The 5 most important players in '05.

GumboBC · 03-26-2005, 01:32 PM

For all the problems the Saints have had over the past few years ... no problem has been bigger than the defense. Of course ... Aaron Brooks has taken the majority of the blame for the team not making the playoffs, but it's really the defense that has let this team down.

It's hard to imagine any defense that's been worse than the Saints over the past 4 years. Then again ... I say that every year!! But last year's defensive performace proved to me that things can always get worse.

Is it possible that the Saints' defense could be even worse in '05? Let's hope not!!

I think if the Saints are to go anywhere in '05 that the run defense must hold opponents to under 100-yards rushing. That's a tall task for a defense who finished 32nd the previous year.

Still, it's possible that the defense can turn it around. But, that improvement is going to have to come from with-in the current group of players. Players such as Brian Young and Howard Green must play better at the DT position this year if we are going to stop the run. While you hear terms like "high motor" and "good character" about both players, the simple truth is neither player perfomed very well in '04.

Even if Brian Young and Howard Green step their game up to another level this year, there are still big question marks at all the linebacker positions.

This is another area where the current group of players must take their game to another level. Most of the pressure, however, is going to be placed on 2nd year MLB Courtney Watson. While you hear terms like "smart"," instinctive", and "intelligent" when Watson is mentioned ... what you don't hear are terms such as: "proven" and "play-maker." The same thing can be said for all of the linebackers.

Unless another defensive player is picked up, the 5 most important players on the team this year will be:

1. Howard Green.
2. Brian Young.
3. Courtney Watson.
4. James Allen.
5. Colby Bockwoldt.

Let's hope all 5 guys can step it up this year or we might be in for another very disappointing season.

Of course, the wild card in all of this is Jonathan Sullivan. Well, that and the possible Darren Howard trade. I think getting a proven MLB and sliding Watson to the outside would make all the difference. But as it stands right now, it's not looking very good.

[Edited on 26/3/2005 by GumboBC]

03-26-2005, 01:32 PM	#1
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616	The 5 most important players in '05. For all the problems the Saints have had over the past few years ... no problem has been bigger than the defense. Of course ... Aaron Brooks has taken the majority of the blame for the team not making the playoffs, but it's really the defense that has let this team down. It's hard to imagine any defense that's been worse than the Saints over the past 4 years. Then again ... I say that every year!! But last year's defensive performace proved to me that things can always get worse. Is it possible that the Saints' defense could be even worse in '05? Let's hope not!! I think if the Saints are to go anywhere in '05 that the run defense must hold opponents to under 100-yards rushing. That's a tall task for a defense who finished 32nd the previous year. Still, it's possible that the defense can turn it around. But, that improvement is going to have to come from with-in the current group of players. Players such as Brian Young and Howard Green must play better at the DT position this year if we are going to stop the run. While you hear terms like "high motor" and "good character" about both players, the simple truth is neither player perfomed very well in '04. Even if Brian Young and Howard Green step their game up to another level this year, there are still big question marks at all the linebacker positions. This is another area where the current group of players must take their game to another level. Most of the pressure, however, is going to be placed on 2nd year MLB Courtney Watson. While you hear terms like "smart"," instinctive", and "intelligent" when Watson is mentioned ... what you don't hear are terms such as: "proven" and "play-maker." The same thing can be said for all of the linebackers. Unless another defensive player is picked up, the 5 most important players on the team this year will be: 1. Howard Green. 2. Brian Young. 3. Courtney Watson. 4. James Allen. 5. Colby Bockwoldt. Let's hope all 5 guys can step it up this year or we might be in for another very disappointing season. Of course, the wild card in all of this is Jonathan Sullivan. Well, that and the possible Darren Howard trade. I think getting a proven MLB and sliding Watson to the outside would make all the difference. But as it stands right now, it's not looking very good. [Edited on 26/3/2005 by GumboBC]
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616