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        the Gridiron >> the Red Zone >>  Saints Offseason Report
        
(Message started by: BarnabyWilde on Apr 16th, 2003, 1:45am)
Title: Saints Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Apr 16th, 2003, 1:45am
Saints get T-Buck from the Pats, FINALLY!!

Great move on Nawleens part, I think. He is a great safety and will improve the D.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/503/3825867.html
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by BarnabyWilde on Apr 16th, 2003, 1:46am
The Saints also signed ex Ram TE Conwell, adding another weapon to their offense...


http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/ABN2543694.htm
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by StegRock on May 5th, 2003, 11:52pm
Have you guys seen the news currently topping "The REAL Feed" regarding Joe Horn?  I know it is pretty much a re-run of last year and Horn, being the good guy he is, will make his way onto the field this season one way or another.  That having been said, you never know, so here is the insider, local perspective by way of "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1052114281128800.xml.

Are there any thoughts on this or just, eh, re-run of last year; he'll be on the field, no worries?
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by PA Outlaws on May 6th, 2003, 8:07am
First of all, I heard they are not that far apart on a contract! Secondly, don't worry he will be on the field this year and will post similar numbers to last year!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by ZAGS on May 6th, 2003, 8:23am
I wouldn't worry about a prolonged hold out by Horn. I'll say this, I think that Saints offense is going to be one of the best offense's in the league this year!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by Daunte Williams on May 6th, 2003, 8:39am

on 05/06/03 at 08:23:04, ZAGS wrote:
I wouldn't worry about a prolonged hold out by Horn. I'll say this, I think that Saints offense is going to be one of the best offense's in the league this year!


Can it be, the Zags predicting big things from the Aints, no way. That my friends, is what we call a "homer" pick [smiley=doseofreality.gif].
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by PA Outlaws on May 6th, 2003, 8:47am
The Saints do have all of the pieces in place to be very good on offense! But will they fold again like they did at the end of last season? (right around fantasy playoff time !!)
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by DirkDiggler on May 6th, 2003, 7:11pm

on 05/06/03 at 08:23:04, ZAGS wrote:
I wouldn't worry about a prolonged hold out by Horn. I'll say this, I think that Saints offense is going to be one of the best offense's in the league this year!



I hope you are correct Zags!  I unfortunately(or fortunately) own the whole team in GBRFL.  I am banking on them havintg a solid year.  

Putting my bias aside, I do think they are primed for a great year.  The problem is all the IF's.  IF Brooks arm is healthy, IF McCallister can run behind that line, IF Horn doesn't hold out too long or show his age.  IF IF IF
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on May 6th, 2003, 9:48pm
I assume this will be the same situation of last year involving Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Johnson... wait till training camps are over, and then sign the deal right before the season.

Or he could pull a Bryant Mckinnie... but that's a different story...
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by Walker Boh on May 6th, 2003, 9:55pm
What's the deal with the Saints? The team has looked great at times during the past few seasons, but they always seem to crumble down the stretch... I'm not just talking about how Brooks seems to choke, but the overall well being or "spirit" of the team. Didn't Horn bang one of the lineman's wife a couple years ago? Why did they let Turley get away? Somebody fill me in. From someone that really doesn't follow the team, they appear to be a team lacking a soul...
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by ZAGS on May 7th, 2003, 12:39pm

on 05/06/03 at 21:55:23, Walker Boh wrote:
What's the deal with the Saints? The team has looked great at times during the past few seasons, but they always seem to crumble down the stretch... I'm not just talking about how Brooks seems to choke, but the overall well being or "spirit" of the team. Didn't Horn bang one of the lineman's wife a couple years ago? Why did they let Turley get away? Somebody fill me in. From someone that really doesn't follow the team, they appear to be a team lacking a soul...


