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Originally Posted by Nors
St Richard, I read last year in training camp Haslett toyed with the 3-4. Why not plug Howard at DE, Get Will Smith up as on OLB. Just a thought. Any thoughts to move him inside to DT? Thanks - or do they rotate Howard/Smith and play Howard DT some like last year?
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I think they strongly considered it, but with a weak secondary and poor linebackers overall, I don't think they thought they had enough personnel to make that switch. I agree that Howard can play a 3-4 DE, but it wouldn't be his strong suit. After watching the 3-4 for years when the Saints had the old Dome Patrol, I've seen a lot of the defense. Smith could play OLB in that defense if he dropped a few pounds, but I just don't think it fits Howard. Howard played extremely well as a DT this year when they were in obvious passing downs. They rushed Grant, Bryant, Howard and Smith and it was like a jailbreak. Against Carolina, Delhomme looked like a deer in the headlights.
I'm still very torn about this. I'd love to see Grant, Howard and Smith continue in a rotation for the Saints and you can never have enough quality defensive linemen IMO (although Howard's injuries have been a bit overblown). But I'd also love to see him back next to Glover, taking the heat off Ellis. As long as he stays with the Saints or goes to the Cowboys, I'm OK. I'm just worried about those !%!@$ Eagles.
