His presence has forced opponents to sacrifice field position by pooching kickoffs or hanging punts high and short.

The healthy return of DL Darren Howard and Brian Young gives the Saints one of the league's deepest line rotations. DEs Howard, Charles Grant and Will Smith could start for most teams, and Young and Johnathan Sullivan are solid inside, where many players can contribute, though none is dominant.


YOUTH MOVEMENT: The team's 2003 second-round pick, OT Jon Stinchcomb, is smart and has improved at the point of attack. But he has been inactive in the first three games. Scouts think he might be a 'tweener--not athletic enough to play tackle, not powerful enough for guard. The club can't afford to waste second-round picks on players who can't contribute on game day.