With Pittman gone, McAllister’s future seems secure

By Chris Cluff  |   Tuesday, September 04, 2007  |  Comments( 3 )

New Orleans Saints
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When the Saints drafted Antonio Pittman in the fourth round back in April, it seemed as if they were getting ready to push Deuce McAllister out the door in the next year or two. But if that was the plan, it doesn't look to be anymore after the Saints cut Pittman on Saturday.

The Saints surprisingly had traded up to get Pittman in the fourth round in April, and the thought was that he would back up Reggie Bush and McAllister this season and then perhaps replace the 29-year-old McAllister either next year or the year after. Instead, Pittman was beaten out by undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas, who made the team behind Bush, McAllister and longtime veteran Aaron Stecker. Thomas outplayed Pittman all preseason, particularly when it came to blocking and receiving.

"I think I've just learned patience and just trying to go out there and just relax," Pittman told reporters Friday before he was waived. "The first couple games, I was out there trying to get in and just do too much, instead of just relaxing and letting the game come to me."

Pittman's tight play resulted in his surprising release, but the St. Louis Rams scooped him up to play behind Steven Jackson and fellow rookie Brian Leonard.

Meanwhile, it looks as if the two-man backfield of Bush and McAllister might last for two or three more years. When the Saints picked Pittman, it appeared McAllister's days might be numbered. After all, he will be 30 next year, has undergone multiple knee surgeries and is in the third season of an eight-year, $50 million contract.

But the Bush-McAllister tandem worked well in 2006 and should continue to be a good pairing in creative coach Sean Payton's offense. Last season, while Bush tallied 1,307 yards from scrimmage and scored eight times, McAllister had 1,256 yards (1,057 rushing) and 10 touchdowns. That production helped get the Saints to the NFC title game, and there's no reason to think the arrangement will change much this season.

Or next. Especially with Pittman having come and gone.

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About Chris Cluff

Chris Cluff spent 10 years as an editor and sportswriter for The Seattle Times. He was a key figure in the newspaper's coverage of the Seahawks, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2005. He also has written two books on the Seahawks: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Heart-Pounding, ...
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