Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise

[billmatic]

OK, so let's try this again, lol. I somehow managed to break my previous thread, causing it to take 30 seconds to load for everyone, which was a real pain. At least I hadn't really gotten started yet. Anyways...

I thought it would be cool to see a Saints franchise with all that's happened, so I decided to start one. Posting my franchise here should be cool cause it will keep me interested, and will keep me honest. I'll try and keep everything pretty realistic in terms of trades and free agency and what not, so I won't have Vick faking to Tomlinson and throwing to Moss in season 2. Feel free to post and comments, suggestions, complaints, whatever.

Settings
-Platform: xbox
-Quarter Length: 10 minutes, accelerated clock (switched to 12 now)
-Difficulty: Jistic's All-Pro sliders, slightly customized
-Rosters: updated
-Passing Cone: On
-Training Camp: I'll only use players 25 or younger (if no players 25 or younger are available, I'll skip the drill)
-Play/Sim: During the regular season, I'll play half the games and simulate half the games. I'll sim all preseason games, and play all postseason games.

[nofearsp2007]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise

this should be great. cant wait.

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Sold!

The sale of the Saints is now official after the NFL granted their approval today. Tom Benson will be leaving town to the delight of fans, after his rumored unsuccessful attempts to move the Saints out of New Orleans.

New owner, Bill Matic, has assured New Orleans that he has no intention of relocating the team despite his ties to Los Angeles. "The Saints belong in New Orleans and I intend to keep it that way", he said. "L.A. deserves a team, and they'll get one soon enough, but it won't be the Saints."

Matic also stated he will not be making any sweeping changes, and has no plans on replacing coach Jim Haslett, who has been firmly located on the hot seat for the past few seasons. "Jim 's job is safe. We're confident we can be successful this year with Jim as our coach."

Don't take that to mean that the new owner will be shy about doing what needs to be done to make the Saints a winning organization. "As the owner, it's my responsibility to make sure we have the right guys at every level of the organization. We want to win a Super Bowl, and you can bet your *** I'm gonna do everything in my power to make that happen."

Rumor has it that he is already looking to strike a deal for a new stadium, and that he favors an outdoor grass stadium as opposed to another dome.

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



2005 Season Preview

The Saints have been a frustrating team to root for in recent years. The talent seems to be there, but getting that talent to perform consistently has proven to be a tough task. This is precisely the reason that coach Jim Haslett finds himself on the hot seat yet again heading into this year. The perception in New Orleans is that anything less than a playoff appearance will signal the end of the Haslett era. He is now in his sixth year, and has yet to match the success of his first, when the Saints went 10-6 and beat the Rams in the wildcard round.

Offense
The majority of the Saints talent lies on the offensive side of the ball. With the trio of Aaron Brooks, Deuce McAllister, and Joe Horn, the Saints are always dangerous. If the offensive line, including first round draft pick Jammal Brown, can open up holes for Deuce and protect Brooks, the Saints could put up a lot of points this year.

Defense
The defense is a big area of concern for this team. Once you get past the 2 stud defensive ends Charles Grant and Darren Howard, the defense is a bit shaky. The Saints will need a big year from corner Mike McKenie and former Buccaneer free safety Dwight Smith. In addition they will need someone to step up and establish themselves among their linebackers. Veteran Ronald McKinnon was brought in this offseason to hold down the middle, but right now all he has on either side of him is a couple of question marks.

Special Teams
This should be a strong unit for the Saints. Veterans John Carney and Mitch Berger will no doubt be solid in the kicking game. Returners Michael Lewis and Az-Zahir Hakim are among the most dangerous in the league. How their coverage teams perform remains to be seen.

Key Signings
G Jermane Mayberry from Philadelphia
T Jammal Brown from the draft
MLB Ronald McKinnon from Arizona
FS Dwight Smith from Tampa Bay

Key Losses
WR Jerome Pathon to Seattle
T Victor Riley to Houston
FS Tebucky Jones to Miami


2005 Preseason Roster / Depth Chart

[cubsfan203]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise

Looks good, I'll check it out as often as I can, just try to check my legacy out occationally too.

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Saints acquire MLB Beck

The New Orleans Saints acquired reserve MLB Jordan Beck (71 OVR) from the Atlanta Falcons yesterday. The Saints also got a 6th round draft pick in the deal and in turn gave up their 4th round draft pick in next year's draft. The deal makes sense for both teams as Beck was fighting just to make the roster with Atlanta, but will be able to compete for playing time with the Saints' mediocre linebacking corps. The Saints are expected to play him on the outside, where he is probably better suited due to his speed (79 OVR).

