Could "Beef Brisket" look so good.Most teams going into training camp would love to have the problem that the Saints have. You lose a player to a rival and have his back up already in place to take over without missing a beat. That is what happened when center Jeff Faine signed with Tampa Bay. Jonathan Goodwin stepped in and did not miss a beat. I am not talking about the off season, I am referring to the 2 games last season that Goodwin started. That showed the coaching staff that Faine was not that much of a pressing need. It did leave the team thin in the middle and that could cause problems if Goodwin gets hurt. Marquary Love is a camp body and the Saints might look for a center soon.
Guard and Tackle should be fine. Jahri Evans will receive a big payday like fellow receiver Colston. Jamar Nesbit still can play but look for Tim Duckworth to get some good playing time at left guard during the year. Andy Alleman will get a lot of work in goal line and special teams. Matt Lehr can play both guard and center. If he can stay off the juice the line will have a good backup.
Rookie Carl Nicks could stick around on the practice squad. Could be moved inside to guard and he has the size and speed to play tackle. The other four tackles have played very well together. The leader of that group is Jammal Brown. Listed at 6-6 and 313 LBS could really open holes when healthy. Last season was a down year for the pro bowl tackle as he had to play hurt most of the season. Jon Stinchcomb could be really put in the hot seat if something happens to Brees. Both backups are left handed and that could make him the primary tackle, But that is worse case talk.
Both backups might be starters for some teams in the league, which means this might be where a major cut could happen. Jermon Bushrod has played well when called on. However he is not on the same level as Brown. Zach Strief will get his shot this year. 6-7 and 349 LBS he is a mamoth of a man. He should have benifited from the off season and gotten much better foot work.
This line is going to be one of the hardest area's for Payton and staff to make a change. Center is the only spot I see that has a little bit of a problem. That should be fixed by opening day and the runners will have room to run. So here is to the "Beef Brisket" of the NFL.
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