While watching Sportscenter the other day, they had a segment about the top 5 playmakers to ever play the game. That is running back, receiver, and tight end. So that means no quarterbacks can be mentioned in the discussion. It got me to thinking about who would be the top 5 playmakers in Saints history? The Saints definitely do not have a great past, but they do have their share of great players. So what about todays’ Saints? Will any of the Saints from today make the list? See the top 5 below starting at #5:
5. Henry Childs: I know you are probably like, who? I was the same way. However, after looking up on him he was a very productive tight end on a bad Saint team. He played from 1974 to 1984 and with the Saints from 74’ to 80’. He racked up 223 receptions with 3,401 receiving yards and 28 TDs with a 15.3 average per catch. He caught 207 passes, received 3,224 yards and 27 TDs in a Saint uniform. He was selected to one pro bowl in 1979 and was inducted into the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in 1994.
4. Joe Horn: Joe “blow your” Horn. I remember hearing this saying when I was little at a Saints game many years ago. Originally when I thought of top Saints players, he was near the top, however, he dropped after some research. In his career, he caught 603 passes for 8,744 yards and 58 TDs. With the Saints he caught 523 passes for 7,622 yards and 50 TDs. All receiving stats rank second in Saints history. He ranks first in Saints history with 27 games over 100 yards receiving. Horn was a four time pro bowler in 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2004. He too, was also inducted into the New Orleans Saints HOF.
3. Eric Martin: He played from 1985 to 1994 and all but one with the Saints. His final year he played with the Kansas City Chiefs. Martin was also on a New Orleans team that was just not good. This is probably the reason why he is not well known. So for what he did on a bad team is very impressive. He played in 153 games during his career and had 553 receptions for 8,161 yards and 49 TDs and averaged 14.8 yards a reception. He had 532 receptions (1st) with 7,854 yards (1st) and 48 TDs (3rd) with the Saints. He had 18 games with over 100 yards receiving, ranking second behind Horn. He was selected to one pro bowl in 1988, but if he wasn’t on such a bad team, he probably would have had more than one selection.
2. Marques Colston: So as you can see, at least one Saint of today made the list. Colston makes the list because he has played only six seasons with (hopefully) many more to come and has numbers that are at the top. He has 532 receptions for 7,394 yards and 58 TDs, all with the Saints. Granted, Colston has also had the best Quarterback throwing to him in Brees. However, numbers don’t lie and he has produced. He already is number one in Saints history with 58 receiving TDs and very close to receiving yards and receptions. If he can stay healthy he will, without a doubt, break Saints records. Colston set an NFL record for most receptions in a players first two seasons (168).
1. Deuce McAllister: This one was the easiest for me. Deuce is New Orleans rushing leader of all time with 6,096 rushing yards and 49 rushing TDs and averaged 4.3 yards a carry. He also is first with 22 games with 100 yards rushing including a franchise best, nine straight in 2003. Add to the rushing game his receiving game where he caught 212 passes for 1,577 yards and 4 TDs. Deuce is a 2x pro bowler and all-pro in 2002 and 2003. In 2002, he was the NFCs rushing leader with 1,388 rushing yards and 16 TDs. He is the first Saints running back to ever go to consecutive pro bowls.
This is my top 5 Saints playmakers of all time; who would make your list?
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