Fox Sports doesn’t really strike me as a reliable source. This guy is trying to read a lot into Loomis’ comments regarding James. He needed to get a story out there this week and this just happened to be the topic he chose.

I’ve pretty much resigned myself to the belief that Deuce isn’t coming back, as sad as that makes me. At this point, no one can know (including Deuce) if that knee will heal enough to allow him to play again. I certainly hope it does, but teams don’t have the luxury of waiting to see.

As for Edge, I just don’t get it. I don’t see how we possibly need him, considering he’s simply not the player he once was. Let’s give one of these new guys a chance to prove himself. I’ll bet at least one will be looking impressive by the time camp winds up.

If you have seen Edgerin James run the ball since his injury, he has never been the same back since then. If the saints thought Deuce was over the hill, we don’t need to go and get some other teams over the hill running back. The cardinals got rid of him for a reason. Edge has lost a lot of steps, we need to give the younger backs a chance. We will never know what they can do if we never give them a chance. I think the the young backs we have, have a lot of promise.

I’m not worried. Loomis was making a pretty obvious statement to those who actually understand how to read what he really means out of the words he actually says. I’m not really an expert at that… but we are ALL better at it than any national mediot who can’t even figure out that the Saints have three or four other options that are better (and cheaper) already available.

and i think everyone is overexaggerating how far deuce has regressed. people make him out to be an invalid. i thought he did some pretty good things last year when he got a chance and our run-blocking was questionable. How come 3.9 yards per carry ( 2008 Deuce) was over the hill, lost 2 steps, and a gimpy running back- and 3.8 yards per carry (Reggie Bush- 2008) was oh- can’t wait to get him back,he’s the man, can’t live without him?
???????????
Deuce averaged 4.0 yards in 2004. His prime. He lost 3.6 INCHES yards per carry sinve 2004!! Think about it!!!

But I still think it’s exaggerated about how far Deuce has regressed. Of course, he was recovering from knee surgery and I don’t know how long his recovery time was last season, not being in the locker room. And he can no longer be a “feature back.” But he may still be able to contribute and I think he’d be willing to sign a contract with the right team, the Saints or otherwise, that would be very reasonable.

talked to Edge not to truly entertain pursuing him, but to covertly see what the market is for a guy like Edge, thereby gaining a glimpse how much interest around the league there is for Deuce and other veterans like him.

… Edge doesn’t just bring numbers with him. He’s got experience and a great work ethic that our young RB’s (Reggie and Pierre) could really benefit from. Especially Bush. The kid needs to learn humility. Edge was rarely seen taunting and acting like a buffoon when he scored. You’re not a Superstar yet, Reg. Show a little respect to the Urlachers and Ray Lewises and you might actually get the God-given opportunity to best them. The Master prefers humble heroes. Don’t we all?

When you do ridiculous dances or wag your finger in the other guy’s face, you’re not only flaunting it, you’re asking for it. I liked Joe Horn’s athleticism, but talking trash before a game only gets the other team riled up and determined to beat you. Why start a fire under your opponent. That’s why Horn… I was glad to see him go. I stand by what I said and agree with what you said. The second sentence, that is.

You could be the best role model if you wanted to.

and hasn’t been since he blew out his knee in his 3rd season, and he isn’t even ultra-well-rounded back that ran, caught and blocked on a top level to keep Indy’s offense among the elites.

He’s not a great runner anymore, but he can still be effective (compare his numbers to Hightowers behind the same line) and he’s still an elite pass blocker and receiver coming out of the backfield.