Getting to Know You!!

1) Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year?

Depends on your perspective. From the “outside”, Pierre Thomas will be the surprise, because no one knows about him outside of the Saints fan base. From the “inside”, I would have said Stanley Arnoux before his injury, now he’ll be “that guy” next year. This year, his former Demon Deacon teammate, Chip Vaughn will be the one that sneaks up on everyone.

2) Will we all regret the Shockey trade?

Nope, Brees and WINNING will keep him focused, being healthy will keep him productive.

3) Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise?

Robert Meacham. Too much talent in the reciever corps, and Adrian Arrington will be who we think he is.

4) Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker?

Yes, they have to. Who is the question that will be tough to answer. I don’t have a clue, but it won’t be someone that we know of or expect.

5) If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason?

Gregg Williams not being who we think he is.

(He will be who we think he is, and we won’t be disappointed.)

1) Darren Sharper-I got a buck that says he leads the team in INT’s
2) I already do soooooo…
3) I don’t know…Meacham makes the roster though OHHH got it! Jason David
4) I hope so, and I for one would love to see Brooks.
5) Nothing can go wrong this year! I think the only ONE thing that garuantees dissapointment is Drew Brees not being on the field for whatever reason.

1.Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year? Pierre Thomas. But not because nobody knows about him…he’s already a chic pick among pundits as a breakout player. No, it will be because he’s even better than people thought he would be. 1,400 yards good. Pro Bowl good. Best back in the division good.

2. Will we all regret the Shockey trade? Well, not all of us…but we should. Shockey is going to spend the season futzing around, flaking out, whining, and finally blowing up near the end. He won’t be a Saint next year.

3. Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise? Randall Gay. Everyone is expecting Jason David to be gone (and he will be); but Gay won’t make it, either. Leigh Torrance is too valuable on special teams, and Danny Gorrer will beat him out.

4. Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker? Well, yeah…eventually. But not this year, except to fill a hole made by injury. They’re going with the ones they have. Payton is way too stubborn.

5. If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason? Unrealistic expectations.

Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year? Mike Bell. A good complement to PT, who will inevitably get banged up due to his running style, and not named Reggie Bush.

Will we all regret the Shockey trade? yes. Dan Campbell (not Mark) beats #80 in TDs despite being primarily a blocker and a good one.

Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise? Billy Miller. Don’t laugh: he was waived last year at beginning of the year. Not saying he won’t be resigned at some point, but he may get caught in numbers game again.

Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker? No, unless there is a camp injury or another financial scandal. Don’t underestimate the stubbornness.

If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason? 4 game suspensions of Smith and Grant don’t allow the Saints defense to gel and to take advantage of soft (w/ at Philly exception) early schedule. The last 12 games is a meat-grinder, and Saints need to start 3-1. The game at Buffalo is the real test

1) Lynell Hamilton on offense, Danny Gorrer on defense. No wait, neither of them, Mike Bell.
2) Don’t know about yall, but I already do. He’s brought nothing the team needed.
3) Dan Campbell. Is that a surprise?
4) Yes, but not until injuries make it necessary, at which point options will be severely limited.
5) Predictability.

1.) Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year?

Robert Meachem. Lance Moore won’t be 100% by the start of the season, giving Meachem the opportunity he’s been looking for to become more involved in the offense. Not only do I think he’ll make the most of it, I predict that he’ll lead the team in both receptions and receiving yards by season’s end. Moore’s contract not be renewed by season’s end, paving the way for bigger things from Adrian Arrington in 2010. Other players whose 2009 performance will exceed expectations: Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Carl Nicks, Bobby McCray, Jabari Greer, Mike Bell, DeMarrio Pressley and Pierson Prioleau.

2.) Will we all regret the Shockey trade?

Probably so, as I don’t see the Saints using the TE any more than they typically do. Overcompensation and underutilization aside, I’m still not a fan of the player. Put it this way, I’d much rather have the long term upside of Clint Sintim and Rhett Bomar (the two players the Giants selected with the picks we gave them) on the bench, than this two-bit post-lobotomy Muckaferguson from “duh U” in the starting lineup.

3.) Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise?

