A Falcons’ nightmare: Tomlinson to the Saints?

Wonder how happy the Falcons' Michael Turner will be if his team has to go against Tomlinson twice a season. (Curtis Compton/AJC)

Wonder how happy the Falcons' Michael Turner will be if his team has to go against Tomlinson twice a season. (Curtis Compton/AJC)

The great thing about an athlete having a Twitter account is it’s like having him sit next to you in a bar. Maybe he’s drunk. Maybe he isn’t. But either way, there’s a pretty good chance that at some point he’s going to say something that hasn’t passed through the usual filter that sanitizes thoughts before they reach the public.

Like this: “I would love to get L.T. in the black and gold.”

That was a message New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees sent out on his Twitter page. The L.T. stands for LaDainian Tomlinson, his former San Diego teammate who was released by the Chargers.

Brees then sent a followup Tweet, saying: “OK, due to popular demand, I am asking the question….who thinks LT should be a Saint?”

Now, personally, I think this would be a great move by the Saints. Tomlinson isn’t an every down back any more but he’s still one of the top running backs in the NFL. Putting him in that offense would be, like, sick, especially given his motivation level will be at an all-time high next season.

And if I’m Falcons coach Mike Smith, my first thought would be: “Oy.”

But Brees’ comment, even if it was delivered as a friend of L.T.’s, could not have gone over well with: 1) Pierre Thomas; 2) Reggie Bush; 3) Mike Bell. Those are the current Saints running backs. The reason NFL teams always have PR lieutenants standing next to media members during interviews now is to monitor stuff like this and remind players to watch what they’re saying.

If Kim Kardashian Tweets something on Reggie’s behalf, I’ll let you know. But the last thing I saw from her was: “Leggings killed velour sweat suits.”

It wouldn’t shock me if L.T. ends up with the Saints. Thomas and Bell are restricted free agents. There’s a chance the team signs  both, but certainly Thomas isn’t going anywhere. He led the Saints in rushing and is a favorite of coach Sean Payton. The wild card here is Bush. He’s scheduled to make $8 million next season, and New Orleans can sign Tomlinson for  a lot less.

After he was dumped by San Diego, Tomlinson told SI.com his primary goal “is to try to win a championship.” Could there be a better place than the defending Super Bowl champions, who also happen to have the league’s top offense and play indoors?

So Falcons’ fans: How would you feel about having to face Brees and Tomlinson twice a year in the NFC South?

134 comments Add your comment

Southside Falcon

February 24th, 2010
8:42 am

Man that would be fearsome as hades! Man I would lose sleep over that. LT is still a great back just wasnt in the right system after they let Lorenzo Neal go. I would ike to see him in red and black though man that would be awsome. Oh and FIRST!!!!!

RomeDawg

February 24th, 2010
8:48 am

I think LT is washed up. I would love to see the Saints take LT over Bush. They would make them a much weaker team. Reggie adds a lot more dimensions of offense to a team than LT does. I hate seeing Reggie getting ready to return punts. He is scary quick. I was worried the Falcons were going to waste their money on LT.

Craig

February 24th, 2010
8:49 am

The Ain'ts

February 24th, 2010
8:49 am

who cares? He cannot stay healthy long enough to do anything. He is done.

Voice of Reason

February 24th, 2010
8:50 am

Actually, LT would fit the bill better on a team like the Colts where they could utilize his skills, play him for a series and then rest him for one, and his presence on that team takes a bit of the pressure off the slots and TEs. But seeing him on the Falcons, or even Broncos, would give him new life and help both those teams.

Barnacle Bill Bavasi

February 24th, 2010
8:51 am

Fifth! LT won’t be much of a factor, I don’t think … 3.3 yards per carry? He’s done. Great guy, but used up. It happens a lot and always has.

Danny

February 24th, 2010
8:52 am

Yeah, Coach Smith is really going to worry about the 3.5 yards a carry he gets these days.

The Writer

February 24th, 2010
8:53 am

By the way, I’d like to condemn television for overfeeding us the word “utilize.” The word “use” rocks, satisfies and abides. “Use,” fever, catch it.

Ackshun

February 24th, 2010
8:53 am

Tomlinson on the Saints wouldn’t scare me too much. Truth is he has lost a step and our defensive line will be healthy next year. Even banged up we were a play or two away from beating these guys twice last year. I would love to see what LT would do with the Saints (or most likely) the Eagles. But either way we get our guys healthy and make a few keys pickups, there is no team in the NFC South that can stop us.

Josh M

February 24th, 2010
8:55 am

Yes, that would be HORRIFIC!

Wait, it is 2006, isn’t it?

Clay

February 24th, 2010
8:56 am

Come on Jeff. Who’s gonna be scared of a washed-up, 3.1 yds per carry back?

RomeDawg

February 24th, 2010
8:56 am

Voice of reason,

Unless going to one of those teams gives him new legs it won’t matter about the “new life”.

Tailback U

February 24th, 2010
8:57 am

As a Falcon fan I kinda hopes he fins a different team but
signing with the Saints would not exactlty strike fear here.
He would likely only take away carries from Bush so it could
be a good thing.

