Many New Orleans Saints fans were disappointed when Drew Brees announced the team’s first choice in the 2010 NFL draft to be former Florida State corner back Patrick Robinson, as the previously expected the team to choose a outside linebacker that was actually urgently needed to improve the Saints defense. However, if we have a deeper consideration, we can see Saints had made the best choice they could make with the last picks of all rounds.
Firstly, we can have a view on how the Saints solved the problems with outside linebacker. When it was the Saints’ turn to make a choice in the first round, there was actually no good choice with outside linebackers. Besides, the Saints still have defensive players like Jonathan Casillas, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Marvin Mitchell, Anthony Waters, Stanley Arnoux and veteran Troy Evans to play at outside linebacker in replacement of former starter Scott Fujita, who was signed away by the Cleveland Browns during free agency. Soon after the draft ended, the Saints took further action by inviting Jacksonville Jaguars free agent outside linebacker Clint Ingram to a tryout. Ingram has an experience of being starter for four years with the Jaguars and has had 159 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, one defensive touchdown and one forced fumble during his career. If there is no other better choice, Ingram could just be the perfect replacement to Fujita.
Now that the outside linebacker is no longer an urgent need, we may have better understanding that the addition of a cornerback like Robinson is really a wise move. It’s not only because Robinson was the best player waiting for a call at the end of the first-round pick, but also because his arrival offers the team more freedom in moving cornerback Malcolm Jenkins to safety in case free agent Darren Sharper makes his decision to take off New Orleans Saints jersey for a new team. What’s more important, a fast and athletic cornerback like Robinson could offer great cover for receivers and allow defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to carry out his scheme in a perfect way.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Chance for LB Thomas to join Saints is small
While the New Orleans Saints did not address much help to their defense after the three-day 2010 NFL draft, there is a good defensive lineman available now as the New England Patriots just released 11-year veteran Adalius Thomas. However, analysts pointed out that Thomas would not be a good solution to Saints’ defensive problems.
Solely looking at Thomas’ statistics could give us an impression that he could do well both at linebacker and defensive end, and his versatility could help the Saints a lot in improving the relatively weak defense line. Joining the Patriots in 2007 as a free agent, Thomas has had 146 tackles, 14 sacks, 14 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception returned for a touchdown. During the first seven seasons he spent with the Baltimore Ravens, Thomas made two Pro Bowls respectively in 2003 and 2006. However, the main factor preventing him from putting on the Saints jersey could be the 3-4 schemes he has been used to play in.
Both the Ravens and Patriots hold 3-4 schemes and thus Thomas has been a 3-4 defensive player for his entire career and it would be hard for him to adjust to Saints’ 4-3 scheme. Although there are good examples of 3-4 linebacker making successful transition to 4-3 defensive end, it’s just unlikely to happen with Thomas. Even if the Saints are interested in signing him, Thomas himself may just hesitate to accept the offer. Instead, he could possibly choose the New York Jets, who are also interested and hold a 3-4 scheme.
Solely looking at Thomas’ statistics could give us an impression that he could do well both at linebacker and defensive end, and his versatility could help the Saints a lot in improving the relatively weak defense line. Joining the Patriots in 2007 as a free agent, Thomas has had 146 tackles, 14 sacks, 14 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception returned for a touchdown. During the first seven seasons he spent with the Baltimore Ravens, Thomas made two Pro Bowls respectively in 2003 and 2006. However, the main factor preventing him from putting on the Saints jersey could be the 3-4 schemes he has been used to play in.
Both the Ravens and Patriots hold 3-4 schemes and thus Thomas has been a 3-4 defensive player for his entire career and it would be hard for him to adjust to Saints’ 4-3 scheme. Although there are good examples of 3-4 linebacker making successful transition to 4-3 defensive end, it’s just unlikely to happen with Thomas. Even if the Saints are interested in signing him, Thomas himself may just hesitate to accept the offer. Instead, he could possibly choose the New York Jets, who are also interested and hold a 3-4 scheme.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saints still made some good choices with late picks
Winning the team’s first Super Bowl championship last season, the New Orleans Saints were given late picks in all rounds of this year’s NFL draft and really have few choices when it was their turn to pick. However, they still managed to make some good choices that are expected to improve some positions with the team.
First let’s have a look at Saints newly drafted players from all rounds. The team used the 32nd pick of the first round to draft Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson, interestingly the same choice with the one they made in the first round of last season’s draft and with the first pick of the Vikings, who also made their first choice with a cornerback. Then the Saints selected a tackle from USC, Charles Brown and tight end Jimmy Graham from Miami-Florida. The last few choices in the final rounds included defensive tackle AI Woods from LSU, center Matt Tennant from Boston College and the last one was quarterback Sean Canfield from Oregon State.
Then we can have an analysis on what help these newly drafted players could offer to this season’s defending champion team. First of all, the addition of another cornerback is highly expected to bolster the team’s defense, which was a relatively weak point with the Super Bowl XLIV winner.
