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Saints phasing out Deuce?

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Deuce McAllister could be playing his final game at the Superdome on Monday night. Technically, McAllister has four years remaining on his contract with the Saints, but the reality is his roster spot is far from guaranteed next season. His salary cap number jumps from $4.5 million to $7.3 million. That's feature-back money not role player money, and McAllister, at this stage of his injury-riddled career, is a role player -- at least in the eyes of his current employer. McAllister started Sunday's game at Kansas City but took a back seat to Pierre Thomas for most of the second half. Thomas finished with 16 carries for 88 yards. McAllister had eight for 18. A similar playing rotation was employed a week earlier in Atlanta. If Coach Sean Payton's designation of McAllister's role wasn't clear earlier this season when he docked Deuce on the sideline for two games, it's now readily apparent. That's the harsh reality of the NFL, where a player's three most valuable assets are productivity, reliability and availability.

New Orleans Times-Picayune

Deuce McAllister, AP Deuce McAllister, AP
November 18, 2008  08:09 AM ET

someone is taking a salary cut in the off-season or getting cut.

November 18, 2008  08:09 AM ET

Deuce is my boy, but he's injury prone, and starting to wear down a tad...

November 18, 2008  08:20 AM ET

So, his 7.3 mill is too much for a role-player but Bush's bigger bucks isn't?

Sounds like the Saints are dropping the duece in more ways than one.

November 18, 2008  08:23 AM ET

They stuck with Deuce for a long time, despite a few dismal seasons.

November 18, 2008  08:57 AM ET

"They'll say they were there the night Deuce played his last home game at the Superdome. "
LOL. ...I seriously doubt that..Ten years from now they will be saying " This is our year. No really." or more likely.." Reggie Bush is doubtful for this weeks game"

November 18, 2008  09:10 AM ET

So if New Orleans cuts McAllister, can we say that the Saints are "dropping a deuce"?

November 18, 2008  09:11 AM ET
QUOTE(#2):

Deuce is my boy, but he's injury prone, and starting to wear down a tad...

It happens a lot to RB's, especially when they get the bulk of carries. Some RB's are more durable than others. But even Emmitt Smith wore down eventually. There's no way to be young forever.

November 18, 2008  09:16 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

It happens a lot to RB's, especially when they get the bulk of carries. Some RB's are more durable than others. But even Emmitt Smith wore down eventually. There's no way to be young forever.

Plus he's had those knees rebuilt a couple of times.

November 18, 2008  09:46 AM ET

Do ya'll think he will try to go to another team, I think he would be a good running back coach for the Saints.

November 18, 2008  10:12 AM ET

Overpaying for underperformance. They need to cut him and Reggie Bush needs to step up which I do not see happening. He is a role player. Nothing more.

November 18, 2008  10:34 AM ET
QUOTE(#9):

Do ya'll think he will try to go to another team, I think he would be a good running back coach for the Saints.

His ties run deep in NO, and he still resides in MS. I think that would be a good fit to be a RB Coach, but I think he'll still try to play. Plus, i don't think he could coach Reggie Bush, because he's not a true RB.

November 18, 2008  10:42 AM ET
QUOTE(#9):

Do ya'll think he will try to go to another team, I think he would be a good running back coach for the Saints.

Seems like a waste with a Sean Payton offense. There may not be any running plays to call in two years..

November 18, 2008  10:47 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

...Sounds like the Saints are dropping the duece in more ways than one.

LOL

November 18, 2008  12:00 PM ET

This is the best thing for the Saints. Duece is wearing down alot and needs to have his salary restructured or cut him. Reggie Bush is not an effective RB in the NFL. He thinks he has to bust every single play for 20 yards and his field vision at the line of scrimmage is poor. He doesn't always cut back to hit a more open lane. The Saints should just make him a slot receiver since that is the only way he gets yards anyways.

November 18, 2008  12:08 PM ET
QUOTE(#14):

This is the best thing for the Saints. Duece is wearing down alot and needs to have his salary restructured or cut him. Reggie Bush is not an effective RB in the NFL. He thinks he has to bust every single play for 20 yards and his field vision at the line of scrimmage is poor. He doesn't always cut back to hit a more open lane. The Saints should just make him a slot receiver since that is the only way he gets yards anyways.

I'm with 50 year fan. They're just going to keep throwing the ball anyway.

November 18, 2008  12:31 PM ET

Why wouldn't they be passing a lot right now? The weapons they have in the recieving corps are far more dangerous than thier running game is at the moment. Not to mention that when you're constantly playing catchup you have to pass.

November 18, 2008  12:44 PM ET
QUOTE(#16):

Why wouldn't they be passing a lot right now? The weapons they have in the recieving corps are far more dangerous than thier running game is at the moment. Not to mention that when you're constantly playing catchup you have to pass.

can't be one dimensional though.

November 18, 2008  01:03 PM ET

Check out these NFL quarterback rankings:

http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/291037

November 18, 2008  01:07 PM ET
QUOTE(#16):

Why wouldn't they be passing a lot right now? The weapons they have in the recieving corps are far more dangerous than thier running game is at the moment. Not to mention that when you're constantly playing catchup you have to pass.

All those " weapons " have them behind the FALCONS. Who would have thought it possible? Nice stats, mediocre results. They really need to look at what they are doing a little more...If your goal is to make the play offs AND do something when you get there, then a running game is a must...a little balance now and then..If they ever played in January before they would know that...Oh, my bad. ( oh yeah, once I think)

 
November 18, 2008  03:30 PM ET
QUOTE(#19):

All those " weapons " have them behind the FALCONS. Who would have thought it possible? Nice stats, mediocre results. They really need to look at what they are doing a little more...If your goal is to make the play offs AND do something when you get there, then a running game is a must...a little balance now and then..If they ever played in January before they would know that...Oh, my bad. ( oh yeah, once I think)

Too true. It seems as though the high flying era is about to close. Successful teams are learning that you have to win on the ground, and with at least 2 solid backs if not more. Running keeps the defenses honest, and it also gives your defense some time to rest up. If you pass all the time then you wind up having more 3 and outs and your defense has to go back on the field.

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