[...] JaMi wrote a very interesting post today.   Here’s a quick excerpt:Drew Brees wants former San Diego teammate LaDainian Tomlinson to sign with the New Orleans Saints, which means Reggie Bush may have to go. [...]

coachx

February 24th, 2010
8:59 am

Why be scared of LT ? (I thought you meant a better Left Tackle. Now that is something that may scare me. LT, the RB, sucks now. He has not averaged over 3.8 yards a carry since he was 28……….he will be 31 this season.

I just hope Turner has another good year or two left in him.

Glad the Saints are letting Sharper go………..he and Will Smith aging should bring the defense down. The still have 3 nice pieces in Jenkins, Ellis, and Vilma on the defensive side though.

Should be a great season in 10-11 !

Go Falcons !

MSS

February 24th, 2010
9:04 am

theres been rumors of the Chargers releasing Darren Sproles i would love for us to get him

lanier

February 24th, 2010
9:07 am

Jeff while this guy was shot from guns a few years ago he would be like Eric Dickerson to the falcons. 3.3 lol

PMC

February 24th, 2010
9:14 am

I’m more afraid of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell than I am of LT at this point in his career. He would be better served going somewhere that he can get 10 carries a game and only have to do short yardage work. Why would you pass to LDT when you can pass to Reggie Bush? That makes no sense.

PMC

February 24th, 2010
9:15 am

LDT can still score. He’s still got a nose for the endzone but how much is that going to cost?

MeNonymous

February 24th, 2010
9:16 am

@writer – hahahaha. The word “utilize” is utilized way too much. I agree. Nothing wrong with “use.” TV has fed us this word. It’s one of those words that dumb people use to sound smarter. Use fever caught.

71 Falcon

February 24th, 2010
9:18 am

Keep Norwood…………….

Ryan

February 24th, 2010
9:18 am

It doesn’t scare me. LT is done. They can have him. I would take Thomas Snelling over LT.

Nick

February 24th, 2010
9:20 am

Jeff,

How can a running back still be one of the best in the league, but isn’t an every down back? LT is a piece of what he once was. I wouldn’t worry too much if I were Falcons fans.

Jeff Schultz

February 24th, 2010
9:26 am

Rome Dawg — You’re right about losing the punt return aspect with Bush. But LT doesn’t hurt the offense at all.

Jeff Schultz

February 24th, 2010
9:27 am

The Writer — I missed that meeting. Can you send me the mission statements on use and utilize?

TommyP

February 24th, 2010
9:27 am

“Tomlinson isn’t an every down back any more but he’s still one of the top running backs in the NFL.”

How is that possible?

LT is nowhere near what he used to be. His career is and has been on the decline for a few years. Like someone earlier said, give me Sproles as a part time back any day.

CHEF MONTUER

February 24th, 2010
9:28 am

Jeff Schultz

February 24th, 2010
9:29 am

Nick — physically LT obviously he can’t take pounding of being an every down back any more. But he can still be highly effective with fewer touches. How’s that?

matt r

February 24th, 2010
9:32 am

The defending world champion does not need to break the bank on a free agent who has been declining for a couple of years. They will spend their money more wisely than that.

TommyP

February 24th, 2010
9:35 am

Jeff: Define “one of the top running backs in the NFL.”

‘Cause LT no longer can be associated with that statement anymore. (for a few years running now)

NOLA

February 24th, 2010
9:37 am

We don’t need that old man.

our coaches are better than your coaches

our scheme is better than your scheme

our players are better than your players.

Who dat say they gonna beat em superbowl champs?

not the cons. cons just want to look respectable and keep accumulating back to back winning seasons.

remember me shots for matty ice.

Realist

February 24th, 2010
9:40 am

Why would this be a nightmare? Would the Saints win the Super Bowl? Oh wait, they already did. What could be worse than that? Adding an aging running back? How does that make them scarier? They are already the best offense in the league.

TommyP

February 24th, 2010
9:42 am

One more thought on Tomlinson….doesn’t he already receive “limited touches”?

Al

February 24th, 2010
9:43 am

LT is washed up. He doesn’t scare me anymore. Although one of the top 10 backs ever in his prime, he’s not even a top 30 among current backs.

Jeff Schultz

February 24th, 2010
9:45 am

Stunning that it’s almost unanimous here that L.T. has nothing left. I guess we’ll find out the answer next season.

Nick

February 24th, 2010
9:54 am

Jeff,

That sounds better than being one of the best RB’s in the league…

EB

February 24th, 2010
10:02 am

Wouldn’t be surprised to see LT wind up with the Colts. Imagine what they could do if they could occasionally run the ball effectively and defenses had to plan for that.

Dr. Warren

February 24th, 2010
10:04 am

I am sure Michael Turner would secretly relish watching the tables turned and seeing LT sitting on the Falcons bench. As for LT scaring Saints’ opponents, how bad did Earl Campbell the Saint or Emmit Smith the Cardinal or OJ Simpson the 49er scare other teams?

calhoun dawg

February 24th, 2010
10:06 am

Not worried!

