2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints

ChrisXVI · 02-19-2020, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

Vonn Bell - consistently good & ALWAYS around the loose ball.

I hope they can make it work and he stays in NO. Most safeties are getting salaries in the 5-8M season.

You just don't want to make the Saints 2014 roster mistake again by shuffling/replacing too many guys in the secondary.

The miscues & communication errors will cost you.

Agreed. I prefer having CJGJ at nickel CB so I’d like Vonn Bell back.

AsylumGuido · 02-19-2020, 03:10 PM

There was a great interview on XM NFL Radio today with Zach Strief. Zach basically said that he had no doubt Brees was going to return because he knows that Brees plans on continuing to play as long as he can have a positive impact. He pointed out that Brees played at a very high level this past season and expects the same in 2020. It sounded as if he felt there was a good chance Brees would continue past 2020 if all things remained the same.

Zach also said the two most important free agents for the Saints to retain were Vonn Bell and David Onyemata. When asked what he feels is the greatest needs for the Saints he said it would be an impact defensive lineman and depth on the offensive line. He also seemed to think Peat was gone. He said that he didn't think a complementary WR to Thomas was necessary and that the Saints late troubles were tied to the losses of Davenport and Rankins. He said they were simply not able to put consistent pressure on the QB with a four man front. He really praised the chemistry that Brees and Cook developed down the stretch. He noted that as a reason why he wasn't as concerned about additional help at WR as a priority. (sorry, K_Major)

There was also a call from Lady Who Dat who expressed concern about fellow WhoDat Nation members wanting to move on from Brees to Taysom right away. The hosts, Bruce Murray and Brady Quinn, both told her she needs to ignore these people because they don't know what they are talking about. They agreed that Brees remained the Saints best chance for success and Hill has not shown anything that would support his ability to be a starter, much less a successful starter, in the NFL. They said his strength is what he is being used as recently, an all purpose weapon.

K Major · 02-19-2020, 03:26 PM

After watching the Vikes wildcard game again ...

Upgrade @ GUARD & WR.

We were mentally defeated all second half. Not sure why Andrus wasn't benched after he whiffed on a block that left Brees exposed to danger.

Saints must get more guys with a chip on their shoulder when they play. Minus Thomas, Ramz, The Rookie Chauncey, Demario & a few others... not enough dawgs on the roster.

dizzle88 · 02-19-2020, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

After watching the Vikes wildcard game again ...

Upgrade @ GUARD & WR.

We were mentally defeated all second half. Not sure why Andrus wasn't benched after he whiffed on a block that left Brees exposed to danger.

Saints must get more guys with a chip on their shoulder when they play. Minus Thomas, Ramz, The Rookie Chauncey, Demario & a few others... not enough dawgs on the roster.

Especially across the O line. Remember the good ol days of Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks at the Guard spot. Brees was always able to step up as they rarely got pushed back.

WR is a huge need, has been for last 3 years.

K Major · 02-19-2020, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by dizzle88

Especially across the O line. Remember the good ol days of Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks at the Guard spot. Brees was always able to step up as they rarely got pushed back.

WR is a huge need, has been for last 3 years.

Question ...

In your opinion, do you think that overall the Saints O line is a fraud/fake? The reason I ask is because if you look at the interior line play in 2017 - 2019, they seem to pull a "disappearing act" during the playoffs. I mean, it appears to be a trend here?

Minny miracle of '17, VIKES front four was extremely physical and had their way with us.

The Dallas debacle/non playoff game out here in Deathstar (we were injured up front but still) 2018.

2018 Rams ... copied what Dallas did up front & we never matched the intensity.

2019 Vikes ... they really beat us up early & we didn't fight back. I didn't see many roll outs from coach, leaving the TE's / RB to chip. Not a lot of consistent blocking & it's easy to see why Brees didn't have the confidence that the protection would last. Why throw it all over the field in a low scoring battle?

L-Train was having a nice game against his old team, yet he mostly rode the bench in a do or die playoff wildcard game.

As a whole, we are getting flat out manned in the trenches. If this continues, it won't matter who is under center for 2020 and beyond.

It's time to change up the OL with a shift in culture/nastiness. The current one is not getting the job done.

K Major · 02-19-2020, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido

He really praised the chemistry that Brees and Cook developed down the stretch. He noted that as a reason why he wasn't as concerned about additional help at WR as a priority. (sorry, K_Major)

Even with Jared Cook on the roster, if he's not concerned about added help @ WR #2, 3 as a priority, then he should be.

dizzle88 · 02-19-2020, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

Question ...

