05 December 2006

A BIG Blow...

Literally and figuratively.

Hollis Thomas is gone for the rest of the regular season for violating the NFL steroid policy.

Outside of Drew Brees and maybe a couple of linebackers, this is the hardest blow this team could probably take. The reason is obvious for Brees. Lack of depth is the reason for the linebackers. And I think it's also this lack of depth that could hurt the Saints with this suspension.

Thomas has been having a great season. He's helped stop the run, and he's put pressure up the middle on opposing quarterbacks. He's the anchor in the trenches of a defense that (outside of Willie Parker) has done an above-average job of stopping opposing running backs. It's not a reach to say that he's the best all-around DT we've had since 2000 Norman Hand. Yes, LaRoi Glover was great, but he wasn't a run stopper too.

Now it's time for Antwan Lake, Rodney Leisle, and whomever else joins the DT rotation to step up. If the Saints can't stop the run up the middle anymore, it's going to be a LONG December.

But if Sean Payton can get a 7th-round rookie to replace Jammal Brown and not give up a sack to one of the NFL's best pass rushers, maybe he can get a replacement here too. The reason why the Saints have been successful now is because they're a TEAM.

Hollis Thomas' suspension will really put the "team" concept to the ultimate test.

5 Comments:

At December 06, 2006 8:49 AM, Blogger John Blutarsky said...

Does he still get to play in post season?

Do you think anyone will notice if we put two reserve linemen in his place? We could slip Thomas's jersey over both of them.

 
At December 06, 2006 10:48 AM, Blogger Commish said...

He can be back for the playoffs.

The NFL is really anal with their policies. Not letting coaches wear coats. Not letting Peyton wear black hi-tops in honor of Johnny Unitas. Touching the helmet of a quarterback gets you a 15-yard penalty.

I can't say this one surprises me.

 
At December 07, 2006 12:17 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

this could be the fulcram that gets us a win in this mismatch.

after six wins i was a happy camper with what our saints did for the season.

next year never meant more to me in 40 years as a fan.

 
At December 07, 2006 2:36 PM, Blogger Roux said...

Heard on WWL that the steroid he got caught on was not a steroid he was prescribed.

 
At December 10, 2006 11:11 AM, Blogger Roux said...

What's your take on the game tonight?

 

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