Not in quite these terms: it would be difficult for Williams to bench either Smith or Grant without afffecting both team morale and those individual players’ psyches. I can see them sulking on the bench, and the other starters being more concerned with “who’s next?” than with doing their jobs.

But with the suspension, the Saints get a complete pass. They must give the opportunies to Spicer, Hargrove, McCray, and Charleston—who become heroes for stepping in at a time of need, rather than intruders trying to shove aside established starters. And like you said, both the new guys and the old will be motivated to show what they can do.

What’s more, the end of the suspensions coincides with the bye week. That gives Williams two solid weeks to work Smith and Grant back into the lineup.

Personally, I’m now totally sold on the idea this is a blessing in disguise. The only person who’s really hurt by all this is Deuce…but then again, with other teams not likely to be interested in taking on a player facing a suspension, maybe that just means that Deuce will still be around for us to sign him later in the year. That way, he gets to retire with a ring.

It’s all good.

I agree that this could be a blessing is disguise. But let’s say that these other four players do play great. It could just be Williams’ schemes that make them that way. And adding Smith and Grant into that would only make our defense even better. I think that both players will have the kind of numbers that are expected of them. They will see at less doubles with the linebackers and dbs blitzing in this new defense.

It could definitely be a blessing as long as all parties commit to it turning into a blessing. It’s really not like Grant and Smith are on a whole another level than McCray, Charleston, Hargrove, Spicer et al. If they are better at all, it’s more like a 1/2 level. Maybe they are even on the same level. But, the end result could be 1) 2 players coming back from suspension with something to prove and something to achieve 2) some veterans who are still valuable to the team getting immense playing time and eventually (hopefully) working into a good rotation with much versatility and variety 3) a total “team approach effort” 4) Grant and Smith being less run down by the end of the season 5) Charleston etal being less run down by playoff time 6) I would think, under the circumstances, it would be hard to imagine any one of these 6 individuals “bucking” GW and not trying to go 100% with his scheme and wishes because any one of them has a huge shot at being a starter.
7) I could see us even experimenting with a little 3-4 defense (notice I said LITTLE) just to switch things up- not to make a wholescale change and I think any variety on defense is a plus (especially when teams scout us every week and we can give them much more to have to prepare for) . I think there could be even more ideas as to why this could be a blessing …hmmmm let’s see if we can come up with more!!!!

you can say this? :

“I have always thought it interesting that the Saints offense has been arguably better the last two years when they were without Reggie Bush”

and no one gives you grief? If I say it, I am a hater. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, Da Chronic is YOUR baby. Anyway, it is very interesting and IT’S BASICALLY what I have said in many ways on many occasions. Well, hopefully this season it will all be good, whoever gets the rock.

Would Gregg Williams keep Smith and Grant on the bench if it was best for the team?

That’s the question that will “Haunt” , in a good way, all that ’s involved.

Dave, I think that you have hit on something. Grant & Smith haven’t had motivation since they received their new deals and also about that time they both lost their fire. They are both capible of being great player, again, but they need something to get that fire back. This will do it. But if not, we will have other with the fire from getting their first real chance to start for a contending team.

Then, as St Eric and Phillinwood and others detail above…that adding the Powderpuff Twins to the mix in Week 6 just makes the unit stronger and also allows everyone to be more fresh and strong throughout the entire season…including the playoff, er, Super Bowl run.

And the other thing to remember about looking ahead to the season is that we don’t really know which teams will actually turn out to be good or bad. It seems that these days only a select few sustain greatness over more than one season (Colts, Pats). The Bills might have a breakout season, or maybe Detroit, and Philly might be terrible.

We’ll keep cautious optimism running high!

… if the replacements do play well, and you have a stable of strong, capable horses, why not rotate them throughout the game so they all can stay fresh (as well as keep the opposing offense on their toes)?

I’m also thinking this could be a blessing in disguise. Let’s all hope that Smith and Grant come back hungrier than we’ve seen in the past. The question that I have is the roster number the Saints will take into the season at DE. Obviously, they can’t cut Smith or Grant due to the salary cap constraints. And, they have to keep 6 DEs to have enough for the rotation with the absence of Smith and Grant for the first four games. That being said, will they keep all 6 for the entire season or will they have to cut a Spicer or Hargrove when Smith and Grant fulfill their suspensions? I don’t know if it’s normal for a team to carry 6 DEs throughout a season and if the roster numbers can accommodate that many. Just curious.