Henderson not discouraged...

JOESAM2002 · 01-17-2005, 09:14 AM

Henderson not discouraged by inactive season

Richard Dark
Special to the Advertiser

METAIRIE - Fans and supporters of Opelousas High product Devery Henderson need not assume his status quo will continue because of the retention of New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett.

The former LSU and current Saints wide receiver endured a redshirt season of sorts in his rookie campaign in the Black and Gold, being inactive in all but one of the 8-8 squad's regular season contests. Haslett avoided being fired after leading the team to a season-ending four-game winning streak and also reportedly received a two-year contract extension last week, which surprised his critics.

But although Henderson was dissatisfied with the way his year ended, by missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker and valuable playing time as the team's sixth receiver, his resolve remains strong.

"My biggest thing for next season is that I have a good offseason by getting stronger. I'm just going to do what I have to, to make next season different. I'm going to come back next year with it on my mind that I am going to play," Henderson said while cleaning out his locker. "Whether that happens or not, as long as I have it in my mind then I'll be ready when the opportunity does come along."

That opportunity may be closer than he thinks. Team sources have indicated that next year the receiving corps, led by Pro Bowler Joe Horn, will have a decidedly different look. Jerome Pathon, who lost his starting job to Donte Stallworth, during the course of the 2004 season, will probably not be retained despite catching 34 balls for 581 yards, because of salary cap ramifications.

Pathon's cap figure is scheduled to cost the team some $2.5 million if he stays in New Orleans for the upcoming season compared to just $300,000 if he is waived.

If that happens, Henderson should be the heir apparent to that spot. With other needs to be addressed in the offseason, Pathon appears to be a cap casualty.

Haslett addressed the festering Henderson issue in his final regular season press conference with an air of irritation.

Why a talented second round selection fresh off a national championship with the state's flagship university did not see the field was an ongoing probing issue with the local media and a point Haslett always felt was belabored.

"Everyone's always focused on the negatives," he said. "(For example) Devery Henderson doesn't play. Look, Devery Henderson'll play and he'll be a star in this league, OK?

"He's going to be a star because the kid's got everything. He (still) needs work, he needs to get some strength, he needs to learn get off the press better. But you know what? Let it go, already. We'll get all our (young) players on the field."

Speculation around New Orleans lingered throughout the season that Henderson was unable to get out of the Haslett doghouse after a lengthy contract holdout to start training camp. In the preseason, Haslett was quick to point out Henderson's mistakes, despite his obvious big-play ability.

Another year with with an NFL playbook should help him too. But it is unclear the effect the possible departure of offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy will have.

"I wasn't satisfied because when you are a competitor, you want to be out there playing, especially if you aren't injured," he said. "So, it was a big disappointment, but you just have to look at it as a learning experience. You just have to pull as much from the older guys as you can, take that and run with it."

Horn addressed the guy who sits next to him in the team's locker room on his final call-in radio show as well. "There's no doubt he's the future of this (receiving corps)," Horn said. "I want Devery Henderson to take my spot one day."

whodatsaintsfan26 · 01-17-2005, 10:02 AM

Atleast he seems like he cares that he didnt play last season. He seems to be in the right frame of mind and ready to do something next year. Good to see that Sullivan\'s attitude hasnt rubbed off on him yet.

Euphoria · 01-17-2005, 11:28 AM

Keep an eye on the CFL reciever the Saints signed and Nathan Black. Pathon is gone.

BayouCajun · 01-18-2005, 05:47 PM

Black signed with the Redskin, I believe.

FireVenturi · 01-18-2005, 05:55 PM

Black signed with the Redskin, I believe.

Really...dont have a link?

Danno · 01-18-2005, 06:00 PM

Black signed with the Redskin, I believe.

Really...dont have a link?

I thought he cleared and we got him back on the PS.

FireVenturi · 01-18-2005, 06:02 PM

It would be great to see what Devery can do in the slot. I think he can be a good #3.

TheJudge · 01-18-2005, 09:19 PM

devry has the skills to be a number 2.....

he just needs to get the head for it....

JKool · 01-19-2005, 11:16 AM

I think Danno is right, and Nathan Black is not currently listed on any teams roster according to NFL.com.

JKool · 01-19-2005, 11:20 AM

As for Devery\'s skills, didn\'t Haz just say, in the article above, he isn\'t strong enough (Henderson himself seemed to echo that problem - saying he\'ll be working on getting stronger in the offseason). Thus, the problem isn\'t just understanding the playbook but also (instead?) his skills.

It is nice to see that Haz said nothing about Henderson\'s hands, which were part of the problem during the end of preseason. Perhaps that has improved?

