Bleacher Report - Articles by Chris Ory

New Orleans Saints: What an Amazing Start

Chris Ory — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:20:49 -0400

Who would have thought that the Saints could have such a strong start. New Orleans offense came out firing on all cylinders this season blowing teams out.

With Scoring 120 points in three games the Saints are on pace to score 640 points. Drew Brees could throw for 70+ touchdowns and another 5,000 yard season.

For the first time since 2006, New Orleans will start the first quarter of the season with a winning record. The main reason why this has been able to be accomplished is that New Orleans has a strong running game.

The Saints leading rusher for the first two games was out last week against the Bills. Yet New Orleans was still able to rush for over 200 yards last week. Pierre Thomas didn't touch the ball till the second half and in 14 attempts rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Yes New Orleans did not show the type of offense they played with in the first two games of the season. Saints fans now know that if Brees has a sub-par game that there running attack can bail them out.

So the Saints currently sit at the top of the NFC South at 3-0 and will facing a strong 3-0 Jets team this coming week. No doubt we will see another strong performance from the Saints running game.

Who is the Best Running Back in New Orleans Saints' History?

Chris Ory — Thu, 14 May 2009 19:48:21 -0400

New Orleans has seen their fair share of running backs since there inception into the league in 1967. This article will bring up the running backs who have made the biggest impact on the team.

Dalton Hilliard

Dalton Hilliard was drafted in the second round as the 31st from LSU. Hillard is a home grown product out of Patterson, Louisiana. He managed to play football in Louisiana for his whole career.

Hillard is third on the list of Saints' all time rushing yards. He rushed for 4164 yards. He had a total of 53 touchdowns. He also averaged 3.7 yards a carry.

His best season was 1982 when he rushed for a total of 1,262 yards. He also managed to have a very impressive 18 touchdowns that season.

He would not be able to repeat his success though. He was plagued with injury's for the remainder of his career.

He retired from professional football after the 1993 season. He is listed in the Saints' Hall Of Fame.

If Hillard would of stayed healthy he might of become the Saints' all time leading rusher. He was a key part in there playoff runs in the late '80s and early '90s

His nephew Ike Hillard now plays for Tampa Bay.

George Rogers

George Rogers was the first Heisman trophy winner that New Orleans would select. He was selected with the highest honor as the number one draft pick.

In his rookie season he rushed for an amazing 1,647 yards which became a NFL rookie rushing record. That year he earned rookie of the year honors and was also selected to his first pro-bowl.

He earned another trip to the Pro-Bowl in 1982. He has been given credit for helping New Orleans come out of there perennial cellar.

Rogers while playing for The Saints rushed for 4,267 yards. He did this in only four seasons with New Orleans. Also in his career with the Saints he managed to avg 4.2 yards a carry. He also rushed for 27 touchdowns while playing for the team.

Grant it he only played for New Orleans from 1981-1984 he was the team's all-time leading rusher until another great running back joined the team, who will be mentioned later in this article.

He would leave New Orleans after the '84 season and would play three more seasons for the Redskins and would wind up winning a Super Bowl under coach Gibbs.

If New Orleans would have kept Rogers on the team the Saints might have won their first playoff game in 1987. Rogers is also listed in the Saints' Hall Of Fame.

Deuce McAllister

What a player he was for New Orleans. McAllister was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2001 draft. He was a college star at Ole Miss.

Deuce did not play that much in his rookie season for New Orleans since Ricky Williams was currently still with the team. In 2002 Deuce got his shot. Ricky Williams was traded to the Dolphins for numerous draft picks.

In 2002 Deuce rushed for over 1,000 yards. He would manage to do this for three years in a row. This would be a Saints first.

In 2003 Deuce managed to accumulate over 2,000 yards of total offense. He had 1,641 yards rushing and 516 yards receiving. This could honestly be the best year any Saints player ever had to this point.

In 2005 with hurricane Katrina devestating New Orleans, Deuce was there for his city. He really loved his team and his fans. He was against owner Tom Benson wanting to move the team away to San Antonio. You would see him helping out in anyway he could.

Unfortunately his off the field success that year did not translate to on the field success. Deuce fell to his first knee injury which ended his season. New Orleans would only manage to pull off a 3-13 season.

Deuce was looking forward to the 2006 season to prove himself once more to the team and fans he loved. In April the Saints selected a different type of running back. Reggie Bush was selected with the second overall pick in the draft after Houston passed him up.

The one,two punch of Deuce and Bush proved to be something to reckon with. New Orleans had one of a season. Deuce proved he could bounce back from his knee injury and helped lead New Orleans into having the number one ranked offense.

