Solutions for 2014

Danno · 01-12-2014, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by saintsfan1976

Can't help but think that the majority of the bullets came from the O line...

Armstead played well yesterday though. Future looks bright there.

The main culprits were stagnate starts, early mistakes, bad O-line play, and drops.

The O-line play was the glaring problem in my opinion.

MatthewT · 01-12-2014, 10:24 AM

A legitimate physical TE is needed for sure. Graham is a legitimate red zone stud and is probably best suited to play the roll of a number 3 WR. Noticed the running game did not even start to get going this season until Ben Watson was playing more. As much as I love Graham, he is a complete blocking liability and also does not do much of anything when he gets physical coverage on the line.

Of course more secondary and linebacker help is needed.

Some depth at OL, maybe Charles Brown can push for the RT job???

As for WR I do believe some upgrades are necessary, but may already be set. Can probably get one more good year out of Colston and Moore, I think Stills can become a number 1 type of receiver. Throw in Morgan returning from injury, and bring back Meachem for another year.

Oh yeah, lets not forget about the kicker... lol

Schmohams · 01-12-2014, 10:29 AM

I don't think the better players is as big of a problem as you are making it, we need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot.

Utah_Saint · 01-12-2014, 12:22 PM

I think the Saints could upgrade on the OL, tackle, guard (depth) and center for sure

But I thought they played pretty well yesterday. The Seahawks are a great defense. That's what they do. Is there an OLine in the league that dominates them in Seattle? We got over a hundred yards rushing and Drew was only sacked once. He was hurried a LOT but it's the freakin Seahawks.

ScottF · 01-12-2014, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by hitta

1. Most important change is getting a WR that can open up the field, command double coverages, etc. This would make Graham and the rest of the receiving core get better separation.

2. Second most important change is to upgrade DLP and maybe Strief.

3. Need to harden up our run defense. Also add some playmaker/turnover potential.

Agreed- we have not had a big play game changer on either side since Bush and Sharper.
We really do not have ANYONE that is one touch and gone.

I know everyone points to upgrading DB as a glaring need, but I completely disagree. Look at the results we got with the personnel we had, and then look at our IR. We played 3 safeties in nickel coverage this year. Imagine C Rob or White instead.

My fix: get the best O-linemen available, either a C or T. DLP's time has come, and Armstead was passable, better than Brown. However, if we can upgrade either position and give Drew an extra half second to get through his reads, we can get back to where we were.

exile · 01-12-2014, 12:41 PM

Funny stuff. I will sum up the issues like this: pass protection, pass protection, pass protection and pass protection.

The Brees and Graham comments on here are absolutely hilarious.

Ashley · 01-12-2014, 12:57 PM

Oline, I never liked strief after he got the starting role. Cb, always can't go here.and upgrade the lb.

nycsaintfan · 01-12-2014, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by MatthewT

A legitimate physical TE is needed for sure. Graham is a legitimate red zone stud and is probably best suited to play the roll of a number 3 WR. Noticed the running game did not even start to get going this season until Ben Watson was playing more. As much as I love Graham, he is a complete blocking liability and also does not do much of anything when he gets physical coverage on the line.

Some depth at OL, maybe Charles Brown can push for the RT job???

Matthew, I agree with the need to acquire a physical blocking tight end. But I think our depth at tight end is good enough. With all the financial issues we have, I doubt that we will see major moves at this position.

Also, if Payton did not move Brown over to the RT when he inserted Armstead into the starting lineup, I think Brown's time is over on this team.

Originally Posted by Saintaintso

1. Restructure Brees Contract ... 70M is enough for someone who can't produce when it matters. We're not the cowboys we don't reward mediocrity.

3. Release : Will Smith , Jonathan Vilma ( hurts ) , Malcolm Jenkins , Roman Harper , Robert Meachem , Charles Brown , Zach Strief ( I know what I've seen is enough ) , and DLP. ( Holding up blocking isn't good enough in Seattle or San Fran and Now Carolina. Add some Lovie Smith in that , Falcons Pick up Clowney , yeah this need be addressed )

4. 2 Running Backs Need To Go ... Neither named Ingram or Robinson ( Imagine Saying that Last Year ) Sproles can Stay , if he's odd man out we will address this in the draft.

