New Orleans Saints Review

Center Jonathan Goodwin is now in his 8th season in the NFL and his 4th as a member of the Saints.  He took over as the starter last season after the Saints let Jeff Faine go via free agency.  Jonathan stepped right in and the Saints’ offensive line didn’t skip a beat.

Quarterback Drew Brees is always among the least-sacked qb’s in the game, something Goodwin says the line takes a lot of pride in.  And this year, the Saints’ running attack is among the elite in the league.

Jonathan was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to chat with me about the 2009 season so far:

1. The offensive line has been great with run-blocking so far this year. Did you guys come into the season knowing that you would run the ball more often?
It was a goal of ours to improve the run game. We all knew we were good enough to have a better rushing attack. Coach Payton told us we would be a more balanced team as far as the play calling. I think we as a line felt like it would be a key to the success of the team if we could run the ball better.

2. Drew Brees is always among the least sacked quarterbacks in the game. How much pride does the line take in that stat?
Yes we take a lot of pride in that. We view Drew as the best quarterback in the league. He is the key to our offense. It’s a stat that we take very seriously. I think each guy goes out every week and has the goal of keeping Drew up the entire game.

3. It seems like the most successful offensive lines are a tight-knit group. So how proud are you guys of Jermon Bushrod for stepping up the way he has this season?
We are an extremely close group. We feel like every lineman on the team should be ready to play. So yes we are very proud of how Jermon stepped in and we did not miss a beat.

4. Who’s the toughest defensive tackle you’ve had to face?
Kris Jenkins

5. If the O-line had an arm-wrestling tournament, who would win?
It would be between Carl Nicks and Jon Stinchcomb.

6. Since you’ve been in New Orleans for a few years now, do you have a favorite restaurant or meal in the city?
Nola

A second round pick of the Saints back in 2002, LeCharles Bentley quickly established himself as one of the premier offensive guards in the league.  He made the Pro Bowl as a guard in 2003 before switching back to his college position of center in 2004.  His last year with the Saints was the “Katrina season” of 2005, in which he made the Pro Bowl once again – this time at center.

LeCharles left for Cleveland to play for his hometown team, but unfortunately injuries kept him from ever suiting up in a game for the Browns.  He had a serious knee injury in training camp and later a staph infection.  As of right now, he’s not with an NFL team.  But, as you’ll see below, LeCharles isn’t ruling out a return to the league.

These days, he is busy running The LeCharles Bentley O-Line Academy, which is the USA’s only offensive line training facility.

LeCharles was kind enough to answer a few questions about his career and the O-Line Academy:

1. First off – how is your health?  It was sad to see you retire from the NFL at such a young age.
I am doing really well!  The entire experience as far as the injury and infection was tough to deal with, but I have been extremely blessed throughout the process. The Staph infection was the culprit that did the most harm, I learned the hard way that infections are serious. I haven’t officially retired so who knows what may happen with football.  I am still young and take great care of myself so if the right opportunity arises I will be ready!

2. You excelled at both the guard and center positions.  How difficult was it to start out your career at guard and then make the transition back to center?
It wasn’t difficult at all.  I was surrounded by great teachers.  Jerry Fontenot, Wally Williams, Victor Riley and Kyle Turley all played a huge roll in my development.  Each had their own unique way of teaching me, at times it probably appeared to them that I wasn’t listening but I always listened and it showed on Sundays.  Wally Williams in particular guided me on and off the field, he taught me how to be a pro athlete.  When I did well or struggled he was one person I could rely on to give me the feedback I needed but may not wanted to hear!

3. As someone who made the Pro Bowl twice, what is it like to spend that week in Hawaii?
It is an honor to be recognized by your peers as an elite player, but the week in Hawaii is BORING.  After the first couple days the novelty wears off and you realize you’re still there to work.  It’s a great time for your friends and family but as a player it’s not as exciting.