SOUTH GA DAWG FAN

February 24th, 2010
10:08 am

I am more worried about the falcons running backs , norwood (injury by the first regular season game is a given) turner (seems to have the injury bug also) snelling is a beast but can he do what he does for a full season. is there any possibility the the kid from clemson will drop to the birds and would they draft him if he did ? I know everyone wants defense but i am worried about the running attack

SOUTH GA DAWG FAN

February 24th, 2010
10:08 am

I am more worried about the falcons running backs , norwood (injury by the first regular season game is a given) turner (seems to have the injury bug also) snelling is a beast but can he do what he does for a full season. is there any possibility the the kid from clemson will drop to the birds and would they draft him if he did ? I know everyone wants defense but i am worried about the running attack

SOUTH GA DAWG FAN

February 24th, 2010
10:09 am

sorry about the double post I dont know why that happened it must be this ancient computer here at work .shh!! dont tell anyone I am at work

JeanE

February 24th, 2010
10:11 am

Honestly, who cares if the Saints get him? He’s a very old for his actual age player, not worried at all if he goes to the Saints. They’re stupid if they dump Reggie Bush for that! I’m more worried about our own team, we can’t concern ourselves with what our rivals are doing. Take care of your own business, Falcons!

JabboRockefeller

February 24th, 2010
10:12 am

If the Chargers thought he had ANYTHING left, after what he’s meant to them, would they let him go?

No.

ATL Fan

February 24th, 2010
10:12 am

I heard that there was a siting of Hank Aaron in Braves spring training camp. Here’s a headline: A Philly’s Nightmare: Hammerin’ Hank in the Braves lineup.

The Ain'ts

February 24th, 2010
10:13 am

Emmit Smith the Cardinal. That’s funny. Running Backs only have a small window of productivity. Running Backs are done after 5-6 seasons. It is what it is.

T

February 24th, 2010
10:17 am

This sounds more like a wonderful dream than a nightmare. Our division rival picks up a geriatric, slow running back who no longer has an ounce of cutback ability. Sign him up Saints.

JabboRockefeller

February 24th, 2010
10:20 am

We should take-up a collection to help the Saints with the signing bonus.

dx107

February 24th, 2010
10:22 am

Not scared in Brunswick, GA.

Bill

February 24th, 2010
10:25 am

That’s why we have a GM. Hope management makes the right decision and I believe they will. I would love to see LT as a Falcon but again thats business decision.

Thanks Jeff for doing a great job with all sports.

The “Writer” is all “use-d up”. Have a good day.

RomeDawg

February 24th, 2010
10:32 am

Jeff,

Bush’s avg. carry was 5.6 yds last year compared to 3.3. Bush also averaged over 7 yds per catch. I think signing LT over Bush hurts the Saints offense.

Delbert D.

February 24th, 2010
10:38 am

He might get 5 or 6 carries in the Saints offense. Maybe they’ll max out their salary cap on him.

Matt

February 24th, 2010
10:55 am

Wont happen. And as a Saints fan, I hope it doesn’t happen. Bush is younger and is starting to show signs of life as a runner in the NFL. Siants could get him to restructure. Pierre Thomas is a beast and will be resigned. I also like Mike Bell and think he’ll come back too.

Remember, there was a ton of talk last year to bring in a RB. Sean didn’t pull the trigger and it worked out.

Hunter

February 24th, 2010
10:56 am

LT will be tough anywhere. He’s still got a lot of power in goal line/short yard situations. LT has a knack for the endzone and getting a first down. If the Saints would rather LT over Bush, I’d love to see the Falcons go after Bush. We need a big time special teams play maker, and adding another weapon for Matt Ryan to check down to would be great. Smitty loves the short passes, checkdowns, high percentage throws, so let LT go to the Saints, and we’ll take Reggie!

tjhook

February 24th, 2010
10:58 am

we need another receiver to keep up with the pass-happy offense of the Saints. LT however, would be a good pass-run option for Brees and would have the knowledge and pedigree of how to make positive gains against a lot of defenses.

That guy

February 24th, 2010
10:59 am

Jeff, not surprising that most of us think nothing is left of LT. In the last decade running backs have come and gone alomost as quickly as the seasons. I can’t recall a single back in the last 10 years who has had a resurgence after being thought of as finished.

LT can probably help an established team ready to make a run at a championship, but he wll most likely be along for the ride.

Steve

February 24th, 2010
11:32 am

I think everyone calling LT washed up is incorrect. Sure he has been hurt the last couple of seasons and his run production was down last year. Let’s face it he hasn’t been the same since Brees left town and he has never exactly gotten along with Rivers or Norv Turner. The guy still has a little left in his tank and given the motivation that he has to win a Championship will prove alot of people wrong! I would take him in a Falcons uniform in a minute. I was just ban him from singing in anymore commercials!!!! :)

Steve

February 24th, 2010
11:33 am

Oops! I meant to say I would just ban him!!!!

This is F-U-N-N-Y !!!!

