Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

C.J. Spiller was one of the new faces at Saints organized team activities this week after New Orleans signed him as a free agent earlier this offseason.

And already he's made an impression on Saints coaches and players, including quarterback Drew Brees, who compared Spiller to a couple former New Orleans backs.

"I think he's all-purpose," Brees said of Spiller. "He's got some of the quicks and the speed and kind of that slash element like a (Darren Sproles), but he's bigger in stature like a (Pierre Thomas).

"There's really not anything he can't do."

That's exactly how Spiller sees himself, too. During his best year in the NFL, Spiller caught 43 passes for 459 yards and two touchdowns. And although he's been known for his speed, Spiller said he likes to think he has the diverse skillset that will suit him well in New Orleans.

"I think I got some power," Spiller said. "I take pride in my catching ability, my blocking ability. I just try to make my game a complete game. People are going to have their own labels, but I know what I'm capable of doing."

Head coach Sean Payton described Spiller as explosive and added (read the rest here:

Saints' Drew Brees on C.J. Spiller: There's nothing he can't do )

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

pride in catching is one thing but to measure up to Darren sure hands is a lofty goal for many.

i am looking forward to see SP screwing with defenses again. Bush Sproles now Spiller.

Saints history proves SP offense runs better with these type of players running all over the field.

Now major concern is picking up the blitz and blocking so Drew can use these toys.

that and, can we get a WR to step into the lime light and command respect from the defense this year

Oh yeah LOG also. i guess that brings me full circle and back to blocking RB

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

A missing element last year.

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

Brees "gushes" over Spiller.....pffft. This headline reads like a TMZ article.

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

Sproles knew when to go down. I hope Spiller has that mentality as well. Keep the chains moving.

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

X-FACTOR! :popcorn:

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

He just needs to be healthy.

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

I like the Spiller signing A LOT. He gives the Saints the Darren Sproles factor that they missed last season. That said, I hope he is as good at running screens and picking up blitzes as Pierre Thomas was. If he is, and with the added speed element that Pierre Thomas didn't possess... then we are in like Flint. Of course, speed can sometimes be a detriment, such as when a receiver or returner doesn't wait for blocking to set up before trying to advance (outrunning the blockers). Lets hope Spiller is patient when he needs to be.

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

Sounds like he could be really good for us this season as long as he stays healthy!

GEAUX SAINTS!

Re: Brees Gushes over C. J. Spiller; Brees compares him to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.
 

That's literally why PT23 was so good at screens, he may not have had the 4.3 speed but that's not necessary on screen plays because he had;

Patience - allowed the blockers to get in front on him

Incredible Balance - how many times have we seen PT get smacked by 3 different guys and somehow stay on his feet, he did it all the way through the Superbowl

Vision - he knew when to make a move and who his blockers were going to pick up

I think PT was the best screen play RB I've ever seen in the NFL (obviously biased) but no one else comes to mind when I think about it.