I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season)

D_it_up · 01-06-2005, 04:05 PM

I have a few questions that I want to ask everyone, and I hope to get some feedback on them. I'm even going to answer my own questions as they are directed to get OPINIONS of the off-season, next season, and the franchise as a whole.

1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

This is something that could go either way, I think. With the way the team played through the first 12 games, you would think there would be a major overhaul of players once again. Turnover is something that the Saints are accustomed to, so why not continue the trend? However, the final 4 games of the season showed that this teamed FINALLY gelled as a unit on both sides of the ball. Players stepped up and played beyond expectations or they finally played up to the potential that we've all been spoon fed from the coaching staff for the last several years. I think the Saints may realize they are still an impact player or two away on either side of the ball to be able to truly compete for the playoffs. I don't think they go all out on a big name free agent, but it wouldn't surprise me if they tried.

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

As much as I want Venturi gone, I don't see it happening. The coaching staff as a whole may have salvaged their jobs after that 4-game winning streak and almost bullying their way into the playoffs. I honestly think that the entire staff will return next season. Except maybe for the offensive line coach. Somebody has to take the fall.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? Possibly. I think he wants out and the interview with him proclaiming his greatness was a sign of that to me. There are a few teams out there that could be very interested in Brooks and we may be able to sneak some high draft picks or some talent from them (Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, and Miami just to name a few).

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

I pray that it does. I can't see the future, but I do think this team made major strides in improvement. They became the laughing stock of the league to a team that no one wanted to meet in the playoffs almost overnight. The team had a swagger about them in Carolina that I had not seen since the 2000 season. Confidence ran rampant through the team. This is what these guys needed. They know they can play now and I do think it will carry over into next year with a winning record and a playoff appearance.......no matter who is coaching or quarterbacking.

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

It will be harder for them to do so now with that winning streak because it puts them in the middle of the draft pecking order. Hopefully the "best player available" theory will be someone who plays a position of need as well. Will Smith has turned out to be an ingenious move, and I expect a big year from him whether Darren Howard is back or not. Hopefully someone like him falls into their laps next season.....just not at the defensive end position. I pray it's a linebacker, offensive line, nose tackle, or wide receiver.

There's just a few for now. Answer away fellas. I may come up with more later.

saintswhodi · 01-06-2005, 04:24 PM

1. Hard to say. Will the stadium deal be final or not? Without it, there may not be a lot of spending if there is gonna be selling or moving of the team in the future. Also, who will make the personnel decisions plays a big part. Or will complacency again be the model? you just don\'t know with this front office.

2. Venturi has to go. Has to. He has to at least be demoted. McCarthy as well. Not scoring in the first quarter for the vast majority of the year, being last in defense, and common sense have to play a part in this decision.

3. Only in a perfect world. But we have to get a replacement, so that has to come first. If not, he stays. A better question would be if Brooks stays, will he make any effort to improve?

4. I think the fire will carry over, but hopefully some of the coaches don\'t, as mentioned. We went out on a good note, but there is still the \"false love\", \"high school team,\" \"coaches are hired to produce,\" statements to get over. These kinds of statements tear teams apart.

5. Believe it or not, the Saints are in a good position in the draft because of the glut of running backs in the first round. My major move would be, if Rolle is on the board at Dallas\' number 11(Parcells said he won\'t pick corner), we swap them our first and Daren Howard(sign and trade) for their first and a second. We get Rolle, an extra second, and don\'t have to pay Howard a high salary(he wants top 5 money). If not, Jamaal Brown may fall be there at right tackle or Thomas Davis at safety and both are impact players.

AJB4AIR · 01-06-2005, 04:25 PM

I think their might be some coaching changes, just don\'t know if our defensive coordinator is going to go or not.

I would like to see Aaron Brooks go, he just makes too many mistakes.

I really hope the fire stays there until next year, I didn\'t get to see them at all except the game against Carolina being over here in Iraq, but they sure looked good against the panthers.

Lifer · 01-06-2005, 04:25 PM

[quote:38beb4fde2]
1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

If the Saints aren\'t major players in free agency this off-season we\'ll be staring at yet another 8-8 year. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing and expect a different result. Saints must get an impact O-lineman and impact linebacker in free agency or we\'re destined for the middle of the pack yet again.