February 24th, 2010
11:36 am

Funny How Falcon fans are Kicking down LT for being washed up But betting the bank on Michael “The Burnout” Turner!!! Put down the Kool aid folks!!!! In the NO offense, LT would only have to be good for 10 to 12 carries a game!!! Thomas stays in NO, Bush gets an extension to lower his cap number and LT is in for Bell! Saints win the division again and the Falcons are left to come up with an explanation why signing Tony Gonzales was a better move than signing a never won a playoff game tight end like Gonzales…….

Drez

February 24th, 2010
11:39 am

LT??? Less Talent!

He’s not a threat anymore. I’ll be more concerned if the Saints plucked Jason Snellings from the Falcons. I hope the Saints do get rid of one of their current RB’s to make room for LT.

jmac

February 24th, 2010
11:42 am

Supes

February 24th, 2010
11:45 am

LT is no longer a breakaway RB who can go 25-30 carries in a game. It actually takes him 25 carries or so to even get close to 100yards. Defenses no longer fear LT.

On top of that, LT was a FB killer this past season and had only 1-2 decent games. More of a reason to hate/dislike him than him going to the hated Saints.

Besides, Michael Turner is about to enter the prime of his career.

If you are the saints, and have 3 RBs you really have NO RB.

I bet Reggie Bush goes to Seattle to be re-united with his daddy Pete Carroll anyways.

Whatever

February 24th, 2010
11:46 am

Why is America so infatuated with Kim K? All she’s ever done is be a wh0re and make a sex tape. Whatever!

Otis Nixon

February 24th, 2010
11:47 am

i would be excellent in the backfield just like i was in the outfield. SIGN ME BABY!!!!

Drez

February 24th, 2010
11:50 am

This is F-U-N-N-Y !!!!

You’re funny. Gonzalez puts up the same numbers now that he was putting up when he came into the league. Since when does a tight end make teams win playoff games? However, I’ve never seen LT have a big game when it really counts. Look at his numbers in playoff games…not impressive at all. At least I can feel confident when Gonzalez do play in a playoff game, he won’t wet his pants.
Go ahead Saints, sign your LT and give him the ball 10-12 times a game….oooh scary!!

This is F-U-N-N-Y !!!!

February 24th, 2010
11:53 am

Supes

February 24th, 2010
11:45 am

Turner in the Prime of His career??? HELLO!!! The Falcons ran him into the ground a couple of seasons ago and he won’t ever be the same!!!! LOL!!!
PS Please don’t go on and on about how good Jason Snelling is…. No body outside of the 13 county metro believes that!!!!

Mave2124

February 24th, 2010
11:54 am

We took care of him in 2008….let it happen…that means Reggie Bush is insulted and there goes team chemistry…Shoot, Sharper already talking smack about not getting franchised…

ChippersLoveChild

February 24th, 2010
11:58 am

I’d bet that LT will end up as a Patriot. I really think the Saints had a lot of luck on their way to winning a title this year, and that everything really went their way. I don’t like the chances of the Saints repeating, but you never know. And instead of telling us what Kim tweets, why not just follow Reggie and wait for his response? He is on there.

This is F-U-N-N-Y !!!!

February 24th, 2010
12:03 pm

Drez

February 24th, 2010
11:50 am

Slow down Bro!!!! Last year LT had 12 Rushing Touchdowns!!! The Entire Falcons team had only 15!!!!! He is averaging 15+ td’s a season!!! On an offense like the Saints he would get that easily… But I guess this whole logic and sports sense thing is lost on Falcon fans… You folks still think that this crappy offense is enough to contend!!! now that is funny!!!!! LMAO!!!!!

waynester

February 24th, 2010
12:05 pm

LT=NO
How ’bout this scenario–(based on Walter’s 2/23 Mock draft) Rd 1 B. Graham DE
TRADE C. REDMOND to STL for pick #33 K. Wilson CB
TRADE J. Norwood to MINN for pick #62 N. Bowman 4-3 OLB
TRADE our #83 & #114 to STL for pick #65 D. McCluster WR/RB/KR
if we have a 3rd rd Comp Pick, John Jerry G
Even if we have to sweeten the deal with late rd picks, we’ll still have 2 more Comp Picks in the later rounds to ease the pain of reduced picks. All this hinges on STL passing on a QB to choose N.Suh #1 overall and Minn judging Norwood better than a rook RB to compliment A. Peterson.

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
12:11 pm

To average almost 4 yards per carry is great in the best offense in the league! I mean u say reggie is great but he only gave us 575 yards this season. LT runs between the tackles just like Pierre and you should be scared!! Your QB was a one hit wonder and he will prove it to you again this next season!!! Losing your best run stopper in your teams history to Dallas sure didnt help. Coming to a team right next to his home state,playing with a chip on his shoulder and a QB that he has played with before?!!!!! PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is F-U-N-N-Y !!!!

February 24th, 2010
12:12 pm

waynester

February 24th, 2010
12:05 pm

Ok… What if the Tom Brady Ops out of his contact and brings Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald to Atlanta and Mario Williams, and Patrick Willis get released and sign with the falcons for the Vet Min. Oh and Eric Berry goes undrafted and signs with the Falcons as a free agent…. LOL!!!! This is waaaaaaayyyyyy FUNNY!!!!!!

