In a five-year span from 2008-12, the Saints led the NFL in scoring three times (2008, ’09 and ’11) and finished third once (2012). And during Evans’ tenure New Orleans was top five in yards per game every season, and led the league in ’06, ’08, ’09, ’11, ’14, ’15 and ’16.
Along the way, Evans, a fourth-round pick from Bloomsburg, was a five-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler who was named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team, the Saints 50th Anniversary Team and is a member of the Saints Hall of Fame who was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.
“He was one of the most important elements on an offense that had historically — over that time frame — it was unlike anything seen in the NFL in the history of the league,” Loomis said.
“That period of time, where I think we were No. 1 in offense (seven) times — the amount of points, the amount of yards, just the offensive output — and Jahri was a huge part of that.
“I think there’s a disadvantage when you play in one of the smaller markets that isn’t a media hub. But I think Jahri would already be in had he played for the Bears or for the Giants or one of these big-market teams. He’d already be in. That’s what I think.”
Evans, a Saints assistant offensive line coach last season, should be in this year. A little later than hoped, but it’s where he belongs.