The Saints released third string SS Steve Gleason (66 OVR) to make room on their roster.

New Orleans is reportedly interested in free agent defensive tackle Cedric Woodard (84 OVR), but negotiations didn't look promising as both sides are far apart in terms of both contract length and value.

[nofearsp2007]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise

looks great already.

[highlight_reel]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise

Keep on Marching On. I'll read it. Just try to read mine.

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Training Camp Standouts

The following players stood out by performing especially well in training camp. The coaching staff labeled these players as the most pleasant surprises in camp, as each showed significant improvement. Here are Coach Haslett's remarks:

Adrian McPherson, QB: Adrian is really coming along nicely, but still needs time to develop (69 OVR -> 71 OVR)
Mike Karney, FB: He may be the slowest man alive, but he's a good lead blocker, and is a real hoss (76 OVR -> 76 OVR)
Donte Stallworth, WR: He's always been fast, but now his hands are catching up to his feet (83 OVR -> 85 OVR)
Will Smith, DE: Will is turning into a beast, he's so quick to get around the tackle it's scary (85 OVR -> 87 OVR)
Jordan Beck, OLB: He's really flourishing in his new role as outside linebacker, he always seems to be around the ball (79 OVR -> 81 OVR)
Josh Bullocks, FS: Josh shows surprising coverage skills for a rookie (78 OVR -> 79 OVR)


Position Battles

There are several spots on the depth chart that still aren't set after training camp. The following players' preseason performances will determine who gets the nod.

Slot Receiver
Players: Az-Zahir Hakim, Devery Henderson, Michael Lewis
Preview: Hakim was brought in to fill the void left by the departure of Jerome Pathon. He will likely battle it out with speedster Devery Henderson for the #3 spot. Lewis is a longshot, and will likely stick to kick returning duties.
Tight End
Players: Boo Williams, Shad Meier, Ernie Conwell
Preview: Boo Williams will likely end up the main receiving threat, with Conwell the main blocker, but don't count out Shad Meier.
Right Tackle
Players: Jammal Brown, Spencer Folau
Preview: Jammal Brown is the tackle of the future, but is the future now?
Right End
Players: Darren Howard, Will Smith
Preview: The Saints have 3 stud defensive ends, and only 2 spots to play them in. Howard should get the starting nod, but Smith will see his fair share of action.
Left OLB
Players: Sedrick Hodge, Jordan Beck
Preview: These 2 speedy linebackers will duke it out for a starting spot. Hodge is the favorite, simply because Beck still has to learn the system.
Right OLB
Players: Courtney Watson, Colby Bockwoldt
Preview: Bockwoldt is a real longshot to win this one.
Corner #2
Players: Fred Thomas, Jason Craft, Fakhir Brown
Preview: Fred Thomas is the incumbent starter here, but has he lost a step? He will be pushed hard by the younger and quicker Craft and Brown.


More News from Camp

• The Saints are still no closer to reaching a long term deal with defensive end Darren Howard. Howard is looking for a 4 year contract in the $30 million range, while the Saints are reluctant to give up that much, especially with Will Smith waiting in the wings.
• LeCharles Bentley's contract is also up after this year, and both sides have agreed to wait until the season's over to begin negotiations. Bill Matic has made it clear that re-signing the young center will be a priority once the season ends.
• Mike McKenzie has really stepped up as a leader for this defense. So much so, that he has been named defensive captain for the 2005 season. The other two team captains, Joe Horn and Aaron Brooks, come as no surprise.

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Preseason Results

Week	Opponent	Result
1	vs Seattle	W 27-10
2	@ New England	L 12-7
3	vs Baltimore	W 23-14
4	@ Oakland	T 24-24

Preseason Standouts

The following players really made an impression on the coaches over the 4 preseason games. Here's Haslett's remarks:

Will Smith, DE: We're gonna need to find ways to get him on the field (87 OVR -> 89 OVR)
Brian Young, DT: Brian's gonna be a real rock in the middle of our line (83 OVR -> 85 OVR)
Jonathan Sullivan, DT: He's finally making use of his potential (79 OVR -> 81 OVR)
T.J. Slaughter, MLB: T.J. really adds some toughness to our D (75 OVR -> 78 OVR)
Jason Craft, CB: Jason's earned the opportunity to start the season opener (81 OVR -> 83 OVR)
Mel Mitchell, SS: Looks like we're deeper at safety than we thought (75 OVR -> 77 OVR)