4. Your last season with the Saints was 2005 – unfortunately the year of Hurricane Katrina.  Could you describe the feelings of the team that year with not having a home field, and knowing that the city you represented faced such tragedy?
I could easily write a short novel in answering this question. There were so many emotions and events that took place during that time that it’s impossible to give enough time to each without being extremely lengthy.  The general sentiment was a deep concern for the people.  People talk about how selfish professional athletes are, which may be true in SOME cases but it was awesome to see a group of men that realized our problems as a team were small compared to the plight of the citizens of the city.  As a team we moved around a lot but at least we all had nice warm beds to lay in at night.  We were never able to get comfortable the entire season and it showed in our play but nothing we faced was as harsh as the realities the people of the city dealt with.  I think the team kept that in perspective and played as hard as we could given the circumstances but it’s NFL football and the victors will always be the most prepared and mentally focused team.

A knee injury and ensuing staph infection cut LeCharles Bentley's time with the Browns short.

5. Even though you signed with Cleveland for the 2006 season – did you keep up with the Saints and their journey back to New Orleans?
I didn’t keep up during that season too much because I was fighting a personal battle of my own with the infection.  Football was the furthest thing from my mind.

As of late I am a huge Saints fan!  I love what Mickey Loomis has done with the roster.  Drew Brees is an unbelievable asset to the team and the city!  The team has star power and not just stars but good people.  New Orleans deserves the team they have now and I can’t wait for those guys to take a championship trophy home.  I am a fan of Will Smith (GO BUCKS!), Charles Grant, Jammal Brown, Jahri Evans (WOW) just to name a few.

6. Of all the defensive linemen you faced, who presented the biggest challenge?
All players in NFL are good at something so each week was a unique challenge and I prepared accordingly.

7. These days you’re running the LeCharles Bentley O-Line Academy.  Tell us about the academy and what participants can expect when they attend.
The O-line Academy is a unique approach to “position specific” training.  O-line is a difficult position to coach and play, but it is even more difficult to train linemen’s bodies to perform at high levels.  The O-line Academy is the first training facility in the country that is solely dedicated to improving the performance of offensive linemen through martial arts, Pilates, nutritional guidance, position specific weight training and on-field training modalitites.  Check out the website..www.o-lineacademy.com

8. I remember seeing you on a BET sports show back in the day showing off your cooking skills.  Have you ever thought about being in the restaurant business?  And, what’s your best dish?
No way to the restaurant business.  If I want a good meal I will fly to New Orleans!

Tommy Barnhardt played for the Saints during 8 of his 14 years in the NFL.  He was one of the most consistent and productive punters in the NFL, finishing his career with a 42.1 average.  Tommy was so successful as a Saint, he was named to their 40th anniversary team, which recognizes him as the greatest punter in team history.

Tommy was kind enough to answer a few questions for The New Orleans Saints Review:

1. When you came to the Saints in 1987, the team was winning a lot of games.  Do any particular games or plays stand out to you?
My first Monday night game against the Eagles. I couldn’t believe how loud it was on the field..

2. Looking at your career numbers, you were very consistent and certainly one guy that coach Mora never had to worry about.  What was the key to your consistency?
My flexibility

3. The Saints were very fortunate to have both you and Morten Andersen leading the special teams.  Did you and Morten help to make each other better?
That was a big part of our competitiveness. We always held each other accountable and we always tried to make ourselves better by coming through in pressure situations.

4. When you were just coming into the league, were there any punters you admired and tried to emulate?
Ray Guy was my idol..

5. It seems like directional punting is a bit of a lost art these days. Are there any current players who are skilled at it?
Not real sure.. I don’t keep up with the game today

6. I noticed that you are working with former Saints kicker Doug Brien on Kicking.com.  Your profile says you are a “Virtual Punting Coach”.  How does that work?  Have you worked with aspiring punters in person as well?
Young punters can get in touch with us if they have any questions about technique or anything else of that matter.

Yes. I try to help as many young punters as I can. I know I would want to get advice from someone that has been through the battles before if I was in their shoes..

7. Do you still follow the Saints, and, if so, how do you like their chances are in 2009?
I like Coach Payton’s style.. I would have loved to had that type of offense with our defense. I think their chances are very good.