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New Orleans Saints: Gregg the Hero

Posted: Feb 24th 2009 1:15PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, FanHouse Previews

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

Gregg Williams hasn't informed a free agent decision for New Orleans yet, hasn't hand-picked the inevitable defensive playmaker the Saints choose with their 14th-overall selection this year, hasn't installed a single scheme in a minicamp. Yet Williams' reputation has preceded him to the Crescent City, and his hiring as defensive coordinator is already considered one of the most important moves in team history.

After almost two decades of guaranteed defensive putridity, the last three of which have revolved around Gary Gibbs' lack of talent identification and bland scheming, the idea of Williams and his history of intelligent, hard-working, active, complex defenses coming to the Superdome is music to the ears. It also might finally push the Saints over the top.

Continue Reading New Orleans Saints: Gregg the Hero

Pushing the Envelope: NFL Mailbag, Week 6

Posted: Oct 9th 2008 3:00PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Buccaneers, Colts, Saints, Titans, NFL Fans

1 COMMENT

You've got questions. I've got answers. If not, I'll make them up. Each Thursday, I answer your queries on all things related to the NFL. If you have a question, send it over to NFLMailbag@gmail.com. Don't forget to include your name and location. Click here for the archives. Rock'n'roll.

I don't understand. The Saints let fan favorite John Carney go because he was "losing his leg." With Martin Gramatica cut, Taylor Mehlhaff will be their third kicker in 21 games. Please explain the logic?
- Roy H., Jackson, MS

I have to admit: I've held a longtime grudge against Carney for botching the River City Relay, and was glad that he was let go before the 2007 season. But that turned out to be a colossal mistake. He's been 24-of-26 in various stops since leaving New Orleans, while Olindo Mare and Gramatica went a combined 21-of-32 as Saints. It's been so bad I was even hoping for the team to re-sign Carney with his release from the Giants looming. Alas, they went with their 2008 sixth-round pick, who lost his job in the summer to Gramatica. So I'm not sure how much confidence that inspires, but the Saints drafted Mehlhaff originally to solidify the kicking game for a long time, and he'll have another chance at that.

Continue Reading Pushing the Envelope: NFL Mailbag, Week 6

Studs and Duds, Week Three: Ronnie Brown Is Now In My Five

Posted: Sep 22nd 2008 11:40AM by Shane Bacon (author feed)
Filed under: NFL Fans

8 COMMENTS

Each week in the NFL, there are players that impress and players that distress. One week a certain quarterback might toss four touchdowns and run around with his finger in the air while the next he's laying on his back, holding his face-mask as the other team returns one of his three interceptions for the game-winning score. With that in mind, here's our new feature, Studs and Duds:

Here's Week 3 at a glance, where we point out the horses destined for the Kentucky Derby and jeer those headed to the glue factory.

Studs and Duds

For once, T.J. Houshmandzadeh made fans think about a Bengals receiver and not hear the "Cops" theme playing in the background.

Elsa, Getty Images

Perhaps Jared DeVries and the Lions should just consider crossing over the Ambassador Bridge and trying to play some Canadian Football League teams. That way, they might win one once in a while.

Jeff Chiu, AP

Ronnie Brown did it all against the Patriots, rushing for four touchdowns and even throwing for another one as the Dolphins handed New England their first regular-season loss since 2006.

Michael Dwyer, AP

Ben Roethlisberger may be ready to sue his offensive line for non-support, as the Eagles' pass rush harassed the quarterback all game and knocked the star out of the game.

Hunter Martin, Getty Images

The Bills are 3-0 for the first time since the Thurman Thomas days, and they have another talented back to thank. Lynch ran in a pair of touchdowns and helped keep the ball moving as Buffalo rallied to beat Oakland.

Rick Stewart, Getty Images

Maybe Tom Brady is the prozac for Randy Moss, as with the Patriots' star quarterback out with injury, the Pats' receiver seems to have reverted into his sullen Oakland ways.

Jim Rogash, Getty Images

Thanks to Derek Anderson's struggles, Brady Quinn might actually get to put down that clipboard and begin to try to become the franchise quarterback many thought he'd become.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Martin Gramatica had the game on his foot against the Broncos. Unfortunately for Martin, his kick was wider than Hurricane Ike's wrath.

Doug Pensinger, Getty Images

Studs

Ronnie Brown, RB Miami (17 rushes, 113 yards, 4 TDs, 1 Passing TD) -- Most of the time, if you can find the end zone on five separate occasions and do so against the Patriots, you will most likely make this list. Brown had a combined 48 yards in his first two games but came out of the gates this week like a new man. Ricky Williams need not worry, he added 98 yards to the Dolphins rushing attack.

