GumboBC

Over the past few seasons, we've seen our secondary really struggle. Many times, they've seemed confused and lost, letting receivers run totally free through the secondary. Missed tackles were also the norm. Most notably, Tebucky Jones in 2003.

Last season Haslett and Venturi promised we would be fine with the tandem of Fred Thomas and Ashley Ambrose at CB.

They quickly saw that wasn't going to work and jumped at the chance to aquire Mike McKenzie from Green Bay. Fakir Brown soon replaced and injured Ashley Ambrose.

As it stands right now, we will start the 2005 season with Mike McKenzie and Fakir Brown at CB. Tebucky Jones at FS and Jay Bellamy at SS.

That's a blend of one proven CB with Mike McKenzie and one promising CB with Fakir Brown. While it would be great if we had another standout CB to compliment McKenzie, I think Fakir played pretty well for his first season. And I think he deserves to be starting where I think he will only get better. I think when a player shows as much promise as Fakir did, you must develop guys like that.

So, I feel pretty good about our CBs!

But, it's the back-end I have some concerns about!

Jay Bellamy is good in run support but usually isn't anywhere around the football when it's in the air.

Tebucky Jones improved his tackling dramatically last year. But, as with Bellamy, he really wasn't around the football when it was in the air.

It's been said that a safety is one of Haslett's top priorities this offseason. I can't say I disagree. I think the back-end of our defense is too soft. Neither Bellamy or Tebucky Jones break up enough passes or come up with the big play.

IMO, we need an enforcer to lay the lumber on opposing WRs!!

While we have other needs on defense, this isn't a bad place to start, IMO!

Thoughts?

baronm

LINEBACKERS-we need LINEBACKERS...honestly..IMO that is really our biggest need on defense..then maybe a prime time safety.

papz

Our corners are fine... two solid starters and good depth. As far as our safeties are concerned, there is TONS of room for improvement. The draft and free agency will address this situation. Select a safety in the second round... maybe a Shazor or if Pool is still there. We all know about the Tebucky Jones rumors but if he were to be released, wouldn\'t they have done it already? I think he\'s going to wind up staying giving us another year of Jones and Bellamy. How lovely :casstet:

GumboBC

I can\'t say I disagree. In fact, I TOTALLY agree.

But, what about Courtney Watson? Do we keep at at MLB? Do we move him over to WLB? Or sit him?

And what about Colby Bockwaldt? Sit him? Move him? What?


What\'s your plan?

GumboBC

That\'s the way I feel, papz. Although, I think there\'s an outside chance Tebucky MIGHT put it all together. I\'m not opposed to dumping his azz, though.

baronm

i think cody is a backup..watson.. I don\'t know..I say leave him at MLB unless we find someone better.

papz

Yea I\'ve been thinking he would put it all together the past 5 or 6 years he\'s been in this league. Yea maybe this year it will all be different. He probably will implant a piece of steel into his forearm and develop some kind of mutant ability to help him wrap up a tackle. Oh yea... I can all see it now.

baronm

here is a question-since cody is undersized at the LB-could he play safety?

LKelley67

when you are last there are plenty enough needs to spread around. i do also think lb is in even worse shape. maybe cuz there are 3 of them instead of 2 safeties LOL. but as for safety it is widely reported that the saints are considering dropping t-buck outright with a cap hit of $3mil. i cannot argue. i think we could get as much for at least half that. muchless, actually sign some higher impact guy. if bellamy is the starter going into the season it will be deep doo doo again. looks exactly like an ambrose/thomas ready to get old fast to me. HELP!

fox sports-
The Saints want to re-sign cornerback Jason Craft, but he could draw some interest on the open market. He\'s best suited as a third corner in nickel situations, but he played well enough late last season to merit a chance to start. If a team gives him starter money he\'s likely gone. That would force the Saints to bring in another corner, either through free agency or, more likely, the draft. Depth behind starters Fakhir Brown and Mike McKenzie is questionable. Ashley Ambrose is 34 and coming off a knee injury. Fred Thomas had a terrible 2005 season and can\'t be counted on to return to his prior form.
A free safety with ball skills is also high on the priority list. Jay Bellamy is an unrestricted free agent and, at 32, is on the downside of his career. Free safety Tebucky Jones has been a disappointment. The Saints want an upgrade here. The defense evolved into primarily a bump-and-run coverage team at the end of the season and needs a veteran ball hawk with range to patrol centerfield. Unfortunately, there are few of those players available. Baltimore restricted free agent Will Demps is an ideal candidate, but he\'ll be difficult to pry away from the Ravens. Pittsburgh\'s Chris Hope is also a possibility. He played for new defensive backs coach Willy Robinson.

Danno

Colby isn\'t undersized. 6\'-1\" 237lbs is perfect for a WLB.
He just needs to get stronger. He pursues well, but can get blown up running right at him. If he gets bigger he may lose his speed advantage. He needs strength, not bulk.