The selection of tackle Brown was not taken as necessary but it simply is not a choice. Tight end Graham could be a perfect backup for another former Hurricanes tight end, Jeremy Shockey, who is now wearing No. 88 Saints jersey. Woods has proven his talent in football and is expected to develop into a great defensive tackle if he sticks with the position and learns well.
There is no doubt that the Saints had a lucky pick with center Tennant, who was previously rated as one of the best two centers with Maurkice Pouncey from Florida. With Tennant’s arrival, the Saints could finally find the right answer to problems with this position.
Then it turns to the last pick quarterback Canfield, who is definitely not the worst quarterback in the draft. While it is for sure that Drew Brees will keep his starting job with the Saints, there is good chance for Canfield to be given the backup job in his first or second season.
First let’s have a look at Saints newly drafted players from all rounds. The team used the 32nd pick of the first round to draft Florida State cornerback Patrick Robinson, interestingly the same choice with the one they made in the first round of last season’s draft and with the first pick of the Vikings, who also made their first choice with a cornerback. Then the Saints selected a tackle from USC, Charles Brown and tight end Jimmy Graham from Miami-Florida. The last few choices in the final rounds included defensive tackle AI Woods from LSU, center Matt Tennant from Boston College and the last one was quarterback Sean Canfield from Oregon State.
Then we can have an analysis on what help these newly drafted players could offer to this season’s defending champion team. First of all, the addition of another cornerback is highly expected to bolster the team’s defense, which was a relatively weak point with the Super Bowl XLIV winner.
The selection of tackle Brown was not taken as necessary but it simply is not a choice. Tight end Graham could be a perfect backup for another former Hurricanes tight end, Jeremy Shockey, who is now wearing No. 88 Saints jersey. Woods has proven his talent in football and is expected to develop into a great defensive tackle if he sticks with the position and learns well.
There is no doubt that the Saints had a lucky pick with center Tennant, who was previously rated as one of the best two centers with Maurkice Pouncey from Florida. With Tennant’s arrival, the Saints could finally find the right answer to problems with this position.
Then it turns to the last pick quarterback Canfield, who is definitely not the worst quarterback in the draft. While it is for sure that Drew Brees will keep his starting job with the Saints, there is good chance for Canfield to be given the backup job in his first or second season.
Friday, April 23, 2010
New rumors about Vikings interested in signing DT Haynesworth
Among all the news about teams picking or trading drafts annually, the move of unsigned free agents mostly fall into rumors, and one of these rumors said that the Minnesota Vikings, who quite first-round draft by trading their 30th pick to the Detroit Lions, could be planning to sign defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth away from the Washington Redskins.
According to earlier reports, Haynesworth is having some unhappiness with Redskins new head coach Mike Shanahan, mainly because the coach plans to install a 3-4 defense and may move Haynesworth from his current position to a new spot that he is unwilling to play at. More than once the tackle spoke publicly about his hopes for being traded out of Washington. Now that the Vikings are rumored to be having discussion with the Redskins about the possible trade, Haynesworth could be happy to move from a losing team to a potential Super Bowl champion team.
The remaining question is whether it is possible for the Vikings to pick the trouble causer Haynesworth. The team has already had Pat Williams, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams in Vikings jerseys on the defensive line and there is hardly advantage in having them work with Haynesworth.
According to earlier reports, Haynesworth is having some unhappiness with Redskins new head coach Mike Shanahan, mainly because the coach plans to install a 3-4 defense and may move Haynesworth from his current position to a new spot that he is unwilling to play at. More than once the tackle spoke publicly about his hopes for being traded out of Washington. Now that the Vikings are rumored to be having discussion with the Redskins about the possible trade, Haynesworth could be happy to move from a losing team to a potential Super Bowl champion team.
The remaining question is whether it is possible for the Vikings to pick the trouble causer Haynesworth. The team has already had Pat Williams, Jared Allen and Kevin Williams in Vikings jerseys on the defensive line and there is hardly advantage in having them work with Haynesworth.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Saints will play their first Thanksgiving Day game
As the NFL announced the schedules of 2010 season, the 2009 Super Bowl champion team New Orleans Saints are set to play the first game of the brand new season, and the franchise’s first Thanksgiving Day game at Dallas. Another attractive thing with Saints’ new season is that their first game will be against the Minnesota Vikings.
As this season will be Saints’ first season to defend their championship and Vikings’ another season of making it closer to the championship competition, the season opener between the two teams on September 9 Thursday night will definitely attract enough fans to watch the game, which also means high audience rating. It can be also expected that both Saints jerseys and Vikings jerseys will be on hot sales. And everything will be even hotter, if Brett Favre finally decides to return with the Vikings. Whichever team wins the opener, there will be huge disappointed crowds on one side and as excited crowds on the other side.
According to the league schedules, the Saints have only three other night games beside the season opener. One of the games will be played on Sept. 20 Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, the third night game is a home game on Oct. 31 Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the last night game is on Dec. 27 Monday night at Atlanta against the Falcons.
