Predicting the 2008 Stats: Running Back

I was a big Ricky fan, so it took a while to warm up to Deuce. I don’t know that he has received the appreciation that he deserves, because he is such a well-mannered gentleman, not calling attention to himself, never controversial. Search out his highlight reels on youtube, the guy is awesome. Truly. He doesn’t look big enough, heavy enough to blow through those defenders but he does. And fast. And tough. Hard. BOOM! Gets up, back to the huddle. I saw this and I have it on tape (can’t recall the game), Deuce disappears into a big dogpile stopped at the goal line, then Deuce MOVES THE PILE on into the endzone. It happened to me with Deuce while playing Madden the other day just like that, and it made me pause. I really love Deuce and I fear his best days on the field are over. And I think we’ll miss his toughness, his effectiveness, and his class. I’ll be pleased to be proved wrong. But we have to look forward. 2008- Pierre Thomas 240 carries, 950 yards, 7 TD’s rushing. (splits carries with Reggie)

This is my first post here and I’d like to say that I thoroughly enjoy reading the articles here everyday. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with my favorite team.

Since Deuce has long been my favorite Saint, I’ve got to hold out hope that he will completely bounce back from his knee injuries and put up some great numbers. Everything is looking pretty good for him so far and I hope that trend continues all the way to the Super Bowl. For what it’s worth, here’s my hopeful Deuce numbers:

Deuce “The Tank” McAllister: 275 carries, 1200 yards, 12 TDs, 150 defensive backs slammed to the ground

That “Deuce moves the pile” game was January 13, 2007 (my birthday) and one win away from the NFC championship. That was easily my proudest moment as a Saints fan and the win that night was the best birthday present I got that day. Deuce disappears into a mass of players and somehow winds up without his helmet in the endzone. It was frickin’ beautiful! It was like the offense was screaming, “WE WILL NOT BE DENIED!”

I’m also very optimistic that Reggie will be much improved this year. I think he has ample motivation this offseason to elevate his game to the level we all expected in 2006. 1. He’s got sportscasters this very day claiming he is overrated, which should piss him off and give him extra motivation. 2. He sees that Chris Paul is now New Orlean’s favorite son, which I think will motivate him to come out and perform well once the season starts to get that love from the city he got when he first got here. 3. He’s working out with the team this offseason instead of hanging out in California and doing that “free flo do” stuff. 4. Remember that he reportedly played some games last season with an injured ankle and wasn’t at his best. My gut feeling is that he will come out with a chip on his shoulder and will be hellbent on proving his critics wrong.

If all else fails, I think Pierre Thomas will be out to make a name for himself as well. From that video I saw of him shopping in New York, he looks RIPPED! He had muscles bulging out in all directions. I’m glad he’s on our team. Barring several terrible injuries, I think we’re in pretty good shape this year on offense. Coach Payton said that Jammal Brown is having “an outstanding offseason.” That’s great to hear because his game was at a lower level last season. If he and Jahri and the other linemen really have some solid play and blocking up front, I think we’ll be able to run the ball really well.

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