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Around SBN: Knicks 90, Raptors 87: "Shump and Lin wouldn't let us lose."

Are the Saints really an "old" team?

I've been seeing a few articles (probably just the one AP article that's been picked up by numerous other sites) saying the Saints are one of the older teams in the league. After reading this Associated Press post, I have to question the logic behind it:

The Saints opened training camp with one of the older rosters in the NFL, with 19 players in their 30s and an average age of just under 27. Their oldest player is second-string quarterback Mark Brunell(notes), who’s 38, followed by their new long-snapper, 37-year-old Jason Kyle(notes).

One of New Orleans’ most significant moves in free agency was to bring in projected starting safety Darren Sharper(notes), who at 33 is entering his 13th season.

"There’s definitely an urgency this year," Sharper said. "When you get up in age a little bit, past 30, you don’t know how many more years you’re going to play, and then it’s so hard just to get to the level of only getting to the playoffs. … So each chance you get to be on a good team that you know has a chance to make it, you want to do everything you possibly can to get there."

Sure, they aren't the youngest team in the league, but to roll out a back-up QB, a long snapper, and a newly-acquired safety who will probably only be around for a year as examples to prove how old the team is seems a bit of a stretch. The sense of urgency Sharper talks about is for himself to fulfill the dream of winning a Super Bowl and not necessarily for the team.

Brees just turned 30, but so what? Has there ever been any indication that he doesn't have at least five more years of solid performance ahead of him? I'm definitely all about the Saints winning the big one sooner rather than later, but to think it's got to be now or never just doesn't seem plausible. Payton and Loomis will address any positional needs as they come and they've proven they'll release any player at any time regardless of past reputation (see Deuce McAllister) when his overall performance lessens. I gotta go Alfred E. Newman here and say, "What, me worry?"

Poll
Are you concerned about the overall team age of the Saints?
Yes. They ain't getting any younger.
5 votes
No. This is much ado about nothing. SAINTS WILL DOMINATE!
58 votes

63 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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Thinking about Elway and what all went down until he got old

Too risky to wait until Drew turns gray though, and can’t count on the Saints improving in other areas. Have to win now.

"I know if I don't do my thing this year, they're probably going to get rid of my ass."-#94

by stujo4 on Aug 3, 2009 3:51 PM CDT reply actions  

I did read somewhere (I don’t remember where) that we have the second oldest roster in the league. I don’t get it either. With the exception of a few, some that were mentioned, we seem pretty young to me. I don’t know if Brees has 5 years left in him with the way defenses keep getting faster but I would think he as 2 or 3.

by vicvega26 on Aug 3, 2009 10:52 PM CDT reply actions  

Favre retired this year

and he was like 61. j/k. he was late 30s. It’s how much your arm has along with how much will you have to play. Our long snapper is old but who cares really? it’s not like he’s out there all the time. Sharper is 33 but still has a little gas left. As you get older as a football player, it’s more about the mental part compared to the physical. Brunell? he might not even make 2nd string, he’s just a guy that has experience and is fairly accurate. I can name alot of young players. Reggie, PT, Nicks, Colston, Moore, Meachem, AA, Henderson is sorta borderline, Ellis, Pressley, Greer, Porter, Young, Jenkins, Harper i believe came in the same year as Henderson so he’s borderline too. Those are just all the starters or potential starters. We have some veteran backups but I don’t consider us old.

Superbowl bound!!!...I hope? Go Saints! :D

by skinnykinney on Aug 4, 2009 1:53 AM CDT reply actions  

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