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

I agree with you. My bet is the Saints stand pat with some position coaching changes only.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded?
No way as long as Haslett is the coach. The team can win with Brooks. But he will continue to confound in terms of leadership. He\'ll never step up a be the Brett Favre of the Saints. He\'s just not that type of guy. With a better Oline and the resulitng better running game he\'ll make more plays although he\'ll still make dumb plays. He is what he is.

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

I pray with you Confidence comes from consistent play and winning....something these Saints have yet to demonstrate over a season.

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

Will Smith is the only \"impact Player\" the Saints have drafted in recent memory that truly had an impact in his rookie years. Based on this, if the front office remains intact it is doubtful the Saints will have draft a player who will make a real impact next year. Best player availabe in a position of need (Oline or Linebacker) is a good strategy for the Saints for this draft.

shadowdrinker · 01-06-2005, 04:37 PM

1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

I think they almost have to be to some degree..whether it be signing a big name guy..or releasing a few...It seems that Haslett believes the talent is there to make a run...But..we need a leader on defense..and he has to see that..so..either in the draft or free agency..we will be getting some solid additions to our team...

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

Haslett has made it clear he wants to stay..and he wants changes made...Personally I think he\'s reffereing to Loomis...Maybe Benson will be a bit more aggresive in his stance to become a contender..and get this team surrounded by solid coaches...I believe we will see changes in the coaches and front office..

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded?

No..not as long as Haslett is our coach

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

No... not likely..the season is over...and we will have a different team next year...if even only a few people changed..it will still be a different feel...and with the changes that will surely come in the coaching ..It will be a fresh start..and that sounds good to me

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

Chnaces are good..the draft has depth this year, especially where we need it..and some juniors are coming out...Making it easier to make the most of our position...this will be a good draft

FireVenturi · 01-06-2005, 04:39 PM

I think their might be some coaching changes, just don\'t know if our defensive coordinator is going to go or not.

I would like to see Aaron Brooks go, he just makes too many mistakes.

I really hope the fire stays there until next year, I didn\'t get to see them at all except the game against Carolina being over here in Iraq, but they sure looked good against the panthers.

Yea Ab is the only one who makes mistakes. I.e. Deuce(i am a deuce fan) fumbling against Tampa....no fumble we are in the playoffs

FireVenturi · 01-06-2005, 04:42 PM

I have a few questions that I want to ask everyone, and I hope to get some feedback on them. I\'m even going to answer my own questions as they are directed to get OPINIONS of the off-season, next season, and the franchise as a whole.

1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

This is something that could go either way, I think. With the way the team played through the first 12 games, you would think there would be a major overhaul of players once again. Turnover is something that the Saints are accustomed to, so why not continue the trend? However, the final 4 games of the season showed that this teamed FINALLY gelled as a unit on both sides of the ball. Players stepped up and played beyond expectations or they finally played up to the potential that we\'ve all been spoon fed from the coaching staff for the last several years. I think the Saints may realize they are still an impact player or two away on either side of the ball to be able to truly compete for the playoffs. I don\'t think they go all out on a big name free agent, but it wouldn\'t surprise me if they tried.

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

As much as I want Venturi gone, I don\'t see it happening. The coaching staff as a whole may have salvaged their jobs after that 4-game winning streak and almost bullying their way into the playoffs. I honestly think that the entire staff will return next season. Except maybe for the offensive line coach. Somebody has to take the fall.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? Possibly. I think he wants out and the interview with him proclaiming his greatness was a sign of that to me. There are a few teams out there that could be very interested in Brooks and we may be able to sneak some high draft picks or some talent from them (Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, and Miami just to name a few).

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

I pray that it does. I can\'t see the future, but I do think this team made major strides in improvement. They became the laughing stock of the league to a team that no one wanted to meet in the playoffs almost overnight. The team had a swagger about them in Carolina that I had not seen since the 2000 season. Confidence ran rampant through the team. This is what these guys needed. They know they can play now and I do think it will carry over into next year with a winning record and a playoff appearance.......no matter who is coaching or quarterbacking.

