NFL: Aints traded for Ruud

[AsylumGuido]

(08-20-2012 10:46 PM)Jesus Wrote:  Strong side? Does that mean Lofton lines up on the TE? Sounds too good to be true.

No. Lofton is the starting Mike and has been looking fantastic leading the team in tackles. Ruud was brought in for depth. Lofton sprained an ankle last week and the Saints are holding him out until the opener against Washington. David Hawthorne will be the starting Will and should also be back by week one after having minor surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Scott Shanle looks to have the inside track on the starting Sam slot.

Lofton dropped about 15 pounds from last year and has been very impressive with his quickness and has done a very good job when called on to cover. He is clearly a BIG improvement over Vilma.

I am excited about the defense this season. Beyond the improvements at LB, Spagnuolo has had the defensive line looking much better with his scheme. Broderick Buckley was a huge free agent pickup at DT and is a perfect fit in Spag's defense. Sed Ellis is starting at the other DT spot, but rookie Akiem Hicks has already moved up to the #3 DT slot and is a long armed, fast freak, albeit still a bit raw. Remi Ayodele, a part-time starter last season looks like he'll be the #4 DT at this point.

Second year player Cam Jordan is much better suited to play DE is Spag's defense and has looked really strong and should have the LDE spot assured. Will Smith has looked better than ever and will be missed if his four game suspension stands, but will be there for the toughest part of the season regardless. His absence will give Junior Gallette and converted LB Martez Wilson an opportunity to get playing time at starting RDE. Turk McBride, also a part-time starter last season will likely backup Jordan at LDE.

Spag's zone defense will give FS Malcolm Jenkins the ability to freelance more often as his two picks this preseason show. Jabari Greer who has been recovering from a sports hernia surgery will be back as one starting CB in week one and Patrick Robinson has looked outstanding early at the other CB position. Rookie Corey White is making an excellent case to earn the NB position and Roman Harper will obviously be back in his role at SS. Jonathon Amaya and Isa Abdul-Quddus pretty much have the backup safety spots wrapped up.