Saints Looking to Run Over Foes (ESPN.com)

TallySaint · 08-11-2005, 02:50 PM

Updated: Aug. 11, 2005, 12:08 PM ET

Saints looking to run over foes

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

METAIRIE, La. -- In a far corner of the New Orleans Saints' locker room, just to the side of the stall occupied by left offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, a soft, leather rocker/recliner sits rather incongruously. When the 12-year veteran signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2003, he purchased the recliner so that he could bag the occasional nap between practices or simply rest his weary bones following a long and arduous day.

Although, given the purported events of the offseason, Gandy wondered if the franchise still wanted him around.

While team officials disagree with the contention, agent Neil Schwartz feels the Saints tried to force his client to accept a salary reduction from his scheduled $5.25 million. And according to Schwartz, team officials sought to have Gandy attend the offseason sessions he regularly skips, because they felt they were important to team unity. All this despite the fact Gandy is a veteran who has organized team outings, promoted camaraderie and played at a level that earned him blocking grades of 93 percent or higher in all but one of 16 games last season.

Story continues...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/traini...len&id=2131362

8)

TallySaint · 08-11-2005, 03:12 PM

"The onus is definitely on us," said Gandy, arguably the least physical of the starters, but a polished and proven technician. "I think our mind-set going in is that we can run the ball at anyone and dictate the tempo to any defense. So far, with the commitment that we've seen [in camp], I don't see any reason we can't do it."

Huh?

Are we seeing a cohesive team effort? Or is someone blowin' smoke up my arse?

8)

WhoDat · 08-11-2005, 03:13 PM

hehehe

Every year, Brooks' final numbers look good. But he is simply inconsistent, and unless you are playing Rotisserie football instead of head-to-head, you simply can't depend on him. Brooks can deliver terrific numbers on occasion, but he's often frustrating and disappointing.

This season, the Saints have streamlined their playbook, and Brooks could become more reliable as he becomes increasingly creative and aggressive. He should also have better protection from an improved offensive line, and if Deuce McAllister can stay healthy, he'll take even more pressure off Brooks. But it could be now or never for the New Orleans QB. If he doesn't deliver this year, fantasy owners might never be able to trust him.
-- Scott Engel, associate editor of Fantasy Games

Otherwise, good article. I sure hope the line comes together. IF it does it should be top 10 in the league, IMO.

TallySaint · 08-11-2005, 03:15 PM

Otherwise, good article.

I'm not sure what part of the Brooks stuff you pointed out you disagree with.

8)

saintswhodi · 08-11-2005, 04:02 PM

I don't think he disagrees with any of it, as evidenced by the "hehehe" before the quote.

WhoDat · 08-12-2005, 10:13 AM

Exactly right Whodi - it's sad when someone nails Brooks like that. It's all true, but it was a downer in an otherwise great read.

08-11-2005, 02:50 PM	#1
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	Saints Looking to Run Over Foes (ESPN.com) Updated: Aug. 11, 2005, 12:08 PM ET Saints looking to run over foes By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com METAIRIE, La. -- In a far corner of the New Orleans Saints' locker room, just to the side of the stall occupied by left offensive tackle Wayne Gandy, a soft, leather rocker/recliner sits rather incongruously. When the 12-year veteran signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2003, he purchased the recliner so that he could bag the occasional nap between practices or simply rest his weary bones following a long and arduous day. Although, given the purported events of the offseason, Gandy wondered if the franchise still wanted him around. While team officials disagree with the contention, agent Neil Schwartz feels the Saints tried to force his client to accept a salary reduction from his scheduled $5.25 million. And according to Schwartz, team officials sought to have Gandy attend the offseason sessions he regularly skips, because they felt they were important to team unity. All this despite the fact Gandy is a veteran who has organized team outings, promoted camaraderie and played at a level that earned him blocking grades of 93 percent or higher in all but one of 16 games last season. Story continues... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/traini...len&id=2131362 8)

08-11-2005, 03:13 PM	#3
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631	RE: Saints Looking to Run Over Foes (ESPN.com) hehehe Every year, Brooks' final numbers look good. But he is simply inconsistent, and unless you are playing Rotisserie football instead of head-to-head, you simply can't depend on him. Brooks can deliver terrific numbers on occasion, but he's often frustrating and disappointing. This season, the Saints have streamlined their playbook, and Brooks could become more reliable as he becomes increasingly creative and aggressive. He should also have better protection from an improved offensive line, and if Deuce McAllister can stay healthy, he'll take even more pressure off Brooks. But it could be now or never for the New Orleans QB. If he doesn't deliver this year, fantasy owners might never be able to trust him. -- Scott Engel, associate editor of Fantasy Games Otherwise, good article. I sure hope the line comes together. IF it does it should be top 10 in the league, IMO.
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631

08-12-2005, 10:13 AM	#6
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631	Exactly right Whodi - it's sad when someone nails Brooks like that. It's all true, but it was a downer in an otherwise great read.
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631

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08-11-2005, 03:12 PM	#2
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	"The onus is definitely on us," said Gandy, arguably the least physical of the starters, but a polished and proven technician. "I think our mind-set going in is that we can run the ball at anyone and dictate the tempo to any defense. So far, with the commitment that we've seen [in camp], I don't see any reason we can't do it." Huh? Are we seeing a cohesive team effort? Or is someone blowin' smoke up my arse? 8)

08-11-2005, 03:15 PM	#4
TallySaint 1000 Posts + Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee Posts: 1,367	Otherwise, good article. I'm not sure what part of the Brooks stuff you pointed out you disagree with. 8)

08-11-2005, 04:02 PM	#5
saintswhodi 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 6,941	I don't think he disagrees with any of it, as evidenced by the "hehehe" before the quote.