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

It will be harder for them to do so now with that winning streak because it puts them in the middle of the draft pecking order. Hopefully the \"best player available\" theory will be someone who plays a position of need as well. Will Smith has turned out to be an ingenious move, and I expect a big year from him whether Darren Howard is back or not. Hopefully someone like him falls into their laps next season.....just not at the defensive end position. I pray it\'s a linebacker, offensive line, nose tackle, or wide receiver.

There\'s just a few for now. Answer away fellas. I may come up with more later.

1. NO
2.YES
3.Hope Not. No-one has yet to have any ideas on a replacement. how bout Booman
4.YES
5.YES

Danno · 01-06-2005, 05:40 PM

1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

With all the heat they caught this year I think they know they have to sign a big-time FA for Public Relations. I have no idea who, but they will. I just hope they play D.

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

Somebody has to take the bullet. Benson didn\'t call this a high school team for nothing. There WILL be a shake-up. Probably reassign Venturi, and a position coach or two. O-line coach is my guess.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded?

Maybe. I say 50/50. He\'s unhappy with all the criticism, whether its warranted or not. He sees himself as much better than he really is so he may try and force the issue. But he\'s a decent QB and I wouldn\'t trade unless we have someone just as good in the fold. Now if McCarthy is the one to fall on the sword, look for Brooks to go elsewhere.

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

It didn\'t last year. Unless we get a fiery DC who doesn\'t take any crap from his unit, I\'m not optimistic. Now if we get a Zook type to coach these boys, then heck yea, I think it will carry over.

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

I certainly think so. I just hope another stud DE doesn\'t slip. Since we could use an impact player at so many positions DT, LT, RT, QB(yes QB), FS, SS, CB, OLB, MLB, it would take an imbecile to not get one. I think the Sullivan pick is skewing everyone\'s hopes, and I can\'t blame them. But lets recap 1st rounders since Haz has been here...
1. Darren Howard (actually 2nd, but his 1st pick)
2. Deuce McAllister
3. Donte Stallworth
4. Charles Grant
5. Jonathan Sullivan
6. Will Smith
With the exception of one huge glaring mistake, I think they\'ve done pretty good so far in the 1st round. Now their 2nd rounders of late leave a lot to be desired.

WhoDat · 01-06-2005, 11:02 PM

1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

I doubt they\'ll even really consider any of the truly big names. I agree with Danno that they\'ll look to do something, but my guess is that it will be another Tebucky Jones or Mike McKenzie type player. Not a true top-tier, but a guy whose name you recognize (as compared to Orlando Ruff or Jason Craft).

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

There has to be, but I doubt the right changes will be made. Last year they dumped a d-line coach and wrs coach. This year my guess is that the o-line coach will go, and I\'m hopeful that Venturi gets moved and the team gets a real DC - of course, the place Venturi is most likely to go is LBs coach, and that\'s not good either. Loomis needs to handle contracts and the business side of things, and the Saints need to find a football GM. That said, I\'m not sure anyone will go really. Loomis, Venturi, and Haslett all seem to have strong backing from Benson, and I doubt seriously that any of them will be out of a job. I hope that McCarthy doesn\'t get dumped b/c, as scary as it sounds, he\'s the best coach on the team.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded?

No. He\'ll be back and his play won\'t improve. The Saints have too many other holes to fill to worry about a new QB. That\'s a huge change for a team. They simply won\'t do it. Haslett supports the guy too much and the other options out there aren\'t great this year. His days are numbered though. Haslett and Co. will likely only last another year or two and when they go, he will also. The sad thing is that if the Saints had given Jake a real shot to compete for the starting job, this would be a problem that\'s easy to solve. The guy wanted to stay, he justed wanted to be in a place where he had a fair shot at starting also. We told him no.

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

It could, but it won\'t. No matter what the Saints will find a way to go 3-5 or worse for part of the season - they\'ve done it every year for the last 4. I think they\'ll probably come out sluggish again next season and ho-hum their way through a good part of the year. That said, I wouldn\'t be surprised to see them go back to starting 5-3 only to go 3-5 and end up where? 8-8!!!!

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

Again, I agree with Danno. They will probably get a good player in round 1. There are really two questions: 1) will the guy play at a position of need or a position of convenience? 2) Will they look to build in the draft, or scramble to fill holes at areas they neglected during FA?

duece4pres · 01-07-2005, 05:06 AM

[quote:ab683a818c]
1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players?