As this season will be Saints’ first season to defend their championship and Vikings’ another season of making it closer to the championship competition, the season opener between the two teams on September 9 Thursday night will definitely attract enough fans to watch the game, which also means high audience rating. It can be also expected that both Saints jerseys and Vikings jerseys will be on hot sales. And everything will be even hotter, if Brett Favre finally decides to return with the Vikings. Whichever team wins the opener, there will be huge disappointed crowds on one side and as excited crowds on the other side.
According to the league schedules, the Saints have only three other night games beside the season opener. One of the games will be played on Sept. 20 Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, the third night game is a home game on Oct. 31 Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the last night game is on Dec. 27 Monday night at Atlanta against the Falcons.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Rams will receiver visits of draft quarterbacks
With the first overall draft pick in hand, the St. Louis Rams is getting prepared for the April 22nd draft picking. As a preliminary collection of the possible best rookies’ information, they are going to host two college quarterbacks this week. The two are the No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford and No. 13 overall pick Colt McCoy.
According to reports from the NFL.com, Bradford from Oklahoma will best the first to make the visit. He is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and stay until Wednesday, and the next day the Rams are scheduled to receiver visit of Texas’ McCoy, who will stay until Thursday. Each quarterback has his own advantages and disadvantages. Bradford has ideal height and good mobility and won the Heisman Trophy as a redshirt sophomore in 2008, but he is just coming off a shoulder injury on his throwing arm and in need of adding weight to withstand the pounding in professional games. By comparison, McCoy has less strength with his arm. He is accurate in short passing game but needs to improve the accuracy in long passes down the field and toward the sideline. However, McCoy is a natural leader with high character and can control the game with his intelligence.
As the Rams released veteran quarterback Marc Bulger earlier this month, they seem determined to get a best replacement from the draft, and by so far it seems that Bradford is more likely to have the chance of putting on Rams jersey as the No. 1 overall quarterback, but McCoy is also having big chance as he gave pretty good impression to the team during last week’s private workout with the Rams.
According to reports from the NFL.com, Bradford from Oklahoma will best the first to make the visit. He is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and stay until Wednesday, and the next day the Rams are scheduled to receiver visit of Texas’ McCoy, who will stay until Thursday. Each quarterback has his own advantages and disadvantages. Bradford has ideal height and good mobility and won the Heisman Trophy as a redshirt sophomore in 2008, but he is just coming off a shoulder injury on his throwing arm and in need of adding weight to withstand the pounding in professional games. By comparison, McCoy has less strength with his arm. He is accurate in short passing game but needs to improve the accuracy in long passes down the field and toward the sideline. However, McCoy is a natural leader with high character and can control the game with his intelligence.
As the Rams released veteran quarterback Marc Bulger earlier this month, they seem determined to get a best replacement from the draft, and by so far it seems that Bradford is more likely to have the chance of putting on Rams jersey as the No. 1 overall quarterback, but McCoy is also having big chance as he gave pretty good impression to the team during last week’s private workout with the Rams.
Monday, April 12, 2010
WR Holmes may miss four games with suspension
According to reports, wide receiver Santonio Holmes may not be allowed to play four of the regular-season games in 2010 season as the league is likely to give him a four-game suspension for some kind of policy-violation. However, that did not prevent the New York Jets to make decision of trading him from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A possible policy that Holmes violated is the NFL’s substance-abuse policy and it remains uncertain if he has tested positive for prohibited substance, so it could be another type of violation. He has history of receiving suspension for having public incidents involving drugs—the receiver was suspended by his then team, the Steelers for one game after being cited for marijuana possession in 2008. He is also currently involved in a case of attaching a woman in an Orlando night club and that could also cause suspension for violating behavior rules.
The former Super Bowl MVP’s off-field issues simply reduced his value on trade market and the Steelers only got a fifth-round draft pick from the trade with the Jets while Holmes was a first-round draft pick in 2006. However, finishing last season with 1248 receiving yards and five touchdowns, Holmes is still expected to play some important role in green and white Jets jersey just as he did while playing in black and gold Steelers jersey.
A possible policy that Holmes violated is the NFL’s substance-abuse policy and it remains uncertain if he has tested positive for prohibited substance, so it could be another type of violation. He has history of receiving suspension for having public incidents involving drugs—the receiver was suspended by his then team, the Steelers for one game after being cited for marijuana possession in 2008. He is also currently involved in a case of attaching a woman in an Orlando night club and that could also cause suspension for violating behavior rules.
The former Super Bowl MVP’s off-field issues simply reduced his value on trade market and the Steelers only got a fifth-round draft pick from the trade with the Jets while Holmes was a first-round draft pick in 2006. However, finishing last season with 1248 receiving yards and five touchdowns, Holmes is still expected to play some important role in green and white Jets jersey just as he did while playing in black and gold Steelers jersey.
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