[Buckskin86]

PRODUCTION FROM

GRANT AnD SMITH

The Saints have contracts worth $133 million in these two defensive ends.

From 2002-04, Charles Grant had 27 1/2 sacks. In the last four seasons, the former Georgia standout has only 14 sacks.

In Will Smith?s first three seasons, the Ohio State standout recorded 26 1/2 sacks, including 10 1/2 in 2006. In the last two seasons, Smith has managed to sack the quarterback only 10 times.

When you get paid that kind of money, you are expected to not just play average or above average, but you are expected to put up big numbers.

While injuries are a factor in their lack of production the past two seasons, lack of signature play is noticeable to the average football fan.

For Gregg Williams? defense to work and work effectively, he needs both Smith and Grant to play at a high level every week.

With four-game suspensions looming for both, a big key in the 12 games they play in will be if they can play up to their salaries.

Saints ready for 2009 season | DailyComet.com | The Thibodaux Daily Comet | Thibodaux, LA