If the Saints aren\'t major players in free agency this off-season we\'ll be staring at yet another 8-8 year. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing and expect a different result. Saints must get an impact O-lineman and impact linebacker in free agency or we\'re destined for the middle of the pack yet again.

2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season?

I agree with you. My bet is the Saints stand pat with some position coaching changes only.

3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded?
No way as long as Haslett is the coach. The team can win with Brooks. But he will continue to confound in terms of leadership. He\'ll never step up a be the Brett Favre of the Saints. He\'s just not that type of guy. With a better Oline and the resulitng better running game he\'ll make more plays although he\'ll still make dumb plays. He is what he is.

4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season?

I pray with you Confidence comes from consistent play and winning....something these Saints have yet to demonstrate over a season.

5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round?

Will Smith is the only \"impact Player\" the Saints have drafted in recent memory that truly had an impact in his rookie years. Based on this, if the front office remains intact it is doubtful the Saints will have draft a player who will make a real impact next year. Best player availabe in a position of need (Oline or Linebacker) is a good strategy for the Saints for this draft.

You forgot about Darren Howard having 11 1/2 sacks his rookie year and barely getting beat out by Brian Urlacher for Rookie of the Year. Does anyone remember the cover of either Sporting News or Sports Illustrated with the picture of Urlacher, Howard, and some other rookie up for the Rookie of the Year honors? That made me proud.

01-06-2005, 04:05 PM	#1
D_it_up Faqda Falcons Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ruston, Louisiana Posts: 3,465 Blog Entries: 3	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) I have a few questions that I want to ask everyone, and I hope to get some feedback on them. I'm even going to answer my own questions as they are directed to get OPINIONS of the off-season, next season, and the franchise as a whole. 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? This is something that could go either way, I think. With the way the team played through the first 12 games, you would think there would be a major overhaul of players once again. Turnover is something that the Saints are accustomed to, so why not continue the trend? However, the final 4 games of the season showed that this teamed FINALLY gelled as a unit on both sides of the ball. Players stepped up and played beyond expectations or they finally played up to the potential that we've all been spoon fed from the coaching staff for the last several years. I think the Saints may realize they are still an impact player or two away on either side of the ball to be able to truly compete for the playoffs. I don't think they go all out on a big name free agent, but it wouldn't surprise me if they tried. 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? As much as I want Venturi gone, I don't see it happening. The coaching staff as a whole may have salvaged their jobs after that 4-game winning streak and almost bullying their way into the playoffs. I honestly think that the entire staff will return next season. Except maybe for the offensive line coach. Somebody has to take the fall. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? Possibly. I think he wants out and the interview with him proclaiming his greatness was a sign of that to me. There are a few teams out there that could be very interested in Brooks and we may be able to sneak some high draft picks or some talent from them (Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, and Miami just to name a few). 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? I pray that it does. I can't see the future, but I do think this team made major strides in improvement. They became the laughing stock of the league to a team that no one wanted to meet in the playoffs almost overnight. The team had a swagger about them in Carolina that I had not seen since the 2000 season. Confidence ran rampant through the team. This is what these guys needed. They know they can play now and I do think it will carry over into next year with a winning record and a playoff appearance.......no matter who is coaching or quarterbacking. 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? It will be harder for them to do so now with that winning streak because it puts them in the middle of the draft pecking order. Hopefully the "best player available" theory will be someone who plays a position of need as well. Will Smith has turned out to be an ingenious move, and I expect a big year from him whether Darren Howard is back or not. Hopefully someone like him falls into their laps next season.....just not at the defensive end position. I pray it's a linebacker, offensive line, nose tackle, or wide receiver. There's just a few for now. Answer away fellas. I may come up with more later.

