Reader: Peppermint Hippo from Mobile Alabama.
Who Dat Say: I'm not sure what that name means and, perhaps I do not want to know... Regardless, thank you for your questions. I'm glad to see that our site has already reached Saints fans in Mobile, AL.
Hippo: Should Reggie Bush see more special teams action?
Who Dat Say: YES. Depending on our RB situation (Deuce's health, new faces, etc,) I do not think he will be asked to do so on a regular basis -- but I do think he SHOULD be. Whether you think Reggie can or cannot be an every-down back, you should not question his effectiveness in open space. He is simply most dangerous when he's in the open field. What better way to put someone in open space than on punt and kickoff returns? Look at the effectiveness Devin Hester has had returning punts and kickoffs for Chicago. He has taken 11 total punts and kickoffs to the house in the past 2 years alone. I don't know if Bush can be THAT effective, but he can certainly have a similar impact relative to our starting field position. Elite production in the return game directly impacts all other phases of the game (i.e. offense, defense, momentum, etc.) I do credit Payton for getting Reggie involved in the passing game; however, I think he's missing an extraordinary opportunity by not enlisting Bush's services in the return game as well. Payton's offense has finished in the top 5 in the NFL in each of his 1st two seasons in large part because he is constantly putting pressure on the defense with his aggressive play calling. But for whatever reason, he does not apply that same aggressive philosophy to special teams -- or Bush would be returning every kick. Sure, there's the injury risk, but it's football damnit! How many games as Hester missed? If it's risk versus reward, Payton should take the latter -- the reward could be great.
Hippo: Does Deuce have any trade value?
Who Dat Say: NO. I expect Deuce to take a pay cut to remain in New Orleans. Like it or not, Deuce's best days are behind him. He has had two severe knee injuries in the past 3 seasons, and rehab will only get harder as those legs take more wear and tear. Deuce may very well be able to come back a second time, but usually other NFL teams do not make a trade until after an injured player can prove capable of returning to form -- it's just not worth the risk (i.e. RB Kevin Jones (5'11', 221) was released nearly a month ago and is still rotting on the free agent wire.) Then, there is the issue of his pay. Deuce is owed $3.6 million in base pay in 2008, and the Saints have already pushed back giving him his $1 million roster bonus until April 15th (I bet he doesn't get it then either.) All these things send up red flags to any team that would be interested in acquiring him. Lastly, the market for RB's this year is just not that good. Outside of Michael Turner, none have recieved big deals. The draft is very deep at the RB position with as many as eight RB's projected to go in the first two rounds and several other capable ones slated after that. It has created a "buy low" market for the existing RB's in the league. Supply and demand -- it's just not there.
Hippo: What is Duncan Donuts prediction for the Saints in '08?
Who Dat Say: Duncan Donuts predicts we go 12-4.
To ask the WHODATSAY team a question, just send your e-mail to whodatsayteam@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hippo: Should Reggie Bush see more special teams action?
Who Dat Say: YES. Depending on our RB situation (Deuce's health, new faces, etc,) I do not think he will be asked to do so on a regular basis -- but I do think he SHOULD be. Whether you think Reggie can or cannot be an every-down back, you should not question his effectiveness in open space. He is simply most dangerous when he's in the open field. What better way to put someone in open space than on punt and kickoff returns? Look at the effectiveness Devin Hester has had returning punts and kickoffs for Chicago. He has taken 11 total punts and kickoffs to the house in the past 2 years alone. I don't know if Bush can be THAT effective, but he can certainly have a similar impact relative to our starting field position. Elite production in the return game directly impacts all other phases of the game (i.e. offense, defense, momentum, etc.) I do credit Payton for getting Reggie involved in the passing game; however, I think he's missing an extraordinary opportunity by not enlisting Bush's services in the return game as well. Payton's offense has finished in the top 5 in the NFL in each of his 1st two seasons in large part because he is constantly putting pressure on the defense with his aggressive play calling. But for whatever reason, he does not apply that same aggressive philosophy to special teams -- or Bush would be returning every kick. Sure, there's the injury risk, but it's football damnit! How many games as Hester missed? If it's risk versus reward, Payton should take the latter -- the reward could be great.
Hippo: Does Deuce have any trade value?
Who Dat Say: NO. I expect Deuce to take a pay cut to remain in New Orleans. Like it or not, Deuce's best days are behind him. He has had two severe knee injuries in the past 3 seasons, and rehab will only get harder as those legs take more wear and tear. Deuce may very well be able to come back a second time, but usually other NFL teams do not make a trade until after an injured player can prove capable of returning to form -- it's just not worth the risk (i.e. RB Kevin Jones (5'11', 221) was released nearly a month ago and is still rotting on the free agent wire.) Then, there is the issue of his pay. Deuce is owed $3.6 million in base pay in 2008, and the Saints have already pushed back giving him his $1 million roster bonus until April 15th (I bet he doesn't get it then either.) All these things send up red flags to any team that would be interested in acquiring him. Lastly, the market for RB's this year is just not that good. Outside of Michael Turner, none have recieved big deals. The draft is very deep at the RB position with as many as eight RB's projected to go in the first two rounds and several other capable ones slated after that. It has created a "buy low" market for the existing RB's in the league. Supply and demand -- it's just not there.
Hippo: What is Duncan Donuts prediction for the Saints in '08?
Who Dat Say: Duncan Donuts predicts we go 12-4.
To ask the WHODATSAY team a question, just send your e-mail to whodatsayteam@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
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