In your opinion, do you think that overall the Saints O line is a fraud/fake? The reason I ask is because if you look at the interior line play in 2017 - 2019, they seem to pull a "disappearing act" during the playoffs. I mean, it appears to be a trend here?

Minny miracle of '17, VIKES front four was extremely physical and had their way with us.

The Dallas debacle/non playoff game out here in Deathstar (we were injured up front but still) 2018.

2018 Rams ... copied what Dallas did up front & we never matched the intensity.

2019 Vikes ... they really beat us up early & we didn't fight back. I didn't see many roll outs from coach, leaving the TE's / RB to chip. Not a lot of consistent blocking & it's easy to see why Brees didn't have the confidence that the protection would last. Why throw it all over the field in a low scoring battle?

L-Train was having a nice game against his old team, yet he mostly rode the bench in a do or die playoff wildcard game.

As a whole, we are getting flat out manned in the trenches. If this continues, it won't matter who is under center for 2020 and beyond.

It's time to change up the OL with a shift in culture/nastiness. The current one is not getting the job done.

My view on it wasnt well received earlier in the season, especially on twitter - but my personal opinion was both guard spots need to be upgraded and also see what we can get from Mr Glass at the left tackle position.

Peats whole demeanor just irks me, for a guy that we drafted years ago - he still looks overweight and unconditioned. Like you mentioned, not enough dawgs on the Line and for where Peat was drafted, hes been flat out stealing from the team.

It's the overall culture I think, Payton gets out coached in big time games because he's stubborn. Like you said, Murray had something to prove and was gaining decent yardage, yet he ran the ball 4 times in the playoff game.

Payton proved when Brees went down that staying committed to the Running Game took a ton of pressure off the QB, yet he just put all that pressure back on Brees when he needed help from other areas.

Payton would rather throw the ball 50 times and make it look flashy, rather than take the 4-5 yard gains that keep the defense honest.

We are not a physical team on offense, havent been since 09 - we are finesse and thats why we struggle in the playoffs. Every D line is meaner, they can get pressure with 4 guys rushing and Payton cant adapt.

Can you remember how dominant the run game was in 2011? Mark Ingram, PT23, Chris Ivory and Sproles.

We have talented backs, they just arent used properly. Kamara's play concept are now too obvious, another thing that Payton wont adapt and now Kamara gets tackled for a loss on every swing pass.

dizzle88 · 02-19-2020, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

Even with Jared Cook on the roster, if he's not concerned about added help @ WR #2, 3 as a priority, then he should be.

And look what happened during the 9ers game. Jared Cook went down and the whole game changed.

9ers entered that game with their 2 starting receivers out, yet they adapted and pre-planned for such an event. Drafting WR early and signing Sanders because they weren't content.

Payton is too loyal to a fault. He trusts these guys that bring nothing to the team. Travaris Cadet, Tommy Lee Lewis, all those UDFA WR's that wouldnt make the squad elsewhere but somehow are 2nd on our depth chart.

AsylumGuido · 02-19-2020, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by K Major

Even with Jared Cook on the roster, if he's not concerned about added help @ WR #2, 3 as a priority, then he should be.

He didn't appear to be. That doesn't mean he doesn't feel upgrades are warranted, it's just that he listed DL and OL as more pressing needs when asked about a WR opposite Thomas. Strief knows this roster AND he knows this front office better than any of us. I am afraid you may be setting yourself up for disappointment if you are expecting them to be looking at WR at anymore than the 3rd or 4th level of priority.

K Major · 02-19-2020, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by dizzle88

We have talented backs, they just arent used properly. Kamara's play concept are now too obvious, another thing that Payton wont adapt and now Kamara gets tackled for a loss on every swing pass.

We really do.

Maybe coach was trying to prove there was nothing wrong with Kamara but there was something wrong with Kamara. Sprinkle in that Taysom went nuts in the run game but coach didn't stay committed to him.

And for whatever reason, our defense gets injured a lot down the stretch & lost guys at CB.

Pat Mahommes would have lit us up.

Snake bit.

02-19-2020, 12:01 PM	#151
ChrisXVI 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 11,482	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Vonn Bell - consistently good & ALWAYS around the loose ball. I hope they can make it work and he stays in NO. Most safeties are getting salaries in the 5-8M season. You just don't want to make the Saints 2014 roster mistake again by shuffling/replacing too many guys in the secondary. The miscues & communication errors will cost you. Agreed. I prefer having CJGJ at nickel CB so I’d like Vonn Bell back.

