December 29, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The final game of the Saints thirty-second season came to a close Sunday with a 45-33 loss to the Buffalo Bills. It was another in a long list of season finales with nothing on the line but pride for the players. For Mike Ditka, it was his final opportunity to shake up the roster as his search for a starting lineup continues. For fans, it was a sendoff to another offseason of discontent.

For the 6-10 Saints, the offseason has officially begun. The coaches will huddle with the personnel people to review film and try to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. What they will discover is that the players never came together as a team. They will revisit the mental errors in all phases of the game that kept the Saints on the short side of the line that separates winning from losing. It will also be apparent that there are still not enough players with either the talent or desire to make a difference on the field. So where do we go from here?

The most obvious shortcoming of the season was the offense. From Hobert, to Wuerffel, to Tolliver, then Collins and Tolliver again, the quarterback position remains unsettled. Without the benefit of a running game or reliable receivers, it's hard to get a read on any of the guys behind center, although Collins likely brings more to the position than the other contenders. Heath Shuler remains with the team to add another element of uncertainty to what Ditka will ultimately choose to do a he looks forward to next year.

The offensive line, which feature three number one draft picks, was supposed to be the most improved unit on the field this year. But injuries and the constant repositioning of personnel resulted in a season where only Willie Roaf played the same position every game. This is an area of the team that must be addressed in free agency to secure the interior of the line now that it looks like Turley will be moved to right tackle once and for all. The Saints will be looking for at least one guard and perhaps another center when the bidding begins.

Running back and receiver have been largely overlooked the past two seasons as Ditka planned to build the team from the inside out. None of the starters at these positions ever showed the consistency required to secure a job next year. The Saints will look to the draft to fill needs at the skill positions, but fans have to hope that the team's history of drafting more misses than hits doesn't repeat itself this offseason.

Defensively, the Saints are much closer to being a top-notch unit. The line played well, but the linebackers and especially the secondary must improve if the Saints are to have any shot at being better in '99. Fred Weary, Chris Bordano and Ron Warner could be difference makers next season. Jared Tomich continues to get better and with a solid corps of veterans that include Joe Johnson, Wayne Martin, La'Roi Glover and Mark Fields, the Saints defense could come into its own.

The biggest debate in the offseason will center on the front office. While the Saints have been able to acquire a few key players over the years, misevaluation of personnel has haunted the team since day one.

Going back only so far as the 1989 draft, the Saints have used first round picks to select Wayne Martin, Renaldo Turnbull, Steve Walsh, Vaughn Dunbar, Willie Roaf, Irv Smith, Joe Johnson, Mark Fields, Alex Molden, Chris Naeole and Kyle Turley. Only Martin, Roaf, Johnson, Fields and Turley have lived up to expectations. After the first round, only Cam Cleeland has emerged since 1989 to make a difference. There were no players on the '98 roster drafted in 1990, 1991 or 1992. Only Martin, Roaf, Johnson and Fields remain with the team as a result of the drafts that took place between 1989 to 1995.

For a coach who sneers at free agency and insists that his team will be built through the draft, fans can only hope for a miracle if history is any indication of what's in store for the future. For whatever reason, the personnel decisions made with Bill Kuharich in charge have not been good enough to field a winning team. For his part, Ditka must accept the fact that the free agent market is every bit as important as the draft when building a team.

While fans may not have expected much more by way of a 6-10 record to finish Ditka's second season as coach, we did hope for an indication that the team is closer to being a contender than the year before. It will take a lot to renew that hope, but it can happen if the organization does its part and has a meaningful offseason to secure the talent necessary to push the team to the next level.

Until Next Time

The Editor

December 21, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

There were questions leading up to the Cardinal game that could only be answered on the field. Would Ditka have his team ready to play? Would Collins rebound from a sub par outing the week before? Would the players rise to the occasion to stay alive for a playoff run? Unfortunately, The Cardinals proved to have all the answers Sunday capturing a 19-17 victory that featured last minute heroics from Jake Plummer. In the process of being eliminated from the playoff hunt, fans are renewing their evaluation of Ditka's second season with the team.

Ditka was intent on making this a statement game. The team had to learn for itself whether it had the mettle to earn a playoff berth. He put his team, specifically the offense, to the test on two key plays. A failed fourth and one and a successful fourth and four that kept the Saints only offensive touchdown drive alive for the go ahead score late in the fourth quarter. But the defense, which had kept the game within reach throughout the day, broke down on two key plays that allowed the Cardinals to kick the winning field goal as time ran out. The lesson ultimately learned Sunday afternoon was that the Saints are not yet a playoff team.

Other than the sole touchdown the offense scored over the course of two successive losses, failure to execute has only been interrupted by drive killing penalties. After two seasons of attempting to establish a running attack, the Saints' offense continues to lack an identity as either a running or passing team. It's gotten so bad that fans have abandoned any expectation that the offense can do much more than protect whatever lead the defense can garner.

Ditka gave his team the opportunity to find out whether it was willing to be something special this year. The team discovered that it is only capable of skirting the edges of playoff contention. Should this be considered a sign of improvement? Not necessarily, considering the fact that we are closer to the bottom bracket of the league rather than the front-runners by virtue of a 6-9 record. What fans have to wonder is when the organization will assemble a team that is expected to win whenever it takes the field?

Perhaps the disappointment of the '98 season is heightened by the fact that Ditka has accomplished so much with the cards stacked against him. If he were given a fighting chance, we could be enjoying some outstanding football. He took a team that was embroiled in controversy before the season even began and had it ready to open the season 3-0 when it was predicted to win only one on the year. His starting quarterback was injured after only three-quarters of regular season play. Despite the odds, we have seen some of the best football we've ever watched from the Saints on enough occasions to know Ditka can command the utmost from a team still lacking enough players to go the distance. But try as they might, there are still too many lapses in execution that keep this team from winning.

It's obvious that changes must be made to get the offense on track. But the offense has been so bad for so long, it is difficult to know where to begin. From the players on the field, to the coaches who prepare them; from the scouting department to the personnel directors; from the General Manager to the Owner, fans can only wonder where the breakdowns are occurring in order to fix an offense that has shown little to raise hope of a turnaround next year. One thing's for certain. Ditka continues to shuffle his players while the team struggles to win. He still hasn't been able to field a complete team despite two drafts and free agent periods. So who's to blame?

I have historically been a supporter of Billy Kuharich. Even now, it may not be altogether accurate to place the entire responsibility at his feet. But as the organizational chart goes, if not responsible, he is "accountable" to Tom Benson to explain why there are still so many glaring deficiencies on the team and to assure him that the team is on the right track. I doubt Benson will look much further than the product he's sees on the football field to know there is a breakdown somewhere between him and the win-loss column.

For his part, I have always viewed Tom Benson as a fan of his team rather than take charge owner. Although he delegates authority, he is still responsible for judging the results his organization is providing. After all, the standings appear in nearly every newspaper. It's hardly conceivable that Benson will pull the trigger on Kuharich as the Saints look forward to year three of the Iron Era. But at the very least, Kuharich should make some changes or additions to the player personnel department just as Ditka should evaluate his offensive coordinator along with running back coach Lary Kuharich and offensive line coach Dick Stanfel.

With the Saints expecting to have an additional $10 to $15 million of cap room in '99, Benson must be assured that it will be spent wisely. Not only must the Saints score more hits than misses when acquiring players, there must be a better plan to utilize the talent acquired.

As fans search for answers in anticipation of another offseason, we should be aware that what we see on the field is the product of decisions made from the very top to the bottom of the organization. That being the case, we must rely on the man with the ultimate authority, Tom Benson, to fill the gaps where needed to assure the successful future of the team.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

December 14, 1998

Dear Saints Fan

New Orleans has historically taken one man's trash and turned it into treasure. From the lowly crawfish to the three-string guitar, local denizens have made do with what was available. Perhaps this explains how the Falcons dismantled the Saints 27-17 Sunday before a rowdy home crowd.

After cutting players who did not fit Ditka's plan for the future, the Saints have been restricted cap-wise with too much "dead money" in his first two seasons. Consequently, Ditka's venture into last years' free agent market resulted in finding five starters, but their combined signing bonuses total only $4.4 million. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Three of those starters, Lamar Smith, Aaron Craver and Sean Dawkins have done little to live up to the preseason expectations fans had hoped for. In fact, the lack of a reliable offense keeps the Saints from seriously threatening the better teams in the league. While the Saints remain mathematically alive to qualify for post season play, the team is not ready to be favored to advance beyond the first round. However, with the Cardinals, Bucs and Giants being the only other contenders for the final wild card spot in the NFC, it might as well be us.

Ditka has been called a "traditionalist" in an era that involves free agency and salary caps. Whether the term is used as a compliment or not, the fact is that Ditka must field a winning team in New Orleans to keep his job. Fans can only hope that with the expected ten to fifteen million dollars of cap room the Saints will have in '99, that Ditka will take advantage of the free agent market and supplement the roster with proven players.

Can Ditka be expected to change his attitude and flourish in the current landscape of the NFL? Probably so. Honest to a fault, Iron Mike acknowledges his shortcomings with decisions he has made both on and off the field. But the proof will be made in the off season when he shapes next years roster through the draft and free agency.

As Ditka's second season with the Saints winds down, fans can conclude that he is still one of the best motivators in the league. What Ditka needs are a few more players who can make a difference along with the development of the players he has already acquired.

The final games of the '98 season will likely have no impact on the team's faint playoff hopes, but will go a long way establishing whether progress is being made according to schedule. By most preseason accounts, the Saints have already exceeded expectations by winning six games. The fact that the playoffs are still possible is shocking to those who predicted another year of cellar dwelling performance. But as fans, we will not be satisfied until the final hurdle is overcome and the Saints become champions.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

December 7, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

Facing Dallas following a punchless performance against Miami was not expected to provide the tonic an ailing Saints squad needed to get back into the playoff race. After all, the Cowboys were coming to town with the opportunity to clinch the NFC East and get Emmitt Smith a league record for rushing touchdowns to boot. But Ditka pulled a page from his days with the Bears updating the "46" defense that crushed teams in the 80's, to suffocate the Cowboys as the Saints shut down Dallas 22-3. When the final gun sounded, Saints fans left the Dome feeling they had witnessed the turnaround we have been waiting for since Ditka took over last season.

The game stats read like a misprint. The Cowboys were held to 182 total net yards, nearly half of which were garnered through the air in their final possession. Emmitt Smith was held to six yards on 15 carries, as Dallas was limited to an unimaginable total of eight rushing yards on the day.

The Saints defensive domination began with a safety on the Cowboys second play from scrimmage. It lasted until Dallas' final offensive play of the day when Emmitt Smith was kept from the end zone and the record book after being stuffed on the one yard line on fourth and two. Wilmont Perry followed with runs of eight and two yards to give the Saints a first down from the shadow of the goal posts and allow Kerry Collins to take a knee to run out the play clock.

Sunday's victory keeps the Saints alive for the playoffs, but more importantly, gives the team and the fans reason to believe the team can play to a level worthy of admission to post season play. That is, if Sunday's effort was representative of what we can expect from this point forward.

Following a two game slump against the 49ers and Miami, the Saints had the look of a different team against Dallas. Therein lies the difficulty concluding the team has truly turned the corner. In a roller coaster season with more than its share of downturns, the Saints can prove to be on the way up only by a strong finish to the season.

