Last year Patrick had an idea which people seemed to like but him and I never followed it up. That idea being replaced with a Saints Nation podcast of it’s own was something I would like to be part of, but as I am living in the Netherlands it is not really possible. So I hit up our newest writer Brian Bauer to revive the idea and see if we can make this a nearly weekly thing. So here it is; The Saints Nation BlogCast episode 1.
Marijn Pessers (@Monedula_)
We have had 6 RBs this year who all showed they belong in football. To name them: Ingram, Robinson, Spiller, Hightower, Cadet and Murphy (more in the return situation). Who do you see back and who do you see cut?
Brian Bauer (@SaintBrian9)
For me, I think it’s mostly simple with one significant decision looming.
Ingram is your lock down starter, but the wear and tear is evident. The guy hasn’t completed a season since they drafted him. He looks explosive and shown the ability to take over games, but you can’t assume the injuries are the exception at this point.
Which is why the Hightower/Robinson situation is so important… And why I only see one of them staying. Both are free agents this season and both have shown that they deserve raises, if meager ones by NFL standards. But for a cash strapped team that means one or the other and not both. A bit of an upset but I see Robinson as the odd man out with Hightower signing a three year deal.
Cadet also gets cut (he was on two other rosters last season before bouncing back to New Orleans), and is probably the first man back if there’s an injury to the platoon.
Those two moves mean that Spiller is safe. Call me crazy but I think Spiller is in Payton’s long term plans and I think the Saints slow start and struggles minimized his role. Granted, his non use once Ingram went down was a bit more difficult to figure, but he’s not an every down bell cow and Hightower blowing up may have just been a case of riding the hot hand. Not to mention Spiller isn’t exactly the picture of health. Once the playoffs were off the table they could have been more concerned with saving Spiller for future use.
Murphy stays exactly where he is, and perhaps sees more of a role when and if Spiller gets hurt.
So Ingram, Hightower, Spiller (3rd down) and Murphy (DT).
MP
First my rational side of me looking per player: Ingram is a keeper and I think you are spot on when you talk about Spiller. Of course it depends what Hightower and Robinson demand on the open market. Hightower might be happy to have found a place like New Orleans and looks like a guy who will be eager to stay. Robinson on the other hand is a huge talent but from what I hear he is not that great of a locker room guy. So the Saints might decide to not resign him or give him a low end 1 or 2 year deal. The injury works in the Saints favor for resigning him. Cadet has shown to be crappy on returns. This one 2015 game where he was good might be because of the opponent. Also he was unknown that is why he was good in the slot. They will keep Murphy for returns.
Now here is where I go crazy. I think they will trade Ingram. Either for a Guard, weak side LB or a 3rd and a 5th or a 2nd even. Ingrams proven catching ability makes him way more valuable then the money he is getting paid. There have been so many RB injuries that I am sure there are at least a couple of interested teams. For the other 5, I think they will keep all! They are short a WR, just add an extra RB in the mix. Run multiple 2 RB sets in which one clears the way for the other, they both pass protect or Brees audibles them to leave an empty backfield. Even have 3 RB sets. The trickery possibilities are endless. I think it is time for Payton to start doing the 2009 offense (screens) and do something new. Same old does not win Super Bowls.
BB
It’s an interesting idea I’m just not sure Ingrams value is worth dealing. Contract is friendly so I can’t rule it out but I would really be surprised.
MP
Yes it is friendly, so it is valuable! Saint have had many good RBs and have a history of trading them away (Bush, Ivory, Sproles). They do not need Ingram. In fact, Ingram has proven to be at his best when he is the feature back. That is something the Saints typically do not do.
BB
I can get behind the idea, certainly after the trade frenzy last year proved nothing was off limits. Still – with so many questions on defense and more wear on Brees’ tires, a fast strike offense in which running backs are little more than change of pace components seems rather short-sighted to me. Look how good the Saints looked when Hightower was hitting on all cylinders at the end of the season.
MP
Hightower filled in really nicely but what will you do when you have Ingram who needs 15 touches minimum to be productive, and you have Hightower warming up the bench when you finally play your great value great potential Spiller. Then Khiry is sitting there too. That is too many talent not to play. So either play em all or get rid of one of them. In this case I would say you trade Ingram and be free to play the system Payton loves to play.
Any final words?
BB
Only that I still think Ingram stays. Character questions were at the heart of the moves last year, and Ingram is a great character guy. I think it’s as simply as a great 1-2 punch between Ingram and Hightower, Cadet and Robinson are gone, and you get Spiller as the third down/playmaker and Murphy on ST/spelling Spiller. Cadet probably winds up returning at some point for depth. Robinson will latch on elsewhere.
Well that’s it for episode 1. I hope you like the format, suggestions (design, content, whatever) are always welcome in the comment section below. Ask us questions and we might answer them on the next episode.
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