Position Battle Results

Slot Receiver
Winner: Devery Henderson
Analysis: Devery narrowly beat out Az-Zahir Hakim to be the #3 receiver. He showed big play ability, which really impressed the coaches.
Tight End
Winner: Boo Williams
Analysis: As expected Williams will see the majority of the passes, while Conwell will be used primarily as a blocker.
Right Tackle
Winner: Jammal Brown
Analysis: Brown was solid in the preseason, and at time dominating. If he struggles, Folau is standing by to step in.
Right End
Winner: Darren Howard
Aalysis: Will Smith is definitely good enough to start. Unfortunately for him, so is Darren Howard.
Left OLB
Winner: Jordan Beck
Analysis: Beck continues to be one of Haslett's favorite young players. Although he appears undiscipline at times, he always seems to make a play.
Right OLB
Winner: Courtney Watson
Analysis: Colby never really had a chance here.
Second CB
Winner: Jason Craft
Analysis: This was the toughest battle to call. Craft, Brown, and Thomas could all have their turns in the starting lineup this year.


Injury Report

OLB Colby Bockwoldt: Bruised Shoulder, Questionable

Key Injuries Around the League
HB Julius Jones, Dallas: Broken jaw - Out 9 weeks
HB Fred Taylor, Jacksonville: Broken jaw - Out 8 weeks
SS Lawyer Millow, Buffalo: Broken ankle - Out 8 weeks
QB Gus Frerotte, Miami: Dislocated Elbow - Out 7 weeks
HB Jamal Lewis, Baltimore: Strained Back - Out 7 weeks
WR Jerry Porter, Oakland: High Ankle Sprain - Out 6 weeks
QB Steve McNair, Tennessee: Broken Wrist - Out 5 weeks




2005 Opening Day Roster / Depth Chart

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Saints Home Game Locations Revealed

The New Orleans Saints home game locations have been revealed. With the city of New Orleans, not to mention the Superdome itself, being in no condition to house an NFL team, the Saints needed somewhere to call home. Now it appears as if they will have 2 homes. The majority of their home games will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio or Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. The lone exception is week 2 against the Giants, when the Saints will travel to East Rutherford in what will officially be a home game.

Home Game Locations
• Week 2 (Sept. 19): New York Giants at East Rutherford, N.J.
• Week 4 (Oct. 2): Buffalo at San Antonio
• Week 6 (Oct. 16): Atlanta at San Antonio
• Week 8 (Oct. 30): Miami at Baton Rouge, La.
• Week 9 (Nov. 6): Chicago at Baton Rouge, La.
• Week 13 (Dec. 4): Tampa Bay at Baton Rouge, La.
• Week 15 (Dec. 18): Carolina at Baton Rouge, La.
• Week 16 (Dec. 24): Detroit at San Antonio
San Antonio - Alamodome
Baton Rouge - Tiger Stadium


Complete 2005 Schedule

Week	Opponent	Location	Play/Sim
1	@ Carolina	Charlotte, NC	Play
2	NY Giants	East Rutherford, NJ	Sim
3	@ Minnesota	Minneapolis, MN	Play
4	Buffalo	San Antonio, TX	Sim
5	@ Green Bay	Green Bay, WI	Play
6	Atlanta	San Antonio, TX	Sim
7	@ St. Louis	St. Louis, MO	Play
8	Miami	Baton Rouge LA	Sim
9	Chicago	Baton Rouge LA	Play
10	BYE
11	@ New England	Foxboro, MA	Sim
12	@ NY Jets	East Rutherford, NJ	Play
13	Tampa Bay	Baton Rouge, LA	Sim
14	@ Atlanta	Atlanta, GA	Play
15	Carolina	Baton Rouge, LA	Sim
16	Detroit	San Antonio, TX	Sim
17	@ Tampa Bay	Tampa, FL	Play

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Howard's Days Numbered?

The Saints seem to have given up on reaching a long term deal with standout defensive end Darren Howard. The two sides have apparently broken off talks after failing to come any closer to a deal.

The Saints have reportedly already received several calls from teams interested in acquiring Howard. The Saints have denied that they are actively shopping Howard, though with him looking to be halfway out the door already, you'd have to think they'd at least be willing to listen to offers. Teams rumored to have contacted the Saints include the Bears, Browns, Rams, Broncos and Vikings.

