LKelley67

It has been a busy offseason and there has been a lot of player movement. The one team that stands out most to me in positive aggressive change is the Vikings. They are on the low end of teams that I have any liking for, whether that is philosophical approach or team history. That said, I can only see the right things happening.

First, since Tice has been there: 5-11, 6-10, 9-7, 8-8. That is nothing to feel good or secure about. Kuddos for rolling the dice and putting the push on. Defense wins championships, an old standard NFL axiom. The teams that come to mind as having the most porous defenses the past few years are the Colts (improving), Chiefs, Saints, and Vikings. So do something...

They might have gotten more for Moss but I think we are seeing my endless blabber about the cap become more a reality each year. He is the best to be had. But he does cost over 10% of a teams payroll (to $11mil+ in 2008)and you have to cope with the personality issues. Heck there is no one jumping at Alexander or James for a 2nd Rd pick. They did get a starting if unspectacular LB Harris too. Next, they got an older guy I would have liked to see N.O. get. From Monroe, proven run stuffer Pat Williams. In the middle he will form quite a duo with DT Kevin Williams alongside Udeze. Fred Smoot teamed with Antoine Winfield is now perhaps the best pair of corners on any team. Darren Sharper got some criticism last year but there was plenty of criticism of the GB defensive scheme too as we know from Mc. I think he still has good game. Teamed with solid SS Chavous they might have gone from one of the worst pass stopping D's to maybe the best backfield overall. Here's the kicker- two first round picks. Don't be surprised if they do not go WR at #7 and take Derrick Johnson. Add him to the mix and it is a defensive turnaround on paper to make anyone go wow.

Vikings suck but props for not staying pat with mediocrity and going for it.

[Edited on 18/3/2005 by LKelley67]

GumboBC

The Panthers picked up a couple of guys who should make an impact. But, they lost probowl WR Musin Muhammad.

The Vikings picked up some good players but they lost probably the best WR in the NFL in Randy Moss. Think that\'s going to affect Donte Culpepper and their offense?

The Saints have done well also, IMO. Mayberry and Dwight Smith filled 2 \"key\" areas of need.

And I think the Darren Howard trade will bring us a starter on the defense. Most likey a LB. Losing Howad is no big deal, IMO. We\'ve got 2 first round draft picks at DE in Charles Grant and Will Smith.

IF we get a proven LB, like Dat Nyguen, the offseason will be a tremendous success for the Saints. I don\'t think it can be argued otherwise?

LKelley67

I know you like a good argue Billy but I will say success, if not tremendous, if Dat and a 2nd (or #20) are added.

I do think the Vikes D turnaround merits a tremendous label. They can get either Mike Williams at #7 or a Williamson-Clayton type at #18 to add with Travis Taylor they picked up too.

I liked more that it appeared they were tired of losing the same old 38-31 way (except vs. NO) habitually and made the moves to address that significantly. Whether it works for them or not, I like that approach. Tweaking the same formula year after year that doesn\'t yield successful results is for losers.

papz

I think our offseason has been pretty good. Two good free agents and if Howard gets traded, it will be even better. Minnesota might have signed some good names, but look what Washington did a couple of years ago and look where they are now. More money and marquee free agents does not merit success. One word... Patriots.

I like Rolle, McAllister, Reed, and Demps better than Smoot, Winfield, Sharper, and Chavous.

WhoDat

Just a question, but why? Who do people expect the Saints to sign between now and the season at positions of need that they cannot sign right now due to Howard? I\'m not passing judgment, I just don\'t see anyone out there that interests me that I also think that the Saints are willing to take a stab at signing. Why does trading Howard have you guys excited? An extra draft pick? Opportunity to sign guys long-term? Yeah, that\'s important, but how does that make us better next season. Sure seems to me like we would be short a stud DE and plus money and maybe another rookie. That doesn\'t see like a whole lot of benefit to me. Someone explain it.

\"Excuses, excuses, excuses. That’s all anyone ever makes for the New Orleans Saints’ 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.\"

LKelley67

it is the thought of Dat added whodat, a veteran playmaking hustler

FrenzyFan

I\'m not sold that our off-season is so great yet. When I see how JM plays tackle, I will know better.

Wish we could have gotten an LB (I don\'t think we will see Dat, but I am hopeful).

I don\'t see anyone beating down the door for Howard. I bet all we\'ll see is a draft pick, mostly because teams KNOW we have to get rid of him. We are deep at DE and he costs too much.

I call this a typical Saints off-season, so far.

ssmitty

you just did,,,,,,,,,,,,smitty

WhoDat

So getting rid of Howard does not necessarily help. Getting a proven LB in return for him does, no doubt, but Howard for a second round pick is of marginal value?

papz

Hey don\'t get me wrong I would love to have Howard back. I can show you tons of post where I would love to keep him here in a rotation with our other lineman. Who wouldn\'t want to have an all-pro caliber player on there team? But if we could add a solid and proven MLB and a high round draft pick, I think I would rate it as more of a success for our offseason because not only do we get a player and pick, we clear cap space to sign your Joe Horn. :P