5. With new cap space , Sign Alex Mack Pro Bowl Center Browns. Versatile Safety Ryan Clark Pittsburgh. definitely Resign Bush. Offer Darius Heyward Bey WR . Sign LB Jon Beason to a 1 yr deal.

6. Draft : D Thomas RB Oregon 3drb 2nd round.

Perhaps a new OC ...

I think Brees will restructure his deal. Remember, I think it does affect the cap in future seasons.

I think they will resign Jenkins, but most or all of your list of players I do think will go.

I don't know how Darius Heyward Bey makes our receiving core any better. Beason I believe plays inside, so I'm not sure where he fits into the defensive picture.

I like D'Anthony Thomas, but I worry if he will be one of those guys at the next level who is always questionable every week... then again in this sport who is not questionable.

I'm okay with Payton continuing to call plays. I don't think it was his best season, and there are major changes coming offensively with this team. We could do worse.

Originally Posted by hitta

1. Most important change is getting a WR that can open up the field, command double coverages, etc. This would make Graham and the rest of the receiving core get better separation.

I've been saying this for weeks now. Our receivers just don't get separation down field anymore. Plus, I think a lot of the vets who play major roles on the receiving core are getting a little long in the tooth. I think Stills is going to be solid moving forward. I'm not sure about Morgan (need to see how he comes back from injury), and Toon.

There are still financial issues that face this organization, but Loomis has figured out how to bring in quality talent under a tight squeeze on the cap. Lets see what happens this off-season.

WhoDatFan26 · 01-12-2014, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Saintaintso

1. Restructure Brees Contract ... 70M is enough for someone who can't produce when it matters. We're not the cowboys we don't reward mediocrity.

2.Resign Soft and Over-rated. He did nothing when it mattered either. Although good He shouldn't expect a max Contract.

3. Release : Will Smith , Jonathan Vilma ( hurts ) , Malcolm Jenkins , Roman Harper , Robert Meachem , Charles Brown , Zach Strief ( I know what I've seen is enough ) , and DLP. ( Holding up blocking isn't good enough in Seattle or San Fran and Now Carolina. Add some Lovie Smith in that , Falcons Pick up Clowney , yeah this need be addressed )

4. 2 Running Backs Need To Go ... Neither named Ingram or Robinson ( Imagine Saying that Last Year ) Sproles can Stay , if he's odd man out we will address this in the draft.

5. With new cap space , Sign Alex Mack Pro Bowl Center Browns. Versatile Safety Ryan Clark Pittsburgh. definitely Resign Bush. Offer Darius Heyward Bey WR . Sign LB Jon Beason to a 1 yr deal.

6. Draft : Kelvin Benjamin FSU (wr) , If Sproles goes , D Thomas RB Oregon 3drb 2nd round.

Perhaps a new OC ... Our hurry up offense caused delay of game penalties ... Why would we give defense time to adjust catch their breath and get settled ? That's like letting Tyson cock back !! Sign Mark Helfriech , if foles can shine in that offense wonder what Brees could do !!!

Ryan Clark? Dude I think you're going overboard. He's like 35 years old. Thats not happening. Malcolm Jenkins will be back.

K Major · 01-12-2014, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by WhoDatFan26

Ryan Clark? Dude I think you're going overboard. He's like 35 years old. Thats not happening. Malcolm Jenkins will be back.

+1 ... we have a lot of good competition at the safety spot. No need for old man Ryan at this stage of his career.

01-12-2014, 10:02 AM	#11
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	Re: Solutions for 2014 Originally Posted by saintsfan1976 Can't help but think that the majority of the bullets came from the O line... Armstead played well yesterday though. Future looks bright there. The main culprits were stagnate starts, early mistakes, bad O-line play, and drops. The O-line play was the glaring problem in my opinion.

