So, Saints fans, what do think about Stinchcomb's release?

[falconidae]

we don't know what was going through Chicago's mind or even what their cap situation is or plans for the near future. All those things factor in

what we do know is that the guy had a high offer on the table for his position and was rated as one of the best last year

what I find interesting is that PFF was the supporting source for your opinion in the first post and after it was determined that PFF actually said he was one of the best last year your opinion didn't change. instead, you went and found a circumstantial piece of evidence to support the opinion you already had when the solid and objective piece of evidence didn't work anymore

How about the ESPN NFCN blogger?

Let's face it: Kreutz was not nearly the player last season than he was even a few years ago. Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said Sunday afternoon that Kreutz "clearly regressed in all aspects." The Bears knew this as well as anyone, and I think that's why they weren't willing to break their bank to re-sign him for one more season.

Or more from PFF:

Had a Bad Year: C Olin Kreutz (+8.9 to -18.8)

The Bears' offensive line was a mess for most of 2010, which included Kreutz not living up to his reputation. He is a good pass blocker for a center but that doesn't make up for his regression to one of the worst run-blockers in the league. A better offensive line could make the Bears offense very scary, but Kreutz who will be turning 34 prior to next season, might not be a part of that for much longer.

Yeah, I was going from memory about the PFF rating- I was incorrect about his pass blocking ,but not that PFF said he was pretty bad.

[Dago]

How about the ESPN NFCN blogger?

Let’s face it: Kreutz was not nearly the player last season than he was even a few years ago. Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said Sunday afternoon that Kreutz “clearly regressed in all aspects.” The Bears knew this as well as anyone, and I think that’s why they weren’t willing to break their bank to re-sign him for one more season.

Or more from PFF:

Had a Bad Year: C Olin Kreutz (+8.9 to -18.8)

The Bears’ offensive line was a mess for most of 2010, which included Kreutz not living up to his reputation. He is a good pass blocker for a center but that doesn’t make up for his regression to one of the worst run-blockers in the league. A better offensive line could make the Bears offense very scary, but Kreutz who will be turning 34 prior to next season, might not be a part of that for much longer.

that is much better evidence. why would you even talk about the guy's contract when there is this?

obviously that is a concern. was it an aberration or has the guy just fallen off?

anytime you have two new OLinemen in it is potentially a problem. I would feel more comfortable if Brown beats out Strief which is a possibility but it doesn't seem like Tennant is ready to take over at center. I was hoping for more of a running game this year but if this line doesn't come together the only place we will have success is the left side. Of course, opposing DCs will know that and gameplan for it

[falconidae]

that is much better evidence. why would you even talk about the guy's contract when there is this?

obviously that is a concern. was it an aberration or has the guy just fallen off?

anytime you have two new OLinemen in it is potentially a problem. I would feel more comfortable if Brown beats out Strief which is a possibility but it doesn't seem like Tennant is ready to take over at center. I was hoping for more of a running game this year but if this line doesn't come together the only place we will have success is the left side. Of course, opposing DCs will know that and gameplan for it

Honestly, just didn't think of it.

Don't know if it was an aberration or not, he is 34.

[Coconuts]

How about the ESPN NFCN blogger?

Let's face it: Kreutz was not nearly the player last season than he was even a few years ago. Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said Sunday afternoon that Kreutz "clearly regressed in all aspects." The Bears knew this as well as anyone, and I think that's why they weren't willing to break their bank to re-sign him for one more season.

Or more from PFF:

Had a Bad Year: C Olin Kreutz (+8.9 to -18.8)

The Bears' offensive line was a mess for most of 2010, which included Kreutz not living up to his reputation. He is a good pass blocker for a center but that doesn't make up for his regression to one of the worst run-blockers in the league. A better offensive line could make the Bears offense very scary, but Kreutz who will be turning 34 prior to next season, might not be a part of that for much longer.

Yeah, I was going from memory about the PFF rating- I was incorrect about his pass blocking ,but not that PFF said he was pretty bad.

Now we're talking.

I can live with a good pass blocking C who can handle the OLine calls and pickup the play book. We've got two of the best run blockers in the league at the G spots. ( ) We're going to ask him to be the non-scraping half of double teams on the NTs and occaisionally get in the way of a back-side LB.

I'll give you a concession on the Bears, too. I'd bet they were fully prepared to move on. Kreutz was the leader of that offense since Cutler is such a lamb. I think Martz wanted to get him out of there to try to rebuild the personality of that O.

With Goodwin wanting and getting more years and money from SF than the Saints were going to shell out, and having a second year guy with 0 experience in the wings, getting Kreutz on a one year deal with $2M guaranteed was a no-brainer. Once again, the guy started all 16 for the NFC runners up. He can clearly still play. Given the situation, it was the best move the Saints could have made.

[SuperAINTSfan]

Now we're talking.

I can live with a good pass blocking C who can handle the OLine calls and pickup the play book. We've got two of the best run blockers in the league at the G spots. ( ) We're going to ask him to be the non-scraping half of double teams on the NTs and occaisionally get in the way of a back-side LB.

I'll give you a concession on the Bears, too. I'd bet they were fully prepared to move on. Kreutz was the leader of that offense since Cutler is such a lamb. I think Martz wanted to get him out of there to try to rebuild the personality of that O.

With Goodwin wanting and getting more years and money from SF than the Saints were going to shell out, and having a second year guy with 0 experience in the wings, getting Kreutz on a one year deal with $2M guaranteed was a no-brainer. Once again, the guy started all 16 for the NFC runners up. He can clearly still play. Given the situation, it was the best move the Saints could have made.

kruetz was probaly the best option after losing goodwin. i wish we had a better rt and maybe strief or brown can be that player.

[Dago]

Honestly, just didn't think of it.

Don't know if it was an aberration or not, he is 34.

well I would be lying if I said I didn't have some concern over two question marks on the OLine.

I won't be concerned until I see that they have an issue handling it. if there is one thing that this staff has shown, it knows OLine talent

Evans was a 4th rounder, Nicks was a 5th, and Bushrod a 4th

hopefully their success continues now

[bradael]

Honestly, just didn't think of it.

Don't know if it was an aberration or not, he is 34.

Center isn't a position that requires a player to be physically dominant. Centers can normally play at a high level until they are nearly 40. Chances are much more likely last year was a fluke for him unless his injury was near the extent of Jon Stinchcomb's.

Edited August 16, 2011 by bradael

[st. diehard]

With Kreutz, had there been no injury, I'd be more willing to buy an age-related regression theory.

Still, PFF itself, noted an improvement in his play later in the year backing up his agent's explanation of lingering effects of his recovery. I feel, worse case, he's an adequate one-year fill-in. There does remain the possibility, however, that the Saints might get much more from him.

Edited August 16, 2011 by st. diehard