Saints Taking a Look at Linebacker Derrick Brooks
by Saintsational on Aug 11, 2009 11:10 AM CDT
44 comments
Now here is something that ought to make many of you happy. Derrick Brooks will be coming to New Orleans for a little workout. I know this was something that many fans have been wanting to see, in an effort to improve the linebacking corp, so I anticipate some happy campers this morning. Of course, coach Payton commented on not commenting...
"We typically don't comment on players before we see them work out,"
No doubt that this is probably directly related to the news this morning that Mark Simoneau is going to be out for at least a few weeks with a torn triceps. Losing Dan Morgan wasn't enough to scare Payton into signing another linebacker but apparently the loss of Mark Simoneau is now just too much to handle.
Brooks is a great player with plenty of experience but his age and health are a definite question mark. What do you guys think?
Also coming in for a workout will be tight end Derek Smith, formerly of the Niners, Chargers and Dolphins. Good luck cracking the lineup.
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After not taking Brian Cushing
Derrick Brooks is the only player that will make me happy. He is a beast, fast and should fit right in Gregg Williams system.
Who Dat?...... Drew Dat ! ! !
by Big and Easy on Aug 11, 2009 11:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Mixed emotions
First, let me just say that Derrick Brooks is one of my favorite NFL players of the last decade. Phenomenal OLB in his prime, intelligent, hard-working and a true class act. A shoo-in HOFer. Today? I dunno. It definitely doesn’t do much for me. First, I’m not sure we need leadership on defense, which is about all Derrick Brooks is going to offer at this point. Second, what kind of money is he looking for? Even at veteran minimum, you’re talking about a guy with 14 years in the league. That’s a whole lot of minimum wage. My heart says “cool beans”. My gut says “no thanks”. Though, I’m glad they’re at least starting to entertain the idea of fortifying the position. Starts the soft chant: Marcus Washington … Marcus Washington …
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 11:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
im surprised...
we havent brought Washington in… hasn’t he played for GW back in Washington?
"For us, there is no spring... only the smell of fresh wind before the storm."
-Conan of Cimeria
by tlsk1066 on Aug 11, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep. I don’t get it either. Easily one of his most productive players on defense the entire time he was in DC and he’s just sitting out there as an UFA. Unless, there’s some sort of riff between the two that I don’t know about, you would think they’d have at least brought him in by now. I mean, they’re affording a guy five years older that opportunity in Brooks. Why not Washington?
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
rift, not riff.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh, so I was WAAAAY off when I thought you meant this kind of riff
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"Look, I'm not a -- -- -- -- savior." - Gregg Williams
by HansDat on Aug 11, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
finally...
still surprised we didnt even entertain the idea when dan morgan re-retired. what do we have to lose?
by DrewBreesManCrush on Aug 11, 2009 11:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hell Yeah! See what he's got left
It’s a given that he’s past his prime, but he’s a well-respected player and just might be able to contribute to the team. The real question here is not whether he’s still the high-impact Pro Bowler he once was, but whether or not he can play better than Shanle or Fujita. Odds are that he probably can’t, but finding that out is why they’re bringing him in. If he’s still got some juice left, is still motivated to give 100% for an entire season, and will play for a reasonable price, sign him.
"He has got a good ol' boy sense of humor, but he has also got a good ol' boy sense of kick you in the ass, too,"--Gregg Williams describing Bill Johnson. The D WILL ROCK THIS YEAR!
by satchmo26 on Aug 11, 2009 11:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Correction
Derek Smith is a LB, not a TE, according to the Times-Pic report.
So, they’re bringing in not one but two linebackers for a workout. I think it’s pretty clear they’re not expecting Mark Simoneau to contribute. The initial report is saying he’ll be out for a few weeks only, but by suddenly bringing in these others, it looks like they may be placing him on IR soon. Either that or they’re just now realizing they need more in the LB department.