Even with having a second running back to split time with Deuce still rushed for over 1,000 yards. He would help lead the Saints to the first ever NFC Championship game. Unfortunately as all Saints fans know they were defeated by the Bears.

After coming off the team's best ever finish, Deuce was ready for the 2007 season. 2007 wouldnt be so kind to McAllister though. He would fall to his second knee injury in just three years. He only played in three games that season.

Deuce never seemed to return to complete form in the 2008 season. He did tho break the record for all time touchdown scorer for the Saints that season. He is also the all-time leading rusher for the Saints.

Deuce in his career rushed for 6,096 yards, 49 touchdowns and 4.3 yards a carry.

In 2009 Deuce was released from the team. He will always be remembered by fans as the best running back to play for this franchise. Deuce really did bleed black and gold for this team. New Orleans may never find another player with his type of heart.

My rankings would be McAllister, Rogers, Hilliard in that order.

Who Is the Best Wide Reciver In Saints History?

Chris Ory — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:56:12 -0400

So I had a year by year breakdown of the Saints almost finished and my computer crashed. So I'm writing a few articles on the best players the Saints have had.

Eric martin

In college Eric Martin was a stud. He played for the LSU Tigers, and held many records for them. He was the first LSU player to be selected to the college All-American Team.

Despite his prolific college career, Martin went all the way to the seventh round without being drafted. He was the 27th wide out taken and was selected by New Orleans in the 1985 draft.

Martin helped quarterback Bobby Hebert lead the Saints to the wildcard playoff round for the first time ever. They lost to the vikings.

Martin was selected to the pro-bowl the next season. He caught over 1,083 yards and seven touchdowns when he was selected.

Martin would wind up playing nine seasons for New Orleans and one for the Chiefs.

Martin retired with having almost every Saints' receiving record. He still holds most receiving yards in a career with 7,854, and most receptions with 532.

Joe Horn

Horn could arguably be the best receiver ever to put on black and gold .

He didn't start off in black and gold. He was drafted by Kansas City a year after Eric Martin retired from them. He didn't have that great of a career with the Chiefs.

In 2000 Joe Horn was a free agent. He was brought in for workouts by Jim Haslett. Coach Haslett fell head over heals for him.

Horn was immediately put into a starting slot. Horn would never look back as he enjoyed a great career for New Orleans. He has the most 100 yard games for the Saints with 27. He holds the single season receiving yards record at one yard shy of 1,400. He also is tied with Marques Colston for the most touchdowns in a season with 11. He had caught 50 touchdowns for the Saints.

Horn was selected to the pro-bowl four out of the six years that he was a Saint.

He has helped out with recovery efforts in New Orleans with other Saints players like Deuce McAlister and Charles Grant.

Horn might have been a "loud player," but in no way was ever a cancer to a team like other wider receivers that have amazing talent.

Horn was released in 2007 after refusing to take a cut in pay. He currently does not play for a team after spending the '07 season with the Falcons.

Danny Abramowicz

The first great Wide receiver in Saints history. He was drafted in the 17th round of the 1967 draft from Xavier University.

His best season would most likely be the 1969 season when he would post 73 catches 1,015 yards and seven touchdowns.

Abramowicz also didn't have successful quarterbacks throwing to him like Eric Martin and Joe Horn. He ranks third all-time in receiving for the Saints with 4,875 yards.

At the time of his retirement, he had record of catching at least one pass for 105 games straight.

He was voted All-Pro in 1969. He was also ranked in the top 10 in receptions and receiving yards from 1968-1970. He also ,in '68 and '70, was ranked in the top 10' in touchdowns.

He would also become the Saints' Offensive Coordinator under Mike Dikta

If Abramowicz had the talent at quaterback like Horn or Martin had, he might be a Hall of Fame player. Although, that is something we will never find out.

My rankings would be Abramowicz, Horn, and then Martin, in that order.

Steve Gleason, We Miss You

Chris Ory — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:09:32 -0400

New Orleans misses their hard tackler on special teams. Steve Gleason always put his body on the line with every play he was involved in.

He was originally signed by the Colts in 2000. They wound up cutting him later that offseason.

Jim Haslett had him come to training camp. Gleason earned himself a spot on special teams. The Washington State safety felt like he had to prove himself to the world after going undrafted.

Gleason might have only had 59 tackles. He played, though, in 89 games. His tackles came only off of special teams.

In 2006, after the Saints had not played a game in the Dome in 21 months, Gleason became a super hero.

This game was the most intense game many fans have said they have ever attended. Gleason set the tone for this game and for the season. All it took was one play.

Gleason, on prime-time football, made the biggest play of his career. He blocked the punt by Atlanta. The first punt of the night. Curtis Deloatch returned that punt for a touchdown.

