Rams News

Saints' Ditka is in crisis-management mode
09/05 01:33 AM

By Jim Thomas
Of the Post-Dispatch Staff

As much as he'd like to say that things are much smoother the second time around, Iron Mike cannot tell a lie.
``It seems like the unforeseen crops up, and then how do you handle it?'' Mike Ditka said. ``There seems to be a mini-crisis every day. And I realize none of this stuff is that significant. Yet when you're dealing with it, and it's your life's job, it all becomes significant.
``It seems like the moment we get through one, then something else pops up. I'm sure that happens with every other team, too.''
Well, some of it does. . . .
Such as failing to see one of your wide receivers, Alvin Harper, for two months in the offseason. Mr. Harper is now an ex-Saint.
Or having one of your quarterbacks, Heath Shuler, go through one setback after another because of a foot problem. Shuler is out for Sunday's game with the Rams; Billy Joe Hobert starts.
Or having one of your best players, defensive end Joe Johnson, sit out the entire preseason in a contract holdout before finally signing Wednesday. Johnson, from Jennings High in St. Louis, will start Sunday in the Trans World Dome.
But some of it doesn't happen every day. . . .
Such as two Saints players getting beat up -- by their teammates -- in a bizarre rookie hazing incident.
Or Ditka rippping the city he works in -- New Orleans -- in a magazine cover story.
On Aug. 20, tight end Cam Cleeland and defensive tackle Jeff Danish were injured after running through a gauntlet of about 20 players in a training camp dorm. Three days after admitting he participated in the hazing, linebacker Andre Royal was traded.
``In life, if common sense prevails, a lot of things don't happen,'' Ditka said. ``That's the trouble with young people. Sometimes, they don't take time to just (think), `Hey, common sense would tell me this is innocent but it could get out of hand.' ''
Ditka didn't seem to use much common sense when he criticized New Orleans residents for being negative and said the city's streets were ``filthy'' in a July article in Sports Illustrated. Those remarks and others prompted New Orleans Mayor Marc Moral to suggest that Ditka ``tighten his lip.''
It's all been enough to make Ditka start cussing up a storm. But not Iron Mike. Not anymore.
``I quit swearing,'' Ditka said. ``I'm not going to say that this will be for eternity, but I have quit. I have not sworn in a long, long time. Because it's offensive to me now.''
He might take up the habit again if the Saints don't fare better offensively in his second season with New Orleans. The Saints finished 30th in the NFL last season in total offense and scoring offense, and committed a franchise record 55 turnovers.
``We have to score points,'' Ditka said. ``It's simple. You don't win in this league by scoring 10 points. If you do, then that means your defense is unbelievable. But we're not in that shape right now.''
Not with six new defensive starters, and key offseason losses in defensive lineman Darren Mickell (retired), cornerback Eric Allen (traded) and linebacker Winfred Tubbs (free agent defection).
``My goal's no different than anybody else,'' Ditka said. ``If your goal isn't to be a winner -- and the ultimate winning in this game is going to the Super Bowl -- then it's silly.''
But before reaching that ultimate goal, Ditka realizes his Saints need to reach some intermediate goals, such as winning more than one game in the division. They can match last season's victory total in NFC West games here on Sunday.

ARCHIVE

HOME