"He has got a good ol' boy sense of humor, but he has also got a good ol' boy sense of kick you in the ass, too,"--Gregg Williams describing Bill Johnson. The D WILL ROCK THIS YEAR!
by satchmo26 on Aug 11, 2009 11:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
A little more info from Pat Y
Pat Y at ESPN offers a little more on this than the Times-Pic, such as more of a quote from Payton and the news that Gruden put in a good word for Brooks last week during his visit.
Brooks, 36, has remained unsigned since the Bucs released him in February. How much does he have left in the tank?
“That’s a good question,‘’ Payton said. "We’re bringing him in to work him out to see. When we graded him last year prior to him getting nicked up and injured, we felt like he was still playing at a high level. He’s an intelligent player; he’s instinctive; he’s a guy that has really been a pain for us over the years. We have a lot of respect for his ability and we’ll see when he comes in."
Payton also said former Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden, who recently visited camp for a few days, gave a positive scouting report on Brooks.
"He has got a good ol' boy sense of humor, but he has also got a good ol' boy sense of kick you in the ass, too,"--Gregg Williams describing Bill Johnson. The D WILL ROCK THIS YEAR!
by satchmo26 on Aug 11, 2009 12:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
rotoworld says Simoneau is likely done for the year
I’ve been waiting for someone to comment that Jenkins was a mistake, now we know we should have taken a linebacker. I don’t know about Cushing, he still looks like a freshman to me.
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by stujo4 on Aug 11, 2009 12:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Simoneau
We didn’t have Simoneau last year, so it’s not like we’ll be missing anything. Currently at LB, they’re going into the season with pretty much exactly what they had a year ago, for good or for bad. Maybe I need to focus on the linebackers more, but I’m not all that uncomfortable with Vilma, Fujita, and Shanle. Sure, there’s room for improvement there, but it’s not like we’ve lost one of our starters at this point.
I’m still clinging to the notion that with an improved scheme designed by Gregg Williams instead of Gary Gibbs we’ll see improvement all over the D, including the linebackers.
No complaints about drafting Jenkins over a linebacker from me.
"He has got a good ol' boy sense of humor, but he has also got a good ol' boy sense of kick you in the ass, too,"--Gregg Williams describing Bill Johnson. The D WILL ROCK THIS YEAR!
by satchmo26 on Aug 11, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have rathered
them trade down than take Jenkins there, with OLB being a higher priority. That’s taking the benefit of recouped picks into account. Staying put, I’m fine with the Jenkins pick. The only player I would have rathered see them take there was Oher and I pretty much knew that wasn’t going to happen going in.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t have minded them grabbing Oher since he was available… but I’m not heartbroken or anything that they didn’t.
I wasn’t enthused with the idea of a first round LB before the draft because they were all supposedly two-down players. And yet so far I don’t think any of those guys are being used only as run-stuffers, which suggests that the “knock” on them was pure bull-crap, probably spread by teams at the lower end hoping to cause one of them to all to them. Which seems to have happened. Heck Rey fell all the way to the second round and even if he was a pure two-down player I’m not sure (anymore, at least) that was truly an accurate draft spot for him.
by FriarBob on Aug 11, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A situational pass rusher would have done me just fine. I think we would up getting a little more than that in Arnoux, but of course we won’t know that until next year at the earliest. Outside of Curry, I wasn’t really high on any of the first round LB talent either. It was a pretty weak class for OLB overall. Last year would have been the ideal time to address that position. Either Antwan Barnes or Quincy Black would be starting right now AND providing the outside pass rush we so desperately lack.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As an OLB? I’ve heard it mentioned before.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like that too...kinda
I was more referring to use him in an attempt to create the pressure from the outside in certain formations, like the 3-4 installs maybe?
by asaint on Aug 11, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you can expect more out of him from a production standpoint than a lot of you are giving him credit for. On defense, stats only mean so much. It is hard to gauge some of the instinctive decision making involved. I htink Brooks has been so productive for this long because he understands the game well.