New Orleans made it to the NFC Championship game. Many believe that the blocked punt is the reason that the Saints made it so far into the playoffs that year.

Gleason retired only because he had to. He has a neck injury and Gleason says that it is not worth the surgery to play again.

Be it fate, be it some kind of sports magic. Gleason carried the city on his back for one play. He might not have the numbers of a Hall of Fame player. Gleason, though, is in the Hall of Fame of many Saints' fans hearts.

New Orleans Saints' Best Quarterback in History

Chris Ory — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:00:57 -0400

There have been many quarterbacks to play for the Saints. The team was formed in 1967. Since then, there have been three amazing quarterback's to play for them.

Archie Manning

A lot of non-Saints fans have called Manning a draft bust. The first six seasons were horrible for Manning. However, he re-signed with Saints and stuck with it. He was 16-43-1 in those first six seasons.

Then in his seventh season, with new coach Dick Nolan, who had won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs, Manning saw the best season of his career so far. They drafted Wes Chandler, who would become Manning's favorite target to throw to.

In his seventh season, he lead the Saints to their best ever record of 7-9. Manning also made the pro bowl that season for the first time. He was also named NFL Man of the Year.

Archie would make the pro bowl the next season also. He lead the Saints to an 8-8 record. They were just one win shy of making the playoffs this season. Many fans were ecstatic about the progress of the team, and Manning, since Dick Nolan had arrived.

Then came 1980. This season was the death of the Saints. It was the birth of the Aints. Fans wore paper bags to games. The team hit a deep skid in their progression this season.

Manning did have a 62 percent completion percentage. He did throw for 3,716 yards. He did throw 23 touchdowns. The thing that hurt him tho was throwing 20 interceptions.

Manning would last one more season after this in New Orleans but barely saw any snaps. He was traded by Bum Phillips to Houston for an Offensive lineman.

He threw for 23911 yards, 125 touchdowns,173 interceptions. He was one of the best quarterbacks to never see the playoffs.

Bobby Hebert - The Cajun Cannon

Bobby Hebert Joined the Saints in 1985 and would share snaps 'til 1988.

He was one of the main reasons that New Orleans made there first playoff appearance in 1987—twenty years after the team was formed. The team tho in the playoffs collapsed against the Vikings.

The team was blown out. Fans tho were pleased with the way that Coach Mora was bringing the team up. Bobby Hebert became his target to build around after this season.

In 1991 he lead the Saints to there first ever NFC West Division Champion. He managed to share time with Steve Walsh that season. Both quarterbacks pretty much had the same stats that year. Steve Walsh threw for 1638 yards, 11 touchdowns, 6 interceptions. Hebert threw for 1676 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions.

The main difference between these quarterbacks was that when Hebert was in the game, the Saints went 9-2. That means that without Hebert, the Saints would have only won two games that season.

In 1992, Hebert lead the Saints as a full-time starter for a repeat performance. They won the West again. Yet they lost yet again in the first round of the playoffs.

The next season Hebert was no longer with the team. He signed with arch-rival Atlanta. He made his first pro bowl with them in 1993.

He is currently a radio personalty for the Saints on WWL radio 880 am. He has been added to the Saints Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

He threw for 21683 yards, 135 touchdowns, and 124 interceptions.

Drew Brees

In 2006, a year after Katrina devastated the gulf coast, Owner Tom Benson brought the Saints back to New Orleans. He fired Coach Jim Haslett and brought in offensive-minded Sean Payton to lead the Saints.

Sean Payton cleaned house and got rid of quarterback Aaron Brooks. Sean decided to take a gamble on quarterback Drew Brees. Brees had just come off of shoulder surgery. Was not resigned with Chargers, who had decided to go with Phillip Rivers.

Drew Brees had something to prove to his critics. He lead the Saints threw an amazing season. Which really started with the Saints home opener in the dome that year. They smashed Atlanta in the face on Monday Night Football.

He wound up bringing the team all the way to the NFC Championship. Unfortunately New Orleans would loose that game. Even with the team loosing to the Bears, it would go down as the greatest season in Saints History.

Since arriving in New Orleans, Brees has Carried not just this team, but the whole city on his back.

Brees since becoming a Saint has had the three best seasons ever as a QB for this team. He has passed in three seasons for 13,953 yards, 88 touchdowns, and only 46 interceptions.

Last season he had almost the best season by a quarterback in the league ever. He came real close to breaking Dan Marino's single season passing record. Threw for 5,069 yards.

Brees has become the heartbeat of New Orleans. Fans are looking forward to many more years from this quarterback.

Overall, with leading his team to the playoffs three out of five years, and winning the NFC West twice, one would have to name Bobby Hebert as the best Saints quarterback in history.