Continue Reading Studs and Duds, Week Three: Ronnie Brown Is Now In My Five

Martin Gramatica Can Survive Armageddon

Posted: Sep 2nd 2008 1:03PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, NFC South

0 COMMENTS

I'll be honest, I was expecting the Saints to keep both Taylor Mehlhaff and Martin Gramatica at kicker when the final cuts were announced. Shows how little I know about the Saints, who have never been shy about cutting a draft pick.

My logic was based on the fact that Mehlhaff was a fifth-round choice who was known for his strong leg, particularly on kickoffs. Gramatica came on and proved surprisingly reliable last year, but has a weak leg on kickoffs. It seemed as if even comparable play in the preseason would be enough to earn Mehlhaff the roster spot, with Gramatica tagging along as a safety valve.

But Mehlhaff was cut. The truth is, despite all the hype as the first kicker drafted, Gramatica outperformed the rookie. Even on kickoffs, Mehlhaff was inconsistent. And he missed a field goal in the preseason finale -- the only field goal either kicker missed all preseason long. Not a good impression to make.

From '04 to '06, Gramatica was left for the NFL's dead. But he was incredible last season replacing Olindo Mare, and brought an energy to the fans. I'd say "don't call it a comeback," but, well, that's exactly what it is. Knock 'em out, Martin.

FanHouse NFL Season Preview: New Orleans Saints - Going for Broke

Posted: Aug 22nd 2008 2:11PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, NFC South

8 COMMENTS

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is right around the corner, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: Drew Brees is, to me, the third best quarterback in the league. And that's not just because I have a giant man-crush on him. Say what you will about your Tony Romos and Carson Palmers, but I'd take Brees over those two, especially as he appears to be in the prime of his career. All he's done since arriving in New Orleans is put up gaudy numbers through the air, but he plays a heady game based on quick (and good) decisions. He's also a good guy off the field and the unquestioned leader of the team. Mark Brunell was brought in as Brees' backup while project Tyler Palko continues to develop, and while you don't want to see the old lefty play at all, his arm looks good enough in camp to sustain for a couple of weeks if need be. Anything more than that, though, and the Saints are in trouble. Heat Index: 9

Running Back: Running back committees are a bitch for fantasy owners, but none have encountered a mess like this, where four backs are going to get a fair share of touches. Exactly how the carries shake out depends on Deuce McAllister's health; ditto for the productivity of the group. All four backs -- McAllister, Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Aaron Stecker -- are talented, but Deuce is the only pounder that can keep the running game glued together. If he's in the lineup, expect Bush to flourish, with Thomas making a solid impact as well. If he's not, Thomas takes on a larger role and, though he rolled up Chicago for over 200 yards from scrimmage in Week 17 last year, it remains to be seen whether he can be a full-time NFL back. Luckily, Deuce has looked healthy so far. Heat Index: 7

Continue Reading FanHouse NFL Season Preview: New Orleans Saints - Going for Broke

Olindo Mare is No Longer a Saint, and it Doesn't Matter Why

Posted: Feb 28th 2008 12:48PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, NFC South, New Orleans

1 COMMENT

It wasn't that long ago that I said: "That ominous presence hanging over Olindo Mare's head might be a falling pink slip," in reference to the Saints re-upping Martin Gramatica. Of course, I also noted that Mare's shot to lose his job would probably come in training camp. So I was half-right.

In any case, the Saints have released Mare, who they acquired last offseason from Miami for a sixth-round pick. There's conflicting reports as to the whyabouts of the release though. The team's official reason for cutting Mare was a failed physical (he battled injuries all year long, eventually landing on the IR -- the whole reason Gramatica got a job in the first place). But Pro Football Talk is reporting that Mare refused to take a cut on his $1.5 million salary this year.

The Saints used a failed physical as an excuse for cutting Joe Horn last year (when it was really over a pay cut), so it wouldn't surprise me if PFT is on the money. But it doesn't matter -- that's a ridiculous price to pay considering Mare's horrendous 2007 season. If he thinks someone else is going to pay him that, or anything close to that, let him go and try and find that team. Gramatica's got it on lockdown anyway.

It's One More Year of Automatica

Posted: Feb 12th 2008 5:05PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, NFC South, New Orleans

1 COMMENT

That ominous presence hanging over Olindo Mare's head might be a falling pink slip. His 10-for-17 season ended three games mercifully short last year, and the Saints brought in punchline Martin Gramatica to finish the season.

