NFC South Looking to Get Grounded?

by satchmo26 on Mar 27, 2009 11:54 AM CDT Comment 11 comments

I just ran across this article by Pat Y at ESPN. He makes some interesting observations, believe it or not:

At the NFL owners' meeting a couple days ago, New Orleans coach Sean Payton ran down his list of needs in the upcoming draft. If you know anything about Payton or the Saints, his first priority might surprise you.

Payton's perfect pick wasn't another piece for a defense that's been rebuilding all offseason. And it sure wasn't another weapon for a passing game that helped Drew Brees throw for more than 5,000 yards last season.

"I'd have running back, a powerful runner, ahead of the other two,'' Payton said when asked how he'd rank draft needs at cornerback, wide receiver and running back.

Yes, the man who made Deuce McAllister stand on the sidelines while the Saints threw the heck out of the ball all last season, now wants a power runner. Payton, who never has met a pass play he wouldn't call on third-and-inches, is calling a draw play right up the gut.

A change in style? Not really. The Saints still are going to pass a lot, but Payton has come to the realization he has to move the pile at times if he's going to have a chance in the NFC South.

What previously has been referred to as the "NASCAR Division” might have to change to the "Snow Plow Division."

I like that Pat noticed Deuce was forced to stand on the side-line for most of last season for reasons Coach never really made clear. I know the knee injury recovery was a large part of it, but seeing Deuce standing there with his helmet on like he very much wanted to go in was heartbreaking to me.

It's looking more and more likely to many people that a RB (possibly Beanie Wells) could be Payton's 1st draft choice. I don't remember him saying that a power runner was on his list before all the other positions of need. I must have missed that quote.

This is a copy-cat league and I'm sure Payton has taken careful notice of the physical running game success that the Panthers and Falcons had last year and is most likely intent on trying to emulate that. Could we actually see a more balanced offensive attack from Payton this year? Could we also see Brees fall well short of Marino's record as a result? If so, I welcome that change of attack. What do you think?

Poll

Will Drew get more chances to rest his arm this season?

Yes! We're gonna get more balanced and pound the rock!

64 votes

No! Dan Marino's passing record is toast!

44 votes

108 votes | Poll has closed

This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.

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Comments

WTF?

If Payton drafts a running back with the first pick (or any pick for that matter) I will lose it.

Will the Deuce question ever be answered? Even in 2007 it was obvious Payton wanted to go in another direction, by starting Bush at tailback and giving Deuce limited carries.

I will be the first to admit that I just can’t put a handle on the way Deuce was used and shown the door this year. Even when PT and Bush were out, Deuce would get a series then here comes Mike Bell.

Too many unanswered questions concerning one of the greatest Saints of all time.

by Ditka'sGhost on Mar 27, 2009 8:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and by the way...

Satch,
We must be the president and vice-president of the Deuce fan club because we spend so much time defending him here on the “Deuce McAllister of Blogs”.

by Ditka'sGhost on Mar 27, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just my opinion!!!

Payton will never answer that because, from the start he’s getting rid of all players from the pre-Payton era. All the aqusitions and key elements in the Hasslet days. If you really think about it, If he really wants a power runner to fill the void; obviously, go and pick Deuce back up. The man has at least 3 years left of pile driving capabilities left in him. Not jetting out of the back field for a pass in the flats (what got him hurt in the first place, leave the crap for Reggie to do). Pile drive like those Eagles games. Just my opinion!!!

by BOUT IT BOUT IT on Mar 28, 2009 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it's been hard for me to let go

Deuce has been my favorite Saint for many years now. From 2002-2005, he was the main reason I watched the team. But, he was obviously past his prime this past season and it made sense for Pay-Loo to release him and thus get themselves under the salary cap. I still believe he has a lot more left and hope to see him get the opportunity with another team to get on the field and prove his worth. As for figuring out why Payton didn’t use him more this past season, I’ve pretty much given up on figuring that out. See my Deuce/Payton rant from last September:

http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2008/9/16/615788/let-deuce-loose

I’ve since conceded that it’s Payton’s team and he’s going to play whoever he thinks gives him the best winning chance. After I wrote that, it was reported that Deuce was still having problems with his left knee. Maybe that’s why Payton didn’t use him more. If that was the case though, then I’d still like to know why Deuce was still fully dressed and standing on the sideline like he wanted to go in. But, that’s the past, Deuce is gone (most likely forever), and there’s a new season with great promise on the horizon.

Go Saints!!!! Deuce may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

by satchmo26 on Mar 28, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Satch

I was really excited after 2006, because I thought that balance of offense we had between Deuce getting 250 carries, 1000+ yards and 10 TDs and Reggie getting 150+ carries, 100 rec, and then however many punt returns for 12-15 total TDs would be able to sustain Deuce’s career for another 5 years or so…but alas, it was not to be.

The Detroit Lions are on the clock!

by HansDat on Mar 28, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't be Shocked

if Payton takes RB Wells, with all the FA defensive signings of late, Wells could be best available and those 3rd and short ydg. from last season cost us games at least 3, I Love PT,but he could part of a three headed monster run game, I still hope we get a S or LB from USC, that could learn under a Sharper/GW defense…but its Peyton rolling the dice

You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever will know..Jim Mora Sr.

by metryman on Mar 28, 2009 9:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Please God no...

A RB at 14 would be an epic failure of massive proportions. With the troubles at safety and LB and NT, I’d be extremely depressed with the selection.
I’m going to do a fan post on my favorite prospect for the Saints, Sean Smith.

by SaintsDynasty on Mar 30, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs