All Things Saints: Your Daily News 3/10
By John Hendrix
Jan 11, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram (22) celebrates after scoring a two-point conversion against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Well Who Dat Nation, it’s a new week. By now, hopefully everyone has been able to digest some of the transactions from this weekend. I will say that it isn’t easy, and it never will be. However, trust in Mickey Loomis.
We’re not out of the woods yet with Pierre Thomas, but if the other news from this weekend is any indication, then it doesn’t look good. Let’s get you caught up on some news.
Katherine Terrell | NOLA.com | New Orleans Saints free agency outlook: defensive back
"What the Saints might do in free agency: The Saints hit a home run when they signed Keenan Lewis and drafted Kenny Vaccaro last season. However, if they don’t re-sign Malcolm Jenkins, their safety depth is looking dangerously thin. The Saints tendered restricted free agent Rafael Bush and could be prepared to go with Vaccaro and Bush next season. But they’ll still need to add a safety in the draft or free agency.It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Saints look for an affordable cornerback to play alongside Lewis after releasing Jabari Greer. The Panthers’ Captain Munnerlyn is a name that’s been thrown out as a possibility to fit with the Saints. That’s another position where they need depth. When Lewis was sent out of their playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles with an injury, the Saints had only Trevin Wade and Rod Sweeting to rely on. This is a big need for the Saints that they’ll want to address this offseason."
I wouldn’t exactly discount Trevin Wade or Rod Sweeting, but the Saints definitely are in need of someone to compliment Keenan Lewis. I know many are suggesting Corey White as a viable option, and haven’t ruled out Patrick Robinson, but do you honestly feel comfortable with either versus Jabari Greer?
Larry Holder | NOLA.com | New Orleans Saints’ Mark Ingram stunned by recent departures, but recognizes his role in 2014 likely to expand
"“It’s an exciting time in my career,” Ingram said. “I just want to take advantage of my situation and the opportunity that’s presenting itself. Just want to prove to the organization that I can be the back they wanted, an every-down back, type of playmaker that they need."
This is Ingram’s time to shine, as he will likely split playing time with Khiry Robinson. The Saints have not had a 1,000 rusher since 2006 (Deuce McAllister), and if you look at other team’s formulas (i.e. Seahawks, 49ers, Panthers), they are winning with the run first mentality complimented with an exceptional defense.
Jeff Duncan | NOLA.com | New Orleans Saints aren’t rebuilding, they’re renovating: Jeff Duncan
"The Saints offense must evolve from a wide-open, fast break passing offense to a more balanced, ball-control attack. The days of lining up four wides and a Reggie Bush/Darren Sproles satellite back aren’t complete history, but I suspect you’ll see it less frequently in the future. The Saints won a lot of games and set a ton of records playing this way but the philosophy fell short when the stakes rose and the mercury dipped."
While many may not care to hear what Jeff Duncan has to say, or even want to believe this statement, it’s true. If you didn’t listen to my podcast before everything happened this weekend, I actually alluded to this offensive attack.
Mike Triplett | ESPN.com | Free-agent wish list: Wide receiver
"The draft is probably the Saints’ best bet for finding a dynamic young athlete who could develop into a future starter — and ideally help stretch the field in the short term as part of the rotation. This is a deep class for wide receiver talent, so the Saints could have ample options in Round 1 or the middle rounds of the draft."
To suggest that it’s plausible that the Saints would land a rock star free agent is a little bit of a stretch. Dexter McCluster would be a very appetizing add for the team, as he is the younger version of Darren Sproles. However, most needs will likely be addressed via the draft, and expect a large amount of undrafted rookie free agents to be a part of the mix in 2014.
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