If Deuce is healthy and with Reggie back... (1 Viewer)

[Lipstead Hock]

where does that leave Pierre Thomas on the depth chart? Did one game earn him the right to compete for the starting job?

Thoughts?...

 

[bobad]

where does that leave Pierre Thomas on the depth chart? Did one game earn him the right to compete for the starting job?

Thoughts?...

Assuming Pierre comes into camp in shape, I think the starting TB position should be his to lose. If Deuce can beat him out, more power to him. However, I don't think that will happen.

 

[CoolBrees1]

I would hope that coach Payton would take a good long look at what he brings to the table and weigh it out against what Duece and Reggie do during this next camp and pre-season...you'd still have to list him as the 3rd string RB...until he proves he can make a move up the list...and one game does not make for a starting RB...trust me...unless you have injuries to your 1st and 2nd string...like last season...

 

[chad_moore]

We all know what Duece is capable of when he's healthy. I think you'll see PT get a lot of reps in training camp and have the coaching staff watching his every move and ability to go beyond one game and shine.

I'd look for the coaching staff to take things VERY easy on Duece and be more concerned with his health and rehab over what he can produce in camp. Even if Duece is 100% by TC, I don't expect him to be pushed very hard in camp so that he can be utilized during the season. Six more weeks of rehab for Duece after what he's been through is A LOT of time and could mean the difference between no carries and IR after 3-5 games or being able to sustain 10 carries a game throughout the season. I wouldn't look for him to get too much more than that going forward. PT has shown he is capable of spelling him and still being a factor. I'd still like to see Stecker re-signed because of his impact on ST and depending upon Duece's status...given every shot to make the team. We can carry four and after last year, there's no way Payton goes into the season with anything less!

 

[FatiusJeebs]

I think we have now truly inherited a committee at this position. Assuming Deuce comes back and is healthy it would be wise to limit his carries and keep him fresh. Going back and forth between the three backs (DM, AS, PT) while we use Reggie like we did in '06 would devistate defenses. Talk about keeping defenses guessing.

 

[REALCHRISM]

I think Reggie will be given every chance to be the starter. I think Pierre will be used a lot and very early on to relieve Reggie. I think the Saints will take things slowly with Deuce if he still on the team when the season begins next year.

 

[DownWithDisease]

PT will have the role Aaron Stecker had in the Saints offense when Deuce and Reggie were healthy... Stecker won't be back IMO.

 

[bobad]

I think Reggie will be given every chance to be the starter. I think Pierre will be used a lot and very early on to relieve Reggie. I think the Saints will take things slowly with Deuce if he still on the team when the season begins next year.

I don't think Reggie and Pierre play the same position. I think Pierre can be the starting TB, and Reggie the starting HB (or whatever Reggie is) with no conflict. The play dictates whether Reggie (and) or Pierre is in the backfield, not the depth chart.

 

[DownWithDisease]

I don't think Reggie and Pierre play the same position. I think Pierre can be the starting TB, and Reggie the starting HB (or whatever Reggie is) with no conflict. The play dictates whether Reggie (and) or Pierre is in the backfield, not the depth chart.

That's an excellent point IMO, and I believe that to be the truth as well.

There were times early last year, and the year before, where Deuce, Reggie, and Stecker were all on the field at the same time even. It all depends on the play.

 

[BoNcHiE]

If the question is about the depth chart, he'll be 3rd barring a major setback to Deuce.

From there noone knows how or when he or any of our other RB's will be used.

 

[REALCHRISM]

That's an excellent point IMO, and I believe that to be the truth as well.

There were times early last year, and the year before, where Deuce, Reggie, and Stecker were all on the field at the same time even. It all depends on the play.

While I see what Bobab is trying to say, it's not an excellent point. It is certainly true that both might share the backfield at times, however, there will be ONE starting halfback unless you and Bobab are both advocating removing Mike Karney from the starting lineup. Since I doubt that, there is not a possibility that Pierre and Reggie can both be starters.

 

[DownWithDisease]

While I see what Bobab is trying to say, it's not an excellent point. It is certainly true that both might share the backfield at times, however, there will be ONE starting halfback unless you and Bobab are both advocating removing Mike Karney from the starting lineup. Since I doubt that, there is not a possibility that Pierre and Reggie can both be starters.

Sorry, from now on I'll send my posts to you before I put them on the board so you can approve them for me.

I think it was an excellent point that Reggie and PT don't exactly play the same position. It sounds crazy... but the Saints could have Reggie in the slot or lined up out wide, with PT or Deuce and Karney in the backfield.

 

[scormi5]

If Pierre impresses this offseason and shows consistency, i dont think we'll have a feature back at all. We'll have all three getting equal carries. Pierre the "every down" back, Duece in short yardage/pass protection situations, and Reggie as your motion/slasher/slot/change-of-pace back. Why not? They all have they're strengths, and this way Duece has less chance of getting hurt. He'd get about 8-10 carries a game.

 

[REALCHRISM]

Sorry, from now on I'll send my posts to you before I put them on the board so you can approve them for me.

I think it was an excellent point that Reggie and PT don't exactly play the same position. It sounds crazy... but the Saints could have Reggie in the slot or lined up out wide, with PT or Deuce and Karney in the backfield.

DWD, that's not what I meant. Also, Reggie and Pierre do play the same position. Reggie offers you versatility as there are other things he is capable of doing in your offense. However, at the end of the day, Reggie and Pierre are both RBs. I pretty much agreed with your last sentiment about having plays where both are on the field. But unless the assumption is that you move Reggie to another position, then it is impossible for both he and Thomas to start.

 

[JG2345]

I think we have now truly inherited a committee at this position. Assuming Deuce comes back and is healthy it would be wise to limit his carries and keep him fresh. Going back and forth between the three backs (DM, AS, PT) while we use Reggie like we did in '06 would devistate defenses. Talk about keeping defenses guessing.

I agree and hope this is how coach views the running back position as well. I just hope that Steck's performance didn't price him out of our plans for the upcoming season.

 

[St. Greatness]

If Pierre impresses this offseason and shows consistency, i dont think we'll have a feature back at all. We'll have all three getting equal carries. Pierre the "every down" back, Duece in short yardage/pass protection situations, and Reggie as your motion/slasher/slot/change-of-pace back. Why not? They all have they're strengths, and this way Duece has less chance of getting hurt. He'd get about 8-10 carries a game.

That would be sweet. We would be the first team in the league to use a three-headed monster at tailback. We would be trendsetters....me likey .