Saints Sideline Blog

REPLACING FUJITA

Monday, August 2nd, 2010      Email Print

DATELINE: Metairie, LA/August 2nd, 2010 (A big loss but its the only one!)
 
It sounds like a lame joke but it seems to be true. How many Saints will it take to replace Scott Fujita? The punchline reads two or possibly three linebackers.Right now there is no clear cut replacement for the popular Saint turned Cleveland Brown. Fujita was not only popular and talented but he was a versatile linebacker able to be on the field in several of mad scientist Gregg Williams formations. This year the likes of free agent signee Clint Ingram, and returning contributors Troy Evans and Jo-Lonn Dunbar may ALL fill the void as all three are talented but aren't as versatile as the departed Fujita. Williams says one guy may play the "X" formation, one may play the "Y" while yet another may step on the field for the "Z." Translation-it may take 3 saints to replace the big shoes of the departed 55.
 
Fujita's absence in a way shows how strong the Saints are. Sure Charles Grant is also gone but Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson are on board along with the recent signing of Bobby McCray. The point is the Saints defense returns everybody else along with many of their key backups and all their special teams stars. Fujita's leadership will be missed but the likes of VIlma, Sharper and WIll Smith are still in the defensive huddle--not a bad trifecta. You can't keep everybody in the NFL, but the Saints sure came close which is something many past Super Bowl Champs can't boast. Not only is Fujita the only real loss but this team doesn't have any contract holdouts and even its rookie Patrick Robinson became the first newbie of the Sean Payton era to report to camp in time. Not a bad foundation in defending your Super Bowl title.
 
I will miss Fujita from a media standpoint. Win or lose, he was always there for us with an honest and thoughtful response. He is as versatile with a microphone in his face as he was with an opposing running back in front of his face mask. I remember two camps ago when the Summer Olympics were all the rage, I took an informal poll in the Saints locker room on which player would make the best Olympian? It wasn't even close-the winner ,Scott Fujita. He is a black belt, a good swimmer, former track guy and oh yeah a decent football player as well. Fujita accepted a CST gold medal on the practice field, truly a Saint star who didn't take himself too seriously.
 
So the Who Dat Nation, even Mickey Loomis understands that Fujita couldn't turn down the Cleveland cash that equated to a three year 14 million dollar deal, 8 of which will be guaranteed. Gregg WIlliams understands that the competition to replace him may be a strong side linebacker by committee. Sure it may take multiple Saints to replace Mt Fujita, but its also clear the climb back to the Super summitt will be done with nearly everybody else back on "D."
 
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
 
COMMISH IN THE HOUSE: NFL Commisioner Roger Goodell stopped by camp today and congratulated the team on its Super Bowl team and touched on the collective bargaining agreement, which he said should be worked out behind closed doors instead of through the media.
 
MAX PROTECT: As much as the Saints are trying to move past its Super Bowl celebrations, its hard when you have the constant reminders. Today the Madden Most Valuable Protection Award was officially delivered to the Saints O-lineman today. Drew Brees and Sean Payton helped deliver the award to a unit who returns five starters.
 
SHOCK UPDATE Jeremy Shockey was held out for the second straight day due to soreness in his knee. Payton says he expects Shock to be back in the next two days.
 
COLSTON COMEBACK: After being on the PUP list the first four days of camp, Sean Payton says Marques Colston will be back on the practice field Wednesday.
 
SCHEDULE SWITCH: Tuesday and Thursday's schedule have been switched. The Saints will practice at 8:50 am instead of in the afternoon. Both morning workouts are open to the public.
 
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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