For example, if he knows he might not be able to make the tackle, he’ll somehow force the play to someone who can. Not to mention leadership, maybe not for the whole team, but I’m pretty sure he could help Vilma be a better leader. There seems to be a whole lot of plus. The large veteran minimum salary is a minus. But imagine how nasty he would be for us at least twice vs Tampa?
by asaint on Aug 11, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's about time we stop being the training ground for all-pros any way.
How many times in the past have we had decent players that went on to other teams and excelled. Brooks may be out of his prime, but I agree with you about his mental savvy of the game. What he may lack in his phisical ability will be made up for by his mental “know how” aspects of the game. GET HIM SIGNED!!!!!
by b_robichaux on Aug 11, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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by Saintsational on Aug 11, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This guy seems like he can contribute as much as Morgan or Simoneau(x)
I’d like to see us sign him.
by xen-cuts on Aug 11, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I’m loving it. Brooks & Vilma, that’s a pretty scary thought, Awwww YEAH!!
by Saints 4 life on Aug 11, 2009 2:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep, almost as scary as Briggs and Seau.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derrick Brooks was always one of those guys I just couldn’t hate, even though he was a Buccaneer. He was always a class act and probably one of the best and smartest Linebackers in the past decade. Obviously he isn’t as skilled anymore but he would bring smarts and leadership to our D, which you can never have enough of. Even though I really believe he should retire a Buc, I would really like the Saints to bring him in.
by Sean McG on Aug 11, 2009 2:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn’t be upset, but I do think there are better options out there. Rufus Alexander is another OLB just sitting out there right now. Only 26 years old. Breaux Bridge native, would probably jump at the chance to play this close to home. Super productive at OU. Tore an ACL his rookie season with the Vikings and really hasn’t been much of an opportunity since.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 11, 2009 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DB
has given the Saints (and other offenses) all they could handle. How much would he cost for a yr? He’s got heart and a motor, and still wants to play. Has he lost a step, maybe, but he’s and upgrade from Simoneau,Morgan and the rest of the LB’s in camp. I’d take the chance, this Def. is going to be better, guys will be flying around and blitzing, heck I’ll bet there are Jason David CB blitz pkgs. in the play book, so why could Brooks help? I’d use him mostly in run, and blitzes, ….If he’s lost a step keep him out of pass coverage…
You think you know, and you don't know, and you never, ever will know..Jim Mora Sr.
by metryman on Aug 11, 2009 3:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Personnel Moves
The question I always ask is what would Belichick do? Since he isn’t a member of CSC, he’s given me the go ahead to answer for him.
SIGN HIM!
While Brooks has aged I’d love to have him taking some of Fujita and Shanle’s time. They are mediocre at best even though they are younger.
by TonyChachere on Aug 11, 2009 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He's still playing after 14 years for a reason
Everyone knows he is past his prime and has more than likely lost a step. The thing is that he was a pro-bowler and losing a step means that you are still a good, better than average player. I’d feel better with Brooks there than Shanle. I have always felt like Fujita was under appreciated. I mean, let him be a 2 down player if need be. don’t keep him out there for 3rd and long. He’s a smart player with alot of experience. I know we seem to have alot of defensive leadership but I’d rather have Brooks and Sharper being the leaders rather than another player. These guys have been around for a while. They will make sure you are ready to give your all. They have seen alot. I would still like to see some of the other guys like Vilma be a leader but I don’t think he has anything, leadership wise, on Brooks. They were the main leaders on their teams defenses, Brooks for TB and Sharper for GB then Minnesota. Also, I always had great respect for Brooks even though he played as one of our division rivals. Get him signed. He’s at least a step up as far as all of our 2nd string LBs like Simmoneau and Dunbar. He might even help coach the younger guys, showing them different moves and showing them how to read plays better.
Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D
by skinnykinney on Aug 11, 2009 11:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
DB quality backup !