Drew Brees, though, has the potential to pass him up on the list. We also can not disregard Archie Manning and the valiant effort that he did when he had no team around him.

Who Dat At a Glance| Should New Orleans Pursue Leroy Hill

Chris Ory — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:48:56 -0400

On Saturday April 25th the Seahawks selected Aaron Curry with their first round draft pick. On Sunday April 26th they removed the franchise tag from Leroy Hill. This makes Hill a free agent.

GM Tim Ruskell on Saturday said that the Seahawks were still pursuing a long term deal with Hill. This Sunday it was confirmed that the former Clemson stud was no longer franchise tagged and able to negotiate contracts with other teams.

This is where the New Orleans Saints could come into play. This draft weekend the Saints did draft a linebacker, but no one really seems to have heard much about him. No one should question the Saints scouts in there ability to find hidden gems in the draft, but how could the New Orleans pass on a player like Hill.

He has played, and was a major contributor, on a Super Bowl team. This player is still young and would be great with Fujita and Vilma. New Orleans needs to go after this player as he would make that front seven a complete wrecking ball.

One of the only reasons New Orleans could pass on him would be his off the field issues. He has been caught with narcotics once before.

The Saints have shown major signs off life this off-season on the defensive side of the football. So it might not be long until fans of the Saints see this man dressed in black and gold.

Who Dat At A Glance | Devery Henderson The Next Saints Breakout Player

Chris Ory — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:09:36 -0400

This is my first instalment of my new column and the first time I have done something like this.

With Lance Moore having his breakout season last year, and Marques Colston having his the year before that, one believes that it is time for Devery Henderson to break out for over a 1,000 yards this year.

Henderson, since becoming a Saint, has averaged over 21.6 yards per catch. He has always been great for the big play. At any time he catches a pass he could go 80 yards for a touchdown.

It doesn't hurt to have developed a chemistry with a quarterback like Drew Brees ether. Drew has been able to trust Henderson when he feels the need to throw it deep into the field.

With the chance of Lance Moore still being picked up by another team, Henderson could move into that No. 2 slot. But even if Moore stays with the Saints, fans might see the black and gold resemble something like the Arizona Cardinals, with three receivers catching for over 1,000 yards.

It's time for the former LSU star to have his breakout year. Saints fans, be ready for one hell of season from the black and gold.

Knowshon Moreno Has a Good Chance to Become a New Orleans Saint

Chris Ory — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:36:24 -0400

With the draft coming up in two weeks, the Saints have a chance to draft another running back. Should the Saints pursue this? In this article, we will see why Moreno could become a Saint, and why he should.

Granted, the Saints have two capable running backs, but do they have someone that can be the powerhouse back that they need? They have been grooming Pierre Thomas to take control of the backfield. Now that Deuce McCalister is gone, the Saints find themselves with the 14th pick in the draft and a spot at running back that has not been filled.

If the big-time defensive players are off the board and the Saints haven't executed a trade on draft day, then there is good chance that they will use that 14th pick on Knowshon Moreno.

Remember the last time the Saints drafted a Heisman winning running back? A few years later, they drafted another running back out of the S.E.C. I don't think the Saints or their fans were upset with how that draft pick turned out.

That year, when they drafted Deuce McCalister, they were in need of defense. Now, nobody is saying that the Saints don't need defense, but why not take a chance on a power back from Georgia? They need someone who can split the tackles. Why not run with a three-headed attack like the Giants did last year? Saints' fans would be happy with their own version of earth, wind, and fire.

Sean Payton has said that the most difficult trait to evaluate in a player also might be the most critical determinant of success. It's how much football means to that player.

Moreno loves football. He is highly competitive. NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com has said he has developed into a leader-by-example type of player. Now with that being said, the Saints need a leader at that roster spot being that they lost one in McCalister.

Now there is no way Moreno will be graded on the same level as McCalister, but one day, maybe Saints' fans can be speaking his name in the same sentence as McCalister.

Have the New Orleans Saints Done Enough This Offseason?

Chris Ory — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:14:19 -0400

The Saints have been very active on the defensive side of the football this offseason, but is it enough?

Should New Orleans have been more active pursuing higher quality free agents? Should they go defense in the first round of the draft?

The Saints need to get better in the secondary, considering they are playing the AFC East and the NFC East next season. There are too many threats in those divisions for the Saints to feel that they are comfortable with what they have now that they have added they players they did this offseason.

Think about it. They play the Giants, Cowboys, Patriots, Eagles, and yes, even the Bills, who just acquired Terrell Owens.

With the defensive line they have, they also could be run all over. Charles Grant and Will Smith both need to get back to their "A-Game". Sedrick Ellis is proved to be worth a his draft pick last year.

