how can the offense NOT take a step back? (1 Viewer)

[MikeBarrett]

After the Saints traded Darren Sproles away, I was worried that they would really miss that "element" from their offense. We still had Pierre Thomas and Ingram, but neither was the explosive mis-match problem Sprolesy was. We also (foolishly) held hope that Cadet could somewhat fill the Sproles role.

Now, the offense didn't fall apart (and they were still among the top of the league stats wise) but we could all see something was missing. The offense pretty much played off of everyone focusing their attention on Jimmy Graham, and even though Brees zeroed in on Graham a little too often, the Saints offense was solid.

With Jimmy Graham traded to Seattle, the Saints have played a similar scenario. We did nothing to "replace" Graham in our offense; opting to go with 35yr old Ben Watson (who has never had a 50 rec season or 700yds) and an UDFA in Josh Hill.

I realize we won a SB w/out Jimmy Graham, but we did have Jeremy Shockey! Shockey was huge for us! and for the record, so was Dave Thomas. Before Shockey, TE was a hole for us.. and I fear it will be again. Brees has always had a really good TE when he's had his best years, and I just can't believe Watson (at this stage of his career) is up to the task.

So, I ask the board, how does this offense NOT take a step backwards in the absence of a once in a generation talent like Jimmy Graham now gone from the offense?

 

[TruSaint]

We were a #1 offense way before sproles or graham.

We had the best offense in the league with colston and devery Henderson as our top targets.

 

[los226]

I worry more about the o-line than the skill set players. If our interior o-line can split the pocket like Moses did the Red Sea, then watch Brees step up and find the open man.

Aquiring Unger was a start, but we have to wait and see if our guards are an issue or not.

 

[St.Fury]

We were a #1 offense way before sproles or graham.

We had the best offense in the league with colston and devery Henderson as our top targets.

Because we spread the ball around. Defenses had no clue who we were going to get the ball to. That's what I'm expecting more of this season.

 

[bradman1965]

Total Offense
2014 #1
2013 #3
2012 #2
2011 #1
2010 #6
2009 #1
2008 #1
2007 #4
2006 #1

They'll figure something out.

 

[St.Fury]

After the Saints traded Darren Sproles away, I was worried that they would really miss that "element" from their offense. We still had Pierre Thomas and Ingram, but neither was the explosive mis-match problem Sprolesy was. We also (foolishly) held hope that Cadet could somewhat fill the Sproles role.

Now, the offense didn't fall apart (and they were still among the top of the league stats wise) but we could all see something was missing. The offense pretty much played off of everyone focusing their attention on Jimmy Graham, and even though Brees zeroed in on Graham a little too often, the Saints offense was solid.

With Jimmy Graham traded to Seattle, the Saints have played a similar scenario. We did nothing to "replace" Graham in our offense; opting to go with 35yr old Ben Watson (who has never had a 50 rec season or 700yds) and an UDFA in Josh Hill.

I realize we won a SB w/out Jimmy Graham, but we did have Jeremy Shockey! Shockey was huge for us! and for the record, so was Dave Thomas. Before Shockey, TE was a hole for us.. and I fear it will be again. Brees has always had a really good TE when he's had his best years, and I just can't believe Watson (at this stage of his career) is up to the task.

So, I ask the board, how does this offense NOT take a step backwards in the absence of a once in a generation talent like Jimmy Graham now gone from the offense?

Watson and Hill are no slouches. TE will not be a hole.

 

[44slayer]

The strength of the wolf is the pack. This offense operates better and more effeciently when there is no target, when everyone is a target. We get that back this year. I think this offense will be better than last year and Brees will not be looked at as in decline. The key to this whole thing though is the o-line giving him time to check down and not force throws.

 

[jaxmc1023]

If the defense can hold teams to less than 30 points, and Payton is successful in his quest to be a run-first team, then the offensive stats will naturally come back to earth.

Payton's not stupid.. For every upgrade we make on the O-Line (Unger), we have a former Pro-Bowler that is steadily declining (Evans).

On the other hand, Jimmy Graham being gone is a blessing in my opinion. He was a terrible blocker.. his routes were sloppy.. he would get alligator arms if you hit him a couple of times.. he stayed injured.. and worst of all, his presence alone gave Drew this idea that he could "just throw it up" and Jimmy would go get it. Jimmy's size alone allowed Drew to do this some of the time, but I think that "get it near him" approach started to affect other receivers that need the ball to hit them in the facemask.

 

[boo-boo]

We still have drew Brees. With improved o-line play drew can tear any defense to pieces. if drew has time to throw the ball we will be fine on Offense.

With Watson and hill together we will have about same total TE production we have had ever year. Look at the stats since getting Drew the TEs put out about same stats. it just that with Jimmy he got all the stats instead of being split evenly.

 

[crosswatt]

CJ Spiller has an exceptional skill set that has not fully been tapped in the league. Assuming he stays healthy, he could be the ultimate x-factor for Payton to utilize.

 

[Westbank4Life]

Total Offense
2014 #1
2013 #3
2012 #2
2011 #1
2010 #6
2009 #1
2008 #1
2007 #4
2006 #1

They'll figure something out.

 

[RetroMcBananaFace]

"Hi, my name is C.J. and I'd like to come in this morning and share with you the good news of the Saints offense."

 

[Saints 4 life]

Total Offense
2014 #1
2013 #3
2012 #2
2011 #1
2010 #6
2009 #1
2008 #1
2007 #4
2006 #1

They'll figure something out.

 

[CajunSaint]

You're totally right, we will take a step back....we will be the #2 offense this year.

Goodell hates us.

At least the falcons still suck.

 

[sammymvpknight]

This question will look silly when Cooks looks like Antonio Brown and Ingram looks like LeVeon Bell this season. I think both are going to border on elite status very soon.