If he truly has kept himself in shape and his knicks from last year that slowed him a bit are healed, he is definitely an improvement at backup to Vilma. As far as both being on the field at the same time, unless its as a 3-4 derivative, it ain’t gonna happen. So just curb your enthusiasm.
by WhoDat_OH on Aug 12, 2009 7:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
OLBs typically don’t backup MLBs, but you never know. Brooks may come in and provide quality depth at every position on the team. He’s just that special.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 12, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point as backup
My point was that Simoneau was basically the backup at all LB positions, inside and out. Unless they sign both Brooks and Derek Smith I assumed he would be slotted at ILB backup. I could be wrong but with having lost a bit of quickness that his mental aspect would help him make the switch.
by WhoDat_OH on Aug 12, 2009 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's a good point
I think Vilma and Brooks inside in a 3-4 alignment could be fairly effective, given Brooks’s playing experience (not inside, just in general). It would also push the OLBs out wider (something we haven’t seen under Payton), theoretically giving Shanle and Fujita better angles of containment versus the run. I’m still not comfortable with either one of them as pass rushers, but maybe Dunbar or Casillas will start to push for that role. Or even McCray, once Smith and Grant are back. In the 4-3, Brooks = probable starter at the Will. Question is, if Vilma goes down, do you move Brooks inside and replace him with Shanle, thereby weakening two positions? I guess it depends on the severity of the injury. If serious, you’d have to bring in someone else as the other ILB in the 3-4 anyway, so maybe that player would be more suitable as a MLB than Brooks in the 4-3. Either way, I guess you’re a little bit better off than you are now. I do think this pretty much solidifies Marvin Mitchell’s spot on the team. He’s the only player left that has effectively played both inside and outside in the 4-3.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 12, 2009 8:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know New England used Junior Seau like that late in his career. As an ILB in the 3-4, I mean. He played the vast majority of his career at OLB. Maybe that’s what they have in mind.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 12, 2009 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn’t trying to pick Payton’s or GW’s minds but it was musta notion that crossed mine. It could add some diversity to our defense and confusion for opposing offense if they have to prepare for blocking both a 3-4 and 4-3 alignment. The defensive equivalent of the Wildcat.
by WhoDat_OH on Aug 12, 2009 9:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Williams has already said
that they’ll be running both this year, so it makes pretty good sense.
"You'll have sloppy balls. You have to find a way to get a grip on it." -Drew Brees
by coldpizza on Aug 12, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a bit hard keeping up with all Saints happenings from here in Ohio. So if I seem to be a bit behind I apologize. But the fact GW is planning on using both schemes is encouraging. A whole helluva lot better than Gibbs’ homogenized watered-down schemes. I’m looking forward to great things on the defensive side for the first time since the Dome Patrol !!
by WhoDat_OH on Aug 12, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the good news is....
you now have Canal Street Chronicles for all your long distance Saints news needs.
I should get paid for a plug like that. I guess Dave should get paid first though…
by asaint on Aug 12, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All hail CSC !!
I just recently found the site but good things come to those who wait ( or should that be search) . LOL
by WhoDat_OH on Aug 12, 2009 12:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How is it living in the land of the Bungles?
A former roommate of mine grew up in Newport, and he’s a huge Bengals fan, so we have gone ’round and ’round for years.
He and I and another friend of ours went up to Paul Brown Stadium for the Saints-Bengals game in December 2002. We froze our a**** off, and I was the only one to go home as a loser that game…
"Look, I'm not a -- -- -- -- savior." - Gregg Williams
by HansDat on Aug 12, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clowns territory
I’m actually in NE Ohio. Closer to the Cleveland Clowns and Pittsburgh Sqealers. I grew up listening to Clowns and Squealers fans fighting it out, then I found the Saints- the REAL black & gold (not black & yellow).
by WhoDat_OH on Aug 13, 2009 4:39 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Nice and WELCOME ABOARD - this is a great site
"Look, I'm not a -- -- -- -- savior." - Gregg Williams
by HansDat on Aug 13, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Get Brooks and Smith
Get them both. Spend some money. Give us the best chance possible.
by Philinwood on Aug 13, 2009 6:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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