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
12:20 pm

You Falcon fans kill me!!!!! LMAO!!!!! you still talking luck after we spanked the whole league this year in dominating fashion. We are the number one ranked offense in the league two years now thats not luck thats just flat out blowing your opponents out there own dome. We know you hate us but to say that our season was luck is an insult!!!!

Tell it like it is.

February 24th, 2010
12:20 pm

Falcons don’t need that old man.We don’t need more crap rubbed in our face,the Saints have allready did that by winning the SB before we did.Let the saints have him.Any team with a respectable offence scares me with the defence we have.

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
12:27 pm

Gonzales is over the hill,they have killed Turners career and your QB reminds everyone of the great Matt Cassel. Mr.White is by far the best player you guys have and if you dont get yourself some more offense you may find yourselves at the bottom of the NFC south.

ELVISINTHEHOUSE.

February 24th, 2010
12:29 pm

See real football fans don’t say a player is washed up from 1 years performance plus they(chargers)ran a lot of single back plays which made most defences key in on the runs.With a player of LT’S ability,a lot of teams defensive mentality was play the run first giving much respect to LT.So keep saying he’s washed up if you want too,it would be a nightmare for the falcons if he go’s to N.O.A lot of you falcon fans deep down really know that but because the falcons was not mentioned you trash his(L.T)ability.Then why don’t the falcons sorry organization step up and get players in FA who can come in for 2 to 3 years and make a difference? Noooo they go to the draft and get players who are groomed to be good players then go to other teams and win playoff games and superbowls,and then the cycle continues.Keep thinking matt ryan will get this team to the playoffs(and im not going to even mention the superbowl)if you want to with a below average defense.Peppers was mention and all i read was fans saying,”nooo we don’t need him” and then give there OPINIONS why.Every year its the same saying with this team and those words are very familiar,WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR.I take it as if most fans/people who comment on these blogs don’t have a clew (just like the falcons front office) about talent.Sometimes i think the falcons just don’t want to win.We have a lot of good FA’s out there,now lets see who the birds bring in and we all will see my point to be proven.Mr blank,proove me wrong(i doubt it).

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

February 24th, 2010
12:30 pm

look at LT’s #s…they’ve gone down hill the past 3 years. Great athlete, but years of abuse & hits have taken their toll.

Dr. Kenneth Noisewater

February 24th, 2010
12:31 pm

is 9thwardsaint the choke?? just using a different name?

wxwax

February 24th, 2010
12:35 pm

Running backs are different.

Sometimes a fading player goes to another team and finds a second life. Like a star going nova, for a brief moment they flash with brilliance again, before dying out for good.

But not running backs.

If a veteran running back is shot with one team, he’s shot with all of them. This rule is especially true if he’s over thirty. When the tank is empty on these guys, it stays empty. LT was a great runner. But his tank has been empty for at least two years.

I hope the Saints pick him up. No game and a questionable attitude. Perfect.

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
12:45 pm

LT you forget played the best ball of his career when Drew Brees played for SD and never really like Rivers or the decision the team made to get rid of Drew. Rivers is a very overated QB with great recievers and SD was not giving him the same amount of touches that he received with DREW. And whats wrong with everyone math 3.5 yrd per carry means he can get no less than 7 yrds off two carries and 10.5 on three which is a first down!!!!! And we all know nobody plays better than a upset and burned player. For example:Gonzales,Sharper,Farve and Brees by the way all considered done for! Just something to think about.

PMC

February 24th, 2010
12:46 pm

The thing is he got outperformed by Darren Sproles. When Sproles got the work he ran circles around even the healthy LDT the last 2 years… and that’s 5′ nothing a hundred and NOTHING Darren Sproles.

LDT is a good inside runner in goaline situations…he is. He has been one of the greatest backs in the history of the league… but at this point he is a situational guy. Why go with a guy over 30 when there are so many backs that are younger and available unless you want him for a specific task like scoring TD’s or converting 3rd downs?

He fits perfectly in Philly.

PMC

February 24th, 2010
12:48 pm

He’s not done in that he can’t contribute, but he’s not ripping off 60 yard runs and really long gainers like he was in his prime.

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
12:51 pm

No this is my first time here. And i like the Falcons but just like we use to be they are afraid to spend that money on vets that can help your team and teach your draft picks.

FUZZUP

February 24th, 2010
12:51 pm

Bob in SF

February 24th, 2010
1:01 pm

LT avg. 3.3 a carry last year; I would love to see the Saints take carries and salary away from their younger more productive backs to sign a “name”.

