New Orleans Saints Review

Heath Evans signed with the Saints before the 2009 season and added some great versatility to New Orleans’ already high-powered offense.  The powerful fullback with good hands had 10 catches and a total of 3TDs before a knee injury ended his season after just 6 games.  Evans is currently rehabilitating his knee and expects to once again play a vital role for the Saints in 2010.

Not only is he one of the top fullbacks in the league, he’s also a first-class guy off the field as well.  Through the Heath Evans Foundation, Heath and his team work to provide free counseling services to sexually abused children.  He’s hosting a softball game in New Orleans on April 28 that will feature all of your favorite Saints and is also involved in a one-of-a-kind raffle.  All to benefit the foundation and help some kids in need.

Heath was kind enough to speak with me about his career, what the Saints need to do to repeat in 2010 and his charitable efforts.  You can listen to the full interview using the streaming player below or download an mp3:

Streaming Player

Click Here to download an mp3 of the interview.

Receiver Lance Moore made one of the most crucial plays in the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Colts – a diving 2-point conversion that helped New Orleans build a lead in the second half.  But Lance Moore was already one of the most popular players on the team.  It seemed like Saints fans started to adore Moore years earlier, when he showed off his quickness and great hands in training camp.  But it wasn’t until 2008 that he became a star, leading the team with 79 receptions for 928 yards and 10 TDs.

2009 was a bit more difficult, as Moore battled injuries for most of the season.  But it all ended with a bang, as he was able to contribute in the biggest game in Saints history.

Lance, who is currently a restricted free agent, sat down with me to discuss his career and that famous 2-point conversion.

1. How are things going with your contract status?  What are you chances of returning to the Saints for 2010?
All I can really say about that question is that I would love to be back in New Orleans next year and for many years to come.

2. You scored what was probably the most famous 2 point conversion in Super Bowl history.  The play was so close that it went to replay.  At the time, were you confident that the review would go in your favor?
When I got up off of the ground I really was not sure, but I knew that it was close. When I got to the sideline people were telling me that the ball was kicked out of my hands. I knew that he touched my leg first and that’s when I knew that it was a good catch.

3. I can imagine that the 2009 season had to be a bit frustrating for you considering the injuries you had to deal with.  So how much did it mean to you to get that opportunity to make such an important play in the biggest game of your life?
The whole season was tough with injuries and trying to get back healthy, but it definitely was a dream come true to be able to get back healthy and participate in the Super Bowl. Making plays in that game was just the icing on the cake.

4. How would you describe your experience coming back to NOLA after winning it all and taking part in the Super Bowl parade?
New Orleans always has warm receptions for the Saints, but after the Super Bowl it was like nothing I’ve ever seen. We were told that there was going to be a couple hundred thousand people, but we never could have imagined that there was going to be as many as there ended up being. It was an awesome feeling.

5. The Saints receivers as a group seem to be very hard-working and humble.  Everyone seems to check their egos at the door.  How do you guys continue to maintain such a low profile even though you are key players in the most prolific offense in the league?
I think we keep each other in check pretty much. We (are) more interested in our success as a whole than any one guy is in his stats or accolades. I think that’s what makes our group as good as we are.

6. One of the aspects of this team that has impressed me the most over the past few seasons is watching players like yourself and Devery Henderson develop into such reliable targets for Drew Brees.  It really seems like he can go to anyone in this offense in any situation.  Can you describe the kind of work that you guys put in with Drew to create that kind of chemistry?
It really doesn’t take much discussion. It’s hours and hours of work with him. That involves talking, film watching, and hundreds if not thousands of routes. Hard work really does pay off.

7. Have you taken some time this offseason to reflect on what you and your teammates accomplished, and what it means to the city?
Yes I have gotten a chance to reflect, and it’s still pretty crazy to me. It’s almost surreal. I think that it will all become real when we get our rings.