A source close to the team said they might be willing to move Howard in return for a speedy linebacker or a early darft pick. The Saints figure to remain quiet until something actually materializes.

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Saints Take Out Delhomme, Panthers 35-23

The New Orleans Saints opened their season with a win at Carolina thanks to Chris Weinke's five interceptions. Weinke was playing in place of starter Jake Delhomme, who was knoced out of the game by Charles Grant on the Panthers' first drive of the game. Delhomme went out with a torn pectoral and will miss next week's Super Bowl rematch against New England.

Aaron Brooks threw four touchdowns and Deuce McAllister gained 184 yards on the ground to lead the Saints offense. At one point the Saints were up 28-3 and later 35-10, before the Panthers tacked on two late passing touchdowns. The Saints opened scoring in the first quarter with a 2 yard pass to Joe Horn. The Panthers answered with a field goal before the Saints reeled off 21 straight point to put the game out of reach. Brooks completed touchdown passes to Boo Williams, Donte Stallworth, and Devery Henderson to account for the 21 points.

On the defensive side of the ball, Jay Bellamy led the way with 2 interceptions and a sack, and was named player of the game. The other bright spot was defensive tackle Brian Young who took advantage of the double teams drawn by Charles Grant to the tune of 3 sacks. The Saints had 7 sacks as a team to go along with their 5 interceptions.

"I thought we plyed well", coach Haslett said. "Our defense had some big plays and obviously Aaron and Deuce both had big games on the other side of the ball. It's good to start the season off with a W." The Saints travel to New York next week to play the Giants in what will technically be considered a home game.

@ TEAMS 1 2 3 4 OT F New Orleans 7 7 14 7 35 Carolina 0 3 7 13 23 Visitor GAME STATS Home 375 Total Yds 409 13 First Downs 13 186 Rushing Yds 83 44-0 Rushes-Fumb 17-1 1 Rushing TD 0 189 Passing Yds 326 10-21-4 Comp-Att-TD 18-38-3 1 Interceptions 5 7-16 3rd Down Conv. 2-12 25:12 Time of Pos. 22:48

PLAYER OF THE GAME Jay Bellamy Strong Safety New Orleans Saints Age: 33 Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 DEFENSIVE STATISTICS TKLS SKS FF INT 5 1 0 2

Saints Brooks: 10-21-205, 4TD, 1 INT Deuce: 37-184, 1 TD Stallworth: 3-88, 1 TD Brian Young: 4 TKL, 3 SACKS *Jay Bellamy: 5 TKL, 2 INT, 1 SACK *player of the game

Panthers Weinke: 16-36-317, 3TD, 5 INT Goings: 15-76, 1 catch 88 yds, TD Colbert: 3-63 TD Rucker: 5 TKL, 3 TFL, 1 SACK Thomas Davis: 10 TKL, 1 TFL

Notes
Jay Bellamy was named NFL defensive player of the week for week 1.
Charles Grant went down in the 2nd quarter after taking a knock to his chcest, but was able to return in the 4th.

Injury Report
Colby Bockwoldt - Bruised Shoulder - Questionable

Other NFC South Scores
Buccaneers	16
Vikings	34
Eagles	24
Falcons	28

Manning Breaks Leg
Terrible news out of Indianapolis: Peyton Manning broke his tibia after throwing only 6 passes and will be sidelined for 10 weeks. This is a disaster for a Colts team many picked to go to the Super Bowl. Manning, coming off his record breaking season in which he threw 49 touchdown passes, tried to be upbeat about the situation. "I'll be back. I know the guys can hold it down without me, and I should be back before December."

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Deuce's Wild, but Saints Still Lose (SIMMED)

Deuce McAllister put up 182 yards on the ground, and 233 total yards, but it wasn't enough as the Saints fall to the Giants 27-24.

@ TEAMS 1 2 3 4 OT F NY Giants 10 10 0 7 27 New Orleans 3 0 10 11 24 Visitor GAME STATS Home 285 Total Yds 326 17 First Downs 17 137 Rushing Yds 183 37-0 Rushes-Fumb 26-3 1 Rushing TD 2 148 Passing Yds 143 14-20-1 Comp-Att-TD 18-29-0 2 Interceptions 2 7-15 3rd Down Conv. 4-11 32:22 Time of Pos. 27:38

PLAYER OF THE GAME Deuce McAllister Running Back New Orleans SaintsAge: 26 Height: 6-1 Weight: 232 RUSHING STATISTICS Att Yds Avg. Lng TD FUM 25 182 7.3 38 2 0