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
1:02 pm

you have to remember also that SD offensive line has not been the same for over four years they have had more guys in there than a mexican brothel! lol! And to PMC you seem to be very smart so in ref to your sproles comment i would say that every small back in this league has always had better speed and success. For example Barry Sanders,Sproles,Warrick Dunn,Willie Parker and Ray Rice. And isnt the touchdown what we play for?! just imagine some of those field goals we kicked on some teams if they were TD’s we would have blown out everyone this year>

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
1:10 pm

OMG!!!!! was that a 49ers fan sighting!!!!! LMAO!!!!! You guys better just be happy that you dont have to play the Saints or the Falcons. And until you get a QB,an offensive line,a defensive line and a coach you guys arent even in the playoff convo! And whats wrong with signing a name? As if Mike is a Hall of Fame coach!!!! yeah right!!!!

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
1:11 pm

GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!

9THWARDSAINT

February 24th, 2010
1:19 pm

That being said i really have no doubt we will face a better Falcons team next year that will make the best of their season.

waynester

February 24th, 2010
1:28 pm

O.K. F U N N Y– it’s a Mock Draft and you Mocked it good!
Although certainly not probable, The possibility is at least semi-realistic.
If STL takes Suh#1, they still need a QB. Redman> any Rookie QB after Clausen & Bradford.
A starting QB is worth a high 2nd (#33)
MINN needs a back to spell Petersen. Question: is the veteran Norwood > the late 2nd/early 3rd RB,s this year?
STL could use additional picks at this point–we’ve got ‘em. Trade picks as the NFL value chart dictates to move up to #65 to replace Norwood with McCluster.
Dimitroff has said he believes we have a 3rd rd Comp pick coming: if so it’ll be the last pick in the round. If John Jerry is on the board there I believe we’d race to the podium to reunite the Jerry bros(plus get great value at that pick).
Based on this FUNNY scenario our Draft would look something like this:
1. Graham DE
2.Kyle Wilson DB
3.Navarro Bowman OLB
4.Dexter McClusters RB
5.J. Jerry OG
6.BPA DL
7.BPA QB developmenal
8.BPA K or Depth
Yes, of course it’s a guess and a best case scenario but it’s within the realm of credibility and it more than covers most of our needs, avoiding nearly all FA spending (except re-signing some of our own guys).Besides– I can dream, can’t I?

This is F-U-N-N-Y !!!!

February 24th, 2010
1:46 pm

waynester

February 24th, 2010
1:28 pm

Uhhhhh…. No, St. Louis will not trade for Cris Redman any more than the falcon will make him their Number one. Minn will not invest in J Norwood because he is injury prone here and there is no reason to assume he is not going to continue to be that way. Dexte McCluster has blown away scouts in all the pre combine stuff…No way he is still there in the 4th….. I understand you Hope…But please be real…The Falcons have more holes than the PGA tour! They are in the worse possible place….to good to get great choices in the draft, and not good enough to attract the type of FA that put you over the top….

Ted Striker

February 24th, 2010
2:58 pm

If I’m the Saints, I prefer signing LT to re-signing Bush and if that works out, I try inking Cadillac Williams to a 1 year deal over Bell at 3rd string RB.

Then I make a move for Miles Austin at receiver, buy hotels on Park Place and Trafalgar Square, and check out Megan Fox’s “community” chest before going directly to jail for trying to steal the pootie from Elisha Cuthbert.

waynester

February 24th, 2010
3:35 pm

F U N N Y– Do we keep Redman and Norwood then or do we reach for L.T. and bump JP Wilson and DJ Shockley up the depth chart? We still need to work out deals with the 2 FA’s and either play ‘em or trade ‘em. While they still have some trade value I’d like to see what we could get to gain the additional picks at key points in the draft (early 2nd,and Late2nd/Early 3rd) to get the infusion of talent we need to get over that hump you were talking about without an expensive dip in the FA Pool.
Keep brainstorming! In Dimitroff we trust…

fred

February 24th, 2010
3:42 pm

i think mark sanchez has a really good chance at going to the saints ecpecially now that the redskins have randle el

raider hater

February 24th, 2010
3:45 pm

THE RAIDERS SUCK we need LT because we suck and he is our only chance to a season with over 4 wins

Matt "Choke" Ryan

February 24th, 2010
4:05 pm

Any running back is a threat against this sorry team.

If you want to talk about “washed up” that would be the CHOKE.

Oh wait………. you have to win a playoff game before you can be washed up…………

My bad :)

Anyway, LT would still be a threat against the 9-7 back-to-back “Non playoff” Falcons.

CDOLLA

February 24th, 2010
4:37 pm

You people are crazy…we would take LT but he would struggle to crack the lineup…u can never have too many rb’s….and I figure the chargers should go ahead and give him to us since they let drew go..LOL they might as well let lt go…they are known for making dumb ass choices !

nativefalcon

February 24th, 2010
5:33 pm

I think it would be good for LT to go to the Saints. Why? Bush would probably go to the seahawks because of Carroll, and LTs health he would probably get hurt and that would be the end of him with the saints take care of 2 birds with one stone. lol :)

Dave

February 24th, 2010
5:51 pm

As a member of the WHODAT Nation, I find this hysterical that this is a Falcons blog and they are more concerned what we are doing!!! If I was a falcons fan I would being worrying about who are we going to sign to beat the Saints instead of who they are gonna sing to beat us again.

bob

February 24th, 2010
6:08 pm

Tomlinson to the Aints? okay…isnt Brian Westbrook free? He can still fly, maybe not in green, but with the dirty birds in red black and white…or maybe Reggie would look good as a dirty bird? he’d have motivation to play well for two games at least…

gt

February 24th, 2010
6:12 pm

LT is toast. He probably paid you to write about him talking about PR. Quarterback might find something in the tank but not RBs.