02-19-2020, 03:10 PM	#152
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,274	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints There was a great interview on XM NFL Radio today with Zach Strief. Zach basically said that he had no doubt Brees was going to return because he knows that Brees plans on continuing to play as long as he can have a positive impact. He pointed out that Brees played at a very high level this past season and expects the same in 2020. It sounded as if he felt there was a good chance Brees would continue past 2020 if all things remained the same. Zach also said the two most important free agents for the Saints to retain were Vonn Bell and David Onyemata. When asked what he feels is the greatest needs for the Saints he said it would be an impact defensive lineman and depth on the offensive line. He also seemed to think Peat was gone. He said that he didn't think a complementary WR to Thomas was necessary and that the Saints late troubles were tied to the losses of Davenport and Rankins. He said they were simply not able to put consistent pressure on the QB with a four man front. He really praised the chemistry that Brees and Cook developed down the stretch. He noted that as a reason why he wasn't as concerned about additional help at WR as a priority. (sorry, K_Major) There was also a call from Lady Who Dat who expressed concern about fellow WhoDat Nation members wanting to move on from Brees to Taysom right away. The hosts, Bruce Murray and Brady Quinn, both told her she needs to ignore these people because they don't know what they are talking about. They agreed that Brees remained the Saints best chance for success and Hill has not shown anything that would support his ability to be a starter, much less a successful starter, in the NFL. They said his strength is what he is being used as recently, an all purpose weapon.
	“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

02-19-2020, 03:26 PM	#153
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,622 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints After watching the Vikes wildcard game again ... Upgrade @ GUARD & WR. We were mentally defeated all second half. Not sure why Andrus wasn't benched after he whiffed on a block that left Brees exposed to danger. Saints must get more guys with a chip on their shoulder when they play. Minus Thomas, Ramz, The Rookie Chauncey, Demario & a few others... not enough dawgs on the roster. dizzle88 likes this.

02-19-2020, 03:36 PM	#154
dizzle88 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11,359	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major After watching the Vikes wildcard game again ... Upgrade @ GUARD & WR. We were mentally defeated all second half. Not sure why Andrus wasn't benched after he whiffed on a block that left Brees exposed to danger. Saints must get more guys with a chip on their shoulder when they play. Minus Thomas, Ramz, The Rookie Chauncey, Demario & a few others... not enough dawgs on the roster. Especially across the O line. Remember the good ol days of Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks at the Guard spot. Brees was always able to step up as they rarely got pushed back. WR is a huge need, has been for last 3 years.

02-19-2020, 03:50 PM	#155
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,622 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by dizzle88 Especially across the O line. Remember the good ol days of Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks at the Guard spot. Brees was always able to step up as they rarely got pushed back. WR is a huge need, has been for last 3 years. Question ... In your opinion, do you think that overall the Saints O line is a fraud/fake? The reason I ask is because if you look at the interior line play in 2017 - 2019, they seem to pull a "disappearing act" during the playoffs. I mean, it appears to be a trend here? Minny miracle of '17, VIKES front four was extremely physical and had their way with us. The Dallas debacle/non playoff game out here in Deathstar (we were injured up front but still) 2018. 2018 Rams ... copied what Dallas did up front & we never matched the intensity. 2019 Vikes ... they really beat us up early & we didn't fight back. I didn't see many roll outs from coach, leaving the TE's / RB to chip. Not a lot of consistent blocking & it's easy to see why Brees didn't have the confidence that the protection would last. Why throw it all over the field in a low scoring battle? L-Train was having a nice game against his old team, yet he mostly rode the bench in a do or die playoff wildcard game. As a whole, we are getting flat out manned in the trenches. If this continues, it won't matter who is under center for 2020 and beyond. It's time to change up the OL with a shift in culture/nastiness. The current one is not getting the job done. dizzle88 likes this.

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02-19-2020, 04:09 PM	#156
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,622 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by AsylumGuido He really praised the chemistry that Brees and Cook developed down the stretch. He noted that as a reason why he wasn't as concerned about additional help at WR as a priority. (sorry, K_Major) Even with Jared Cook on the roster, if he's not concerned about added help @ WR #2, 3 as a priority, then he should be.