Saints Brooks: 16-24 158 yds, 2 INT Deuce: 25 att 182 yds, 2TD, 6 rec 51 YDS Horn: 4 rec 75 yds Sullivan: 5 TKL, 3 SACKS, 1 FF McKinnon: 8 TKL, 1 FF

Giants Manning: 14-20 170 yds, TD, 2 INT Tiki: 19 att 90 yds Burress: 4 rec 68 yds Emmons: 3 TKL, 2 SACKS, 1 FF Strahan: 2 TKL, 2 SACKS

Injury Report
Colby Bockwoldt: Bruised Shoulder - Probable
Brian Young: Sprained Elbow - 2 weeks

Other NFC South Scores
Patriots	15
Panthers	13
Bills	7
Buccaneers	31
Falcons	21
Seahawks	40

Several Stars Go Down in Week 2

Dominick Davis, HB Texans - Foot Fracture - out for season
Troy Polamalu, SS Steelers - Broken Wrist - out for season
Santana Moss, WR Redskins - Severe Concussion - out for season
Trent Green, QB Chiefs - Knee Cartilage tear - 9 weeks

[billmatic]

Re: Marching On... A New Orleans Saints Franchise



Saints Rape & Pillage Vikings 38-24

Led by another big day from Deuce McAllister, the Saints went into Minnesota and went home with a victory, 38-24. The Saints improve their record to 2-1, while the Vikes fall to 1-2. Brad Johnson started the game for an injured Daunte Culpepper, who will miss next week's game as well. Johnson threw 3 costly picks, and the Vikings defense just couldn't keep up with the Saints.

The Saints got off to a hot start, scoring 21 first quarter points, and never looked back. Deuce scored twice on the ground, and once through the air on a 60 yard swing route. Joe Horn scored the other offensive touchdown, which was his second on the year. The Vikings were able to move the ball on the Saints defense, but killed themselves with four turnovers.

The Saints put this game away with a bizarre play early in the 4th. Trailing 31-24, Minnesota had the ball trying to tie the game up. Brad Johnson faked the handoff to the Kleinsasser, and then pitched it to Michael Bennett in the other direction. The pitch was a yard behind Bennett, who continued to run up the field, having never seen the pitch. Charles Grant scooped it up and ran 30 yards for the easiest score one could hope for.

The Saints play the Bills next week in San Antonio, and the Vikings travel to Atlanta in a battle of teams missing their starting quarterbacks.

@ TEAMS 1 2 3 4 OT F New Orleans 21 3 7 7 38 Minnesota 14 7 3 0 24 Visitor GAME STATS Home 390 Total Yds 372 17 First Downs 18 148 Rushing Yds 67 39-0 Rushes-Fumb 16-1 2 Rushing TD 0 242 Passing Yds 305 14-27-2 Comp-Att-TD 24-44-2 1 Interceptions 3 8-15 3rd Down Conv. 3-10 26:16 Time of Pos. 21:44

PLAYER OF THE GAME Deuce McAllister Running Back New Orleans Saints Age: 26 Height: 6-1 Weight: 221 RUSHING STATISTICS Att Yds Avg. Lng TD FUM 29 112 3.8 17 2 0

Saints Brooks: 14-27 258 yds, 2TD, 1INT McAllister: 29 att 112 yds, 2TD, 1 CTH 60 YDS, 1TD Horn: 4 rec 65 yds, 1TD McKinnon: 5 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 INT Vikings Johnson: 24-44 305 yds, 2TD, 3INT Bennett: 12 att 67 yds K. Robinson: 7 rec 112 yds B. Williams: 9 TKL Cowart: 6 TKL, 1 TFL, 1 SACK

Notes
At one point in the game, the Saints had 5 defensive backs out with minor injuries. Deuce McAllister stepped in and played a couple snaps on defense. To top his day off, he was named NFL offensive player of the week.


Injury Report
No Injuries

Other NFC South Scores
Falcons	21
Bills	25
Buccaneers	27
Packers	17
Panthers	13
Dolphins	20

Trade Rumors Persist
Word is that trade talk in New Orleans is heating up as the Saints realize that they could get a 1st round pick for their beast defensive end Darren Howard. The Saints aren't the only team on the market. The Rams have been not-so-secretly gauging interest around the league for Marshall Faulk. Minnesota also looks to be shopping Pat Williams, as they've been disappointed with the big man's performance.