F Troop

February 24th, 2010
6:27 pm

LT is washed up. If he couldn’t run in the SD fun n’ gun offense with the spread running lanes, etc. , then he’s done. Send him to the Saints. Please do. Reggie Bush is much much more of a threat to break open a long run than LT. And Pierre Thomas is a much more difficult-to-tackle RB than LT now is.

dane

February 24th, 2010
6:58 pm

the only reason why lt wasnt good this year is because stupid norv turner kept running him up the middle hes not good at that run him around the defense

hiramsaint

February 24th, 2010
6:59 pm

i’d sign LT and give him smitty’s job therefore providing the falcant’s with a coach who actually knows how to play the game instead of one who saw a game while buffing king arthurs shoes

Singletary

February 24th, 2010
7:16 pm

I don’t think you risk a big FA signing if your QB found 19 people within the current offense to “utilize” the ball in 2009. Pushing Reggie out the door is bound to burn some bridges within the team, not just with Reggie.

To the Writer and others who now have USE FEVER, please note the objection of female Falcons fans who sit near me and who seem to know what they are talking about most of the time. Use can have a very negative connotation as in “use the slave”/”use the tavern wench.” Whereas, utilize offers a more mechanical/less pejorative overlay to essentially the same verb. So Smitty using Brent Grimes talents isn’t as impersonal and utilitarian as Smitty utilizing Brent Grimes in the nickel, for example. Finally, in a world with the Internet that is highly mechanical, I don’t think the anchor is parading his or her intelligence.

DOLPHINS FAN

February 24th, 2010
7:47 pm

reggie bush didnt do anything for the saints anyways. LT always hurt. saints dont even have a running game.

MEMJ23

February 24th, 2010
8:27 pm

I think LT would be a good fit in New Orleans, Just ask the Chargers How Good a guy named Drew Brees is in New Orleans, They should sign him cause he comes from the Chargers, and we all kno the History of Chargers players going in New Orleans, if LT comes to New Orleans and Wins a Superbowl with Brees imagen how the Chargers will Feel, But id rather have Westbrook,

MEMJ23

February 24th, 2010
8:29 pm

Dolphins Fan, I Belive the Saints do have a Running game, i belive they were ranked 6th in rushing, ur Dolphins got no passing game,

dan

February 24th, 2010
9:49 pm

Honestly I would like to see the Falcons go after Westbrook. He’s a bit injury prone but then again so is Norwood and I think Westbrook brings more upside not to mention valuable playoff experience.

And I think LT has more in the tank than most folks think. But I don’t see him going to the Saints, who are pretty set at RB with Bush and Pierre Thomas.

Jesse Richardson

February 24th, 2010
10:42 pm

I think you’re making much to do about nothing, LT isn’t the player he use to be and has lost a step or three, and is fragile as seen via the many injuries he’s had. A few years back when he got hurt 3 or 4 games before the end of the season, his team made it to the Super Bowl, but he wasn’t able to play. He was somewhat of a non factor with the 11 straight wins they had this past season. I don’t believe there is room for another all purpose back in the Big Easy. If we can get the Falcons all healthy, we have a damn good team ourselves and will be a contender for the NFC South.

[...] LMAO!!!!! you still talking luck after we spanked the whole league this year in dominating fashion. … [...]

Hamad Meander

February 25th, 2010
12:34 am

The Falcons RB roster: Michael Turner (240+ lbs bruising back), Jerious Norwood (4.3 speedster), and Jason Snelling (240+ lbs bruiser). I don’t think the Falcons need Tomlinson, nor do I think the Saints are better with LT over Bush. If the Falcons keep all three healthy, I’m perfectly happy with our rotation. I’d say let’s lighten Turner’s load a bit with Snelling.

Timex

February 25th, 2010
9:10 am

falcons need to stop worrying about just filling their roster and get some REAL playmakers. they need to get rid of jenkins and norwood on offense jamal anderson and houston on defense

Timex

February 25th, 2010
9:12 am

we need to draft someone like spiller to help on offense and special teams

SirReal

February 25th, 2010
11:41 am

Wow…that would make that offense even MORE prolific. Brian Van Gorder (who’s already mediocre to me) wouldnt know what to do. For all the doofuses out there claiming L.T. has nothing left, you’ve got to be kidding me. No back in SD averaged more than 3-4. They are a PASSING offense. In the right situation, L.T. will resurge. 31 is not ancient people. I could see if he was 35-36…then there’d be more of an argument.

jarvis

February 25th, 2010
3:22 pm

This would be a great move for the Saints if it was 2007. Unfortunately it’s not.

jarvis

February 25th, 2010
3:26 pm

SirReal….there have been less than 15 RB’s in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards over age 30.
Obviously, on the other side of that, hundreds under 30 have accomlished that feat.

