From Back Up to Complement, Time for Pierre to Step Up!
This upcoming season will be a big season for the New Orleans Saints. It has been 3 years now since they made their fabulous playoff run before being beaten by the Bears in the NFC Championship game. Injuries hurt the team last year, it is up to Sean Payton and his staff to bring his squad together, players to rise above the call of duty and make a run at this year.
The Saints are in need of some of their roles players to step up and become stars. Most notably will be running back Pierre Thomas. It has become apparent (not in a bad way) that Reggie Bush is not, nor will he be an every down back, and the reasons he shouldn’t be is a story for another time.
The Saints had a chance to draft Chris “Beanie” Wells whom was thought to be the second best running back in this years draft. One of the reasons the Saints did not acquire Wells is because of their confidence in Pierre Thomas.
Thomas is in his 3rd season out of Illinois and in the NFL – as with most other sports, the third year is a make it or break it year in the league. Pierre has a lot on his plate this year, last year he was not expected to be a solid running back, now teams have him on their sights and will scheme against him.
It could be quite flattering to find out that you are now going to be schemed and looked at by the opposing defense, but I am sure his body appreciates that he flew under the radar last year. Hopefully his plan to gain an extra 15 pounds of muscle will help his body take the hits and improve his performance on the grid iron as well.
Thomas was a back up and now is a complement to Reggie Bush, the Saints are hoping to duplicate the style of offense they had Reggie’s first year in the league with Deuce McAllister…creating a “thunder” and “lighting” duo. Reggie with the flashy speed that made defenders dizzy and Deuce’s clashing and bashing through the middle, easily taking a defender or two for a 5 yard ride up the grid iron. The past two years the Saints have lacked that complement to Bush.If Thomas is able to rise up to the challenge that faces him, it would have an immediate ripple effect on the rest of the Saints’ offense.
I hope Pierre was able to put on those 15lbs of muscle, because with teams scheming against him and with his elevated roll the hits are going to be harder and more numerous than last years.
The last thing the Saints need is another season with injured RBs
Doods ! You guys are spot on…..but from my birds eye perspective …. its all….about the offensive line…….I’ll pull out my 38 Special to blow you guys away !!!!
M.Ellis. is right about the coaches and duties. They design, drill and are the drivers . If they don’t do a good job in the pre season then you end up like Detroit and the season they had last year. Designing new uniforms and a new mascot - BFD.. That was a front office “Perception” deal buster.
On Wall Street…”Perception is Reality”. But not in the NFL baby. Its is up to the coach’s to design the openings for their players - and in the NFL its all about how the “front line” of the offense executes . IF Thomas is 15 heavier then he is going to be a bit slower - therefor the holes need to stay open longer or the timing to which he “hits those holes” need to be really well timed. Lets hope the front line does its job for the running game for Bush - Thomas. Too bad LT is not part of the team then they could be known as the only team with a B.L.T!!!
Good luck and I’ll keep shooting at you !!