WWL Fourth Down on 4

LKelley67 · 02-15-2005, 08:06 AM

On Fourth Down on 4 this evening, Lee Zurik spoke with T-P writers Jeff Duncan and Brian Allee-Walsh about a number of Saints issues, including:

1) Darren Howard: Both Duncan and Allee-Walsh believe Howard will be franchised and that the Saints will then listen to trade offers. They think we can snag a quality defensive player and a 3rd round pick in exchange for Howard.

2) State-Saints Negotiations: Both men think a long-term deal will be struck. However, neither thinks a deal will be struck by the March 1 deadline. In fact, they think that the NFL is instructing the Saints to refrain from making a deal until after the upcoming season (!) to really stir up the Saints fan base and apply as much pressure on the State as possible to give the team as sweet a deal as possible.

3) Johnathan Sullivan: Both men said the light must go on for Sullivan in '05 or he's gone. Team must show that poor behavior/attitude/work ethic like Sullivan's will not be tolerated. Duncan said Sullivan is John Pease's offseason project (again). Duncan also said he thinks Sullivan should be fired now, but acknowledged that the huge cap hit would prevent the team from making such a drastic move.

4) McCarthy: Both men seem to like and respect McCarthy, said he'll probably be an NFL head coach one day. They also said that while many wanted McCarthy gone, he was a good coordinator who was just doing what he was told to do and took the fall for doing so. Said not to expect much change on offense under Sheppard.

5) Draft/FA: Both men agreed that OT, a playmaking LB and a playmaking safety must be offseason priorities. They also said backup RB is also a need, especially if the team can't work out a deal with Deuce (!); said CB's we have now are pretty solid.

6) Brooks: Both men said they like Brooks, but he's way too sensitive. Allee-Walsh said he was in Brooks' corner until this past year -- he didn't elaborate as to why his opinion had changed.

7) Haslett extension: Both men seemed to think that Haslett will get an extension. Allee-Walsh said Benson wants to stick with Haslett just as the Steelers have stuck with Cowher, hopes the continuity will pay off like it did for the Steelers last season.

8) Joe Horn: Both men said that while Horn's on the downside of his career, he's still a quality player whom the Saints must reward for his performance last season. Sounds like Horn's contract will be renegotiated this offseason (doesn't it seem like Horn has been renegotiating every offseason?).

02-15-2005, 08:06 AM	#1
LKelley67 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: baton rouge Posts: 2,540	WWL Fourth Down on 4 On Fourth Down on 4 this evening, Lee Zurik spoke with T-P writers Jeff Duncan and Brian Allee-Walsh about a number of Saints issues, including: 1) Darren Howard: Both Duncan and Allee-Walsh believe Howard will be franchised and that the Saints will then listen to trade offers. They think we can snag a quality defensive player and a 3rd round pick in exchange for Howard. 2) State-Saints Negotiations: Both men think a long-term deal will be struck. However, neither thinks a deal will be struck by the March 1 deadline. In fact, they think that the NFL is instructing the Saints to refrain from making a deal until after the upcoming season (!) to really stir up the Saints fan base and apply as much pressure on the State as possible to give the team as sweet a deal as possible. 3) Johnathan Sullivan: Both men said the light must go on for Sullivan in '05 or he's gone. Team must show that poor behavior/attitude/work ethic like Sullivan's will not be tolerated. Duncan said Sullivan is John Pease's offseason project (again). Duncan also said he thinks Sullivan should be fired now, but acknowledged that the huge cap hit would prevent the team from making such a drastic move. 4) McCarthy: Both men seem to like and respect McCarthy, said he'll probably be an NFL head coach one day. They also said that while many wanted McCarthy gone, he was a good coordinator who was just doing what he was told to do and took the fall for doing so. Said not to expect much change on offense under Sheppard. 5) Draft/FA: Both men agreed that OT, a playmaking LB and a playmaking safety must be offseason priorities. They also said backup RB is also a need, especially if the team can't work out a deal with Deuce (!); said CB's we have now are pretty solid. 6) Brooks: Both men said they like Brooks, but he's way too sensitive. Allee-Walsh said he was in Brooks' corner until this past year -- he didn't elaborate as to why his opinion had changed. 7) Haslett extension: Both men seemed to think that Haslett will get an extension. Allee-Walsh said Benson wants to stick with Haslett just as the Steelers have stuck with Cowher, hopes the continuity will pay off like it did for the Steelers last season. 8) Joe Horn: Both men said that while Horn's on the downside of his career, he's still a quality player whom the Saints must reward for his performance last season. Sounds like Horn's contract will be renegotiated this offseason (doesn't it seem like Horn has been renegotiating every offseason?).