Realistically, fans are forced to grapple with the issue of whether the team can continue to perform as it did against Dallas, or whether it will revert to its lackluster play shown against Miami. Many wonder how the team rebounded from one of its worst performances to one of its best over the course of seven days? How is it that the Saints remain in the playoff hunt with three games remaining in a season where some had predicted a 1-15 outcome? Ditka has already answered those questions but perhaps we were not listening. According to Iron Mike, the major hurdle his young team has to overcome is the ability to believe in itself and play to its capacity.

Ditka has remained consistent with his evaluation of the team. After each of seven losses he claimed the team was better than it looked. After a victory, he says the team must show more consistency before asking fans to get too excited. Ditka is a realist, but also a very good football coach. He has taken a team predicted to win as few as one game and no more than six, and has it in the playoff hunt after a critical win to start the December stretch run.

While Ditka emphasized that his team had not played to its potential during a 2-7 record that followed a 3-0 start, now that a higher level of performance has been turned in, he has to establish it as the standard the team expects of itself. For a young team that needed a shot of confidence, it could not have happened at a better time against solid competition and with the playoffs on the line. Now fans must wait to see if the momentum of Sunday's victory can be maintained with the team still in control of its own destiny to qualify for the playoffs.

Until Sunday, we had not seen the type of dominating victory hoped for since Ditka took over. What we witnessed was the team Ditka has envisioned. A defense that dominates the opponent and an offense that can move the ball with a punishing running game as well as through the air. If only for a game, we saw a playoff caliber performance from the Saints Sunday. Now it's up to Ditka and his players to perform like champions the rest of the way.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

December 2, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

It's becoming more difficult to remain optimistic about a turnaround season after another week of losing with the playoffs on the line. Fans expecting to see indications of progress are left to accept the fact that the Saints are still trying to find a way to win. With only four games remaining in the final stretch of Ditka's second season, we can only hope that the team rebounds sufficiently to restore hope that better days are ahead.

It was shocking at this point in the season to see the Saints play in the manner shown against Miami. But the team that lost to the Dolphins 30-10 on Sunday had the look of a squad that was playing together for the first time rather than on its way up the ladder of becoming contenders.

The recurring theme Ditka has belabored following each of seven losses on the season is that the team failed to "play to its capabilities." The unanswered question is "why" the players are not producing to the level Ditka insists they can achieve? It seems elementary that either the players are not as capable as Ditka would have us think or, that he is not able to coach them up to the level of their untapped ability.

Since opening the season 3-0, the Saints have gone 2-7 with the prospect of a strong finish over the final four games looking bleak. Unfortunately, the quick start out of the gate is no longer a reason for optimism since positive signs of rebuilding are based more about how the team finishes than how it started. With Dallas, Atlanta, Arizona and Buffalo left to play, the Saints have only limited opportunities left to "play up to their capability" and give fans reason to expect the team will turn the corner by next year.

It's unfortunate for Ditka that there are still enough players on the team satisfied to have their butts handed to them on a Sunday afternoon and collect a paycheck Monday morning. It doesn't take a lot of these types to undermine the production of the team. Until Ditka can replace those players with his own breed of competitor, fans will have to abide post game diatribes about "effort" and the "one or two plays" that kept the team from winning.

As much as Saints fans would like to witness a run for the playoffs this season, the current roster still lacks a few key players who will make the difference Ditka has been searching for. In the meantime, it has become clear that Iron Mike will ultimately be judged by the success with which he finds players who place the game over the financial rewards that come with it.

Ditka has not given up on his effort to mold the Saints into the team fans expect him to produce in New Orleans. But unless there are clear signs of drastic improvement over the remainder of the season, the promise of brighter days ahead will be a hard sell to long-suffering fans who have already heard every excuse in the book over the course of thirty-two years of disappointment.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

November 23, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The '98 season continues to be a measuring stick for Mike Ditka as he rebuilds the Saints from cellar dwellers to solid playoff contenders. This remains a work in progress as evidenced by a disappointing 31-20 loss to the 49ers before a national television audience Sunday night. The Saints showed promise but were only able to narrow, rather than close the gap against San Francisco. With playoff hopes diminishing the Saints must continue to mark progress as Ditka charts the future of the franchise.

At this point in Ditka's tenure, fans should expect to see tangible evidence that a turnaround is at hand. As the Saints run the final gauntlet of the '98 season against teams bound for the playoffs, we will see how far the team has come as well as the distance that must be traveled to bring the Saints into contention for a championship. While progress has been steady, the true test will be the way in which the team concludes the season.

It is critical for the Saints to get better over the remaining course of the schedule. If not, then it will be another long offseason haunted by more questions than answers. However, if the Saints show progress against some of the best teams the league has to offer, year three of the Iron Era will be anticipated with legitimate expectations that the Saints will be in the mix to make a run for it all.

There are reasons to be optimistic heading into the stretch run. After two games with Collins at the helm, fans are seeing the difference that a legitimate starting quarterback can make with the offense. Collins has shown the sort of talent that places him among the better quarterbacks in the league. While he will surely have his share of bad games, the Saints will benefit from his presence behind center and the options his athletic ability offer the game plan. Now Collins needs some weapons to take advantage of his ability.

With a legitimate starter at quarterback, it has become even more apparent that Ditka must search for a solid running back and at least one receiver to round out the offense. The team has been forced to run the ball by "committee" without the benefit of an every down back. If the Saints can land a legitimate back, the overall improvement of the team would be dramatic. But as ineffective as the running game has been this season, Ditka pulled no punches in his Monday press conference when he pointed his finger at the receiving corps as his biggest disappointment in Sunday's loss. Although the game plan was to emphasize passing over the run, dropped passes and a failure of the receivers to block downfield foiled the scheme. The coach promised to promote from within in an effort to field a more determined receiving corps, but the true opportunity to address needs at running back and receiver will be the offseason.

In the meantime playoff hopes remain intact. But to get there, the Saints will likely have to prevail over four of the remaining five teams on the schedule, all of whom have playoff aspirations of their own. One way or the other, the final stretch of the season will reveal a lot about the team and the direction it is headed.

The Saints are presently contending with the 6-5 Arizona Cardinals for the last wildcard slot in the NFC. Should the Saints finish the regular season at 9-7, it is altogether possible that the team will qualify for the playoffs. If the Saints make it after facing the Dolphins, Cowboys, Falcons, Cardinals and Bills, then a lot of doubt about whether the corner has been turned will be erased. Should the Saints fail to make the playoffs, at least Ditka will have a true gauge of how the team needs to improve to beat the contenders.

As the Saints prepare to play the rest of the '98 season, fans will be watching with the knowledge that the team is substantially better than it was when Ditka took over. Now it's time to see how good it will be with playoff possibilities on the line.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

November 15, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

In addition to keeping mathematical playoff hopes alive, Sunday's 24-3 win over the Rams marked Kerry Collins' debut as the starting quarterback for the Saints. For the first time since the team claimed him over a month ago, fans were able to watch and evaluate Collins' performance as a player rather than debating his off-the-field problems.

When the Saints' offense was introduced before kickoff, the crowd welcomed Collins to his new home field with the loudest cheer for any player. He ran out of the tunnel pumping his fist in the air, obviously excited about another chance to play football. As if the day was scripted for fiction, the Saints won the toss and Collins led the team to an opening drive touchdown, throwing a series of great passes which culminated in an outstanding toss to Cam Cleeland in the end zone. In the course of that drive, Collins won the support of the fans and his new team. Support that was badly lacking in Carolina, and which could be the difference in how Collins approaches the game and his time away from it.

If appraised solely by the numbers, Collins' initial outing as a Saint was not overly impressive. He completed 13 of 26 passes for 150 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions and added 38 yards rushing. But what the stats don't show are the intangibles Collins brings to the position and the significant upgrade in talent he gives the Saints behind center.

With his natural size and strength, Collins moved about smoothly in the pocket to avoid the rush. His quick release and impressive accuracy looked effortless. Even in his first live action with a new corps of receivers, Collins delivered the ball on time and usually on the mark. If Sunday was any indication, the Saints have finally landed a quarterback who legitimately ranks among the elite in the league.

Unlike Hobert and Tolliver, Collins does not need to roll out of the pocket to find his receivers. He can see the entire field from his drop back position. When he did scramble Sunday, he showed the ability to move to the left or the right, still able to throw effectively. Defenses will now have to be concerned about the entire field rather than forcing our quarterback to scramble, usually to the right, and closing off half the field in the process.

Realistically, the team must find a running game if fans can expect much better than a 6-10 finish. Injuries along the offensive line, defenses geared to stopping the run and an unsettled backfield have all contributed to the Saints inability to run the ball effectively. But the addition of Collins could help. If Collins can complete passes from the pocket while facing stacked fronts and zone blitzes geared to pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run, opposing defenses will have to resort to more conventional schemes that should be easier to block.

The Saints are 5-5 on the season and still in the hunt for a wildcard spot in the playoffs. But the road to 9-7or 8-8 will be tough to travel. With remaining opponents being the 49ers, Dolphins, Cowboys, Falcons, Cardinals and Bills, the Saints will be point-spread underdogs for the rest of the season.

As fans, we can look forward to the final stretch of the regular season with a degree of optimism based on the fact that the Saints continue to play hard enough to win. While effort alone will not be enough to prevail against the teams left on the schedule, it can at least keep us from writing off the chance that the Saints will defy the odds and qualify for post season play.

While the team continues to improve under Ditka, fans can focus on Kerry Collins development as the potential franchise quarterback who has been missing from the roster. Football remains a team sport, but having superior talent at the quarterback position could be the spark that elevates 1998 from a rebuilding year into a playoff season.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

November 9, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The Saints played the Vikings with the effort and determination we have come to expect from Iron Mike's troops, keeping the game from becoming the rout that was predicted. But as hard as they tried, the Saints offense accounted for only ten points in a 31-24 loss. Now below .500 for the first time this season, the 4-5 Saints are still developing a winning attitude while waiting on another infusion of talent to become contenders.

In the course of one and a half seasons, Ditka has proven he can get the most out of his players. He began the process last year by weeding out the underachievers. Now he needs a few more guys who can make a difference when playing at their best.

It has become apparent that the team will have to upgrade the offense in order to run with the big dogs Sunday afternoons. But unlike years past, this no longer requires a major overhaul. In fact, the Saints may be only a player away from significant improvement if the organization can land a big time running back to balance the offense.

Whoever the Saints draft to carry the load in '99, he will come into an environment where dedication and effort will be expected. While Ditka still has his detractors, he has proven that he remains capable of creating a winning attitude even without enough talent to match up with the elite teams in the league. The Saints have come to play this season, and fans have little reason for disappointment about the heart exhibited on the field. As we struggle through the second year of the Iron Era, Ditka is still the man who can coach the Saints to a championship if the organization can provide the manpower.

Before the running back issue is resolved, the next step in the process will center on Kerry Collins who is expected to get his first start as a Saint this week against the Rams. While Tolliver has endeared himself to the fans and his teammates for his gutsy play, Collins has the potential to be the quarterback who can take the team to the next level.

It's time to see what Collins can do. Tolliver has a strong arm and mobility, but Collins has a quick release to go with a strong arm and the size to see the field and his receivers while standing in the pocket. From the vantage of the receivers, they can see Collins' delivery rather than watching the ball shoot out from behind the line of scrimmage. As well as Tolliver has played, opposing defenses have yet to show respect for his arm, preferring to stop the run and force him to throw it. With Collins in the lineup, this could change. Collins will be able to hit the quick slant from behind center without having to scramble to find a passing lane due to his extraordinary size and strength. If Collins can keep defenses honest with his ability to throw every pass in the book, then the running game will benefit.

