JACKSON – We’ve reached Training Camp’s mid-term in Jackson; the Saints have put ten days of work under their belts. I think we all fell pretty good about the team as a whole right now, but then again, so do the other thirty-one teams in the National Football League.
As we enter pre-season game week number one, let’s take a look at what the team has done and hand out some grades.
The Offense
Offensive Line: C+ - This grade would be higher and will be higher, if the Defensive Line gashes through the Cardinals. This group has proven that they can pass block, but run blocking consistently is what we are concerned about. Jammal Brown will be fine and has gotten some good work in against Will Smith, so if he loses some one-on-one’s, that’s nothing to be that worried about. Jahri Evans looks to be in mid-season form. And, Jamar Nesbit has had his moments, but Carl Nicks is breathing down his neck. The areas of concern seem to be at Center and Right Tackle. Stinchcomb has gotten beat by Charles Grant on a regular basis, and Jonathan Goodwin’s most notable plays have come when he has been bowled over by Ellis, Thomas or other DT’s. Don’t push the panic button yet, but keep and eye on these guys.
Tight Ends: B - This group is hard to grade, because we have seen so little of Shockey. But based on potential, the TE’s can be a salty group. Campbell and Miller have proven their worth and should be on the roster. but to stretch the defense like Payton wants, he will need Shockey in the line-up!
Wide Receivers: B - We know that this group is deep, but does that mean they’re good? Colston is legit and Patten is a proven veteran, who can make plays, but what else do we have? We have a group of guys, who can make plays on special teams; two other potential play makers, and a guy that’s on top of the bubble going into the first pre-season game. Meachem had his best week of practice as a Saint, but did not look good in the scrimmage. And, Arrington looks like the Colston of 2008 right now. Copper, Moore and Green can all play Special Teams, but who will win out in the end? Moore and Green had good starts to camp. and Copper is the most consistent on Special Teams. Does this mean that Devery is out?
Running Backs: C - You have to grade this group as average right now without a healthy Deuce McAllister. Deuce makes things click on offense. I have full confidence in Pierre and Stecker in back-up roles, but can the Saints call on #25 to tote the ball the same number of times per game as his jersey number? I think not. Reggie needs to be in open space and not just in the backfield. Better hope Deuce is healthy, or PT picks up where he left off!
Quarterbacks: A - With Brees as one of the top three QB’s in the NFL, there is no other grade to give this group. Brunell is a proven player and a far better back-up than Jamie Martin. Palko will make some plays in the preseason, as he seems like a game player and not a practice player.
The Defense
Defensive Line: A - This group could be the most improved in the NFL this season. We have strength, size and speed and a coach that keeps a fire lit under the butts of his players. As Ellis works his way into shape, the rest of the guys continue to work hard. This is the deepest position on the roster right now bar none! Keep’em fresh and rotate, rotate, rotate.
Linebackers: B - Fujita, Shanle and Simoneau are all playing with a chip on their shoulders right now, and they are very happy to have a solid group in front of them. When Vilma gets healthy, this group will shine even more, and youngsters Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Marvin Mitchell are looking better each practice.
Secondary: C - I am not ready to believe the hype just yet. Jason David will have to earn the trust of his teammates, as he will surely be picked on again this season. Randall Gay and Usama Young are doing well right now, and the ageless wonder, Aaron Glenn has found the fountain of youth in Jackson. In order for this group to be much improved they need McKenzie, someone else to step up; and the D-Line to hurry up QB’s for 16 weeks!
Overall Grade: B - The Saints look better on defense right now and are deeper at WR on offense. With that said they are looking good against themselves. The real gauge will come over the next two weeks, when they face the Cardinals, and then practice and play the Texans. That is when we will see, if this team is for real or not!
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