They need another good defensive tackle so that they can pull the double team off of Ellis.The addition of Bobby McCray last year proved to be worth it. The question is can he keep it up?

Can Gregg Williams give them a defense? Or is this another big name coach that the Saints have hired that is going to fail?

No Saints fan wants to think like this. But the fact of the matter is that these are serious problems that need to be addressed this offseason.

Jay Cutler in the NFC North with Aaron Rodgers: The Heat Just Went Up

Chris Ory — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 00:41:10 -0400

I got home from work tonight and saw the Cutler trade. I was shocked to see that the Bears were actually able to pull this off, but I'm not writing about the trade itself but the potential to see an amazing rivalry revived with two top tier quarterback's in the NFC north now.

Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler both are very young quarterbacks. Rodgers, in his first year starting, threw for 4,038 yards and 28 touchdowns. No one else last year threw for even close to that in the NFC North.

Cutler has been developing nice over the past three years. People had even said that he had become the next Elway in Denver. This quarterback has an amazing arm. He will also turn those mediocre wide receivers into better ones. Cutler will definitely help in the development of Greg Olsen at tight end, being that position was one of his favorite targets in Denver. He also will be able to take advantage of Devin Hester playing wide receiver because of his quick release and strong arm ability.

The rivalry between these two teams should be amazing to watch for the next decade. Any real football fan should be pleased with seeing this trade happen, just for the fact of seeing two great quarterbacks face off against each other at least twice a year.

With this being said, the Bears should pursue another former Ram this offseason in Torry Holt. He would become a clutch receiver for Cutler. He will also be the No. 1 receiver in Chicago if this were to happen.

Think about it. Tory Holt, Devin Hester, and Greg Olson for Cutler to throw to. Cutler would definitely have the tools set in place to have a great offense if this were to happen.

So Football fans, rejoice. Our decade gets to see a great rivalry with two great quarterbacks.

New Orleans Saints Poised To Become NFL Powerhouse

Chris Ory — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:45:43 -0400

Is it possible that the Saints have moved into the powerhouse category?

With the offseason defensive acquisitions that the Saints have made, it is quite possible that they are now a top three team in the NFC. With the hiring of Gregg Williams this offseason as well, the Saints have shown they are committed to winning football games.

Three of the biggest moves came on defense: The re-signing of linebacker Jonathan Vilma and signing both Darren Shaper and Jabari Greer. These players should make a huge impact on the defense this coming season, as all three players will assume starting roles.

Jason David will most likely assume the nickel back role where, believe it or not, he excelled last season. He did lead the team in interceptions. Also, with Tracy Porter returning from last year's injury, the Saints get back some much-needed depth at cornerback.

The only question on defense would be the defensive line. Will Charles Grant, Will Smith, and Sedrick Ellis be able to get to the quarterback? Will they be able to stop the run? With Williams coaching, they should return to top form under his guidance. This is the main thing that can make or break the Saints' year.

Now to the offense. Last year was an amazing year for quarterback Drew Brees. No one could imagine that he would be just yards short of passing Dan Marino in the single-season passing yards record. He spread the ball out so well that he passed for more than 5,000 yards, but not a single Saint had over 1,000 yards receiving.

He also did this with injuries to both Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey. Both players missed at least four games last year. This year, with both of them healthy, Brees should pass for at least 4,500 yards, if not 5,000.

Reggie Bush should have a breakout year as well. He now has Pierre Thomas, who has gained confidence as an undrafted free agent after the end of last season. With both of these guys in the backfield, the Saints can manage to do wonders on the offensive side of the ball. There is no reason that they shouldn't have 2,500 total yards coming from the backfield.

The Saints also resigned Devery Henderson. He has averaged over 20 yards a catch the past couple of seasons. With Drew Brees having this big-play capability, the team can strike you from anywhere, and if Lance Moore is re-signed, we should see a Saints' offense that fans have never seen.

Tom Benson, for once, has given a coach the tools that he needs to win. It is now up to Sean Payton and the coaching staff to make it happen, to turn New Orleans into a powerhouse.

How We Sometimes Forget What It Means To Play Sports

Chris Ory — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:18:29 -0400

With recent events in the sporting world, it's become apparent how we forget what it means to play sports. The events of Manny being Manny, the Jay Cutler trade drama, Terrell Owens and his "get your popcorn ready" dramatics. These people need to be role models for our children.

Today I got to partake in a real sporting event. I got to watch real baseball. The thing is, it came from a group of nine-year-old kids playing in their first year of kid-pitch baseball.

It was nice going to a baseball game and people actually playing and not worrying about their next $42 million contract.