The unanswered question is whether Collins will make a difference, not only for the remainder of the season, but for seasons to come. Like Hobert, Wuerffel and Tolliver, he will be playing with the same personnel that Ditka continues to juggle while searching for his best players and giving the youngsters game time to further their development. Instead of Mushin Muhammed and Wesley Walls, Collins will have Sean Dawkins and Cam Cleeland as primary targets. He'll be handing the ball off to Lamar Smith rather than Fred Lane. On paper, the differences don't seem to be significant. But if Collins is the franchise quarterback we hope he is, his presence should raise the overall level of play from the offense. If the offense does its' part and starts to put up the points, the defense should respond with even greater effort than shown so far in losing causes.

Ditka stresses the team concept but realizes the need for "difference makers" to win games. So far, fans have had to stand by without enough impact players. Now we have the opportunity to see if Collins can return to pro bowl form in a Saints uniform. If not, then Ditka has enough journeymen on the roster to lead us to winning seasons. But if Collins can reach his potential, we can start talking about championships.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

November 2, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

Every game has its turning point, but no moment was more poignant Sunday than a Saturn automobile commercial that aired in the third quarter featuring a young boy struggling to play "When the Saints Go Marching In" on the tuba. Try as he might, the kid obviously has a long way to go. Coincidentally, the Saints continued to hit their share of sour notes, and despite a good effort, the previously winless Panthers waltzed to a 31-17 victory.

Now 4-4 at the midpoint of the season, the Saints continue to struggle to play with consistency. The effort is there, but so is the lack of execution as key breakdowns continue to account for losses. While there are eight games remaining, fans will likely have to settle for improvement rather than playoff contention this year. For his part, Ditka must motivate his team through a tough second-half schedule while developing young talent and assessing needs to complete the rebuilding process.

The Saints have not been below .500 at any point of the season. This is expected to change this week in Minnesota, as the Vikings are prohibitive favorites to win the game. This week may also mark the end of Billy Joe Tolliver's reign as interim quarterback with Collins slated to open against the Rams when the Saints return to the Dome the week after.

While the team no longer requires a complete overhaul of the roster, the starting lineup remains unsettled as Ditka continues to evaluate younger players. With the benefit of two drafts and free agent periods, Ditka has managed to turn one of the leagues worst rosters into one that at least shows some promise. But after eight games, the Saints are still shaking up the lineup at receiver, running back and, as announced with Collins' acquisition, fans can expect to see another new quarterback.

When the attrition in the lineup caused by injuries is taken into account, the offense that started against the Panthers was almost completely different than the players who took the field opening day. So long as Ditka is substituting players on account of performance rather than injury, fans can be assured that the Saints are still rebuilding and our expectations should be gauged with that in mind.

Though Ditka will claim truthfully that he is trying to make the team better, the second half of the season will test the ability of the players to respond to significant changes in the lineup. Unlike established teams that insert new faces around a corps of veterans, the Saints will be juggling the roster, still attempting to find the best performers on the field who will become the future nucleus of the team. This is a natural evolution of the process of building with young players. It's Ditka's philosophy to play them rather than develop them on the practice field. The only way for young players to develop into seasoned veterans is by seeing action on Sunday afternoons.

We can expect to see Collins, Poole, Bech and Perry along with Cleeland, Turley, Naeole, Troy Davis and Lamar Smith as Ditka allows his future starters to learn their trade first hand. On the defensive side, Tomich, Keith Mitchell and Fred Weary will be subjected to a baptism by fire as they learn to play the pro game. In the meantime, veteran free agents will be expected to hone their talent in Ditka's mold, all with the idea that improvement will be steady along the way.

It's tough to concede that the Saints are only in the middle of Ditka's second season and that our expectations should be tempered while he puts a contender together. But there is still time for more pleasant surprises along the way this season so long as fans remain braced to accept some let downs along the way. Ditka is putting together a solid corps of players who will become something special in New Orleans. As with any project, it's on a schedule.

The next stretch of games against tough opponents will reveal just how far the team must improve before taking the next step up among the elite in the league. But with any team that's learning to win, fans should appreciate effort as much as results with the hope that the payoff is not much further down the line.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

October 26, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

At lot was at stake heading into Sunday's game against Tampa. The Saints and Bucs were 3-3, each needing a win to stay within shooting distance of a playoff berth. Ditka had accused the defense of playing soft the week before against the Falcons and it was anyone's guess as to how the players would respond. The shadow of recently acquired quarterback Kerry Collins loomed over Billy Joe Tolliver who would have to turn in a mistake free performance against one of the league's top defenses to stay in the game. And for fans, we could only keep our fingers crossed as time ran out with the Saints out-kicking Tampa to preserve a 9-3 victory.

Despite an offense that continues to struggle without a reliable running attack and receivers who have not made enough catches, the Saints rebounded from a three game skid to keep the fans hoping that Ditka's promise of turning the team around could happen as early as this season. An incredible feat considering the fact that Ditka is still searching for a starting quarterback to lead a team that most would say has defied the odds with four wins before the halfway point of the season.

With seven games down and nine to go, Ditka now must decide how he will approach the remainder of the season with Tolliver and Collins available to lead the team. Hobert was the designated starter until his season ending injury in game one. He had garnered the respect of the team based on his emerging talent and his dedication to make himself and the team better. Wuerffel had his chance and showed flashes of ability until his lack of mobility and questionable arm strength led to his demotion. Tolliver came in after the season started and somehow rallied the team around him in only two starts. Now Collins has a jersey and a new future in the league after Ditka rescued him from the sinking Panthers' ship.

Ditka has made it clear that Collins will start. The question now is not only when this will occur, but also how Collins and his new team will react when it happens.

Collins comes to New Orleans with all of the tools necessary to win the starting position hands down. But he has to overcome the labels associated with him in Carolina that include his desire to play the game with the heart and intensity Ditka demands from his players. For Ditka, Collins and the team to answer that question there will be no better time or place to do so than this Sunday in Carolina.

While the justification for keeping Collins on the bench may be that he hasn't mastered the play book, Ditka's recent history of starting Hobert and Tolliver with even less time to prepare than Collins belies that excuse. If Collins doesn't get the start in Carolina, it means that Ditka doesn't believe he is emotionally ready to take the field against his ex-team before his former fans. In other words, Collins would be a head case should he be forced to suit up against the Panthers so soon after his release.

But if Collins doesn't start this week in Carolina, his questionable mental toughness will continue to haunt him. The only way to resolve Collins' ability to play tough is to put him in a tough situation and see how he and his new team respond. If Ditka decides to coddle him for another week of "preparation" before visiting the Vikings in Minnesota, the chances to rehabilitate Collins' floundering career could be dealt a harsh blow. This would be compounded if Tolliver should lead the Saints to victory against the Panthers while the team is forced to adjust to a new starter against an outstanding Vikings team the following week.

The only way for Collins to exorcise the demons of his past are to face them head on. He will have no better opportunity to put his experience in Carolina behind him than to take the field Sunday to prove to himself and the Saints that he can confront and overcome adversity, especially on the field where it counts the most. Should Collins start Sunday and fail, he will at least have had the opportunity to look in the faces of those who called him a quitter knowing he didn't back down. Should Ditka keep him safely on the bench, that opportunity will be lost.

If Collins is the competitor he claims to be, Ditka must give him the chance to prove it Sunday. A victory against Carolina with Collins getting the start would pave the way for him to become as good as he can be with the Saints and may be the spark that propels the team to the next level. Let's hope Iron Mike gives Collins the opportunity to reclaim his manhood and career this week in Carolina which is not only the best, but perhaps only place for it to happen.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

October 19, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

When it comes to the niceties of losing, Saints fans are connoisseurs. We can distinguish all of the varieties of defeat, noting their subtle differences much like the trained senses of the best food and wine critics. As such, the 31-23 self-destruction the Saints suffered against the Falcons was more a "loss" than a "beating" as witnessed the prior week against the 49ers.

The Saints allowed Atlanta to prevail by leaving out key ingredients for success such as effort and determination. Instead, the Saints confected a recipe for failure that included four turnovers, over one hundred yards in penalties, dropped passes and poor execution at key points in the game. The sort of menu that leaves the fans and Ditka looking for antacids along with answers as to why the team handed the game over to a division rival at what may be looked upon at year end as the turning point of the season.

Following three consecutive losses that leave the team 3-3 on the season, Ditka can be expected to stir the pot over high heat to bring his players back into contention. While he was questioning himself after last year's loss to the Falcons, this time Ditka has pointed the finger squarely at his players accusing them of lacking discipline and toughness along with playing soft. It wasn't a question of whether the Saints had the talent to win, it was a rare game under Ditka's tutelage when his team took too many plays off.

Fortunately, a lot of other teams are struggling this season. Thanks to a quick start out of the gate, the Saints are still in the playoff hunt. It is altogether possible that a 9-7 record will be enough to qualify for post season play, but to get there, the team will have to respond positively to what is expected to be one of the toughest weeks of practice since the end of training camp.

Lost in the bitter taste of defeat is the ongoing search for a starting quarterback. To his credit, Billy Joe Tolliver played well Sunday. But the fact that the best Saints quarterbacks have been picked up off waivers for two consecutive years leaves one to wonder about the future of the position.

According to Ditka, Collins will be called into action as soon as he's able to learn the playbook. Apparently, that shouldn't take long. But now that Tolliver had a decent outing against Atlanta, Collins debut may be put on hold another week. It's debatable whether Collins should be put in the lineup sooner than later. The Saints will need to get a long look at him before deciding to risk the money it will take to keep him after the season is over. On the other hand, Tolliver's performance should not be summarily dismissed as the team looks for an offensive spark. Whether Tolliver continues to perform sufficiently or not, Ditka will have to get a game day read on Collins who should have the potential to take the Saints further than the other journeymen on the roster.

As difficult as pro football can be, it's even more challenging without continuity at key positions. Injuries can be expected, but a merry-go-round at quarterback makes it all the more difficult for a team to rally around a leader. As much as anything, the Saints need to settle on a quarterback rotation that will be set for this week and seasons to come. The early line indicates that Collins, Hobert and Tolliver will fill out the roster after the dust settles. If that turns out to be the case, Ditka will have picked up each without having hit on a draft pick or free agent prospect to man the position. Along the way, we will have seen Everett, Shuler, Nussemeier, and Wuerffel shown the door. However it happens, once the Saints are set at quarterback, filling out the remainder of the roster shouldn't be as troublesome.

This week's game against Tampa is another contest that can and must be won if the Saints are to expect something more than a break even season. The Bucs have been disappointing so far and may continue to struggle. Warren Sapp provided bulletin board material during his conference call preceding Tampa's game against the Panthers last week when he labeled Collins a "disgrace" to the game. Unfortunately, Collins has yet to do anything as a Saint to cause his new team to respond aggressively to Sapp's charges. With Ditka steaming from the ears after Sunday's loss, it's doubtful Sapp could add much more to motivate the team.

The Saints have shown enough this year to raise preseason expectations from bottom of the pack to a team that could get into the playoffs. But the worm could turn in any direction with ten games left to play. Ditka has a team capable of winning its fair share of games the rest of the way and now it will be up to him to get it out of them.