Roman Harper. Gregg Williams had a hand in picking Chip Vaughn. Prioleau is capable of playing both safety slots, has familiarity in Williams’s system and provides the veteran tutelage to bring Vaughn along. Harper immediately becomes the odd man out at SS. The Giants did not address this position in the draft. Once Sintim is in the fold, look for them to revisit a trade for Harper. The Saints were originally reluctant to include him in the Shockey deal, but the dynamics of the situation have changed considerably. At this point, a Harper-for-Gerris Wilkinson trade seems to make a whole lot of sense for both sides.

4.) Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker?

No. The current LB corps is immortal. They will still be playing when the Angel Gabriel toots his golden kazoo. I jest. See #3.

5.) If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason?

Inability to control the clock, due to an imbalanced offensive attack. This will have more to do with play calling, though personnel shortcomings — both at RB and OL — will also play a factor. Also, forfeiting too many draft picks in trades, i.e., surrendering adequate depth in favor of marquee names. Nothing against Jonathan Vilma, but there are roughly two dozen or so MLB/ILBs in the NFL that regularly contribute at or near his level. Just because you’ve identified a weakness, doesn’t mean you have to go for broke to immediately right it. The value of the second overall pick in the draft is a pretty good example of that.

1. Malcom Jenkins. I know he was our first round pick but alot of people expect him to be #3 on the depth chart and some even think #4. I think he will move himself up to #2 possibly even #1 by the end of the season. On offense, I’d say Meachem will kick Henderson out of the #3 spot and become our real deep threat receiver and more consistent.

2. I know that I already regret that trade. We had no problems with our offense when we traded for him. Miller has always been consistent and enough of a passing threat that we didn’t need shockey. Plus, I don’t see him having a breakout year here. I just hope he holds onto the football more even if he gets injured or stays injury free. Fumbles don’t get blamed on being injured. If you feel that it’s that bad, don’t play.

3. There’s a few guys i feel that will not make the team but if it’s going to be a surprise i’d have to say that it will be a safety. Thx Pizza for taking my answer while i’m typing this. But, it won’t be Harper. It will be Pierson Prioleau. They will give Harper a shot in this defense because he is a good run stopping safety. Sharper will be on the other side with Young backing up Sharper and Vaughn backing up Harper. Chris Reis will stay because he is still a young player. The brought in Sharper for veteran leadership. Safety is a deep position right now. We have 6 total safeties. Same with DBs though. If someone gets cut over there it will not be JD but Leigh Torrence.

4. Eventually. They know they can’t live with Shanle on the weakside anymore. I see one of the younger LBs taking his place, like Dunbar next year if not this one. If Dunbar doesn’t take his place we will sign a quality LB. My hopes is that it’s Brooks.

5. No excuses this year. We will hopefully do well this season and take it to the SB. If not then I think we will need a complete overhaul of the Defense. Start with the D-line and Lbs. I’d keep Fujita, Vilma, Ellis, and Pressley(b/c he’s young and i believe has a lot of upside). Maybe keep McCray too but i’d wait till this season is over before i would be certain. The safety and DB positions are young and has alot of talent. DBs would need no changes and i’d see if i could get the safety from USC and it’d be set. So it’d be more like a 1/2 complete overhaul of the D.
We don’t have to worry about them dissapointing though b/c we are winning the superbowl.

He’s a hard hitter. I’ll give him that. He needs to learn how to wrap up and help cover the TEs. I’d personally be more comfortable with Prioleau back there, but have nothing against Harper personally. As long as there’s considerably improvement in the secondary on the whole, I’m fine with whomever they decide to keep.

1. Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year? Arrington will have a good year.

2. Will we all regret the Shockey trade? yes. He’s going to drop a lot of passes and then fool around with injuries again. The idea of him being a solid blocker and then scoring TDs is alluring. But I think he’s going to be cut if he gets injured. Or, we might try to trade him but won’t get value.

3. Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise? Meachum. Something must be wrong with that guy for Payton to avoid playing him. He might just be the surprise disappointment of the year. I really can’t see JD making the team again.

4. Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker? no. Payton is set on the current personnel. If one of those guys is hurt then they’ll pick up someone who never plays. Never, ever.

