Saints Sideline Blog

NO DOUBTING THOMAS

Thursday, August 4th, 2011      Email Print

DATELINE: METAIRIE, LA 8/4/11 (Saint Pierre bouncing back)

In a Training Camp which debuted with the Reggie Bush trade, he just kept running. WIth each camp carry, rookie Mark Ingram gets more and more applause, but he keeps working. While the Who Dat Nation awaits the debut of Darren Sproles, he remains focused. "He" is Pierre Thomas who has done a lot for the Saints, yet he still runs straight under the radar even  as he runs into his fifth season. Being an underdog is a big reason why Pierre has been successful and even though he has a new deal, in his mind Pierre Thomas will always be that undrafted rookie free agent who nobody thought would make this team. Its what drives him every time he touches the football, a characteristic which makes him uncharacteristic.

Last season saw Thomas poised to help the Saints defend its title and in the process reap the rewards with a big contract.Instead, it was a big step back because of his ankle injury. Thanks to the injury he played in a career low 6 games including a late season relapse which kept Thomas out of the playoff game against Seattle. (you think they missed him in that one?) Pierre is known for being an all purpose back but after totaling 20 TD's in his previous two seasons, he only scored two last year--the same amount he totaled in his rookie season when he was a part time player. How bad was the Saints running game last year--Thomas only had 269 yards but he was still the team's SECOND leading rusher?  A lot of speculation about his future was squashed when Thomas agreed to a new pre lockout deal which he told me in large part was because he wasn't sure what the market would bare for a back coming off an ankle injury and he wanted to "lock-in" a contract while he could.

This offseason, Pierre tells me he didn't touch a football but also didn't take a vacation. It was all about getting healthy for camp where he enters "around 85 percent." HIs first day back was marked by solid running but a few uncharacteristic fumbles. Thomas says he may sleep with the football to get over that but one thing he can't get over is that he is now the leader of this running back core. Pierre reminded us all at the beginning of camp that among running backs in the Sean Payton era--he is the last Saint standing. Reggie and Deuce are gone, even the likes of Aaron Stecker,Mike Bell, Ladell Betts and Julius Jones are out the door---leaving this 26 year old Saint to be the elder statesman where Pierre is poised to jump into that leadership role. Thomas is a team guy which makes him popular among his teammates. He claimed to be "devastated" when he heard Reggie was traded but in the same breath plans to be a shoulder Ingram and young upstart Chris Ivory can lean on in the coming months.

Competition is old hat for this Saint. He entered this franchise beating out a fourth round pick in Antonio Pittman and is plans to earn his carries this time around. This guy personifies what Sean Payton's staff has been all about----you produce, you play. Thomas hopes to do both this season where no offense to Reggie Bush but who was more dependable carrying or catching the ball when you needed that 1st down or touchdown the past four seasons? Those who have watched this football team know Pierre has been the guy. While nationally many wonder how this team will do without Bush in the huddle, the truth is when Pierre has been healthy he has been this team's best running back of late. Don't doubt Thomas can be that guy this year, remember this Pierre devours "doubting Thomas'."

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

SCHEDULE SWITCH---The Saints have changed their schedule the next four days. Thursday's workout is closed to the public and will kick off this afternoon. Friday thru Sunday will also be in the afternoon but open to the public beginning at 4:00.

WELCOME "MATT"---I was wrong and very surprised that Saints center Jonathan Goodwin won't be back with the team as this Drew Brees favorite has signed a deal with the Niners. So second year Saint Matt Tennant is the heir apparent---he takes the mantle from Goodwin who took it from Jeff Faine who took it in Payton's 1st year from LeCharles Bentley. Let's see if this transition is as smooth as the aforementioned.

MEDIA DARLING: We are still waiting to see how good newly signed rookie Cameron Jordan will be but there is no question this guy will be a media favorite. Cam was more than loose in his debut behind the mic this week where its clear this guy has no problem putting himself out there. He admitted not knowing the city well and being stir crazy at home waiting for this deal to get worked out. Refreshing and candid stuff!

SUPER DAVE---The team's Tight End position is secure now that veteran Dave Thomas is back in camp. Sure Jimmy Graham is the budding star and Tyler Lorenzen is showing signs of potential but this position needed a veteran presence and Thomas gives them that.

BEING FRANK-LIN--- Those "in the know" around the league are giving the Saints high praise for reeling in DT Aubrayo Franklin. The veteran run stuffer from San Francisco was a move where the Saints went in late and stiff armed many teams. According to Sean Payton, " That was something that kind of happened in the last 24-48 hours. He's been a real consistent player and extremely difficult against the run." Big move for sure.

TAKE TWO--Payton said a reason practice was cut short Wednesday was because lack of depth in the secondary and in the offensive line.  The Saints hoped to help the latter by bringing in two former 1st round picks in Alex Barron and George Foster. Despite their past struggles, Payton feels both can compete for jobs.

PHILLY FREEDOM- Anthony Hargrove signed a deal with the Eagles Thursday but will forever be one of the best stories of the Saints' Super season. He may not return to New Orleans but it was great getting to know the Saints DL who always kept it light in the locker room. Good to see he continues to make huge step forwards in his life.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT: Speaking of the defensive lineman we hope you can check out our new CST segment with Sedrick Ellis. In the spirit of "Office" star Michael Scott, we debut our weekly "That's What HE Sed" where we talk to one of the best Saints interviews about football on and off the field. This time around the topics include---the best Gregg WIlliams line? why do the defensive guys always get stuck with the black jerseys in this heat and humidity of training camp? and potential hazing for rookie Cameron Jordan. Must see TV!!!!

UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors
CST

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

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