Two years ago the defense totally collapased, and the rest of the team wen't into the tank. The team had terrible chemistry, which is why the got rid of players like Williams, and Roaf, and totally overhualed their defense line. Last year the offense died down the stretch due to Brooks playing on a bum shoulder, when he shouldn't have even been out there. Plus Deuce was playing through a high ankle sprain, and was basically out there on one leg. They once again this year have tried to bring in better character guys, which is why the got rid of Turley. Plus he was playing out of postion, he is a right tackle, not a left tackle. They sighned Wayne Gandy to replace him, and drafted a tackle and a guard early on the draft to provide depth on the o-line. The Saints will have a very young and very explosive offense for years to come!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report:  Horn a no-show!
Post by team_undecided on May 7th, 2003, 12:55pm
very well put and I agree completely infact (Hope keyshawn doesn't see this) I think they have a good chance to compete with the falcons for the #1 spot in there division.  My theory is that the explosiveness on both teams will prove to be too much for even the bucs and the lack of offense on tampa (yes it's still there) will cause the bucs to be out of the running.  Just my opinion and hopes though.  Bash away!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on May 7th, 2003, 4:07pm
I won't argue that they may finish atop the division, but defenses win championships not offenses... remember that.  ;)
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by ZAGS on May 7th, 2003, 4:24pm
I hear you TU. Remember, they sweeped the Bucs last year in the season series!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 7th, 2003, 4:36pm

on 05/07/03 at 16:07:03, Keyshawn Johnson 76yards wrote:
I won't argue that they may finish atop the division, but defenses win championships not offenses... remember that.  ;)



I agree with that, though there may be some Rams fans here who would think differently...
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 7th, 2003, 4:57pm

on 05/07/03 at 16:36:59, Philly wrote:
I agree with that, though there may be some Rams fans here who would think differently...


Eh-hem!  Why would that be? [smiley=hmmmm.gif]

Just keepin' you on your toes, Mr. Philly Cheesesteak! [smiley=smileytrash.gif]
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 9th, 2003, 7:06am
I seem to remember a Rams team that won a Super Bowl about 4 years ago and had no defense to speak of.  They didn't really address their defense until the following season.
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 9th, 2003, 12:31pm
As I remember the Rams defense of '99 was far from non-existent.  Although they were an offensive-driven team, their D was decent as I recall; then they sucked in 2000, were decent in '01, and sucked again in '02. [smiley=shrug.gif]

BUT, anyway, my comment was born out of my confusion with regards to the whole "who will win the NFC South" argument! :-[ Sorry!  As for the Saints this upcoming year and that argument, well, I think they have A LOT to prove before dubbing them anything, outside of noting their FF "potential" on the offensive side of the ball, which is all ZAGS was stating initially.  Yea, they beat Tampa twice last year, and they could not even make the playoffs. [smiley=pullleeeeeeeze.gif] I remember the lowly Panthers giving the Rams fits back in '99.  The Falcons have a lot to prove too, but I think they have a better chance than the Saints do to win that division.  But, neither the Falcons nor the Saints are balanced at all.  The Bucs, contrary to much of the opinion expressed 'round here, are!  Did you not watch their offense the second half of the season?  In the case of the Bucs offense, as they had a big learning-curve to overcome with the introduction of a new, complex system, which is the primary reason for their slow start, through which their dominating D carried them anyway, they will more likely pick up where they left off rather than start all over.  The NFC is going to be looking at a much more balanced Bucs team next year, a scary [smiley=scared.gif] and intimidating [smiley=Freddie.gif] thought that should not be dismissed.  I am not even a Bucs fan, though I do have a strong affinity [smiley=smitten.gif] toward Brad Johnson as many of you know, BUT when the '03 season rolls around, I am personally going to hold some of you Philly fans around here to your predictions of a Bucs demise. [smiley=tonguin.gif]
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 9th, 2003, 12:58pm
OK, maybe I employed a bit too much hyperbole when saying the Rams had no defense to speak of.  They had a decent defense in 99, but the point I was trying to make was that it was their offense that won the Super Bowl for them.

