"Replacing" Darren Sproles

Darren Sproles is a very unique player with a rare skill set. Replacing him in the offense isn't really a true possibility with the players we have. BUT, I do not believe that it will be a problem for our beloved Saints. And here's why:

When you look at the touches that Sproles was given throughout the game, they were mostly plays designed to maximize Sproles' particular skills, to get him the ball in space with a one on one opportunity with either a safety or linebacker. Before Sproles we had Reggie Bush who was our receiving threat out of the backfield. When he was on the team Sean Payton and Co. designed plays that allowed Bush to maximize his skills. Although, i don't believe they ever truely figured out what role he should play because every year he seemed to have a different set of plays designed for him. as the year went on he became much more of a receiver than a RB. I chalk that up to a first time head coach learning on the job. But i digress.

Lets look at another position, TE. During the Jimmy Graham contract dispute, the talking heads were saying how our offense depends heavily on him now and would struggle without him. And yes i agree that Drew Brees makes a conscious effort to get the ball in Jimmy's hands, BUT we didn't need Jimmy to win the superbowl. This is not a slight on Jimmy, I'm just saying that the team was successful on offense before we had him.

The point that I am trying to make is that Sean Payton adapts his offense to the skills of the players within it. Everyone keeps trying to figure out who is going to replace Sproles. Is it gonna be Cadet?Maybe Cooks? The answer is that no one will replace Sproles. Coach Payton is going to look at the pieces that he has on this offense and design plays and game plans that will maximize the skills of each individual player on the field.

God I can't wait for the season to start!

I know TL;DR