01-17-2005, 09:14 AM	#1
JOESAM2002 1000 Posts + Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: CRYSTAL BEACH TEXAS Posts: 4,100	Henderson not discouraged... Henderson not discouraged by inactive season Richard Dark Special to the Advertiser METAIRIE - Fans and supporters of Opelousas High product Devery Henderson need not assume his status quo will continue because of the retention of New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett. The former LSU and current Saints wide receiver endured a redshirt season of sorts in his rookie campaign in the Black and Gold, being inactive in all but one of the 8-8 squad's regular season contests. Haslett avoided being fired after leading the team to a season-ending four-game winning streak and also reportedly received a two-year contract extension last week, which surprised his critics. But although Henderson was dissatisfied with the way his year ended, by missing the playoffs on a tiebreaker and valuable playing time as the team's sixth receiver, his resolve remains strong. "My biggest thing for next season is that I have a good offseason by getting stronger. I'm just going to do what I have to, to make next season different. I'm going to come back next year with it on my mind that I am going to play," Henderson said while cleaning out his locker. "Whether that happens or not, as long as I have it in my mind then I'll be ready when the opportunity does come along." That opportunity may be closer than he thinks. Team sources have indicated that next year the receiving corps, led by Pro Bowler Joe Horn, will have a decidedly different look. Jerome Pathon, who lost his starting job to Donte Stallworth, during the course of the 2004 season, will probably not be retained despite catching 34 balls for 581 yards, because of salary cap ramifications. Pathon's cap figure is scheduled to cost the team some $2.5 million if he stays in New Orleans for the upcoming season compared to just $300,000 if he is waived. If that happens, Henderson should be the heir apparent to that spot. With other needs to be addressed in the offseason, Pathon appears to be a cap casualty. Haslett addressed the festering Henderson issue in his final regular season press conference with an air of irritation. Why a talented second round selection fresh off a national championship with the state's flagship university did not see the field was an ongoing probing issue with the local media and a point Haslett always felt was belabored. "Everyone's always focused on the negatives," he said. "(For example) Devery Henderson doesn't play. Look, Devery Henderson'll play and he'll be a star in this league, OK? "He's going to be a star because the kid's got everything. He (still) needs work, he needs to get some strength, he needs to learn get off the press better. But you know what? Let it go, already. We'll get all our (young) players on the field." Speculation around New Orleans lingered throughout the season that Henderson was unable to get out of the Haslett doghouse after a lengthy contract holdout to start training camp. In the preseason, Haslett was quick to point out Henderson's mistakes, despite his obvious big-play ability. Another year with with an NFL playbook should help him too. But it is unclear the effect the possible departure of offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy will have. "I wasn't satisfied because when you are a competitor, you want to be out there playing, especially if you aren't injured," he said. "So, it was a big disappointment, but you just have to look at it as a learning experience. You just have to pull as much from the older guys as you can, take that and run with it." Horn addressed the guy who sits next to him in the team's locker room on his final call-in radio show as well. "There's no doubt he's the future of this (receiving corps)," Horn said. "I want Devery Henderson to take my spot one day."

01-17-2005, 10:02 AM	#2
whodatsaintsfan26 500th Post Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 577	Henderson not discouraged... Atleast he seems like he cares that he didnt play last season. He seems to be in the right frame of mind and ready to do something next year. Good to see that Sullivan\'s attitude hasnt rubbed off on him yet.

01-18-2005, 05:47 PM	#4
BayouCajun Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 26	Henderson not discouraged... Black signed with the Redskin, I believe.
BayouCajun Rookie Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 26

01-18-2005, 05:55 PM	#5
FireVenturi Cold as Ice! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Da Big Easy Posts: 2,978	Henderson not discouraged... Black signed with the Redskin, I believe. Really...dont have a link?

01-18-2005, 06:00 PM	#6
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,725	Henderson not discouraged... Black signed with the Redskin, I believe. Really...dont have a link? I thought he cleared and we got him back on the PS.

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01-17-2005, 11:28 AM	#3
Euphoria 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 7,601 Blog Entries: 5	Henderson not discouraged... Keep an eye on the CFL reciever the Saints signed and Nathan Black. Pathon is gone.

01-18-2005, 06:02 PM	#7
FireVenturi Cold as Ice! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Da Big Easy Posts: 2,978	Henderson not discouraged... It would be great to see what Devery can do in the slot. I think he can be a good #3.

01-18-2005, 09:19 PM	#8
TheJudge 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 100	Henderson not discouraged... devry has the skills to be a number 2..... he just needs to get the head for it....
TheJudge 100th Post Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 100

01-19-2005, 11:16 AM	#9
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	Henderson not discouraged... I think Danno is right, and Nathan Black is not currently listed on any teams roster according to NFL.com.

01-19-2005, 11:20 AM	#10
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	Henderson not discouraged... As for Devery\'s skills, didn\'t Haz just say, in the article above, he isn\'t strong enough (Henderson himself seemed to echo that problem - saying he\'ll be working on getting stronger in the offseason). Thus, the problem isn\'t just understanding the playbook but also (instead?) his skills. It is nice to see that Haz said nothing about Henderson\'s hands, which were part of the problem during the end of preseason. Perhaps that has improved?