01-06-2005, 04:24 PM	#2
saintswhodi 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 6,941	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) 1. Hard to say. Will the stadium deal be final or not? Without it, there may not be a lot of spending if there is gonna be selling or moving of the team in the future. Also, who will make the personnel decisions plays a big part. Or will complacency again be the model? you just don\'t know with this front office. 2. Venturi has to go. Has to. He has to at least be demoted. McCarthy as well. Not scoring in the first quarter for the vast majority of the year, being last in defense, and common sense have to play a part in this decision. 3. Only in a perfect world. But we have to get a replacement, so that has to come first. If not, he stays. A better question would be if Brooks stays, will he make any effort to improve? 4. I think the fire will carry over, but hopefully some of the coaches don\'t, as mentioned. We went out on a good note, but there is still the \"false love\", \"high school team,\" \"coaches are hired to produce,\" statements to get over. These kinds of statements tear teams apart. 5. Believe it or not, the Saints are in a good position in the draft because of the glut of running backs in the first round. My major move would be, if Rolle is on the board at Dallas\' number 11(Parcells said he won\'t pick corner), we swap them our first and Daren Howard(sign and trade) for their first and a second. We get Rolle, an extra second, and don\'t have to pay Howard a high salary(he wants top 5 money). If not, Jamaal Brown may fall be there at right tackle or Thomas Davis at safety and both are impact players.

01-06-2005, 04:25 PM	#3
AJB4AIR Registered Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 36	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) I think their might be some coaching changes, just don\'t know if our defensive coordinator is going to go or not. I would like to see Aaron Brooks go, he just makes too many mistakes. I really hope the fire stays there until next year, I didn\'t get to see them at all except the game against Carolina being over here in Iraq, but they sure looked good against the panthers.
AJB4AIR Registered Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 36

01-06-2005, 04:25 PM	#4
Lifer Registered Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 69	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) [quote:38beb4fde2] 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? If the Saints aren\'t major players in free agency this off-season we\'ll be staring at yet another 8-8 year. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing and expect a different result. Saints must get an impact O-lineman and impact linebacker in free agency or we\'re destined for the middle of the pack yet again. 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? I agree with you. My bet is the Saints stand pat with some position coaching changes only. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? No way as long as Haslett is the coach. The team can win with Brooks. But he will continue to confound in terms of leadership. He\'ll never step up a be the Brett Favre of the Saints. He\'s just not that type of guy. With a better Oline and the resulitng better running game he\'ll make more plays although he\'ll still make dumb plays. He is what he is. 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? I pray with you Confidence comes from consistent play and winning....something these Saints have yet to demonstrate over a season. 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? Will Smith is the only \"impact Player\" the Saints have drafted in recent memory that truly had an impact in his rookie years. Based on this, if the front office remains intact it is doubtful the Saints will have draft a player who will make a real impact next year. Best player availabe in a position of need (Oline or Linebacker) is a good strategy for the Saints for this draft.
Lifer Registered Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 69

01-06-2005, 04:37 PM	#5
shadowdrinker Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 517	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? I think they almost have to be to some degree..whether it be signing a big name guy..or releasing a few...It seems that Haslett believes the talent is there to make a run...But..we need a leader on defense..and he has to see that..so..either in the draft or free agency..we will be getting some solid additions to our team... 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? Haslett has made it clear he wants to stay..and he wants changes made...Personally I think he\'s reffereing to Loomis...Maybe Benson will be a bit more aggresive in his stance to become a contender..and get this team surrounded by solid coaches...I believe we will see changes in the coaches and front office.. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? No..not as long as Haslett is our coach 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? No... not likely..the season is over...and we will have a different team next year...if even only a few people changed..it will still be a different feel...and with the changes that will surely come in the coaching ..It will be a fresh start..and that sounds good to me 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? Chnaces are good..the draft has depth this year, especially where we need it..and some juniors are coming out...Making it easier to make the most of our position...this will be a good draft
shadowdrinker Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 517

Latest Blogs
2023 New Orleans Saints: Training Camp Last Blog: 08-01-2023 By: MarchingOn Puck the Fro Browl! Last Blog: 02-05-2023 By: neugey CFP: "Just Keep Doing What You're Doing" Last Blog: 12-08-2022 By: neugey

01-06-2005, 04:39 PM	#6
FireVenturi Cold as Ice! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Da Big Easy Posts: 2,978	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) I think their might be some coaching changes, just don\'t know if our defensive coordinator is going to go or not. I would like to see Aaron Brooks go, he just makes too many mistakes. I really hope the fire stays there until next year, I didn\'t get to see them at all except the game against Carolina being over here in Iraq, but they sure looked good against the panthers. Yea Ab is the only one who makes mistakes. I.e. Deuce(i am a deuce fan) fumbling against Tampa....no fumble we are in the playoffs

