Lewis’ feel-good story could be ending for Saints

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, August 18, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New Orleans Saints
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No one paid much attention when the New Orleans Saints picked up wide receiver Bethel Johnson from the New England Patriots for underachieving defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan earlier this year. Now, though, that trade might be providing some unexpected returns -- literally.

The Saints thought they were set for kickoff and punt returns with Michael Lewis and Aaron Stecker, even though the diminutive Lewis -- a huge fan favorite in N'Arlins -- was coming off a knee injury that limited him to two games last year. Lewis is the team's all-time yardage king in punt returns and also fielded kickoffs with Stecker, the all-time franchise leader in kickoff return yards.

The problem is, Lewis has been hampered by a quadriceps injury and Stecker hurt his knee in the first preseason game with Tennessee and isn't expected to play in next Monday night's game at Dallas.

Saints' coach Sean Payton is a Stecker fan, however, noting recently that all the things he does gives the seven-year veteran out of Western Illinois special value.

"When someone can play offense and defense, it's a big plus," Payton said.

Which Stecker does, on special teams. He's also the third-string running back behind Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush, a dependable pass receiver, and adept at intercepting blitzers as the third-down back.

Lewis, who once drove a beer truck while waiting for his pro break, played in the Arena League, the Indoor Professional League and NFL Europe before the NFL. Where he didn't play was college, but he finally made the Saints' roster as a longshot in 2001 at the age of 29. That blue collar image has earned him a following in his hometown (he played high school ball in Metairie, a New Orleans suburb), and he was named Man of the Year in 2002 for his offseason charitable activities. That was also the year he made the Pro Bowl.

He also plays wide receiver, as does Johnson, although Lewis' lack of size (5-foot-8, 173 pounds) works against him there. Johnson is bigger (5-11, 200), about as fast, and as a Texas A&M senior in 2002 caught 40 passes for 718 yards. He ran back two kickoffs for touchdowns during his New England career and handled kickoff return duties in the Saints' opening preseason victory over Tennessee.

Meanwhile, free agent Jamal Jones, a Packer in 2005, fielded punts. And the rust continues to build on Lewis as he sits on the sidelines.

Prize rookie Bush has also been mentioned as a punt return and kickoff possibility, but he had problems catching punts in practice this week. Moreover, it's questionable whether the Saints want to risk the health of their multi-million dollar top draft choice when they can find someone more expendable.

Like Johnson, who gained 51 yards on his two returns against the Titans. Or Stecker, who lacks the killer speed of Michael Lewis but is clever at finding open lanes and setting up his blockers.

Ultimately, whether Johnson or Lewis claims a roster spot may be determined not by their special teams work, but how they do at receiver. In these salary cap days, the word "specialist" can be a synonym for "unnecessary luxury."

NOTES: Still working out the kinks in his rehabbed knee, McAllister proclaimed himself ready to start against Dallas, even though observers say he's still walking with a noticeable limp.

Backup quarterback Jamie Martin returned to camp after spending several days with his wife Kelly, who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.

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