It's likely you've realized I'm a fan of Jim Haslett. Even though his defense has been atrocious throughout his tenure as coordinator, I've always enjoyed his intensity and hatred for his fellow opponents. Part of the reason I feel good with him as the head coach is that he seems a lot more comfortable and confident this time around. That's probably because he's admitted as much to the media:
"I know I’ll be better, because after you sit back and you analyze the six years (in New Orleans) you start saying, ’Well, I wish I would’ve handled this game a little bit better.' Game management to me is big because things happen fast. Dealing with the players."
And in 2002 when the Saints were 9-4 and in need of just one more win to reach the playoffs?
"We had a chance to go to the playoffs, and I got hard-headed because Aaron Brooks got hurt. I should’ve put the backup in, and didn’t. Everybody wanted the backup in, and I didn’t. In hindsight, I probably should have because the backup turned out to be a pretty darn good quarterback, Jake Delhomme."
Friends, when a coach admits he erred by believing in and sticking with Aaron Brooks, he's thinking with a clear head. By the way, a similar version of the story with these quotes can also be read at the Times Picayune site. Naturally, they're a little more harsh on Haslett than the rest of the media.
Speaking of, the Rams and Jim Haslett are already negotiating for 2009, should Haslett get five more wins. They need a Rachel Phelps cardboard cutout at this point. [STL Today]
I wish Marc Bulger was running for office because his honesty is quite refreshing. [Dallas Morning News]
Tony Romo reportedly tells the Cowboys he'll play on Sunday. That'd be great because he can't hold onto the ball with five fingers. [NBC Sports]
The Cardinals designated Josh Phelps for assignment to make room for new lefty reliever and former Nationals pitcher Charlie Manning. [The Sports Network]
Forbes Magazine has come out with their list of the ten sports franchises most likely to move. Hint: an NFC West team makes the cut. Is it the Rams. CLICK TO FIND OUT!!! [Forbes]
All hail John Davidson, Dave Checketts and the St. Louis Blues: they have the lowest ticket prices in the NHL. [St. Louis Business Journal]
And all hail Louie, the Blues mascot. Please click to see him participating in every-day activities with people from all walks of life. [RFT]