5. If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason? no pass rush.

Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year? Bobby McCray

Will we all regret the Shockey trade? Not even close. I think he will have one of his best years yet with Brees throwing to him and the healthy offseason to gel.

Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise? Keeping with the TE theme. Dan Campbell.

Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker? I can almost guarantee it.

If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason? Lack of a consistent running game.

Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year?

Probably Roman Harper. The usual reasons a great college safety becomes a mediocre NFL safety are that he either made a career out of his pass rush in order to disguise his own problems in coverage (Josh Bullocks, William Moore) or that he lacked the physical ability to cover for a protracted period of time against faster competition (Josh Bullocks, Roy Williams). Roman Harper has always been an intelligent safety, but even a smart safety forced to try to commit to both the run (because of mediocre linebacking) and the pass (because of terrible free safety play) at the same time will get out of position. His physical ability, meanwhile, has never been an issue; he fits the mold of a strong safety perfectly. Assuming there’s even a basic improvement in our pass rush, Harper will have a monster year.

Will we all regret the Shockey trade?

Already do. If Shockey were an incredible run-blocker, so as to be a lead blocker for Reggie on counter plays, then I’d love to have him. He’s not, though. He’s a mediocre blocker, injury-prone, and not appreciably better as a receiver than our other TE’s, who as a position are all underutilized.

Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise?

Pierson Prioleau, if that even qualifies as a surprise. He was signed as a backup plan in case our safeties didn’t catch on to Greggggg’s system, which, if our wildly speculative reports are to be believed, they are. He’s aging, has little to show for his efforts career-wise, and doesn’t immediately strike me as a guaranteed improvement over Sharper, Harper, Young, or even Jenkins.

Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker?

I guess so. We’re pretty thin at the position.

If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason?

Brees getting injured, I suppose. He’s the passer in a pass-first offense, and his Pro Bowl ability (along with Jahri Evans) is the only realistic factor keeping our run game respectable. As good as Pierre Thomas (he of the No. 1-ranked Success Rate and No. 4-ranked DVOA) could be, much of his success so far as come from him a) enjoying wildly successful draw/trap plays and b) not being Reggie Bush.

Lacking a pass rush/unimproved secondary are other fun candidates.

and demonstrate the unique talents he possess as he actually becomes an important peace to our offense this season.

On defense I think Usama Young is going to surprise some people—it seems random but don’t be surprised when this guy’s switch to safety turns out to be a genious idea.

I also think Bush, as touted as he was, is now experiencing sort of a backlash (so to speak) from fans and others and so he’s not expected to be much in the realm of a running back, so I think he’s going to surpass a lot of what people expect but then again I’m bias so who knows.

Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year?

Everyone has talked about how much improved the defense is and how strong the offense is, so why not throw out a real surprise. Without that injury, I would have gone with Arnoux as well. My way of looking at it, if ANY linebacker steps up and plays beyond our expectations, that’ll be the biggest surprise we can get, and that includes Vilma really stepping up beyond what we’ve seen so far. I guess if I had to look at the offensive side, see next answer…..

Will we all regret the Shockey trade?

Apparently we already do. Everyone seems to expect tons of production and no production at the same time (odd how that works out). Even if we see good production either blocking (not likely) or receiving (……), I don’t think the rap is ever going to be removed. Then again, if you-know-where freezes over and Shockey suddenly owns, chalk it up to the biggest surprise.

Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyones surprise?

I think everyone else has alreayd listed all the people that could be likely surprises here, so I won’t throw out something odd this time. Just agree with what’s already posted.

Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker?

Do I think they’ll sign one without it being absolutely necessary? No. However, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see a trade during the bye-week or something to bring in an LB. Not sure where they’d get the bait from, but just hoping they don’t gut another draft for it.

If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason?

Injuries caused by an absolutely brutal schedule? Seems the most likely cause of a collapse at this point, assuming the posts about how good everyone is getting and how much they’re maintaining a strong locker room are true.

1. Pierre Thomas- he won’t suprise the Saints, or Saints fans, but, he will suprise everyone else.

2. Not at all- Shockey will come around this year, and have close to, if not the best year of his career.

3. We’ve already let Deuce, Mike, and Kevin go, so I don’t think our Saints have any more suprises in that department, because they’ve already used them up.