Until Next Time

The Editor

October 15, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

Unbelievable! The Saints have acquired a legitimate starting quarterback with all of the tools necessary to take us to the Super Bowl by claiming Kerry Collins off the waiver wire following a murky series of events that led to his release by the Panthers. Without having to draft a high round prospect or make a costly trade for a veteran, the Saints wrote a check for $100 and picked up the remaining balance on Collins' current contract to immediately upgrade a position where only a few teams can claim to be solid.

It is axiomatic that a successful NFL franchise is built around the guy behind the center. For the Saints, we have not had a franchise quarterback since the days of Archie Manning. While a degree of success was realized when Hebert was taking snaps, the Saints have not had a playmaker at the position for too many years. Now we have filled the most important slot on the roster with a pro bowl player that took his team to the NFC Championship game. Not only does Collins enhance our chances for success this season; his addition to the roster shifts the focus away from a rookie quarterback in the next draft and will allow the organization to concentrate on other positions of need.

Collins comes to the Saints only because he was unable to make a career in Carolina. The first pick of the Panthers franchise had his share of problems that could carry over to his new team. The most troublesome will be his ability to garner the respect of his teammates in New Orleans following a year and a half of deteriorating relations with the Panthers. It is well reported that Collins alienated many of his fellow players by racial slurs, drinking and his inability to bounce back quickly from a broken jaw. Collins ability to lead the Saints is an open question at this point in time. Despite his physical tools, if the team cannot rally around him, his potential may never be realized.

Collins acquisition is a prime case of "risk/reward" in the NFL. He is a first round player that might not have the heart to play to his potential. But considering our current lack of a proven starter at the position, the cost of bringing Collins on board is well worth the possibility that he could be a bust. His chances may be enhanced by the fact that Ditka has taken other troubled quarterbacks and turned them around. Both Jim McMahon and Hobert came to Ditka with more than the usual share of questions about heart and desire only to be resurrected under Ditka's wing. As fate would have it, Collins may have ended up in the best possible place to revitalize his future in the league.

This move will be met with mixed reactions from all who follow the team. Only time will tell if the Saints benefit from Collins addition. But for the moment, fans can look forward to having a quarterback on the roster with legitimate Super Bowl talent. If Ditka can re-ignite his desire to play the game, Collins may be the most important acquisition in the history of the team.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

October 12, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

After a surprising 3-1 start, fans were hoping this might be a Cinderella season. But the clock struck early Sunday, as did the 49ers on their way to a 31-0 walk over the Saints. The fans were walking early too, indicating that Sunday's defeat may have hit the team beyond the win/loss column in the standings.

The day began as a rare Sunday for Saints fans. Four games into the season found our team tied for first place in the division with what appeared to be a realistic opportunity to narrow the gap with the 49ers. The Dome was sold out and the "twelfth man" was ready to witness an upset. By the time the final gun sounded, there may not have been twelve men in the stands to hear it. Unfortunately, a significant portion of the fan base will have to be convinced all over again that the team merits their support.

This is one of those weeks when we avoid reading the paper or watching television to dodge any reminder of Sunday afternoon. Lopsided losses happen in the NFL, but when it's to your team, there's little solace in the knowledge that plenty of games remain to soften the blow. The fact that you are reading this letter places you among the stout of heart as fans search for the resolve to look forward to the next game.

Second-guessing will begin in earnest this week. The cynics will suddenly become experts and those who want to stand by and see what actually transpires over the remainder of the season will do so quietly for now. It's amazing what the result of one game will do to fans. But one need look no further than the optimistic mood entering Sunday's game to understand that this is truly a week to week proposition.

Before the game we were looking forward to the ongoing development of the team and the likelihood of a winning season along with a possible shot at a wildcard berth in the playoffs. Now we are struggling to answer whether the team can avoid another disastrous season.

For the casual observer, replacing Wuerffel will be argued as the solution to right the ship. Considering that Wuerffel is our backup quarterback, there may not be many reasons why Tolliver or Delhomme shouldn't get a chance. But having watched Sunday's game from the stands, it's my opinion that the offensive line had more to do with the ineffective play of our quarterback than the man behind center.

Facing the thirtieth ranked defense in the league, the Saints line failed to open holes for the running backs or protect the passer. If the level of play witnessed from the line Sunday becomes the rule rather than the exception, the remainder of the season will look a lot like last year.

It would be surprising if the loss of starting center Jerry Fontenot accounted for the ineffective line play against the 49ers. Fontenot is steady, but certainly not an all-pro caliber lineman. Yet, with Fontenot out of the lineup, the shifting of McCollum to center and the necessity of Clarence Jones playing right tackle may be a bigger problem than predicted. It seems that the best line combination the Saints have fielded includes Roaf, McCollum, Fontenot, Naeole and Turley. Perhaps the coaches will do some more rearranging by substituting Keno Hills at left guard and let Turley replace Jones at right tackle. Whatever happens, if the line doesn't play any better than it did against San Francisco, the offense will be a non factor throughout the season.

The Saints are at another crossroads this week against the 4-1 Falcons. While the level of competition may not reach what we faced against the 49ers, Atlanta was impressive against the Giants in all phases of the game in a nationally televised contest. As much as Ditka was gunning for the 49ers, he and Reeves go back a long way and both want to beat the other. Unless the Saints rebound successfully from Sunday's loss, the Falcons are every bit as capable of making the boys in Black and Gold look like the team we watched through the preseason.

It will be a long week leading up to the next game. But just as we may have overstated our expectations after a good start, we shouldn't abandon hope after Sunday's loss. With eleven games remaining, the Saints still have the opportunity to make something out of this season and continue to pave the way for the championship team Ditka is building in New Orleans.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

October 5, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The Saints came close to another come from behind victory Sunday, but the Patriots were able to score the winning field goal with three seconds on the clock to outlast Ditka's troops 30-27. As losses go, this one was not altogether disappointing. The Saints never quit fighting and have the look of a team that can run with the big dogs this year despite preseason predictions to the contrary.

Sunday's battle had the feel of a prizefight with big blows being exchanged by the principals throughout the afternoon. Both sides were knocked down time and again only to come off the mat for more. While this may have been expected from the favored Patriots, for the Saints, going the distance against a team predicted to make a championship run was reminiscent of Rocky's first fight against Apollo Creed. By avoiding the knockout, the Saints earned an added measure of confidence while learning to compete against the best.

Ditka promised the fans the type of team we have witnessed so far this season. While acknowledging he doesn't have enough players to dominate the opposition, he has put together a roster of competitors who play with heart and intensity. Ditka claims "we are nothing special" but the fans are beginning to think differently, as evidenced by an admiring home crowd that stayed well after the final gun sounded to applaud Sunday's effort.

For the Saints to sustain their climb into contention, Danny Wuerffel will have to continue to improve along with the rest of the team. While still capable of the occasional bonehead play, Wuerffel has shown he belongs in the NFL and can move the offense despite the opposition scheming to place the load on his shoulders. In addition to the burden Wuerffel must carry, the offense will have to replace starting center Jerry Fontenot who was lost for the season in Sunday's loss to New England. But despite the setback of losing starters at quarterback and center, the Saints offense continues to hang tough.

In the course of Wuerffel emerging as a respectable starter, the Saints have developed a reliable offense that has shown the ability to fight back when the opposition is ahead. Hastings and Dawkins have made catches former Saints receivers would only watch fall to the ground. Cam Cleeland is emerging as a true blue chipper at tight end. While the running game struggled against the Patriots, Lamar Smith and Ray Zellars have already turned in performances that far surpass what fans have witnessed in recent years. Naeole and Turley are coming into their own to join with Willie Roaf to make the Saints offensive line something special in the league. Not to be forgotten is the emergence of Danny Abramowicz as an offensive coordinator getting the most from the talent on hand despite injuries to key players.

The next step along the way is this week's game against the 49ers in the Dome. Ditka raised the bar for success months ago in training camp when he announced his "obsession" to beat the 49ers. The road to the NFC West championship still runs through San Francisco and the 49ers will be looking to put a penalty plagued loss against he unheralded Bills behind them when they take the field against the Saints with the division lead at stake.

At this point in time, fans should realize the team is still working to narrow the gap that distances the Saints from the 49ers, Patriots and handful of other contenders predicted to make a run for it all. For the Saints to break into that level, the first step is to beat teams such as the Rams, Panthers and Colts. The next rung of the ladder will be to challenge the top teams in the league. Sunday's game against San Francisco will be another measurement of the Saints' progress.

While the outcome on the scoreboard can be tipped either way from week to week, a shot at a winning season is possible if the team can continue to prevail against the middle of the pack opponents remaining on the schedule. While playoff talk was laughable before the season began, the Saints continue to be a factor at a time when most would have thought the team would be staring up from the cellar door.

It will be a struggle for the Saints to come out on top this year, but we are watching a team that has been outperforming the bottom of the barrel expectations that preceded the season. Let's hope we continue to be pleasantly surprised as the level of competition is raised again this week.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

Dear Saints Fan,

Like the weather, it was looking bad Sunday for the Saints, very bad. But Hurricane Georges and the Colts missed their targets as the city and the Saints survived the threat of disaster.

Throughout most of the day, it appeared certain the Colts would prevail against a Saints team seemingly focused on the weather at home rather than the game at hand. But with time running out and the ball on the Saint's four-yard line, Danny Wuerffel rallied the offense to a ninety-six yard drive to tie the game in regulation, then threw the winning touchdown to Cam Cleeland in overtime for a 19-13 victory.

It was anything but pretty. In fact, until the last few minutes of the fourth quarter most fans were expecting the worst. The offense had not been able to get into the end zone despite a rushing attack that averaged nearly six yards a carry. Wuerffel struggled with the passing game most of the day and was now forced to rely on his arm if the Saints were to have a chance. For fans accustomed to coming out on the short end of close games, this one was looking all too familiar. But the team never quit believing it would win, taking yet another step in fulfilling Ditka's goal of turning the Saints into champions.

With the next two games scheduled against the Patriots and 49ers, the Saints are in position to prove that Ditka has the team on schedule to compete among the best in the league. Even though the record is 3-0, including two division victories, a fast start can be quickly forgotten with thirteen games left in the regular season. We will now see how the team will respond to playing against two teams predicted to make a run at the Super Bowl this season.

There were few that anticipated the Saints would be in position to stay on top of the division with a perfect record at this point of the season. In fact, most of the preseason publications had the Saints winning only one to four games. Even though the team has exceeded many expectations, the media is still quick to write off a 3-0 start as being at the expense of opponents with a combined 1-10 record. So be it. Fans of the team will have to reconcile the fact that we can look no further than ourselves for reasons to believe the Saints have what it takes to continue to win.

Among those reasons is Ditka's commitment to build the team along the line of scrimmage where the offensive and defensive fronts continue to impress. Despite losing Billy Joe Hobert for the season, the Saints have an offense that does not put the burden on the quarterback to win games. Instead, the Saints control the line of scrimmage with a line that may soon be recognized as one of the best in the NFL. Behind that line, Lamar Smith and Ray Zellars have emerged as reliable ball carriers who can get the tough yards and keep the chains moving.

Although he has only four professional starts under his belt, Danny Wuerffel is showing signs of the quarterback Ditka predicted him to be when he was drafted in the fourth round last season. Wuerffel has demonstrated the toughness and savvy to move the team when it counts. Along the way, he has earned the confidence of the team who rallied around him in two come from behind victories so far this season. Wuerffel, like the rest of the younger players on the team, should continue to get better. As he does, the offense will become everything Ditka expects by controlling the ball, the clock and the scoreboard.

