I won’t write about Bountygate…I won’t write about Bountygate…I won’t write about Bountygate…
How is it that some shmoe living in Raceland, Louisiana and writing for the itty bitty Houma Coo-re-ay consistently out-writes not only the hacks at the Times-Picayune, but just about everyone on the national scene?
Mike Detillier is serious about what he does. He pays attention. He digs. He draws on experience. He’s not always right, of course, but he’s always worth reading (until I disagree with him, the idiot).
I don’t disagree with him this time. Lofton or Vilma is the question, and Detillier comes down firmly on the side of Lofton. So does everyone he talks to. If the question were, Lofton now or Vilma at his peak, it would be a no-brainer: Vilma, every time. Dude could hit, he could cover, he had an almost Singletary-esque ability to see what the offense was going to do in critical situations. Lofton is very, very good; and as of now, he’s probably even better in pass coverage than Vilma. It only remains to be seen if he can step right into the same leadership role—he is, after all, not only a new guy but a Falcon, and if I were a player that would take some getting used to.
But he’s probably going to be a better middle linebacker than Vilma could be at this stage. It hurts to write that, but I think it’s true. So does just about everyone. And I hope that when Vilma comes back, he’s burning to prove us all wrong.
Detillier also gives us some more info on Saints’ third-round bust Akiem Hicks. Regina Rams head coach Frank McCrystal is awfully high on this wasted pick. According to McCrystal, Hicks’ failure to completely dominate at the college level is all on his coaches. What’s more, the rules of Canadian football held him back:
The field is wider, longer and he had to play one yard off the line of scrimmage and blocking schemes could negate some of his skills. You put Akiem head-up on an offensive lineman in this league, and he takes over completely.
Yeah, sure. Who am I supposed to believe: his coach and some guy from Raceland, or football gods like Pete Prisco? Everyone knows that the Saints had a miserable draft and Hicks was an epic reach. Just like they know Roger Goodell is telling the truth about Bountygate.
Damn! So close!
AcquiredPanicMay 7, 2012 at 9:29 am
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I’m 100% on the Lofton train. I think it is time to move on past BountyGate and we never will with Vilma being the leader of the defense. I love everything he has done and meant to the the team but BountyGate mixed with his regression at the position means his time has come and gone….
cc58May 7, 2012 at 11:17 am
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Don’t think Vilma is done. Well maybe this year, (I’m not gonna talk about it either). but we/he has probably seen his better days. Not to say he couldn’t contribute whenever he is allowed to return. I too would be fine with moving on and getting younger at the position. Not meaning any disrespect to Vilma, I thank him for his service, well most of it, but I am not going there, and cap permitting I wouldn’t mind him hanging around to mentor his replacement. That may be a moot point by next year. Lofton probably is a better player other than the experience issue, and that will take time. Younger, stronger, and healthier may make him better despite Vilma’s experience. We also can expect more from the whole defense, IMHO with the Spag as coach. Hopefully the wrapping up technique of tackling will be back in vogue, and the laying the wood mentality will if not disappear, at least moderate.
stujo4May 7, 2012 at 12:59 pm
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You’re on the private List, mister.
AcquiredPanicMay 7, 2012 at 2:05 pm
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We are still being held accountable?? Fuck, better watch what I say.
HimselfMay 7, 2012 at 3:41 pm
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For saying what? Just so I know.
You know, I could make you a contributor, Stu. And you could keep up the Accountability Index here. But you’d have to help me with the restrooms.
B_Robichaux31May 7, 2012 at 4:54 pm
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Just let me use the restroom before he goes clean it
AcquiredPanicMay 7, 2012 at 6:03 pm
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I like that idea…..make it happen….we can fanshot it over at CsC.
stujo4May 7, 2012 at 7:56 pm
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@”Everyone knows that the Saints had a miserable draft and Hicks was an epic reach. Just like they know Roger Goodell is telling the truth about Bountygate.”@ Heavy on the sarcasm, I get it. Precious time will prove you wrong on both counts and I will make it my goal to survive just long enough to throw it all back in yo face.
Hey, I can mop. And I enjoy cultivating the mold and bacteria cultures around the stool.