01-06-2005, 04:42 PM	#7
FireVenturi Cold as Ice! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Da Big Easy Posts: 2,978	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) I have a few questions that I want to ask everyone, and I hope to get some feedback on them. I\'m even going to answer my own questions as they are directed to get OPINIONS of the off-season, next season, and the franchise as a whole. 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? This is something that could go either way, I think. With the way the team played through the first 12 games, you would think there would be a major overhaul of players once again. Turnover is something that the Saints are accustomed to, so why not continue the trend? However, the final 4 games of the season showed that this teamed FINALLY gelled as a unit on both sides of the ball. Players stepped up and played beyond expectations or they finally played up to the potential that we\'ve all been spoon fed from the coaching staff for the last several years. I think the Saints may realize they are still an impact player or two away on either side of the ball to be able to truly compete for the playoffs. I don\'t think they go all out on a big name free agent, but it wouldn\'t surprise me if they tried. 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? As much as I want Venturi gone, I don\'t see it happening. The coaching staff as a whole may have salvaged their jobs after that 4-game winning streak and almost bullying their way into the playoffs. I honestly think that the entire staff will return next season. Except maybe for the offensive line coach. Somebody has to take the fall. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? Possibly. I think he wants out and the interview with him proclaiming his greatness was a sign of that to me. There are a few teams out there that could be very interested in Brooks and we may be able to sneak some high draft picks or some talent from them (Dallas, Arizona, Chicago, and Miami just to name a few). 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? I pray that it does. I can\'t see the future, but I do think this team made major strides in improvement. They became the laughing stock of the league to a team that no one wanted to meet in the playoffs almost overnight. The team had a swagger about them in Carolina that I had not seen since the 2000 season. Confidence ran rampant through the team. This is what these guys needed. They know they can play now and I do think it will carry over into next year with a winning record and a playoff appearance.......no matter who is coaching or quarterbacking. 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? It will be harder for them to do so now with that winning streak because it puts them in the middle of the draft pecking order. Hopefully the \"best player available\" theory will be someone who plays a position of need as well. Will Smith has turned out to be an ingenious move, and I expect a big year from him whether Darren Howard is back or not. Hopefully someone like him falls into their laps next season.....just not at the defensive end position. I pray it\'s a linebacker, offensive line, nose tackle, or wide receiver. There\'s just a few for now. Answer away fellas. I may come up with more later. 1. NO 2.YES 3.Hope Not. No-one has yet to have any ideas on a replacement. how bout Booman 4.YES 5.YES

01-06-2005, 05:40 PM	#8
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,720	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? With all the heat they caught this year I think they know they have to sign a big-time FA for Public Relations. I have no idea who, but they will. I just hope they play D. 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? Somebody has to take the bullet. Benson didn\'t call this a high school team for nothing. There WILL be a shake-up. Probably reassign Venturi, and a position coach or two. O-line coach is my guess. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? Maybe. I say 50/50. He\'s unhappy with all the criticism, whether its warranted or not. He sees himself as much better than he really is so he may try and force the issue. But he\'s a decent QB and I wouldn\'t trade unless we have someone just as good in the fold. Now if McCarthy is the one to fall on the sword, look for Brooks to go elsewhere. 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? It didn\'t last year. Unless we get a fiery DC who doesn\'t take any crap from his unit, I\'m not optimistic. Now if we get a Zook type to coach these boys, then heck yea, I think it will carry over. 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? I certainly think so. I just hope another stud DE doesn\'t slip. Since we could use an impact player at so many positions DT, LT, RT, QB(yes QB), FS, SS, CB, OLB, MLB, it would take an imbecile to not get one. I think the Sullivan pick is skewing everyone\'s hopes, and I can\'t blame them. But lets recap 1st rounders since Haz has been here... 1. Darren Howard (actually 2nd, but his 1st pick) 2. Deuce McAllister 3. Donte Stallworth 4. Charles Grant 5. Jonathan Sullivan 6. Will Smith With the exception of one huge glaring mistake, I think they\'ve done pretty good so far in the 1st round. Now their 2nd rounders of late leave a lot to be desired.