The defense is another reason to believe the Saints are capable of exceeding expectations. Despite the ballyhooed loss of Winfred Tubbs, the defense actually looks better than it did last year when it was the fourth ranked unit in the league. Thanks to Zaven Yaralian and the rest of the defensive coaches, a squad derided by the press as being made up of too many no-names and castoffs is developing recognition as one of the best. This is particularly noticeable in the secondary where hard hits and interceptions have replaced the softer play we witnessed last season.

Special team play is also improved with the addition of hard-hitting players covering punts and kickoffs, along with the ever-reliable legs of Doug Brien and Mark Royals. In a few weeks, Eric Guiliford could come back to add more excitement to the return game.

Ditka has also emerged from being labeled as a dinosaur to being recognized as the superior motivator that he is. In addition, he has assembled a staff that has prepared the team to win. Even the most resolute naysayers have abandoned their theories that Ditka's hire was merely a publicity stunt as Iron Mike continues to will his team to play to its limits.

Finally, the fans are behind the team. This may have been the most difficult achievement of all considering the litany of opinions issued by the experts as to why we should abandon all hope before the season began. Undaunted, the fans have remained true to the team earning a game ball along the way.

This Sunday against New England should find the coaches, the team and the fans ready to do what it takes to win. The players will be asked to give it all on the field. The fans will be looking forward to loosing our voices, making sure the Patriots will not be able to hear themselves think until they leave the Dome.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

September 21, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

After an open week, The Saints remain undefeated in the standings but still without the respect of the pundits who are waiting for a streak of losses to justify their so-called expertise. Maybe it will start this week against the Colts when Peyton Manning suddenly plays a mistake free game. Certainly the losing will begin the following week against the Patriots when the Saints face a team predicted to go to the playoffs. If not then, surely the 49ers will prevail against the lowly Saints. Why? Because the experts have decided that the Saints do not have the talent to win.

Without question, the team with superior talent will have the opportunity to prevail against an opponent that lacks outstanding players. But only if that talent is utilized in conjunction with the other members of the team. Unlike other sports, such as basketball, where one or two players can carry a team, football is the consummate team sport. All eleven players must execute their assignment for a play to be successful. One breakdown along the line can be the difference between a big gain or huge loss. Teamwork, execution and belief in the guys lining up around you translate into success in the NFL and no one is more aware of this than Mike Ditka.

Sean Gilbert, a high priced darling of the media following his signing with the Panthers, did not make a difference on the field against the Saints. In fact, the Saints ran to his side of the field frequently, ending the day with over two hundred rushing yards. Another big name picked up by the Panthers was cornerback Doug Evans who gave up a touchdown to Sean Dawkins and was beaten by a rookie for a score the prior week against the Falcons. Over fifty five million dollars was spent by the Redskins to acquire "Big Daddy" Wilkinson and Dana Stubblefied. So far, the results have been negligible. Neil O'Donnell, the so-called savior of the Saints quarterback rotation was pulled in favor of Jeff Blake against the Packers. The same Jeff Blake who was thought to be the sure fire remedy to replace Hobert, but who couldn't perform any better than O'Donnell.

With exorbitant money paid to a handful of players, it is likely that the remainder of the roster will be quick to gripe when the high priced talent doesn't perform. Free agency is perceived by some to be more of sure thing than the draft to insure the level of playing ability teams hope to acquire. But this theory has not proven to be altogether accurate. In fact, when the big name, high salaried free agent fails to live up to expectations, it can spell the end to team unity. Ditka believes the best way to build a team is to draft and keep your own. While we lost Tubbs, for the most part, the Saints have been able to sign core players to long term deals.

Talent is important, but only if it's developed within the context of a "team." While the Saints may lack enough big names to satisfy the press, Ditka has managed to develop chemistry among his players who have proven that teamwork means more than any individual who takes the field. Sean Gilbert may have put it best when he stated recently that "Just because you have a bunch of guys, and just because you've spent a lot of money, doesn't mean you're going to win games."

The Saints still have a long way to go to disprove the critics. Realistically, a winning season remains an outside prospect. But Ditka will get all that he can from the talent on hand as he continues to build through the draft to insure we have a roster of players dedicated to playing the game rather than cashing a paycheck.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

September 14, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The Saints accomplished the impossible according to preseason prognosticators who concluded that Mike Ditka's squad would be among the worst, if not the worst team to take the field this season. With his starting quarterback finished for the year after three quarters of play against the Rams, Ditka's troops rallied behind a fired up defense, punishing running attack and second year quarterback Danny Wuerffel to beat the Panthers 19-14. The Saints are now 2-0 on the season with successive victories against division opponents.

The atmosphere in the Dome was the best it's been in years. Despite a week of torrential rains that had most of the city parked on the neutral ground, over 50,000 showed up to cheer the team. The fans truly lived up to their role of being the twelfth man. It was especially pleasing to experience a home crowd who got behind the team early and maintained a deafening roar of support until the final gun sounded. Regardless of what the players have been reading in the papers, the fans are genuinely behind the team and it showed Sunday. The fans received further encouragement to Defend the Dome when Ditka acknowledged the chaos the home crowd created and awarded a game ball recognizing that effort.

Beating the Panthers meant more than the obvious results in the standings. It was another step forward for a team that, as Ditka insisted throughout the exhibition games, needs to believe in itself. While the record guarantees nothing more than 2-14 at this point in time, the Saints have the look of a team that will continue to get better. From our perspective as fans, we can hold our heads high as we look forward to the next game, more secure in the hope that the team is on the right path to becoming a legitimate contender in the NFL.

There were many players who had an outstanding game against the Panthers. The offensive line opened holes for Smith and Zellars. The defense continued to play as one of the best in the league. But the biggest question entering the game was Danny Wuerffel, who showed little promise in two previous starts his rookie season. During the pregame broadcast leading up to kickoff, the media continued its mission to add castor oil to the ice cream speculating about what quarter Wuerffel would be pulled to make way for current backup Billy Joe Tolliver. In only his third start as a pro, Wuerffel may not have silenced his critics, but they should be a lot quieter this week.

Wuerffel turned in a relatively mistake free performance throwing for one touchdown with no interceptions. He was pressured, hit and sacked, but still kept command of the game along with the respect of his team. Wuerffel demonstrated the value of having a year in the league to better himself as a player. He also enjoyed the benefit of better blocking along with an improved running attack and receiving corps. We need look no further than Peyton Manning's adjustment to the pros in Indianapolis to underscore the point that first year players will struggle, even if they are the first selection in the draft. To Wuerffel's credit, he has continued to learn and develop rather than regress. As with the other young players on the team, he should have better days ahead of him.

Another positive result of a quick start this season involves Ditka's ability as a coach and evaluator of talent. After being lambasted over the fact that last year's draft had little impact, Ditka patiently stuck to his plan of building the team from the trenches before adding the so-called skill players. The fans and critics alike are beginning to see the results of this approach. With an offensive backfield and receivers made up primarily of mid priced free agents, Ditka has surrounded them with upper round draft picks who can control the line of scrimmage. By the time he begins year three of the rebuilding process, Ditka will have assembled a veteran offensive front that will enhance the contributions of a high round running back, receiver or quarterback that will be drafted in 1999.

Ditka is proving that while the opposition may claim to have better players, the Saints have had the better team. If it's Ditka's plan to fuel success by assembling a roster of unselfish overachievers, it appears that he is on track. If the team continues to win, the labels will change from a youthful group playing over its head to a roster of proven, talented veterans.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

September 8, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The Saints outlasted the Rams 24-17 Sunday, proving along the way that the desire to win can sometimes overcome superior talent. For the first time in team history, the Saints scored an opening day victory against a division opponent. With the odds and the "experts" stacked against them, Ditka had his team ready to play with heart and intensity, translating into a much needed confidence builder for a young team seeking to dispel the labels assigned by a cynical media.

Following another offseason when the roster was substantially overhauled, the Saints were expected to come out on the short end to begin the season. Hope for early success was lowered further when it was announced that neither Mark Fields nor Sean Dawkins would suit up for the game. Although Joe Johnson was signed prior to the regular season, he had missed all of training camp and was not in football shape.

Questions that hounded the team throughout the preseason were, for the most part, answered on the positive side Sunday. Bobby April's special teams set the tone with excellent coverage on the opening kickoff and continued to shine for all but one play the entire afternoon. The defense defied the critics and did not seem to miss a beat from last year, despite the turnover in personnel from the fourth ranked unit that took the field last season. Johnson's early recovery of a Ram fumble for the first score of the game served notice that Yaralian's troops had the big play potential to make a difference. La'Roi Glover had his first of what may be many outstanding performances in the middle of a defensive front that could be a force this year.

On the other side of the ball, the absence of starting receiver Sean Dawkins did not deter the team from throwing the ball effectively against a Ram defense stacked against the run. Cam Cleeland had an outstanding performance in his first regular season game as a pro. The offensive line, which included rookie Kyle Turley and a largely untested Chris Naeole, protected the passer. Lamar Smith showed his ability to make a meaningful contribution when he got his hands on the ball despite the fact that the Rams schemed successfully to stymie the run. All told, it was a solid performance by a team that should continue to get better.

But the elation of a rare opening day win was dampened early in the fourth quarter when Billy Joe Hobert pulled up lame. What fans had hoped was a minor injury turned out to be a season ending ruptured Achilles tendon. Now we will look to Danny Wuerffel and his backup, Jake Delhomme, to lead the offense while the organization begins to prepare Billy Joe Tolliver to add depth to the quarterback rotation.

Just as the media wrote off the Saints before the first snap of the regular season, Wuerffel's indoctrination to the NFL in his rookie season continues to fuel the conclusion that he will never excel as a pro. It's unfortunate that a determined press corps cements the opinions of fans who are prone to take the editorializing of reporters as gospel.

As with the prognostications that were force fed to us before the season began, nothing will be proven until the games are played. As for Wuerffel, he will benefit from a season in the league as well as from a vastly improved offensive line. But realistically, he was not good enough to win the starting job from Hobert and we are now faced with playing the remainder of the season without our starting quarterback.

Wuerffel will get his chance to show something this week behind improved blocking along with a better grasp of the Saints offense and NFL defenses. But he is still a second year man who is developing. The Panthers will stack the line forcing him to throw and delivering a hit whenever possible. While his future in the league should not be measured on a single Sunday, this game could play a large role in evaluating Wuerffel's prospects as an NFL quarterback as well as the willingness of his teammates to rally around him.

Ditka believes Wuerffel can be a winner in the NFL and Sunday will give us the first opportunity since last year to see for ourselves. One way or the other, the team will not go into a shell with Hobert lost for the season. We have a team determined to play hard and a coaching staff that will have them prepared to win. If the Saints do come out on top against the Panthers, the players will take another step forward developing the confidence needed to turn the corner. Should the Panthers win, the team will regroup and prepare for the following game. Whatever happens, Ditka has shown the ability to keep the team believing in itself. Hopefully, the fans will follow suit.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

AUGUST 31, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The Saints closed out the exhibition schedule defeating Tampa 10-6 avoiding the second winless preseason in team history. Now it's time to count the minutes to kickoff against the Rams while wondering how the '98 season will play out.