As far as the Bucs are concerned, the reason they won the Super Bowl last year was because their offense finally began to click about 2/3 the way through the regular season.  When the Eagles beat them in the regular season, their offense was still pathetic.  The Bucs have done nothing to upgrade their offense in the off-season other than bring in a dozen back-up QBs.  Brad Johnson is a very good QB, but there is no reason to believe that he will stay healthy all year.  The Bucs running game is still a big question mark.  They lost their starting center to free-agency.

Other teams in the NFC have worked in the offseason to improve.  The Falcons, despite your objections, are a balanced team.  They have a much more dangerous and dynamic QB.  They have a better running game.  Their receivers are on par with the Bucs.  And their defense got better and better as the year went on last year.

The Eagles offense is improved.  The Rams O-line is improved and a healthy Faulk and Warner could spell problems for the rest of the NFC.  The Giants are better than last year.  The Cowboys will be markedly improved.

Anyone who thinks the Bucs are primed for a repeat are sadly mistaken... that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 9th, 2003, 1:25pm

on 05/09/03 at 12:58:29, Philly wrote:
As far as the Bucs are concerned, the reason they won the Super Bowl last year was because their offense finally began to click about 2/3 the way through the regular season.  When the Eagles beat them in the regular season, their offense was still pathetic.

...

The Falcons, despite your objections, are a balanced team.  They have a much more dangerous and dynamic QB.  They have a better running game.  Their receivers are on par with the Bucs.  And their defense got better and better as the year went on last year.


What you cite as indication of improvement for the Falcons in '03, that being their steady improvement in '02 (as indicated by your statements about their defense and running game, the latter of which is unchanged from last year's), you don't cite as indication of improvement for the Bucs in '03.  The Bucs too steadily improved in '02... very much so... right on through a Philadelphia team which beat them on the other side of the season and to a Super Bowl Championship.  Anyway, why do you not seem to credit the Bucs (like you do the Falcons) where credit is due (i.e. for steady improvement, on offense in particular)?  Outside of the unfortunate loss of their center, I think the Bucs' and Gruden's take is that all the spark plugs on offense they need are in place and firing and need not be changed.  Especially given their tight budget sitch, they just need to continue doing what they are doing, i.e. steadily improving. [smiley=shrug.gif]


Quote:
Anyone who thinks the Bucs are primed for a repeat are sadly mistaken... that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.


If you are going to boldly take 15 teams over 1, well, then, hook me up with your bookie! ;)
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 10th, 2003, 9:56am

on 05/09/03 at 13:25:00, StegRock wrote:
What you cite as indication of improvement for the Falcons in '03, that being their steady improvement in '02 (as indicated by your statements about their defense and running game, the latter of which is unchanged from last year's), you don't cite as indication of improvement for the Bucs in '03.  The Bucs too steadily improved in '02... very much so... right on through a Philadelphia team which beat them on the other side of the season and to a Super Bowl Championship.  Anyway, why do you not seem to credit the Bucs (like you do the Falcons) where credit is due (i.e. for steady improvement, on offense in particular)?  Outside of the unfortunate loss of their center, I think the Bucs' and Gruden's take is that all the spark plugs on offense they need are in place and firing and need not be changed.  Especially given their tight budget sitch, they just need to continue doing what they are doing, i.e. steadily improving. [smiley=shrug.gif]


The Bucs are getting older and older on offense (and defense for that matter).  There is no youth movement afloat and I'd be very surprised if the offense played as well as it did in the Super Bowl.  The Falcons, however, do not have the age issues to deal with.  Their players are reaching their primes... not drifting well past it.


Quote:
If you are going to boldly take 15 teams over 1, well, then, hook me up with your bookie! ;)


I'm certainly not saying the Bucs will be the NFC cellar-dwellers... they'll probably make the playoffs as a wild-card team, but I wouldn't expect much more from them.
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on May 10th, 2003, 11:19am

on 05/10/03 at 09:56:36, Philly wrote:
The Bucs are getting older and older on offense (and defense for that matter).  There is no youth movement afloat and I'd be very surprised if the offense played as well as it did in the Super Bowl.  The Falcons, however, do not have the age issues to deal with.  Their players are reaching their primes... not drifting well past it.


