Page 102 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2019

SPORTS & OUTDOORS moving forward
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
NOT LOOKING BACK
Saints defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. who was born in Gautier, Mississippi.
story and photos by A.J. Giardina
The 2018 New Orleans Saints were on the verge of claiming the NFC championship and trip to Super Bowl LIII until a referee kept his flag in his back pocket after Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis was mugged by Robey-Coleman of Los Angeles.
The no-call was so obvious and controversial the NFL voted to change the replay review rules in May, three months after the Rams defeated the Saints 23-20 in overtime before a stunned Who Dat Mercedes-Benz Superdome crowd.
The 2019 Saints have decided to “not look back” in preparation for another Super Bowl run. Coach Sean Payton said, “Right now our focus is moving forward and it has not been something that’s been a topic of motivation. It’s still about putting yourself in a position to get back.”
Future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees agrees. “Yes, it took a while,” stated Brees. “But once I get into my training, March, April and then obviously May, I become very focused on the things that I need to work on to get better.”
Brees ignites one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL and will have a new weapon. During the off-season New Orleans inked free-agent tight Jared Cook, a 6’5” 254 pound eleven-year veteran. Cook should take pressure off game-breaking wide receiver Michael Thomas.
The running game is in good hands thanks to third-year pro Alvin Kamara, who has totaled 3,146 offensive yards with 31 touchdowns. Following the retirement of Max Unger, the Saints drafted Erik McCoy out of Texas A&M to fill a gap at center.
Free agent defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. signed with
New Orleans. He was born in Gautier and is the son of former Pascagoula High and Florida State standout Mario Edwards Senior. Edwards said, “My dad was definitely there for me as a coach and as a father. It worked out in my favor.”
Veteran defensive end Cam Jordan inked a new contract and will add to his 71.5 career sacks.
The Saints are taking aim on Super Bowl LIV.
102 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2019 www.smliving.net
Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Saints defensive end Cam Jordan