There may be more at stake than a winning record this year. It seems that the entire organization has been called to task by those who rightfully question personnel decisions that are part of the reason we haven't been able to enjoy a winning season since 1992. The fingers have recently been pointed away from Ditka and strongly toward GM Bill Kuharich. Should the Saints falter again this year, the majority of fans will likely conclude that the person who let us down most was Kuharich.

It's another example of dashed expectations if this should happen. As a personnel man working under Jim Finks, Kuharich found the later round players who contributed to the success we enjoyed several season's ago. After Finks left the organization, duties were split between Mora, Kuharich and Jim Miller. Mora stated that he answered to no one but owner Tom Benson. Miller had very little success dealing with the onset of free agency and Kuharich's control over personnel evaluation was challenged immediately. He's had as much of a free reign as he can expect since he and Ditka were named to their respective positions. For better or worse, if the personnel moves made since Kuharich became a full fledged GM coincide with failure on the field, his replacement will be sought for the second time by Tom Benson who attempted to replace Kuharich with Bill Polian after Mora quit.

But enough of that. The opening day roster has been set and we will be watching with reserved hope that the Saints will perform better than last year.

All of us have been prepared for a tough ride this season. Ditka has attempted to plug leaks on the roster with the off season additions of Lamar Smith, Aaron Craver, Tyronne Drakeford, Chad Cota, Sean Dawkins, Kyle Turley and Cam Cleeland. But other holes have opened, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Winfred Tubbs has yet to be replaced by a worthy successor, Joe Johnson continues to hold out while missing all of training camp, Mickell retired, Sagapouletele was injured and Andre Royal turned out to be so much of an off the field problem that he had to be traded. Punt returns will also be an adventure this year with Guiliford out. Presently, it appears that the offense will have to carry the defense-a scenario that none of us would have predicted when camp opened.

It would be easy to agree with the media that the Saints will be worse this year than last. In fact, the press has already labeled fans who disagree with their gloomy forecast as thinking with our hearts rather than our minds. What the media fails to understand is that the diehard fans have not ignored the team's problems or gone over the edge predicting a championship season. We are willing, however, to let the season unfold to see exactly how the Saints stack up against the competition.

The '98 season could well resemble Ditka's second season with the Bears. A 2-6 start with a 6-2 finish. As Ditka observed recently, the team needs to develop confidence. A tall order, especially when most of what has been written questions the organization from top to bottom. Perhaps fans should be more sympathetic toward the media. After all, they have to cover the team on a daily basis while we can watch them once a week. But Ditka has stayed true to his course of building a young team that has the chance to develop. Writing off players who have not had enough tenure in the league to be fully evaluated is unfair to the players and to the fans.

We would all like to see a quick start to the season. The Saints could not draw a better opponent than the Rams to do so. While claiming superior talent than the Saints, the Rams are another team that has yet to reach its' potential.

The Rams are favored this week on the first of many Sunday's when the Saints will be underdogs. We will see for ourselves if Ditka has the team moving in the right direction, but whether the sun sets with the Saints 1-0 or 0-1, it won't be until the second half of the season that we will get a true read of where the team is headed.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

Dear Saints Fan,

Despite negative emphasis by the local media seemingly intent on riding Ditka out of town, progress continues to be reflected on the field as the Saints posted losses to Denver and the Oilers the past two weeks of the preseason. In the 17-10 defeat suffered against the Broncos, the defense held its own while the offense struggled to put points on the board. In Friday's loss to Tennessee, the offense came alive while the defense gave up a few big plays on the way to a 26-24 defeat. At this point of the exhibition season, there is no reason to throw in the towel while a team that seems to have better players from last year continues to gel.

The most disappointing aspect of the preseason thus far is the media's unrelenting attack on the team's shortcomings while overlooking the obvious improvement being made in Ditka's second year. At last count, Ditka has eradicated thirty-seven players from the roster he inherited from Jim Mora. In the process he has assembled a group of young players who have yet to reach their full potential. This is a team that has done nothing but get better with every week of the preseason and should continue to improve as we count down to opening day.

For those of you who were unable to watch Saturday's game against the Oilers, Billy Joe Hobert looked good. He knew where to throw the ball and his receivers made the catches. Unlike years past when the receivers seemed to come up short on third down, this year it looks like we have a group who know where the yardage marker is and make certain they are beyond it on their routes.

The pass protection was also improved as Hobert had time to throw the ball as well as the receivers having more time to get open. The media's assaults on Chris Naeole continue however, overlooking comment on the fact that he led Lamar Smith into the end zone after pulling from his right guard position to open the hole on the left. Neither Naeole nor the other linemen played a perfect game, but continue to play better.

Wayne Martin was held out of Saturday's contest and the middle of the defense did not play as well without him. All the same, the defense bent but was not broken when the Oilers had two first half possessions deep in Saints territory escaping with only field goals. At the end of the first half the Oilers were ahead 16-10, but the Saints starters had the look of a team that would have come back in the second half had they stayed in the game.

Most of the statistical damage was done in the second half of the game when our second unit faced the Oilers first string. Quite frankly, that does not concern me. At the same time, the Saints will scour the waiver wire over the next week to bolster depth and find players who will make the team better.

Too many fans are akin to lambs being led to slaughter by the writers and sports talk personalities who have simply quit writing or talking about the real progress Ditka is making with the team. On the day of the game, the Times Picayune queried whether the home crowd would react negatively to Ditka's out-of-context statements in Sports Illustrated over six weeks ago. They did not. Ditka received a warm welcome from the fans in the Dome, as did the team. But this sort of "baiting" will likely continue until the Saints begin to win on a regular basis.

There was probably no lower moment in Saints history than when Mora quit. After all, if the coach gives up, why shouldn't we? As Saints fans we have suffered through a lot but have never given up our support of the team. Despite the media's attempt to undermine our belief that Ditka will turn the team around, it is ludicrous to jump ship before it's even in the water. Let's see how the season unfolds. I, for one, am looking forward to it.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

Dear Saints Fan,

Seeing is believing…or is it? For those who watched, listened to or read accounts of the exhibition opener against the Packers, there was not much by way of encouragement. A surprisingly porous defense, muffed punts, dropped passes and suspect blocking amounted to a 31 - 7 defeat at Lambeau Field on a night fans expected to see improvement.

It was a tough game to swallow following a week when Ditka's contract was extended through the 2002 season. Benson and Kuharich were motivated by their perception that the team is headed in the right direction under Iron Mike and the majority of fans seemed to agree. It's unfortunate that the overall optimism surrounding Ditka's expanded tenure was dampened by a meaningless game that has nothing to do with the final standings.

While it's tough to ignore what was witnessed with our own eyes, a few factors should be considered when evaluating the outcome. Begin with the fact that Green Bay has a front line of proven players who had a so-so game under their belt from the week before. A lackluster Packer team in Tokyo against the Chiefs had already taken the first hits of the season. The Saints fielded a lot of new faces seeing game action for the first time, either as a pro or in a Saints uniform. The Packers were trying to shake off the rust while the Saints were learning to play together. In the course of establishing the timing and chemistry it will take for the team to realize its potential, Ditka's guys will need the exhibition season and possibly a number of games in the regular season to come into their own. All told, it's much too early to conclude that the Saints will lose ground in '98.

On the plus side, there were some signs of improvement amid the chaos. Hobert was steady, Lamar Smith and Aaron Craver ran with purpose and Kyle Turley showed the skills expected of a first round pick. The effort was good by all of the players. The defense suffered more from failing to get into position to make a play rather than being overpowered.

As the exhibition season moves forward, our expectations should be held in check while the team learns to play as a unit. Anyone looking for midseason performances at this point in time will be disappointed. The Saints will be improved this year, but Super Bowl dreams will not become a reality until the first bridge of being competitive is crossed.

As we learned last year, the preseason is nothing more than a mirage of what will unfold when the games are played on Sundays. It was, after all, the first preseason game and nothing is cast in stone.

It will take a more than the usual amount of resolve to stand by the team this year as the rebuilding process continues. The demise of the team over the course of Mora's final years left us with little in the way of talent. Quite frankly, when Ditka came aboard in '97 he went into his first draft without the sort of preparation he had in '98 after a season of first hand evaluation of the players on the roster.

It's ludicrous to hear about fans jumping ship before the season has been launched. When Ditka's Bears went 8 - 8 his second season in Chicago, his team had to finish 6 - 2 to reach that mark. It would not be surprising to see a similar result in New Orleans this year. Whatever we anticipate at this point in time, Ditka cannot be graded until after the season concludes. Whatever happens over the next three weeks will be quickly forgotten when the whistle blows September 6th, signaling the real start of Ditka's second year.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

August 3, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

Patience. A word Saints fans have learned to define over thirty-one seasons of unfulfilled expectations. A necessary virtue for the diehard, especially with a recent coaching change and the inevitable rebuilding process that ensues. It is tested with every preseason magazine that predicts another losing season and shaken by the knowledge that the team has yet to prove differently on the field. It is tempered only by the degree of trust assigned to Mike Ditka, who promises the Saints will be winners under his charge. On the eve of season thirty-two, fans are hoping again that this will be the year when the team takes its place among the elite in the NFL.

The ability to trust Ditka's resolve is challenged by the fact that any "who's who" involving the NFL is woefully short of current Saints' players. Hence the popular opinion that the Saints remain at the bottom of the pack. But the present lack of name recognition on the roster does not mean that the young group of players Ditka is assembling for opening day cannot earn it. At the very least, Ditka has gone a long way toward eliminating most of the underachievers left over from the Mora regime, replacing them with players who will eventually be the core of veterans expected to lead the team to the Super Bowl.

The question fans seek to answer through the summer is just how good the Saints will be this year. A tough question, especially since the fate of the team will rest largely on the performance of a group of new players still trying to establish an identity. The process of preseason evaluation is compounded by a general lack of knowledge of the progress being made by the competition. Perhaps Mora was correct when he stated that "You don't know, and never will know" what is going on inside the lines of professional football.

Fans must hope that the youthful foundation of players Ditka is building in New Orleans includes the household names of the future. For that to occur, he must excel in the areas of talent evaluation and motivation. Few doubt Iron Mike's ability to instill the will to win, but whether he can assess talent will determine the fate of the team.

If the Saints are to improve in '98 it will be on account of significant contributions from players Ditka drafted and obtained in free agency in the course of only two off seasons. Players who have yet to rank among the elite in the league. If Ditka chose those players accurately, the future is bright. If he scored poorly with his evaluation, it could be years before the Saints are back in contention.

In Chicago, Ditka's Bears went 3 - 6, 8 - 8, 11 - 7 and then 18 - 1 winning the Super Bowl with Ditka receiving the first of his two Coach of the Year honors. From the Super Bowl year of 1985 through 1988, the Bears set the league record for most wins in the regular season, dominating the NFC Central in the process.

While Ditka often claims the past is for cowards, his blueprint for the Saints is a direct copy from his days in Chicago. The debate rages on as to whether it can work in this day and age. But for those looking for a reason to believe, Ditka's past success is one of the few footholds available to predict a turnaround in New Orleans.

Perhaps one day soon, NFL Films will highlight the Saints road to the Super Bowl. In the meantime, patience remains a worthy virtue.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

July 22, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

This time last year fans were riding a wave of enthusiasm behind new coach Mike Ditka and his intention to make a way to win if one could not be found. Ditka’s rhetorical question, “Why not us?” was answered emphatically four quarterbacks and fifty-five turnovers later. The shock of watching the worst offense in the league had a sobering effect on even the most ardent fan, who could not reckon such ineptitude with Ditka at the helm.