My cousin is the reason I went. He made it to his first championship all-star baseball game.

The joy in his eyes when I showed up was priceless. He told me I was going to be able to see him pitch, and since I haven't been able to make it to any games this season, he was ready to show off his stuff.

He was the starting pitcher for this game, and at this level, they play six-inning games. He let one run in the first inning, and it was from a kid stealing home on a wild pitch.

He regained his calm after that, and struck out the rest of the kids in that inning. He walked up to me after the inning and asked me, "Was that good?"

My response was, of course, one of praise. I was so proud of him, I would have been proud of him if he would have walked 15 kids in a row.

On his second time up to bat. He came up to me and told me he was going to hit this one for me. I told him to swing away.

He cracked one into deep center field, and due to an error in the outfield, he made it all the way home for an inside the park home run.

I personally started tearing up at this point. He walked up to me and asked me if that hit was good enough for me. Of course I told him it was, as I was also trying to hide my tears behind my sunglasses.

He wound up walking next time up and stealing home. His pitching was amazing as not another kid scored for the rest of the game. The final score was 9-1. The Slidell Slammers were the all-star baseball tournament champions.

It was amazing to see these kids dog-pile the last guy that made it home. They were truly happy about playing baseball for fun, and not worrying about next year's contract.

My little cousin came up to me and told me that they won because I was there to see the championship. I told him thank you, what else could I say?

So remember where we all came from. We were all at one point the kid on the little league team, just having fun. Just playing sports for the sake of playing sports.

All-Time NFC South Defensive Team

Chris Ory — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:52:42 -0400

About a week ago I wrote an article on the all-time offensive team of the NFC South. This is the sequal to that article with defense. I personally had alot of fun doing this article. It is probally because I played defense when I played football. This list compiles alot of future Hall of Fame players. The stats that are listed are from 2002 and on. Also it is only stats from when they played with there NFC South team. Some players might have only been there for a year. Others have been since the NFC South was formed. Due to trades and free angency the NFC South has seen some of the best defensive players in the game. Now this article is just who I personally think would be on this team if it was formed. I personally hope you enjoy this article as much as I did writing it. Defense wins championships.

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Darren Sharper Is Now a New Orleans Saint!

Chris Ory — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:26:15 -0400

Darren Sharper today has agreed to terms with the New Orleans Saints.

Greg Williams has secured yet another great defensive player. The Saints have made some great moves this offseason, but this has to be the best one yet.

Sharper bring's leadership to the locker room. He leads the league in interceptions among active players with 54. He brings playoff experience to the locker room on defense.

Sharper was offered a contract by Chicago, but decided to come south and out of the NFC North for the first time in his career.

Sharper is coming off of a down year for him in interceptions, being that he only had one last year. He is a huge improvement on what the Saints currently had on defense at the safety position.

His career stats are 564 tackles, 7 sacks, 54 interceptions and eight of those have been returned for a touchdown.

With this move the Saints could possibly go from a defensive ranking in the high 20s into having a top 20 to 15 defense. They also picked up a center in free agency yesterday, which means they will draft a linebacker in the upcoming draft with there 14th pick.

All-Time NFC South Offensive Team

Chris Ory — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 13:49:56 -0400

This is just the offense so far I'm working on the defense. This list compiles of who i personally think is the best in the nfc south. I used stats to justify except with lineman. Many people might think this might be a little byast with the saints players in here but they have had a top ranked offense since sean payton has been there. My favorite part of doing this was going threw the teams rosters and relizing that all teams in the nfc south seem to be week at alot of the same spots. I hope this is as much fun for people to read as it was for me to write

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Detroit Lions To Trade First Pick in NFL Draft to Denver Broncos for Jay Cutler

Chris Ory — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:49:48 -0400

Jay Cutler to become Lion? Is this what Denver really wants?

At the start of the free agent signing period, there was talk of a Jay Cutler trade that failed. The result of this has become a massive falling out with Denver.

Why would Denver risk losing a franchise quarterback for a one-year wonder? Matt Cassel showed he could run an offense last year, but what quarterback could not run an offense with Randy Moss and Wes Welker to throw to. This is not intended to put Matt Cassel down in anyway, but to ask Denver why it would ruin a relationship with a Pro Bowl quarterback.

Now, with all the drama the past two weeks, the question arises: Does Cutler now want to be traded? A possible trade could be if the Lions could bring Cutler there for their first overall draft pick. Denver could then get a fresh start with a new quarterback if they propose this trade.

Though Cutler is having troubles with the new head coach Josh McDaniels, Denver is used to having coach and quarterback troubles. Remember John Elway and the Dan Reeves feud?