01-06-2005, 11:02 PM	#9
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? I doubt they\'ll even really consider any of the truly big names. I agree with Danno that they\'ll look to do something, but my guess is that it will be another Tebucky Jones or Mike McKenzie type player. Not a true top-tier, but a guy whose name you recognize (as compared to Orlando Ruff or Jason Craft). 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? There has to be, but I doubt the right changes will be made. Last year they dumped a d-line coach and wrs coach. This year my guess is that the o-line coach will go, and I\'m hopeful that Venturi gets moved and the team gets a real DC - of course, the place Venturi is most likely to go is LBs coach, and that\'s not good either. Loomis needs to handle contracts and the business side of things, and the Saints need to find a football GM. That said, I\'m not sure anyone will go really. Loomis, Venturi, and Haslett all seem to have strong backing from Benson, and I doubt seriously that any of them will be out of a job. I hope that McCarthy doesn\'t get dumped b/c, as scary as it sounds, he\'s the best coach on the team. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? No. He\'ll be back and his play won\'t improve. The Saints have too many other holes to fill to worry about a new QB. That\'s a huge change for a team. They simply won\'t do it. Haslett supports the guy too much and the other options out there aren\'t great this year. His days are numbered though. Haslett and Co. will likely only last another year or two and when they go, he will also. The sad thing is that if the Saints had given Jake a real shot to compete for the starting job, this would be a problem that\'s easy to solve. The guy wanted to stay, he justed wanted to be in a place where he had a fair shot at starting also. We told him no. 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? It could, but it won\'t. No matter what the Saints will find a way to go 3-5 or worse for part of the season - they\'ve done it every year for the last 4. I think they\'ll probably come out sluggish again next season and ho-hum their way through a good part of the year. That said, I wouldn\'t be surprised to see them go back to starting 5-3 only to go 3-5 and end up where? 8-8!!!! 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? Again, I agree with Danno. They will probably get a good player in round 1. There are really two questions: 1) will the guy play at a position of need or a position of convenience? 2) Will they look to build in the draft, or scramble to fill holes at areas they neglected during FA?
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631	\"Excuses, excuses, excuses. ThatÃ¢Â€Â™s all anyone ever makes for the New Orleans SaintsÃ¢Â€Â™ organization.\" - Eric Narcisse \"Being a Saints fan is almost like being addicted to crack,\" he said.[i]\"You know you should stop, but you just can\'t.\"

01-07-2005, 05:06 AM	#10
duece4pres Biloxi Bandit Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: biloxi, ms Posts: 293	I want everyone's opinion (questions for the off-season) [quote:ab683a818c] 1. Will the Saints become major players in free agency this off-season or will they continue to sign 2nd or 3rd tier players? If the Saints aren\'t major players in free agency this off-season we\'ll be staring at yet another 8-8 year. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing and expect a different result. Saints must get an impact O-lineman and impact linebacker in free agency or we\'re destined for the middle of the pack yet again. 2. Will there be any coaching or front office changes during the off-season? I agree with you. My bet is the Saints stand pat with some position coaching changes only. 3. Will Aaron Brooks be traded? No way as long as Haslett is the coach. The team can win with Brooks. But he will continue to confound in terms of leadership. He\'ll never step up a be the Brett Favre of the Saints. He\'s just not that type of guy. With a better Oline and the resulitng better running game he\'ll make more plays although he\'ll still make dumb plays. He is what he is. 4. Can the fire and determination the team displayed in the last 4 games of the season carry over into next season? I pray with you Confidence comes from consistent play and winning....something these Saints have yet to demonstrate over a season. 5. Will the Saints draft an impact player in the first round? Will Smith is the only \"impact Player\" the Saints have drafted in recent memory that truly had an impact in his rookie years. Based on this, if the front office remains intact it is doubtful the Saints will have draft a player who will make a real impact next year. Best player availabe in a position of need (Oline or Linebacker) is a good strategy for the Saints for this draft. You forgot about Darren Howard having 11 1/2 sacks his rookie year and barely getting beat out by Brian Urlacher for Rookie of the Year. Does anyone remember the cover of either Sporting News or Sports Illustrated with the picture of Urlacher, Howard, and some other rookie up for the Rookie of the Year honors? That made me proud.