Lost in the hoopla of the slogans and catchwords that welcomed Ditka to New Orleans was the fact he had inherited a team with arguably the worst talent in the league. This would require an overhaul at nearly every position on the roster. Ditka's plan would be to build the Iron Era on a foundation of young prospects obtained through the draft and free agency.

Ditka’s intentions are clear. His message is simple. He wants to assemble a group of talented players who place the privilege of playing professional football over the monetary rewards it offers. So-called  “Ditka Types” who will commit to the sacrifices necessary to play tougher than the opponent. Model citizens off the field who can turn on a nasty streak Sunday afternoons. Players who will win more by intimidation than finesse.  All worthy intentions, yet fans have little more than the promise of potential to conclude that the team Ditka envisions is in place.

Training camp opens this week, giving Mike Ditka his second opportunity to select an opening day roster for the Saints. It is expected that most of the starters this season will average a shade more than four years experience in the league. Whether they can develop into champions is the question that remains unanswered.

Without question, the team appears to be better on paper. The Saints should be able to field a decent front line of starters able to compete with all but the best in the NFL in ’98. The problem will be withstanding injuries at key positions. It is possible that the final cuts around the league in August could furnish a pool of players to bolster the roster, but for the most part, Ditka will be relying on training camp to develop the talent on hand to compete this season.

Many questions must be answered before the Saints can be considered odds-on contenders for the playoffs. Hobert will have to emerge as a legitimate starter, the running game will have to get on track, a young offensive front will have to come together, the receivers will have to pose a legitimate threat and the defense will have to maintain its momentum from last year. Add to the list a replacement for Eric Guiliford on special teams.  For the moment, those goals appear achievable; but the test will come Sunday afternoons when the ’98 Saints line up against a schedule of worthy opponents.

In addition to the annual NFC West rivalries, the Saints must contend with the Colts, Patriots, Tampa, Minnesota, Miami, Dallas, Arizona and Buffalo. Ditka’s self-proclaimed “obsession” with beating the 49ers might be more attainable than success outside the division. With the possible exception of the Rams at home, it would not be surprising if the oddsmakers consider the Saints underdogs in every game played. The team may not be that far away from contention, but the difference between winning and losing in the NFL is measured in inches rather than miles. Being "close" will still add up to a sub par season.

Despite the monumental task Ditka faces as he attempts to climb the mountain once again, his goals can be accomplished, if only a step at a time. Fans can prepare to watch a better team in ’98, perhaps a lot better. But the best advice as hopes run high this time of year may be to simply wait and see what unfolds in a season when anything can happen.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

June 25, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

The first whiff of the '98 season mingles with the scent of summer produce. Early editions of preseason rags that feed off our hunger for news hit the supermarket stands recently.  Save your five bucks.  Based on last season's lack of performance by a team made up of no names, the Saints are picked to finish at or near the bottom of the NFC West. It is foolish to pretend certainty about such things this time of the year.  But for those who follow the team in earnest, the ’98 season approaches with a true sense of optimism.

From all indications, this could be the turnaround season fans have been anticipating. Ditka has assembled a young and talented team to take the field in ’98. The results should translate to a dramatic difference from the struggling teams of the last five years.

Ditka has managed to build the roster from virtually nothing when he took over a year ago into a team that will field legitimate starters across the board along with decent depth to withstand injury at most positions. While it could take time to develop chemistry along the offensive front, the Saints will shed the image of having the least talented team in the league come opening day.

The youngest and least experienced unit will be from tight end to tackle. However, Roaf is a proven all-pro who will be joined by Naeole and Turley, first round picks from ’97 and ’98, to anchor the line. The veteran linemen will have to set the tone from day one for the young pups to come along to their full potential.  Once developed, this should be one of the best offensive fronts in the league.

Lamar Smith, Ray Zellars, Aaron Craver, Troy Davis and Wilmont Perry will allow Abramowicz to choose from a menu of good running backs, all with slightly different styles, to spice up the game plan. Derek Brown, Fred McCrary and Wes Bender will have a tough time making the team, reflecting the fact that the running game Ditka covets will be in place this season. The receiving corps will be bigger and faster with Andre Hastings the lone starter returning from last year lining up with newly acquired Sean Dawkins. Selecting the remaining receivers will provide the tightest competition in training camp as the coaches evaluate the progress of Keith Poole, Brett Bech, Qadry Ismail, McCullough, Stegall and Twyner. Cam Cleeland and John Farquhar may comprise the best tight end tandem we have had in years.

The decisions at the quarterback position continue to fuel debate. The organization aggressively pursued free agents and drafted players at every position but quarterback. Vinnie Testaverde was available, but the Saints did not express interest. He has since signed with the Jets. Plausible reasons that may explain the situation include Ditka’s stubborn loyalty to Shuler and Wuerffel or the possibility that Wuerffel has shown enough progress in the off season to convince the coaches that he will be able to step in for Hobert. Shuler was recovering from foot surgery and could not be fully evaluated except to say he may be physically able to perform during training camp in July. With competition being what it is in the league, the inability to call on an adequate backup could be the difference between a losing 7 – 9 record and potentially playoff qualifying 9 – 7 result. Fans can only hope that Ditka is correct on this one.

On the plus side, Billy Joe Hobert is taking advantage of every opportunity to become the leader needed at quarterback.  After Hobert took over toward the end of last year, the offense made fewer mistakes and unquestionably rose to a higher emotional level behind Hobert's tough play.  Hobert has the grit and determination to be the type of quarterback Ditka wants to run the offense. Wuerffel has the opportunity to move into the backup position, having dedicated himself to an off season conditioning program that will leave him better suited to play at the professional level.  While arguments can be made that Shuler will never succeed in the NFL, Ditka has not given up on the idea that Shuler can contribute. With a better surrounding cast of players, all of the quarterbacks should have the realistic opportunity to turn in serviceable performances.

Defensively, Zavan Yaralian has emerged as one of the top coordinators in the league. The defense was the fourth best in the NFL last year despite the record number of turnovers by the offense. There should be no drop off this year as the defense continues to improve. Presently, the only unfinished business is to sign Joe Johnson to solidify the defensive line. As with last season, the defense will have to carry the load while the offense develops.

With Mark Royal and Doug Brien the kicking game will be strong. Special team play should also be solid under Bobby April’s direction and the infusion of stronger, faster players who will be called upon to make up the unit. The loss of Eric Guiliford could be a problem as April settles on a new punt returner.

Overall, the Saints are at the threshold of a new season with a tumultuous year of transition now past. The best prediction that can be offered at this time is that the ’98 Saints will be a better team than the fans have endured in recent seasons.  As for the NFC West, it is up for grabs—unless you cast your lot with the supermarket experts.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

May 13, 1998

Dear Saints Fan,

While no one could have predicted the roller coaster that described the Saints inaugural year under Mike Ditka, the optimism that surrounded the team after his initial hiring was dashed by the reality of game day throughout the '97 season.  Yet with the coming of spring, a Saints Fan's heart again turns to fancy.  Draft picks and free agent signings are romanticized as the saviors who will finally bring winning ways to New Orleans. Undying love for our favorite team yearns to be consummated in the form of a winning season, and dare it be said, perhaps a Division Championship and playoff victory. These are the dreams we share throughout the summer as opening day approaches.

When Ditka was named to coach the Saints reaction was mixed. Some said that his hiring was nothing more than a public relations move. Others argued that his throw back approach to playing football was exactly what was needed to resurrect the Saints and the NFL from the certain doom associated with a new era of football where salary caps and signing bonuses deflated concepts of team, loyalty and the commitment to excel. Ditka continues to incite his critics, yet he remains the best man to be at the helm as the Saints struggle to develop a new identity as contenders.

Last year’s draft reflected an organization scurrying to find that identity. Ditka's infamous list of players who met his criteria for character over talent and the lack of any direct knowledge of the then-current roster combined to render the ‘97 draft more of a crapshoot than usual. Free agency was suspect at best when Ditka got his man in Heath Shuler and cut veteran Jim Everett leading to a season when four different players started at quarterback. The best of the bunch, Billy Joe Hobert, was acquired late in the season after being cut by Buffalo after admitting he had not prepared for a game.  Through the strength of an ever improving defense and a fair share of luck, the Saints managed a 6 – 10 record tainted by a 1 – 7 mark against division opponents. Enduring a year of trial and tribulation, Ditka and company were able to enter the ’98 off-season substantially more prepared to build the team.

After a slow start the organization continues to have an active, if not productive, off-season.  The acquisition of veterans Chad Cota, Andre Royal, Kevin Mitchell, Tyronne Drakeford, Lamar Smith, Aaron Craver, Qadry Ismail and Sean Dawkins should translate to improved performance on the field.  Rookies Kyle Turley and Cameron Cleeland will be expected to start. Chris Naeole and Brian Jones hope to rebound from injuries while Brady Smith and Jared Tomich have grown physically with an eye toward significant playing time. With the influx of better talent, questionable starters from last season will serve their proper roles as backups. After June 1st additional signings are likely, especially if a veteran quarterback becomes available to provide honest competition for Hobert. Depth along the defensive line could also be addressed.

Optimism is warranted as the team prepares to take the field in ’98. Ditka is steadily acquiring the players he needs to execute his philosophy of playing hard-nosed football based on a strong running attack and suffocating defense. He is building the team from the trenches while exercising patience before filling needs at the skill positions. If the offensive line and defensive front come together this season, receivers, running backs and quarterbacks can be drafted next year to complete the final pieces of the puzzle. By the time they get here, veterans will surround them on both sides of the ball.

As for progress expected in ’98, a great deal of any success will be attributable to the maturation of Ditka and his coaching staff. The Saints are still a young team that will have to be properly coached and motivated to achieve. Zaven Yaralian has emerged as one of the best defensive coordinators in the league and could succeed Ditka as our next head coach when the time comes. Danny Abramowicz has received positive reaction to his innovation of a two-back set that will feature a pair of running backs to soften opposing defenses rather than the typical tailback/fullback tandem used throughout the league. Bobby April continues his role as one of the top special team coaches in football.
 
While there has been attrition in the coaching staff, the movement of a few of our coaches to other teams reflects well on Ditka's ability to assemble a staff that has the potential to move up in the coaching ranks. Ex-secondary coach Willie Shaw was named defensive coordinator of the Raiders and former assistant Tom Moore was hired as offensive coordinator of the Colts.  In the meantime, Ditka put meaning behind his concept of team loyalty by promoting from within his own ranks. The lone outsider brought in this season is running backs coach Lary Kuharich who happens to be the brother of team President, Bill Kuharich.

Ditka proclaimed after being hired that he wanted a three year contract because he expected to complete the job of turning the franchise around by then. He has taken another step forward in the process during the off-season, continuing to shape the roster with players who will play the game his way. The battles fought on the field of play in ’98 should prove the potential that Ditka envisions for the team not only for the coming season, but for the following year when all of the pieces should be in place.

Until Next Time,

The Editor
 

Dear Saints Fan

Evaluation of the Saints’ depth chart following the ‘98 Draft continues to reveal at least one glaring need. Andre Hastings is our only proven receiver. Admittedly, our last rated offense needed improvement across the board, but the opportunity to add an impact receiver will apparently have to wait until next year. Names that remain in the free agent rookie pool include Magic Benton, Toussaint Waterman, Tutu Atwell, Nakia Jenkins and a handful of other no-names outside of their own homes where their parents could find only humor in the fact of their existence.

