Freethinker
Hall of Famer
Here's a better late than never preview of the Saints. After 6 games, the Saints look very run-of-the-mill. Could sneak into the playoffs but likely not a threat for a deep playoff run. Let's see if they hit their usual demographics totals:
Total Number of White Starters: 4
Total Number of White players on 53 man roster: 15
Grade: F+
QB: Derek Carr, Jake Luton
QB / RB / TE: Taysom Hill
T: Ryan Ramczyk, Trevor Penning, Landon Young
G: James Hurst, Nick Saldiveri
TE: Foster Moreau
DT: Bryan Bresee
WLB: Pete Werner
SAM: Ty Summers
P: Lou Hedley
PK: Blake Grupe
LS: Zach Wood
Suspended: Jake Haener (QB)
IR: Adam Prentice (FB), Ryan Connelly (LB)
Practice squad: J. P. Holtz (FB/TE), Tommy Hudson (TE), Michael Jacobson (TE), Tommy Kraemer (G), Niko Lalos (DE), Jack Heflin (DT), Daniel Sorensen (S)
So overall nearly identical from last year from a demographics perspective. One caveat, is that they might have another starter at FB. Prentice is hurt and Holtz seems to get the PS callup from time to time.
The standouts here are Derek Carr in his first year taking over for the Winston / Daulton experience last year. He should be a big upgrade but has only be ok so far. Hopefully him improves as the season goes, as maybe its taking sometime to form chemistry with the wideouts. Taysom Hill comes in a for a few snaps a game at QB, often to run the ball. Last year Hill had 575 rushing yards (6 ypc) and 7 TDs. This year he's still pretty unstoppable, averaging a little over 5 ypc but no TDs yet. The Saints are at their best when he's heavily featured in the offense. On the offensive line, the Saints are an inverse Caste setup. Two excellent White tackles and all non-Whites on the interior. Ramczyk is a 3 time all-pro and another great lineman from Wisconsin. Penning is a former 1st round pick and a 1st year starter. He's got a mean streak and should be a good one.
On defense, Pete Werner starts again and is one of the premier WLBs in the NFL. His numbers are definitely impacted playing next to a legit tackling machine in Demario Davis. If the 34 year old Davis hangs them up soon, I wonder if Werner move to MLB and ascend to an annual top tackler? Bresee is a rare White DT selected in the 1st round. The Clemson alumni was also a top recruit out of HS who never dominated in college like we hoped, mostly due to injury. I think he works his way towards starter reps as the season progresses. Too talented not to.
It is interesting to note that the PS is nearly half White. Sorensen has been called up, as recently as this past week, using the "standard elevation". I'd love to also see Niko Lalos or Jack Heflin get their chance as well. Lalos in particular, as he was one of the most dominate defensive players during the preseason. He literally couldn't do anymore to earn a spot on the 53 man roster. If only he had some of that magical "upside".
Total Number of White Starters: 4
Total Number of White players on 53 man roster: 15
Grade: F+
QB: Derek Carr, Jake Luton
QB / RB / TE: Taysom Hill
T: Ryan Ramczyk, Trevor Penning, Landon Young
G: James Hurst, Nick Saldiveri
TE: Foster Moreau
DT: Bryan Bresee
WLB: Pete Werner
SAM: Ty Summers
P: Lou Hedley
PK: Blake Grupe
LS: Zach Wood
Suspended: Jake Haener (QB)
IR: Adam Prentice (FB), Ryan Connelly (LB)
Practice squad: J. P. Holtz (FB/TE), Tommy Hudson (TE), Michael Jacobson (TE), Tommy Kraemer (G), Niko Lalos (DE), Jack Heflin (DT), Daniel Sorensen (S)
So overall nearly identical from last year from a demographics perspective. One caveat, is that they might have another starter at FB. Prentice is hurt and Holtz seems to get the PS callup from time to time.
The standouts here are Derek Carr in his first year taking over for the Winston / Daulton experience last year. He should be a big upgrade but has only be ok so far. Hopefully him improves as the season goes, as maybe its taking sometime to form chemistry with the wideouts. Taysom Hill comes in a for a few snaps a game at QB, often to run the ball. Last year Hill had 575 rushing yards (6 ypc) and 7 TDs. This year he's still pretty unstoppable, averaging a little over 5 ypc but no TDs yet. The Saints are at their best when he's heavily featured in the offense. On the offensive line, the Saints are an inverse Caste setup. Two excellent White tackles and all non-Whites on the interior. Ramczyk is a 3 time all-pro and another great lineman from Wisconsin. Penning is a former 1st round pick and a 1st year starter. He's got a mean streak and should be a good one.
On defense, Pete Werner starts again and is one of the premier WLBs in the NFL. His numbers are definitely impacted playing next to a legit tackling machine in Demario Davis. If the 34 year old Davis hangs them up soon, I wonder if Werner move to MLB and ascend to an annual top tackler? Bresee is a rare White DT selected in the 1st round. The Clemson alumni was also a top recruit out of HS who never dominated in college like we hoped, mostly due to injury. I think he works his way towards starter reps as the season progresses. Too talented not to.
It is interesting to note that the PS is nearly half White. Sorensen has been called up, as recently as this past week, using the "standard elevation". I'd love to also see Niko Lalos or Jack Heflin get their chance as well. Lalos in particular, as he was one of the most dominate defensive players during the preseason. He literally couldn't do anymore to earn a spot on the 53 man roster. If only he had some of that magical "upside".
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