Jonathan Vilma Is the New Sheriff in New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints, after a disappointing 2007 season, knew they had to do something to shore up the defensive side of the ball. The first priority was to find a leader for the defense.

The Saints' front office had a good example to go off of. They needed to find someone that fit the profile of the most prolific linebacking corps to date, the famous "Dome Patrol." They knew they could never find four guys, so they concentrated on one.

Fortunately, they did not have to look far, as Jonathan Vilma was their guy. Vilma was still rehabbing a knee injury, and the Jets were looking at trading him, since he did not fit in with the new 3-4 scheme Eric Mangini brought over when he became the new head coach of the Jets.

It only took a conditional draft pick to get Jonathan Vilma in a Black and Gold uniform.

Why did the Saints go after a hurt and still rehabbing player? Because Jonathan Vilma is a winner, from his college days as a Miami Hurricane, winning a national championship, to being selected the Defensive Rookie of the Year and making the Pro Bowl.

Vilma brings intensity, leadership, and passion to the game, with players that respect him across the league.

Since joining the Saints, his progress has been slow, but deliberate. Coach Payton knows what Vilma is capable of, and getting him out on the field to early could cause a set back.

Vilma made his first appearance last week against the Houston Texans. It was nothing spectacular, but it was a chance to knock the rust off since last playing over 10 months ago.

Vilma has some big shoes to fill. He has worn No. 51 since college. Saints fans, however know No. 51 by another name: Sam Mills. Mills played in five Pro Bowls with the Saints, and was one of the smallest men to ever play linebacker in the NFL. Even though he was small, he packed a big punch, and players knew when Sam Mills hit them.

Coaches, and especially Saints fans, are hoping Vilma can rekindle the flame that has all but faded since Sam Mills and the rest of the "Dome Patrol" departed the Superdome.

I, for one, am excited and looking forward to seeing Jonathan Vilma lead the Saints' defense in 2008. I know he will, without a doubt, push the others around him to rise up and give cause to what once was a respected and revered defensive unit that no team liked playing against.

A personal note to Jonathan Vilma:

I would be lying if I said we the fans are not expecting you to perform miracles. We are expecting a lot from you this year. We expect to see you patrol the field and strike fear into anyone that lines up across you. We expect to see you leading a defense that was one of the worst in the league last year and make them better and to lead by example.

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