30 IS ancient when it comes to backs.

raider hater

February 25th, 2010
3:49 pm

we need him “not ” we have demarcous russel

JKA

February 25th, 2010
6:35 pm

LT was a warrior for years and is definite future HOFer, but from watching him the past few years out here in SoCal, there’s no doubt he’s on the decline – the quickness and explosion that used to characterize his play just aren’t there any more…… He would only be useful to a team if he accepted a reduced role i.e., third-down specialist, but great players often fail to make the realization that they no longer can be the main guy….Marcus Allen in KC was one of the few that have done it. As regards, the Saints….it would be great if he went there. because any touches he gets would be at the expense of Thomas, Bush or Bell….who are all better players right now…..

Michael L

February 25th, 2010
6:37 pm

He is washed ne way who really cares

Martin

February 25th, 2010
8:49 pm

As a super bowl winning saints fan, we don’t need or want l.t. We are set at the running back postion. The saints have alrady tender a offer to Pierre Thomas. He along with bush will resign with the saints, they know and undestand that the saints has the players in place to make another run at the super bowl. For you failed cants fans who think other wise you guys are crazy. All the saints need to do is to get another player to help out with that run defense and they will be off and running towad another super bowl, unlke the failed cants aka falcons. So keep talkng about how lucky the saints were last year. 31 other NFL teams wish they were that lucky. Hopefully one of these years your failed cants, with a little luck will get a chance to party with the lombardi like we did.

JS

February 25th, 2010
9:47 pm

Wait, so the Saints beat Warner, Favre and Manning in succession and you idiots think they should be scared of “Matty Ice”?

AhAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Awesome.

SeenThisB4

February 26th, 2010
9:10 am

Saints haven’t tendered an offer to Mike Bell…yet. Could they be considering, or perhaps even negotiating with L.T.? They said that Darren Sharper was old and washed up too, that’s how the Saints got him for a bargain last year. Maybe, just maybe, L.T. has one good year left. He wants a ring before he retires. Maybe, just maybe he has enough to be an impact player……

falconidiot

February 26th, 2010
6:14 pm

It would be a good move for LT to have the confidence of his old QB, but I wouldn’t fear him any more than the backs they already have. They are a spread the field pass blocking offense much like the one he is leaving.

Dirty Old Bird

February 26th, 2010
7:12 pm

If our defense steps up (and our offense gets in sync) I could care less if we faced them twice a year or four times a year.

Reginald Day

February 26th, 2010
7:13 pm

When LT gets on with the Saints I will be buying my championship shirt,and hat for the 2010 season.I just received my championship hat and shirt a week ago.Now I am waiting on my jacket to come.Think I’m playing? Try me. Go for it Breeze.Do the thing.Reggie from ATL.Falsons.

BirdDawg

February 27th, 2010
3:45 am

The Saints should get LT and drop Reggie Bush since they can get him for a lot less. Then the Falcons should sign Bush for what he’s worth and let him take over Jerious Norwood’s role. Bush is just as fast as Norwood, but with better control and vision. Neither are top level backs in the league, but I think Bush would add more to the offense than Norwood.

hiramsaint

February 27th, 2010
10:50 pm

dirty old bird- IF is a small word yet has planetoid size when used the way you put it. hard to believe you don’t care about two or four losses in a season but as long as they’re 9-7 winning seasons who cares

tjmartin

February 28th, 2010
11:55 am

Fell cants can stop talking about getting bush, coach payton said that they will keep bush, no matter what it cost. The saints have something special here. Their thinking is that they are not just happy with winning one super bowl, they want to win another one back to back, with that said, I think they are going to resign as many of their players as possible. The saints only weekness as I see it is to tighten up their run defense a little more, and they will and can be a team that will party with the lombardi in 20111 again.

collegedude

February 28th, 2010
1:45 pm

Falcons nightmare, AJC sportwriters dream. Maybe we can get more AJC newspapers at the Saint’s/Falcons game at the GA Dome with GEAUX SAINTS signs printed in them.

Matt "Choke" Ryan

February 28th, 2010
3:26 pm

JS

February 25th, 2010
9:47 pm
Wait, so the Saints beat Warner, Favre and Manning in succession and you idiots think they should be scared of “Matty Ice”?

AhAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Awesome.

“That’s funny”

CHOKE couldn’t win a playoff game if the other team misses the kickoff :)

JS

March 1st, 2010
12:58 pm

Matt – “CHOKE couldn’t win a playoff game if the other team misses the kickoff”
Irrelevant. Did win all playoff games. You lost to us twice. :)

Maxwell

March 4th, 2010
3:59 pm

LT to the Saints a nightmare? Please. Washed up old running backs are always hyped well beyond their worth. I’d take Snelling over LT at this point without hesitation.

tw3a

March 4th, 2010
4:20 pm

This would not be a nightmare, But it does look like the Saints are already looking over their shoulder as the Falcons close the gap