89862. Passing Improvements...
by YeaSaintsWin, 6/20/05 11:49 ET
This weekend, I noticed this kid trying to cool himself slurping from an Icee cup half his size and was reminded of my younger days. I remember when I would stand in the corner and envision being Larry Bird as I launched the perfect shot towards the basket. After many shots missed the mark and only a few found a kind rim-assisted score, I thought maybe I should switch court heroes and pattern my game after guys who played closer to the basket.
It was easier in the game of football. With the score tied 70-70, we always needed a TD pass from Roger "The Dodger" Staubach to win the game. No one ran the ball and with meer minutes remaining before Moms would start calling us off the playground, each score was crucial. So, with that much pressure, I would only throw to guys who would make the catch.

Fast forward in life through my entry level jobs and to the positions that required employee supervision. When I had a project that needed to get done, I would go to that over-worked and under-paid staff person who I could trust to get the job done. Why? If you have been there, you don't ask that question. If you have no clue, then you wouldn't understand the explanation.

The Saints reconstruction of the WR corps can be viewed from a number of perspectives. And the coaches saw the need and have responded with moves that have drawn the attention from many fans, but why should they?

Jerome "Pathetic" Pathon was over-paid and underperforming. In 3 years, for $2.5 million per year, Pathon caught 111 passes. Pathon was often injured and he was making $2.5 million per year (oh, I said that). To upgrade the slot WR position, the Saints offered WR Troy Brown $1.2 million per year because $2 million is to much to pay for your 3rd WR. And while Pathetic caught some balls he was a poor slot WR.

The upgrade of the slot WR was necessary for the Saints. When looking for first downs, your passing game needs a pair of reliable hands in the middle of the field. Talman Gardner was the Saints future in the middle but now that job seems up for Poole, Hakim or Henderson to claim. And, as a person who knows how to chose substance over style, I don't blame the coaches.

Will the Saints miss Pathon? No. Devery Henderson or Micheal Lewis can have a 30-catch campaign. I think the Saints want more production from the position and have added veterans to accomplish that.

Do I think that WRs are doomed to fail in New Orleans because of the QB? No. Because QBs are taught to throw to a spot away from the defense and WRs are taught to catch the ball. If Michael Clayton can catch 80 balls as a slot WR, why should Saints fans settle for 30 catches from their slot WR?

And before someone posts a stat that Pathon only dropping a few passes, ask yourself if the dropped ball had been catches, could there have been an opportunity to catch more? Success breeds success.

GO Saints...