01-12-2014, 10:24 AM	#12
MatthewT 1000 Posts + Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,729	Re: Solutions for 2014 A legitimate physical TE is needed for sure. Graham is a legitimate red zone stud and is probably best suited to play the roll of a number 3 WR. Noticed the running game did not even start to get going this season until Ben Watson was playing more. As much as I love Graham, he is a complete blocking liability and also does not do much of anything when he gets physical coverage on the line. Of course more secondary and linebacker help is needed. Some depth at OL, maybe Charles Brown can push for the RT job??? As for WR I do believe some upgrades are necessary, but may already be set. Can probably get one more good year out of Colston and Moore, I think Stills can become a number 1 type of receiver. Throw in Morgan returning from injury, and bring back Meachem for another year. Oh yeah, lets not forget about the kicker... lol

01-12-2014, 10:29 AM	#13
Schmohams 500th Post Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Texas Posts: 551	Re: Solutions for 2014 I don't think the better players is as big of a problem as you are making it, we need to stop shooting ourselves in the foot. Danno and MatthewT like this.

01-12-2014, 12:22 PM	#14
Utah_Saint Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,521	Re: Solutions for 2014 I think the Saints could upgrade on the OL, tackle, guard (depth) and center for sure But I thought they played pretty well yesterday. The Seahawks are a great defense. That's what they do. Is there an OLine in the league that dominates them in Seattle? We got over a hundred yards rushing and Drew was only sacked once. He was hurried a LOT but it's the freakin Seahawks.

01-12-2014, 12:38 PM	#15
ScottF 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta Posts: 6,324	Re: Solutions for 2014 Originally Posted by hitta 1. Most important change is getting a WR that can open up the field, command double coverages, etc. This would make Graham and the rest of the receiving core get better separation. 2. Second most important change is to upgrade DLP and maybe Strief. 3. Need to harden up our run defense. Also add some playmaker/turnover potential. Agreed- we have not had a big play game changer on either side since Bush and Sharper. We really do not have ANYONE that is one touch and gone. I know everyone points to upgrading DB as a glaring need, but I completely disagree. Look at the results we got with the personnel we had, and then look at our IR. We played 3 safeties in nickel coverage this year. Imagine C Rob or White instead. My fix: get the best O-linemen available, either a C or T. DLP's time has come, and Armstead was passable, better than Brown. However, if we can upgrade either position and give Drew an extra half second to get through his reads, we can get back to where we were.

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01-12-2014, 12:41 PM	#16
exile Cake or Death? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3,608	Re: Solutions for 2014 Funny stuff. I will sum up the issues like this: pass protection, pass protection, pass protection and pass protection. The Brees and Graham comments on here are absolutely hilarious. iceshack149, hagan714 and saintsfan1976 like this.
exile Cake or Death? Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 3,608

01-12-2014, 12:57 PM	#17
Ashley Site Donor Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Colorado Springs Co Posts: 2,760	Re: Solutions for 2014 Oline, I never liked strief after he got the starting role. Cb, always can't go here.and upgrade the lb.

