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| Tuesday, September 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Pro Football Weekly | |||||||||||||||||||||
When targeting Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams in the NFL draft, the issue for Mike Ditka never was whether the Saints were one player away from the Super Bowl. The Saints were willing to give up the pricey sum of eight draft picks -- including two first-rounders -- because Ditka believed Williams was the one player available who could make New Orleans' entire team better the fastest.
"I'm old-fashioned," Ditka said. "If you're going to win in this league, you're going to have to run the ball. All we have to do is give (Williams) a chance, and he's going to make something happen. It's not too complicated, because all you have to do is watch him run. The more I watch him, the more I'm amazed." Ditka also expects the powerhouse rookie to have a trickle-down effect on a defense that withered on the field while slipping from fourth in the league in '97 to 26th last year. Despite scoring a team-record nine touchdowns on defense, allowing big plays became commonplace, as nine opposing quarterbacks had more than 250 yards passing. Williams missed the final three exhibition games with a sprained left ankle, and he could miss the first two regular-season contests. But if he eventually runs wild as Ditka expects, the rest of an average group on offense could suddenly look much better. It all sounds good in theory, and it's a formula that Ditka's old friend, Dan Reeves, rode to the Super Bowl in Atlanta last year. But for the Saints to have their first winning record since '92, there is little room for error. That means no more major injuries, few turnovers and a healthy dose of good fortune. Those are steep demands over a 16-game season for a team without a proven quarterback. It will be interesting to see how much of an impact one player can make. Here's a position-by-position look at New Orleans' roster:
Quarterbacks
The Saints are sticking with Hobert because he is 3-2 as a starter in New Orleans, and Ditka's offense has looked its best under his command. If Hobert falters, however, Ditka won't hesitate to go with Billy Joe Tolliver. It could be argued that the Saints have a couple of good backups but lack a true No. 1 signalcaller. Ditka doesn't need Pro Bowl numbers; he wants leadership, toughness and mistake-free play. One thing is certain: A quarterback named Billy Joe will be behind center. Grade: D+
Running backs The Saints lack a prototype fullback, but Aaron Craver has added 12 pounds of muscle in preparation for blocking duty. RB Wilmont Perry turned some heads last year and is penciled in as kick returner. RB Troy Davis is a Ditka favorite, while Lamar Smith is an enigma but likely will stick. Grade: A-
Receivers Andre Hastings, who has made spectacular catches look easy and routine grabs appear difficult while in New Orleans, will be the team's third wideout. The Saints plan to use Danan Hughes at wide receiver more than Kansas City did the last six seasons. The most productive receiver last year was TE Cam Cleeland, who led the team with 54 catches and six TDs, but he will be hard-pressed to duplicate those numbers with a bum Achilles tendon. Grade: C-
Offensive linemen Two former No. 1 picks man the right side: ORG Chris Naeole and ORT Kyle Turley. Naeole struggled last year but has bulked up to 313 pounds. Turley should be a standout after spending most of his rookie year at guard. There is little proven depth after C Tom Ackerman. Grade: B+
Defensive linemen After posting double-digit sack totals each of the previous four seasons, DLT Wayne Martin had only three in '98. Feeling spry after offseason surgery on both knees, the 11th-year veteran vows to return to his former level. DE Jared Tomich is undersized, but Ditka loves his effort and tenacity. Brady Smith, Troy Wilson and Austin Robbins are capable reserves, with Smith likely to take over Johnson's spot. Grade: C+
Linebackers Kevin Mitchell will be one of the few three-down middle linebackers in the league if he can stay healthy. He started '98 with 28 tackles in the first three games but was in and out after that with shoulder and knee injuries. Vinson Smith, 34, has replaced Keith Mitchell at strong-side 'backer. The Saints are willing to trade athleticism for experience in the quest for fewer breakdowns. Grade: C
Defensive backs Sammy Knight, who has 11 interceptions the last two seasons, moves to the SS spot to replace Chad Cota. At free safety is Rob Kelly, a former No. 2 pick who needs to improve his tackling. If Kelly disappoints, Clay gives the Saints an accomplished insurance policy. Expect Clay to push Kelly soon. Grade: C
Special teams
Material from Pro Football Weekly. | ALSO SEE Falcons preview
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