saintz08

Henderson: The most pivotal season in Saints history

This will be perhaps the most pivotal season in the history of the New Orleans Saints for several reasons.


Jim Henderson

First, Owner Tom Benson is betting so much on emotion, the emotion of a good season, to put people in the seats this season and to ride the wave of good feelings into negotiations with the state.


Right now the public relations could hardly be worse for the franchise – especially with the offseason back and forth on the contract with the state.


Benson believes that if the team can make the playoffs and perhaps a bit of a postseason run, that it can make it awfully hard for legislators to hold a hard line.


If they get off to a slow start, it could be disastrous with season ticket sales lagging badly.


Also at stake are the futures of head coach Jim Haslett and his assistants, along with front officer personnel.


With two years remaining on his current deal, it might be hard for Haslett to get more time with another .500-type season.


Home field advantage needed


One thing that could help is the establishment of a legitimate home field advantage. Under Jim Haslett, this team has won more often on the road then at home. Fans seem to get excited with what they see on the road and then come home and get let down. I think it is so important for this team to get off to a quick start or fans will be making quick judgments.


Getting off to quicker starts also a must


This has been belabored, but it bears repeating. The Saints were the only team in the NFL last year that didn’t score a single point on their first possession in any game. They were outscored by 88 points in the first quarter by opponents.


Saints hope Brooks keeps “chip on shoulder�


Aaron Brooks finished the season very strong – both on and off the field. His emotions, which were aroused by constant comparisons to his former backup Jake Delhomme and his successful cousin Michael Vick – were on public display after a final four-game win streak and a very emotional final win over Delhomme and the Panthers.


I think the Saints are hoping that the same Brooks that finished the season so strongly will be present when it begins anew. He has taken more leadership, worked harder and become more assertive, all things the team has been waiting for.


Deuce needs to get loose again


For many reasons, but mostly a bum ankle that he injured in game two and never seemed to come around, Deuce McAllister wasn’t Deuce McAllister last season. His offensive line didn’t help and he didn’t seem to trust his speed.


I think one of the reasons the Saints let go of running backs coach Dave Atkins and hired veteran Johnny Roland was to challenge Deuce more. Not that he’s ever been a slacker, but Deuce seems to have come to workouts this offseason in better shape and more dedicated than ever.


The offensive line should open more holes for him if for no other reason than getting rid of Victor Riley and drafting Jammal Brown. One story goes that moments after selecting Brown, Deuce placed a call to Haslett, merely saying “thanks.�

http://www.wwltv.com/sports/jimhende....11cf49d6.html

saintz08

Who was it who said " Jake posts are irrelevant because he is no longer a Saint " ???

Step up to the plate cause there are 4 wins for you to enjoy some crow buffet on .........