01-12-2014, 01:01 PM	#18
nycsaintfan 100th Post Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 165	Re: Solutions for 2014 Originally Posted by MatthewT A legitimate physical TE is needed for sure. Graham is a legitimate red zone stud and is probably best suited to play the roll of a number 3 WR. Noticed the running game did not even start to get going this season until Ben Watson was playing more. As much as I love Graham, he is a complete blocking liability and also does not do much of anything when he gets physical coverage on the line. Some depth at OL, maybe Charles Brown can push for the RT job??? Matthew, I agree with the need to acquire a physical blocking tight end. But I think our depth at tight end is good enough. With all the financial issues we have, I doubt that we will see major moves at this position. Also, if Payton did not move Brown over to the RT when he inserted Armstead into the starting lineup, I think Brown's time is over on this team. Originally Posted by Saintaintso 1. Restructure Brees Contract ... 70M is enough for someone who can't produce when it matters. We're not the cowboys we don't reward mediocrity. 3. Release : Will Smith , Jonathan Vilma ( hurts ) , Malcolm Jenkins , Roman Harper , Robert Meachem , Charles Brown , Zach Strief ( I know what I've seen is enough ) , and DLP. ( Holding up blocking isn't good enough in Seattle or San Fran and Now Carolina. Add some Lovie Smith in that , Falcons Pick up Clowney , yeah this need be addressed ) 4. 2 Running Backs Need To Go ... Neither named Ingram or Robinson ( Imagine Saying that Last Year ) Sproles can Stay , if he's odd man out we will address this in the draft. 5. With new cap space , Sign Alex Mack Pro Bowl Center Browns. Versatile Safety Ryan Clark Pittsburgh. definitely Resign Bush. Offer Darius Heyward Bey WR . Sign LB Jon Beason to a 1 yr deal. 6. Draft : D Thomas RB Oregon 3drb 2nd round. Perhaps a new OC ... I think Brees will restructure his deal. Remember, I think it does affect the cap in future seasons. I think they will resign Jenkins, but most or all of your list of players I do think will go. I don't know how Darius Heyward Bey makes our receiving core any better. Beason I believe plays inside, so I'm not sure where he fits into the defensive picture. I like D'Anthony Thomas, but I worry if he will be one of those guys at the next level who is always questionable every week... then again in this sport who is not questionable. I'm okay with Payton continuing to call plays. I don't think it was his best season, and there are major changes coming offensively with this team. We could do worse. Originally Posted by hitta 1. Most important change is getting a WR that can open up the field, command double coverages, etc. This would make Graham and the rest of the receiving core get better separation. I've been saying this for weeks now. Our receivers just don't get separation down field anymore. Plus, I think a lot of the vets who play major roles on the receiving core are getting a little long in the tooth. I think Stills is going to be solid moving forward. I'm not sure about Morgan (need to see how he comes back from injury), and Toon. There are still financial issues that face this organization, but Loomis has figured out how to bring in quality talent under a tight squeeze on the cap. Lets see what happens this off-season.
nycsaintfan 100th Post Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 165

01-12-2014, 02:38 PM	#19
WhoDatFan26 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 365	Re: Solutions for 2014 Originally Posted by Saintaintso 1. Restructure Brees Contract ... 70M is enough for someone who can't produce when it matters. We're not the cowboys we don't reward mediocrity. 2.Resign Soft and Over-rated. He did nothing when it mattered either. Although good He shouldn't expect a max Contract. 3. Release : Will Smith , Jonathan Vilma ( hurts ) , Malcolm Jenkins , Roman Harper , Robert Meachem , Charles Brown , Zach Strief ( I know what I've seen is enough ) , and DLP. ( Holding up blocking isn't good enough in Seattle or San Fran and Now Carolina. Add some Lovie Smith in that , Falcons Pick up Clowney , yeah this need be addressed ) 4. 2 Running Backs Need To Go ... Neither named Ingram or Robinson ( Imagine Saying that Last Year ) Sproles can Stay , if he's odd man out we will address this in the draft. 5. With new cap space , Sign Alex Mack Pro Bowl Center Browns. Versatile Safety Ryan Clark Pittsburgh. definitely Resign Bush. Offer Darius Heyward Bey WR . Sign LB Jon Beason to a 1 yr deal. 6. Draft : Kelvin Benjamin FSU (wr) , If Sproles goes , D Thomas RB Oregon 3drb 2nd round. Perhaps a new OC ... Our hurry up offense caused delay of game penalties ... Why would we give defense time to adjust catch their breath and get settled ? That's like letting Tyson cock back !! Sign Mark Helfriech , if foles can shine in that offense wonder what Brees could do !!! Ryan Clark? Dude I think you're going overboard. He's like 35 years old. Thats not happening. Malcolm Jenkins will be back.
WhoDatFan26 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 365

01-12-2014, 02:46 PM	#20
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,619 Blog Entries: 3	Re: Solutions for 2014 Originally Posted by WhoDatFan26 Ryan Clark? Dude I think you're going overboard. He's like 35 years old. Thats not happening. Malcolm Jenkins will be back. +1 ... we have a lot of good competition at the safety spot. No need for old man Ryan at this stage of his career.

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