02-19-2020, 04:20 PM	#157
dizzle88 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11,359	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Question ... In your opinion, do you think that overall the Saints O line is a fraud/fake? The reason I ask is because if you look at the interior line play in 2017 - 2019, they seem to pull a "disappearing act" during the playoffs. I mean, it appears to be a trend here? Minny miracle of '17, VIKES front four was extremely physical and had their way with us. The Dallas debacle/non playoff game out here in Deathstar (we were injured up front but still) 2018. 2018 Rams ... copied what Dallas did up front & we never matched the intensity. 2019 Vikes ... they really beat us up early & we didn't fight back. I didn't see many roll outs from coach, leaving the TE's / RB to chip. Not a lot of consistent blocking & it's easy to see why Brees didn't have the confidence that the protection would last. Why throw it all over the field in a low scoring battle? L-Train was having a nice game against his old team, yet he mostly rode the bench in a do or die playoff wildcard game. As a whole, we are getting flat out manned in the trenches. If this continues, it won't matter who is under center for 2020 and beyond. It's time to change up the OL with a shift in culture/nastiness. The current one is not getting the job done. My view on it wasnt well received earlier in the season, especially on twitter - but my personal opinion was both guard spots need to be upgraded and also see what we can get from Mr Glass at the left tackle position. Peats whole demeanor just irks me, for a guy that we drafted years ago - he still looks overweight and unconditioned. Like you mentioned, not enough dawgs on the Line and for where Peat was drafted, hes been flat out stealing from the team. It's the overall culture I think, Payton gets out coached in big time games because he's stubborn. Like you said, Murray had something to prove and was gaining decent yardage, yet he ran the ball 4 times in the playoff game. Payton proved when Brees went down that staying committed to the Running Game took a ton of pressure off the QB, yet he just put all that pressure back on Brees when he needed help from other areas. Payton would rather throw the ball 50 times and make it look flashy, rather than take the 4-5 yard gains that keep the defense honest. We are not a physical team on offense, havent been since 09 - we are finesse and thats why we struggle in the playoffs. Every D line is meaner, they can get pressure with 4 guys rushing and Payton cant adapt. Can you remember how dominant the run game was in 2011? Mark Ingram, PT23, Chris Ivory and Sproles. We have talented backs, they just arent used properly. Kamara's play concept are now too obvious, another thing that Payton wont adapt and now Kamara gets tackled for a loss on every swing pass. K Major likes this.
	Your bonehead creator picked a fine chapter to omit from your memory bank....let me ask you, does a machine like yourself ever experience fear? - Vegeta, DBZ

02-19-2020, 04:24 PM	#158
dizzle88 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11,359	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Even with Jared Cook on the roster, if he's not concerned about added help @ WR #2, 3 as a priority, then he should be. And look what happened during the 9ers game. Jared Cook went down and the whole game changed. 9ers entered that game with their 2 starting receivers out, yet they adapted and pre-planned for such an event. Drafting WR early and signing Sanders because they weren't content. Payton is too loyal to a fault. He trusts these guys that bring nothing to the team. Travaris Cadet, Tommy Lee Lewis, all those UDFA WR's that wouldnt make the squad elsewhere but somehow are 2nd on our depth chart.

02-19-2020, 04:28 PM	#159
AsylumGuido 10000 POST CLUB Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bossier City, LA Posts: 26,274	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by K Major Even with Jared Cook on the roster, if he's not concerned about added help @ WR #2, 3 as a priority, then he should be. He didn't appear to be. That doesn't mean he doesn't feel upgrades are warranted, it's just that he listed DL and OL as more pressing needs when asked about a WR opposite Thomas. Strief knows this roster AND he knows this front office better than any of us. I am afraid you may be setting yourself up for disappointment if you are expecting them to be looking at WR at anymore than the 3rd or 4th level of priority.

02-19-2020, 04:28 PM	#160
K Major Site Donor 2019 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Bedford, TX Posts: 24,622 Blog Entries: 3	Re: 2020 NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints Originally Posted by dizzle88 We have talented backs, they just arent used properly. Kamara's play concept are now too obvious, another thing that Payton wont adapt and now Kamara gets tackled for a loss on every swing pass. We really do. Maybe coach was trying to prove there was nothing wrong with Kamara but there was something wrong with Kamara. Sprinkle in that Taysom went nuts in the run game but coach didn't stay committed to him. And for whatever reason, our defense gets injured a lot down the stretch & lost guys at CB. Pat Mahommes would have lit us up. Snake bit.