| It’s possible all those
"Hurricanes" and "Hand Grenades" I consumed down on Bourbon Street at
the start of the month while covering the Super Bowl have had a lingering effect on yours
truly. For whatever the reason, I continue to have New Orleans on the brain —
specifically the Saints, a team that has undergone an increasingly strange transformation
back into an also-ran after beginning the 2001 season with seemingly legitimate playoff
credentials.
Perhaps Saints head coach Jim Haslett and GM Randy Mueller have been chugging too many
of the Crescent City’s potent "H" beverages.
How else can you explain their trade talks with Miami and Cleveland regarding RB Ricky
Williams, the undisputed centerpiece of their offense who, a few months short of his 25th
birthday, has only just begun to strut his stuff?
With free agency starting up this Friday, word is the Saints might be looking to make a
deal involving Williams sooner than later. But why are they even entertaining thoughts of
getting rid of the first player in Saints history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive
seasons?
I’ve watched a lot of Saints games the last two years, and it has appeared on
occasion that the team’s offense hasn’t been sure of its identity. Just when it
seemed like it was a physical, grind-it-out, power-oriented offense that revolved around
Williams, it would turn into a pass-oriented, gadget-heavy offense that revolved around
Brooks.
If you’re looking for a reason why the Saints were by far the most inconsistent
team in the league last season, their lack of offensive cohesion should be at the top of
the list.
Perhaps the master plan is to make Brooks the Saints’ answer to the Eagles’
Donovan McNabb, to eliminate any question that Brooks is the featured attraction by
unloading Williams. If this is indeed the case, then there’s another major X-factor
to consider.
The Saints will need their "Deuce" to run wild.
I’m speaking of Deuce McAllister, the Saints’ first-round draft pick in 2001
who didn’t show nearly enough last season to suggest he has what it takes to be a
full-fledged featured back. Even if Brooks is the featured attraction, the Saints must
balance their attack with a steadily effective ground game.
Do the Saints honestly believe McAllister has what it takes to replace Williams?
That’s one of many questions begging for answers down by the bayou these days.
Here are a few more:
- Why did Saints owner Tom Benson allow Mueller to be interviewed for the Falcons’ GM
post?
- What’s holding up the supposedly imminent contract extensions for both Haslett and
Benson?
- What were the "irreconcilable differences" between Haslett and OLT Willie Roaf
that triggered Roaf’s recent demand to be traded?
- Why does there appear to be absolutely no interest whatsoever in holding on to Pro Bowl
DT La’Roi Glover?
- Was there any truth to the rumors about a month or so ago that there was tension between
Haslett and offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy, who was denied the opportunity to
interview for the Chargers’ offensive coordinator/assistant head coach position under
new head coach Marty Schottenheimer?
Clearly, no team in the league is more puzzling at the moment than the Saints.
By the way, a "Hand Grenade" is just like a "Hurricane" — only
the liquor is green instead of red.
Just in case you were wondering. |