The hope now is with 31 receivers drafted, there will be a good number of veterans released. It is likely the Saints will sign one (or two) between now and opening day. Otherwise it may be Hastings, CFL refugee Milt "Le Magnifique" Stegal and Qadry Ismail attempting to keep opposing defenses from focusing on Lamar Smith. While not expected to be more than a third receiver, the Saints are also without the services of Eric Guiliford while he recovers from achilles surgery following a pick-up basketball game a few days prior to the draft. Randall Hill remains unsigned. The roster also includes Poole, Bech, Twynner and Harper, along with 7th rounder Andy McCullough, none of whom are expected to soften opposing defenses. For the moment, the lack of an impact receiver may dictate a two-tight end set and the unrealistic hope to avoid third and long situations once the season begins.

Out of fairness to Ditka and Kuharich there were simply too many needs entering the draft and not enough picks to address them all.

On the plus side, the Saints went a long way to improve the offense with the selections of Kyle Turley and Cameron Cleeland. Following a season in which sacks were only interrupted by turnovers, the addition of a right tackle and big tight end will help considerably. Not only will the running game improve with Turley at right tackle, but in Cleeland, Hobert will have a dump-off receiver option when protection breaks down. The draft reflected Ditka’s commitment to establish the running game first, even if our ability to threaten through the air is on hold.

While most fans expected the draft to favor offensive players, defense was a forced option with the next two picks. The receiver potentially targeted in round four, Az Hakim, was taken immediately before the Saints selected by the Rams. Cornerback Fred Weary and defensive lineman Julian Pittman became the highest players on the board. Both come from major college programs and should contribute to maintaining our defensive strength. Weary could be an eventual starter at corner this season and Pittman will add depth to a thinned defensive line. Immediate contributions from our fifth through seventh round picks may be unexpected, although RB/FB Wilmont Perry and ILB Chris Bordano appear to have an upside. At the very least, Bobby April should be able to improve his special team squads with the rookies that make the final roster.

Not to be forgotten are the acquisitions made thus far in free agency, particularly Lamar Smith, Chad Cota, Andre Royal and Tyronne Drakeford.  The rookie free agent pool could provide relief as last year, when Sammy Knight and Keith Mitchell were discovered. The second wave of veteran free agency may land Vinnie Testaverde and the missing receiver. Without question, the Saints will field a more talented team in ’98. Whether that talent translates into a better result in the win/loss column is the unanswered question.

As for Ditka’s current status, what he hopes to accomplish at a time when the NFL is at a crossroads is admirable.

Ditka is attempting to instill the concept of loyalty and trench warfare within the organization and especially among his players. He views success on the field being based on a total team concept and desire to play the game.

When he took the job last season Ditka made the decision to go with younger players primarily because he wanted to build a corps of kids who would listen and respond to his idea of how professional football should be played. His disdain for seasoned veterans via free agency underscores his philosophy to build through the draft, opting to avoid those who view the NFL primarily as an income opportunity. For this reason, it may take longer than fans would like to see the results. Whether he can convince a young team to accept his notion of the opportunity the NFL provides will remain Ditka’s primary challenge as he works to build the Saints into champions.
 

Until Next Time,

The Editor

Dear Saints Fan,

When the first salvos of free agency were fired, the Saints took a major hit losing starting middle linebacker Winfred Tubbs and a former number one draft pick, tight end Irv Smith, to the division rival 49ers. Initially, it appeared  we were without a loaded cannon ready to respond.

The apparent lack of a workable plan to replace Tubbs and Smith underscored the popular opinion that the Saints would continue a trend of reacting, rather than taking the lead in free agency. Darren Mickell’s sudden retirement made matters worse, adding to the unanticipated problem of having to fill defensive needs in addition to our sizable concerns on the offensive side of the ball.

Our history of poor personnel decisions has been bleak from day one. Even with the benefit of high round picks by virtue of losing seasons, the Saints have been unable to parlay those opportunities to climb into contention. With the onset of free agency, miscues continued as we signed the likes of Eric Allen and Mark McMillian to huge contracts and guessed wrong about the future of Renaldo Turnbull. In the meantime, we lost players such as Morten Andersen, Ricky Jackson, Sam Mills and Wesley Walls. Since 1967, we have been unable to assemble a roster capable of winning a single playoff game. The renewed hope that followed Ditka’s hiring was dampened as his inaugural season progressed only to reveal that his first personnel move of acquiring Shuler and his selections in the ’97 draft had little positive impact.

While the fans lamented an apparent rerun of seasons past, the organization went to work. Eric Allen was dealt to the Raiders for a fourth round pick. Tyronne Drakeford and Kevin Mitchell were signed from the 49ers to compete for the open cornerback and middle linebacker positions.  Quadry Ismael was acquired and Andre Hastings re-signed to bolster the receiving corps. We outbid the Seahawks and other teams securing Lamar Smith to resurrect the running game. But the most ingenious moves of free agency were obtaining the services of former Panthers Chad Cota and Andre Royal.

Saints’ “capologist” Terry O’Neil reviewed the current Collective Bargaining Agreement with a fresh perspective and found a loophole. By offering contracts to Cota and Royal containing incentives that would effectively render them free agents with the Panthers while virtually guaranteeing a long-term association with the Saints, the Panthers were precluded from dealing in dollars alone. Unable to swallow the poison pill clauses in our offer sheet, Carolina had no choice but to relinquish rights to the two leading tacklers on their current roster. For the first time in the history of the team, the Saints were leading the way in the free agent game.

Time will tell if the free agents we acquired will make a difference in the win/loss column. Although O’Neil discovered a novel approach to luring players, we have not used free agency as a means to attract “name” talent. But Ditka’s disdain for free agency and commitment to building through the draft may be the best approach after all.

Whether Ditka prefers the draft to free agency does not change the bottom line. The game is still won or lost on the field. Finding, keeping and attracting talented football players remains crucial to the outcome.

With the draft only a few weeks away, opinions about who we should take will intensify with the media and fans. Prior to signing Lamar Smith, Ditka highlighted running back, receiver and offensive line as need positions. Presently, most draft gurus have us selecting offensive tackle Kyle Turley with our first pick. But the process is ongoing and until the commissioner has the envelope in hand, it is anybody’s guess.

Unfortunately, we may find ourselves in the same position we were in last year. One pick short of considering a consensus impact player.

In the ’97 draft, our number two position lost its luster after Manning decided to stay in school. Other than Manning and Pace, there were no other blue chippers, leading us to trade the selection and end up with Naeole. This year we have the seventh selection in the first round with only six “can’t miss” prospects, all of whom may be gone when it is our turn to choose. Once again, a decision by an underclassman to stay in school affects our strategy with Texas running back Ricky Williams opting for his senior year.

At this time, Manning, Leaf, Wadsworth, Woodson, Enis and Moss are the elite players entering the draft. Of those, Moss is the most intriguing as questions about his character and ability to commit to the demands of the professional game surround his status. It is anticipated that there will be a lot of movement as teams’ jockey for position in this year’s draft making it all the more speculative about the Saint’s ultimate pick.

If last season is a reliable gauge of our needs, they are significant, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Thirty-three interceptions, thirty-four fumbles (losing twenty-two), nine rush touchdowns and a skimpy thirteen through the air. We gave up fifty sacks and could not move the chains, converting only 26.1 percent of the time. Where do you start to fix an offense that ranked last in nearly every significant category?  The only conclusions that last year’s numbers reveal are that we will need more than one player to fix the problem.

Whether it is a lineman, receiver or even a running back, quarterback or tight end, the Saints will have to address the offense early and often in the draft. Our first selection will be determined by the activity that takes place ahead of us. If a player such as Enis or Moss is available, it will be difficult for Ditka to pass him up. If the best available player is an offensive lineman, he may consider trading down to acquire more selections if he can still get who he wants.

Whatever happens on draft day, we can be assured that Ditka is going in with his eyes open. The goal is to get players who are better than what we have. That should be the easy part as we await the ’98 draft. All we know for the moment is that the Colts are on the clock.

Until Next Time,

The Editor

Dear Saints Fan,

Super Bowl XXXII is in the books with Denver upsetting the heavily favored Packers 31 – 24. Stuck in the time warp of mediocrity that defines the New Orleans Saints, we can only hope to be another day closer to realizing a championship team of our own.

We entered the ’97 season with an arsenal of clichés that never came close to forecasting the end result. We were unable to “Find a way” much less “Make a way” to get the offense untracked. Although Ditka proclaimed that “The past is for cowards”, he relied on a throwback style raising questions about his ability to succeed in a new era of football. When Ditka queried “Why not us?” he could simply look at his roster for the answer.

It was a season that raised questions about Ditka's ability to judge talent. Heath Shuler never got on track after a promising preseason. The draft had little immediate impact. Ditka even questioned his own commitment to the game, threatening to quit before the season concluded.

We now begin the second year of a three-year plan wondering if a sufficient foundation is in place to lend credence to Ditka’s goal of making a run for it all before his current contract expires. We may not be that far away.

With the stated objective of improving our record in the NFC West, the outlook for ’98 may not be that dismal. We were 1 – 7 against division opponents last year, mostly on account of the offense. It will take careful talent evaluation along with a degree of luck in the draft and free agency to fill the holes in the offense, but it can be done.

Ditka will remain committed to an offensive philosophy that emphasizes the running game. Many have debated whether the key to running the ball is with the back or the line. Denver’s performance in the Super Bowl revealed that it helps to have both. Their line controlled Green Bay’s front seven, but Terrell Davis had the vision to find the seam and the physical ability to hit it with power. For the Saints, our running backs are the weaker link in the chain.

Ditka has stated that our primary needs are running back and wide receiver. If he looks to the draft to fill those needs, he can hope that Randy Moss or Curtis Enis will be available when it is our time to pick at the seventh slot in the first round, consider trading up, or shift his attention to another player.

At this point in time, the draft experts list Manning, Leaf, Wadsworth, Woodson, Moss and Enis as the first six selections. If Moss and Enis are gone, the next best athlete is arguably Tra Thomas, who is projected as the best offensive lineman coming out this year.

While many of us would be happy to select Thomas, it would not be surprising if the Saints traded down to recoup the pick we surrendered for Shuler and possibly target Fred Taylor, Skip Hicks or Robert Edwards later in round one. The key to trading down is the draft day value of Thomas, who missed the Senior Bowl. The official word was that Thomas was hurt, but some have questioned his failure to appear. Thomas will hopefully resurrect his status at the combine. This will maintain the value of our current position in the draft whether we take him or entice another team to trade picks.

Like the chicken or the egg, it is an endless debate whether we draft a back or a lineman with our first choice in the draft to enhance the running game. It is especially challenging when we could stand to upgrade both positions, along with receiver, quarterback and possibly a tight end. Not to be forgotten are some needs on defense where we may lose the services of Joe Johnson and Winfred Tubbs. Some also question whether Eric Allen’s days are numbered at the cornerback position.

We have the opportunity to select from a talent pool that includes many more legitimate prospects than last year. We should be able to address our problem running the ball by selecting a back and lineman in the first two rounds of the draft, or supplement the roster via free agency.

This should be an exciting off-season as Ditka focuses his attention to the offense. With emphasis on the skill positions the fans will have all the more reason to look forward to opening day. If Ditka can find the players, we can expect the club to be vastly improved over last year while taking a big step forward in the quest to win it all.

Until Next Time,

The Editor