Is There Really A Mickey Loomis?

RJ in Lafayette said
1. Do you agree that both free agency and the draft in 2007 were a small disaster? If you do, why did it happen? And more important what steps are you taking to avoid another dismal offseason in 2008?

If I was the GM and you asked me that question i'd end the interview right there. That's rude and not something that's going to be answered anyways. What, you want him to come out and say "Yeah, it's only been a year but Robert Meachem is horrible. Sure the draft pick was universally acclaimed as a great "value" at the time, but whatever, we're cutting him."

RJ in Lafayette said
2. Apparently, the Saints will be giving up a home game in 2008 to play in London. How did this come about? What was the position of the Saints organization with playing a game in London? (And I don't expect the whole truth, but it would be nice to get at least an on-the-record statement from the organization.)

You really think that was his call? What should he do, criticize the owner Tom Benson? About something that happened just a few days ago no less.

RJ in Lafayette said
3. What specifically does the team need to do to compete for a championship? What are our goals, even if stated in general terms, for this offseason?

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/1201156447244670.xml&coll=1

He said the Saints feel "decent" about their salary-cap situation, which includes enough wiggle room to add one or two impact players in free agency. But they also want to re-sign a handful of their own unrestricted free agents.

He said they've had some "preliminary discussions" with the agents for defensive end Will Smith, receiver Marques Colston and guard Jahri Evans, all of whom are heading toward free agency in 2009.

And he was noncommittal about tailback Deuce McAllister's future, saying the Saints don't need to decide about the rehabbing running back until at least March, when he is due a $1 million roster bonus.

In general, Loomis sounded cautiously optimistic about these next few months, believing that the Saints have a good foundation and aren't that far removed from the team that played in the NFC championship game last season. Here are some of the highlights from his state-of-the-team address:

RJ in Lafayette said
4. Any comment on the 2008 draft? Any?

Micky Loomis said
Sure thing RJ in Lafayette. I mean I know no NFL team has even completed their evaluation process and draft board stacking yet, but let me get a big list of exactly who I want to take in the 2008 draft before we even go through Free Agency and see who we retain/lose/sign.

Unreasonable expectations