I'm certainly not saying the Bucs will be the NFC cellar-dwellers... they'll probably make the playoffs as a wild-card team, but I wouldn't expect much more from them.


The Buccaneers have no youth on offense? Your nuts.  WR #82 Maurice Walker, who is looking real good and could potentially be a star one day.

At the RB position they have #27 Aaron Stecker who was named the league's Offensive MVP after leading NFL Europe in rushing (774 yards) and combined yards from scrimmage. (1,050)

At the FB position they have #43 Jameel Cook a physical, bruising fullback who made tremendous strides as a powerful lead blocker for Tampa Bay's rushing attack... Developing talent who was a pleasant surprise in his rookie campaign... Played in 16 games with three starts in his first NFL season... Developed into a consistent pass-catching threat out of Tampa Bay's backfield.

This team is full of youth at many positions on both sides of the field, offense and defense. The FA signing of LB Dwyane Rudd only betters the cause of the Buccaneers for a repeat.

And there really isn't a reason why they shouldn't, repeat. They didn't LOSE any KEY players, unlike Baltimore when they lost many key D guys the year after winning the Superbowl.

An "aging" offense. The Raiders are an "aging" offense, and surprisingly they some how led the league in Offense the prior season? Age doesn't matter, SKILL does.

Does anyone else remember what the Bucs did to Vick last season? I do. I also clearly remember the Bucs loses to Saints, they weren't blowouts, they were close games.
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Philly on May 11th, 2003, 11:36am

on 05/10/03 at 11:19:42, Keyshawn Johnson 76yards wrote:
The Buccaneers have no youth on offense? Your nuts.  WR #82 Maurice Walker, who is looking real good and could potentially be a star one day.


I assume you mean 2002 third-round pick Marquise Walker, who did absolutely nothing in his rookie year.  Unless he is going to unseat KJ or Keenan this year, he's not worth talking about.


Quote:
At the RB position they have #27 Aaron Stecker who was named the league's Offensive MVP after leading NFL Europe in rushing (774 yards) and combined yards from scrimmage. (1,050)


There are only two words of relevance in that entire paragraph... NFL & Europe


Quote:
At the FB position they have #43 Jameel Cook a physical, bruising fullback who made tremendous strides as a powerful lead blocker for Tampa Bay's rushing attack... Developing talent who was a pleasant surprise in his rookie campaign... Played in 16 games with three starts in his first NFL season... Developed into a consistent pass-catching threat out of Tampa Bay's backfield.


4 catches for 43 yards is consistency??


Quote:
This team is full of youth at many positions on both sides of the field, offense and defense. The FA signing of LB Dwyane Rudd only betters the cause of the Buccaneers for a repeat.


Which is why the Browns were so eager to get rid of him.  And there is nothing youthful about Dwayne Rudd.  (Although he does throw helmets very well...)
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by ZAGS on May 23rd, 2003, 11:38am
I just read that Joe Horn has agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the Saints thru 2005. He will officially sign it later this week, but has reported for the offseason conditioning program. Looks like this Saints offense is ready to roll!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on May 23rd, 2003, 3:31pm
Here is ALL the local LOWDOWN from "the Gridiron Newsstand" on ZAGS report right above regarding WR Joe Horn's signing a one-year contract extension with the Saints:

http://www.2theadvocate.com/stories/052303/spo_joe001.shtml;

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1053672943220160.xml.

The second of the two is a bit meatier!
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on May 25th, 2003, 12:36am
http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1558140.html

New Orlean's key to d is speed. Also much more...
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by StegRock on Jun 3rd, 2003, 1:01am
Thumbs up to the Saints!  They made a good move in locking up Joe Horn for three years.  Right now "The REAL Feed" is littered with stories about it and here is another one from another source on "the Gridiron Newsstand":

http://www.neworleanssaints.com/stories.php?story_id=13.
Title: Re: Saints Offseason Report
Post by Keyshawn Johnson 76yards on Jun 5th, 2003, 6:09pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/feature?page=overview/saints2002

New Orlean's Off-Season Overview


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