4. Maybe next offseason, but, not this year.

5. No running game.

1. Usama Young
2. Nope Shockey will return to shocking people on the field.
3. Idk, good question but maybe Arrington or Meachum
4. Naw, not anyone substantial anyway
5. Sean Payton’s coaching cuz we’ll be ranked in the upper half of the league in D so no excuses there.

1. Scott Fujita. Mad everyone says we need a better linebacking crew.
2. Nope, He’s a red zone threat.
3. Jason David
4. I want them to but I don’t think itt’ll happen.
5. The D would have to take more than a year to install, which it won’t. Second half of the season we’ll be unstoppable!

1. Jo-Lon Dunbar ( That’s all Hebert talked about last year during training camp)
2. No, he will make us say that Payton sure knew what he was doing.
3. J. David
4. No
5. Gotta go with D-fense, Drew is a winner, D gotta prove it!!!

1) Well, surprise in terms of production, Roman Harper, but surprise as in come-out-of-nowhere, Gorrer. He’s the cornerback from texas A&M and I saw him during the open minicamp. He wasn’t extremely fast, but he was extremely quick—I think he could even earn playing time, even with our depth chart as it is right now.
2) The Shockey trade—I think he’ll produce this season, but I think he’ll also draw a lot of attention from safeties (and media) which might help us with the deep ball a little bit.
3) Hamilton. Bell will take his spot.
4) Not unless there’s another injury. Williams might enjoy using nickel or dime enough that he won’t mind huge depth at LB
5) Barring injuries, it has to be mental. I think the saints really do have a lot of pieces in place for a great season.

where this misconception that Shockey isn’t a good blocker is coming from. He’s actually one of the best blocking TEs in the league.

1.) Well It’ll be hard to pick from the defense hopefully as a whole they’ll improve because of the change in scheme. So, on the offensive side Mecheum or Arrington hard to chose but leaning more to Mechum.

2.) If shocky can stay healthy and deliver as promised I guess Sean Payton new what he was doing. If he can’t deliver I don’t see the team holding on to that hefty price tag. Then he becomes trade bait.

3.) Jason David if he’s not to much of a finacial liability. What I mean is that if you gotta pay him anyway play him make him earn it even if it’s on special teams.

4.) Maybe but I don’t think so but don’t be surprised that after teams start making maditory cuts Payton might see someone that could up grade the position.

5.) I my opinion it’s a no brainer. Lack of a running attack Got to have balence. It doesn’t have to be 50-50 but you have got to be able to move the ball on the ground some.

That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

Here we go (btw, Dave, will you be charting our success rates like during the season? someone should get praise if any of these turn out to be correct):

1) Who will be the Saints surprise player of the year?

Jon Stinchcomb – he asserts himself even more as the leader of a fearless unit that greatly improves its performance in the running game, silencing his critics while earning a pro-bowl berth.

2) Will we all regret the Shockey trade?

No, only some of us will – no matter how he actually performs.

3) Which player will not make the team after training camp, to everyone’s surprise?

Jamar Nesbit.

4) Do you think the Saints will eventually sign another linebacker?

Yes, but it won’t be until sometime in the middle of the season.

5) If the Saints disappoint again this year, what will be the reason?

Not injuries. If we come up short this time, it will be because of a defense that is improved, but not improved enough.

1. The suprise player this year, at least I hope anyway, will be Anthony Waters. If not him maybe Dunbar. I would really like to see someone replace Shanle.

2. We will not regret the Shockey trade. I think he will have a good season after getting in a full training camp with Brees.

3. The suprise cut will be Drew Brees. We’ll be starting Mark Brunell at QB!!! LOL Mark Brunell will be cut. (Though I don’t know how big of a suprise that will be)

4. We will not be signing another linebacker. (See my answer to #1)

5. The dissapointment, if there is one, will come from the front 4. If Smith and McCray, thats right McCray, can’t get to the quaterback from the outside than Sederick Ellis won’t be effective on the inside and we are in for another season around .500.

Well that’s what I got. I look forward to many discussions with everyone. We’ll miss you #26!! Thanks for the good times!!