But Gramatica connected, going 5-for-5 in three games (and allegedly never missing a kick in practice), including a clutch 55-yarder that he had to kick while rushing onto the field with the first half winding down against Philadelphia. I, upon seeing that kick, stood up on my bar stool and screamed "Automatica!!!!" in delight, rendering the rest of the sports bar speechless.

His deal as an injury fill-in was only good for last year, but his performance earned him another one. Mare is still under contract as well, and his job isn't automatically (no pun intended) in jeopardy. In his time, Martin was terrible kicking off, something Mare excels at even when he can't split the uprights (despite the missed time, his 15 touchbacks were fourth in the league).

If Mare proves he can kick consistently in camp, he'll be the guy. If not, don't be surprised to see him limited to kickoffs while Gramatica handles the rest (the Saints used this approach with Billy Cundiff and John Carney in 2006, though at the consternation of Sean Payton). A leg in the draft is also possible. Still, just getting excited over a Gramatica again is fun, isn't it?

Keyshawn Responds to T.O., Suggests They Compare Super Bowl Rings

Posted: Dec 16th 2007 12:19PM by Ryan Wilson (author feed)
Filed under: Cowboys, NFC East, NFL Fans, ESPN

1 COMMENT

Earlier this week, two self-loving guys -- one an NFL wide receiver, the other a former wideout turned behind-the-desk analyst -- lobbed shots at each other. Keyshawn Johnson suggested that the Cowboys 2007 success is due in part to Bill Parcells assembling the current collection of players. Terrell Owens disagreed, and in the process, took a few jabs at Johnson:

I'm probably the main reason he's in the booth right now," Owens said, referencing the fact that his signing led to Johnson's Dallas ouster....

"My thing is, we came out the same year. He was a first-rounder, I was a third rounder. I'm still playing, he's not. You compare our stats up until the time he retired, it's a no-brainer. I'd challenge him to come out and try to make this team. He'd be a third or fourth receiver at this point. He can hate all he wants to.

Thanks for holding back, T.O. Anyway, it was a pretty popular story this week, and now Johnson has responded:

"I don't need to defend my career. My resume speaks for itself. I have a picture of me holding a Super Bowl trophy. I'm not chasing a ring. I have one. I'm chasing an Emmy these days."

Boo-yah! Or something. Johnson's right, he does have a Super Bowl ring, but so does Martin Gramatica. On the other hand, Owens has had the better career, Super Bowl-trophy pic or not. Ultimately, though, these are two guys who really love themselves going at it. It's fun to watch, but that's about it.

Martin Gramatica Helps Saints Offense, Hurts Saints Defense

Posted: Dec 13th 2007 9:52PM by Tom Mantzouranis (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, NFC South, New Orleans

1 COMMENT

You might have heard by now that the Saints have signed Martin Gramatica in light of Olindo Mare's trip to the IR. My first reaction upon hearing that news was what could best be described as an enthusiastic yelp. And then I began to think about it, and, yeah, there's sadly a downside to Mare getting injured.

It's fair to say that Mare has been the source of a lot of agida for Saints fans this year. He was, after all, kicking 58.8% with misses from embarrassingly short distances. There were games lost on Mare's foot. Gramatica is certainly a shell of his former self. But last year he went a combined 7-of-9 between Dallas and Indianapolis and has a 76.6% career percentage. Mare is 10-of-17. It's hard to imagine Gramatica being any worse at kicking field goals than Mare's been; he'll at least be a push and there's a chance he'll be significantly better (though that's not much of a task).

This helps the Saints offense.

Yet the Saints were so interested in Mare not only as a kicker but as a kickoff specialist, as that was one of New Orleans' weakest points in 2006. And this year, he's at least done that well. His 15 touchbacks are tied for second in the league, and his 28.8% at kicking touchbacks is third. Gramatica hasn't had 10 touchbacks in a season since 2001. With the Saints' kickoff coverage lacking, returnable kicks mean Saints opponents will have better starting field position.

This hurts the Saints defense.

Olindo Mare Out, Saints Add Martin Gramatica

Posted: Dec 12th 2007 11:48AM by Michael David Smith (author feed)
Filed under: Saints, New Orleans

2 COMMENTS

Ladies and gentlemen, Martin Gramatica is back in the NFL.

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Gramatica, who played briefly last season for the Cowboys and had his greatest NFL success with the Buccaneers, will sign with the Saints, who lost kicker Olindo Mare to an injury in Monday night's win over the Falcons.

Gramatica also had a couple of stints with the Colts, and he was on the Patriots' roster for a short time, but he never played in a regular-season game for New England.

To many fans, Gramatica is known for his boisterous celebrations after kicking field goals, although he toned those celebrations down after his brother, Bill, tore his ACL while celebrating a kick when Bill played for the Arizona Cardinals.