The Lions would have a franchise quarterback in Cutler and he would feel like he had something to prove. Nothing better then seeing a quarterback play with a chip on his shoulder. Drew Brees showed that to the world in 2006 after San Diego decided to part ways with him.

Some may say that this could not happen, but Matt Cassel left the Patriots for only a second round draft pick. So Mcdaniels could have Cutler gone easily for the first pick in the draft.

What better player for the Lions to bring in than a proven quarterback in the NFL versus an unproven rookie. What better way for Denver to start over than with a new head coach and a top prospect quarterback.

Cutler at least deserves the chance to play for a team that wants him. He is a role model for kids and adults that suffer from health problems to which they have little to no control over. He shows them that there is nothing that can stop you from doing what you set your heart to.

New Orleans Plans To Bid on 2012 Super Bowl

Chris Ory — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:13:14 -0400

Despite the fact that Louisiana has not secured a long-term deal with the Saints' franchise to keep them here, they plan on submitting their bid on April 1st for the Super Bowl in 2012.

Before Hurricane Katrina ravished the Gulf Coast, there had been nine Super Bowls held in New Orleans, which is tied for the most with south Florida. Since Katrina though, there hasn't been talk of a Super Bowl in the city.

New Orleans needs this. We saw how many people the Arena Bowl Championship brought to the city and they held it there two years in a row. Also, last year's NBA All Star Game was a great event in the city.

Tourism is one of New Orleans' biggest sources of income. It also employs a huge workforce all around the city. It would be great if the biggest sporting event would come back to New Orleans.

Katrina affected many peoples' lives, and this city needs to be able to show the world that it can stand back on its feet. Show your love for this city and support the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

A Thank You to the San Diego Chargers from the New Orleans Saints

Chris Ory — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:14:29 -0400

So after weeks of speculation that L.T. could become a Saint, all those wishes went down the drain with his re-signing with the Chargers. This writer was one of those that tossed out some speculation about it too.

But as I sit here, I realize that we have a hidden gem here in New Orleans in Pierre Thomas. This undrafted free agent had a rushing average of over 4.0 yards per carry last year. He has also become a fan favorite here in New Orleans.

He will easily rush over 1,000 yards this season. No one is going to be able to put eight men in the box against New Orleans because of Drew Brees. Pierre Thomas will succeed where others had failed last season playing for the Saints.

No, this young man is not L.T. No, he hasn't rushed for over 10,000 yards and is not chasing Emmit Smith's record. He is very young and his potential exceeds what people know about him.

This man can run between the tackles. This means that New Orleans does not have to use Reggie Bush as an every down back. The NFL and its fans saw how that failed last year and now Bush can also be utilized as a return man. Ask the Vikings how scary that can be.

With Pierre Thomas running in the Saint's backfield, and Bush catching out of the backfield from Drew Brees, the Saints could be unstoppable on their quest to win the NFC South and hopefully a Super Bowl.

Where Will Marvin Harrison Land This Offseason?

Chris Ory — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:23:04 -0400

With Terrell Owens being signed this past weekend, that leaves Marvin Harrison left on the market as the best wideout. The main question is: What team is going to make a move to have him signed this offseason?

There are many teams looking for wide receivers this offseason, but are they looking for someone as old as Marvin Harrison?

Last year had to have been the worst season of his stellar career. Yes, he was coming off of an injury and many people think they the Colts should have kept him on the roster for one more year to see if last year was a fluke.

The 49er's could bring him in. There best receiver is Isaac Bruce and he's about to retire. Could someone see Marvin Harrison playing for a coach like Mike Singletary? It could happen.

What about the Patriots? We already know that Bill Belichick likes to bring in veterans to his team. With Harrison he would be getting a leader in the locker room and someone who would line up perfectly across from Randy Moss as a No. 2.

People may see him in Raven purple. Joe Flacco would have another clutch target to throw to and it would help him develop even more. Harrison would definitely be playing for a contender if signed with this team this offseason.

Could you see him playing as a Chief? Especially with Matt Cassel joining the team this year, it could possibly be the best fit for him. He could tutor Dwayne Bowe. Would this be the place he lands?

Would he play with the other Manning as a Giant? What a storyline that would make for sportswriters. Would he be able to calm Plaxico down if he was coming back? This would be the most intriguing place for him to wind up.

These are some places he could wind up. There are more teams that he could end up with, and maybe even back with the Colts, which is what everyone would like to see.

So one of the greatest receivers of all time is on the free agent market right now and where is he going to land?

Drew Brees is poised to become better than Peyton Manning and Tom Brady

Chris Ory — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:34:01 -0400

Drew Brees could become this decades Dan Marino, not Brady or Manning

Granted, he hasn't had the weapons that those two have had. Yet in the past two years, he has thrown for more yards then both and more touchdowns than Peyton (Brady was injured last season, so he's not included here).