8. I’ve always wanted to ask a receiver this question – what goes through your mind when you’re running a route across the middle of the field, and you know you’re going to take a hit?
The only thing that I think of is catch the ball.

9. Lastly, how has winning the Super Bowl changed your life?
It’s made me a champion forever no matter what happens for the rest of my career. But I def wanna get back and win another one.

Fullback Kyle Eckel was signed by the Saints midway through the 2009 season, after starter Heath Evans was placed on injured reserve.  He immediately filled the void left by Evans’ injury and led the way for running backs Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton.

Kyle was kind enough to share his experiences with the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints:

1. When the Saints brought you in after Heath Evans’ injury, did you have any idea that you were coming to a team that was going to have such a special season?
I knew the team was having a lot of success and slowly but steadily they were becoming favorites to come out of the NFC. The offense was especially highlighted but the defense was incredible with their take-aways.

2. I assume you played with Heath during your days in New England – did he have any role in your coming to New Orleans?
Yes I played with Heath and yes he did. Heath recommended me to the coaching staff after he went down. I’ll be forever grateful for that.

3. Fullback is a vital position, but tends to be often overlooked by fans. Was it a position that you chose to play or was it more of a situation where that was the best fit for you?
I was a fullback coming out of college so naturally the NFL kept me at that position. Granted fullback at Navy has a lot of different responsibilities than the NFL as in running the ball 15-20 times a game.

4. As a lead blocker, did you have to make adjustments to your game according to who was running behind you? Would you block differently for Pierre Thomas than you would Reggie Bush?
No. I just did my job and those guys ran great. Setting the block is a straight forward assignment. Sure it’s easier said than done. Those guys read my blocks and then take it from there. It was special playing with a quality backfield like that. Of course I watched Reggie Bush in college and adding the fact I blocked for him to a list of NFL accomplishments is a great thing. List includes being handed an NFL touchdown by Doug Flutie and Tom Brady.

5. What was a more intense situation for you guys – playing in front of that amazing Superdome crowd in the NFC Championship or playing in the Super Bowl?
Both were awesome. I couldn’t say which was more intense but I’d say the Superbowl was as nerve-racking as the Superdome was loud.

6. Can you describe your experience in the week leading up to the Super Bowl? I found it amazing that you guys were able to stay focused with all of the chaos that week seems to bring.
After the initial arrival the work week pretty much continued like a usual week but with the media portion of it all and also going about our daily routine in a hotel and different facilities. I’d say the biggest distraction for most guys would be just the basic idea that the Supwerbowl awaits. The Superbowl.

7. As you look back at the season, what set the Saints apart from every other team?
I couldn’t speak for other teams that season but what I think made the Saints such a great team started with our leadership from coach to Drew Brees. I think there was a great combination of veterans and youth on the team. A lot of things need to fit perfectly to have a season like that as evident by the NFC championship ending. If one thing was different that game the ending might’ve been much different.

8. What are your plans for the 2010 season? Is there a possibility of coming back to the Saints?
As of right now I’m a free agent. I hope there’s a chance because I’d love to come back and try and repeat the whole thing again. I guess we’ll have to wait and see but no matter happens I’m grateful for last year and the fun I had.

9. Since you’re a Philly native and a fellow Pennsylvanian, I have to ask. What’s wrong with the Flyers this year???
Haha I’m not sure, bud. Ever since the strike I haven’t gotten back into hockey like I once was. There was something about the new rules and 10 goal scoring games that just didn’t do it for me. Maybe I’m a hockey purist but it was sad to see the rules be so bent out of shape to try and lure in new hockey fans with a simple gimmick of “more goals = more fun”. Hockey fans are hockey fans and that’s that. Trying to diversify a fan base radically is a terrible idea no matter what sport. I see now the scoring has dropped down a bunch from immediately after the strike. Maybe the defenses are adjusting but I’m still having a hard time getting back into it. Little by little I’m working my way but before the strike if you asked me which sport I loved to watch more, football or hockey, I’d probably have said hockey.