Dan Marino did not have the weapons that Joe Montana did (i.e. Jerry Rice), yet Marino held all the records. Marino never won a Super Bowl, and honestly Brees probably won't because he plays for the Saints. I can say this because I'm a fan.

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are great quarterbacks and I'm not knocking them at all for what they have done. Drew Brees, though, is the best of the three. You just don't know it because he doesn't get nearly as much press, and because networks don't fall all over themselves to televise Saints games the way they do for New England and Indianapolis.

Brees is younger than Manning. He's not coming off an injury like Brady. He was a few yards shy last year of breaking Marino's single-season passing yards record. At the pace he is throwing, he will break the all-time record for attempts and completions.

Also, Brees does quite a bit of work in the community, and to him that and his team are more important than those records...just like Marino. All Brees wants to do is lead a team from a city that he has fallen in love with to the Super Bowl.

Whether he will be mentioned in the same breath as Marino remains to be seen, but he is well on the way. However, it should not be up for debate that he is mentioned in the same breath as Manning and Brady.

Jacksonville Jaguars Wide Reciver Matt Jones Back in Jail Again

Chris Ory — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 11:46:56 -0400

Jacksonville wide receiver Matt Jones is behind bars yet again after a recent random drug test. Failing due to alcohol in his system. Jones says that he drank with buddies over the weekend while playing golf.

He currently will serve a sentence in jail 'til Sunday instead of going to a six-week drug treatment program. All this after Jones was suspended by the league last year after facing cocaine charges.

Jacksonville has to be disappointed with Matt Jones. He had shown promise as a wide receiver last year before facing his three-game suspension. Now he will probably be facing more suspension as he is yet again violating the NFL's code of conduct.

The disappointment is that Matt Jones could of became a big influence and role model for kids and adults who are trying to over come drug addiction. He could of became this years Josh Hamilton of football, and shown people that there is life after drugs.

Thanks for reading my article

Please Tom Benson, Don't Be Stingy, Give LT Some Money

Chris Ory — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:51:25 -0400

Hi Mr. Benson,

I am writing you this as a die-hard Saints' fan. Over the years, we have seen you be money-hungry and not re-sign players, or go after big names in free agency.

We know you're getting old, and we hope that will change your outlook on your team.

What more could you want, now that your health isn't doing too well, than winning a Super Bowl?

We have seen you sign some big-name players since 2006 and seem to be keeping the good players on the team, unlike in the past when you would just let them leave the team and go to Super Bowls (i.e. Jake Delhomme).

So all I'm asking, Mr. Benson, is if L.T. becomes a free agent, please give him the money he deserves so that I can see my Saints win a Super Bowl.

Thank you for reading my letter Mr. Benson.

Sincerely,

Chris Ory

New Orleans Saints Pick a Great Addition to Their Defense with Greg Williams

Chris Ory — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 02:27:26 -0400

It's about time that the Saints bring in a defense cord. that can actually do something. Greg Williams is a genius with the 4-3 defense. He comes to New Orleans with the reputation of turning defenses around.

The Saints have talent on there defense its ether young or just hasn't been coached right. There are some spots that need to be addressed this season like safety, linebacker, and corner.

We have made some minor moves in free agency to bring in some talent to help at corner. I believe we need to draft a safety or linebacker with our first-round draft pick or trade it for a second-third round pick and a player.

He will ether get the Saints d-line playing like they did before grant got his big contract. If not he will pretty much retool that whole d-line around Sedrick Ellis.

If he can bring the Saints defense to a top 20 defense then the Saints will have a serious shot at winning the NFC south. Maybe even the Super Bowl.

Let's see what happens, and GO SAINTS!

Is Lance Moore Worth a Second Round Draft Pick?

Chris Ory — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:41:57 -0400

My question to all saints fan is simple. Do you think that letting another team pick up Lance Moore for a second round draft pick is worth it?

Think about it last season he was one of the main reasons that the Saints finished with the No. 1 offense other than Drew Brees. He came close to having his first 1,000 yard season and he caught as many touchdown passes as Terrell Owens did last year. He became what Marques Colston was back in 2006 for the Saints. I believe with the resigning of Henderson that the Saints should keep Lance Moore and that offense intact for one more season.

Now on the other note about the draft pick. Would you risk loosing a player like Lance Moore for an unproven player in the draft this year. Yes, I understand that the Saints don't have many draft picks this year. But last years' draft for the Saints was a great one and the moves that they have made this offseason have proven that they are ready to be this years' Arizona.

Thanks for reading my first article