Open Game Thread: New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals
by Dave Cariello on Aug 7, 2008 6:30 PM CDT
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PrintNew Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals, Aug 7, 2008 7:00 PM CDT
Pre-season Game 1: New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Game Time: 8pm E.S.T.
TV/Radio: ESPN; WWL 870AM and 105.3FM; 560AM KBLU in Phoenix
Saints: 0-0
Cardinals: 0-0
Arizona leads series: 13-12
Last meeting: 12/16/07 Saints 31, Cardinals 24
I know you've pretty much heard it all when it comes to the players and what we should be looking for in tonights game, but guess what? You're gonna hear it one more time, Saintsational style.
This game is exciting yet disappointing at the same time. A ying and yang if you will. It sucks because a lot of the new players we really want to see won't be out there including Vilma, Shockey and Porter. Add to that another six other players including Colston and Henderson and that means more playing time for the guys really trying to make this team and a better look at position battles which makes for good football. From a superstitious standpoint, I honestly hope the Saints lose this one and do poorly this pre-season. No good comes from having a great pre-season.
Quarterback This will be our chance to see how much fuel Brunell has left in the tank. Tyler Palko is Payton's pet project and I am always anxious to see how he performs on the rare occasions he gets to exhibit his talent. The next Romo?
Running Back Being a big Pierre fan, this is a big one for me and I think for Pierre. He should see a good amount of time tonight, and putting up some nice numbers will help ease my mind that he is not just a fluke and the game against Chicago was the real deal. Not sure whether they will try running Reggie up the middle again or whether they have finally abandoned that plan.
Wide Receiver Everyone will be watching these guys closely, in particular Robert Meachem and Adrian Arrington. With Colston and Henderson out, this will be the perfect opportunity to see the other guys. Interestingly, Lance Moore is listed as the projected starter by WWL. I don't think Skyler Green will earn a spot at receiver alone so I am more anxious to see him in the return game (see below).
Tight End By the reports I keep reading everyday, Billy Miller seems to be one of Drew's favorite new targets. He may start tonight and don't be surprised if they go to him if they're when they're in the red zone. Hopefully Mark Campbell doesn't get injured.
Offensive Line Carl Nicks is who I will be keeping a close eye on. The talk is that he is actually pushing for a starting job. Jonathan Goodwin has big shoes to fill and tonight we will get a chance to see just how those shoes may get filled.
Defensive Line With all the money invested and hype surrounding our newly revamped, NY Giant inspired pass rush, these guys better bring it. Leinart better be spending a lot of time on whatever fake turf they have installed at that high tech stadium. Sedrick Ellis will be the man to watch, but I've got my eye on big bad Bobby McCray aka 93 Octane. Hopefully, the Saints defense gets the Cards in third and long early and we get a chance to see Grant move to the inside. Kendrick Clancy, Antwan Lake and Hollis Thomas are also dueling it out for roster spot.
Linebackers Unfortunately we won't get to see Jonathan Vilma crack some skulls just yet, but Bobby Hebert's newly adopted son Jo-Lonn Dunbar will be the one to watch.
Defensive Backs After last season, this is probably numero uno on everyone's list. Is Randall Gay going to be the answer? McKenzie's still out obviously, and unfortunately we have to wait until next week (hopefully) to see 2nd round draft pick Tracy Porter. Who is going to show up tomorrow night and play hungry? I would really like to see our friend Usama Young continue being a threat and I will watching him intensely. There's been a lot of talk about Kaesviharn lately so I'm anxious to check him out.
Special Teams I'm hoping Skyler Green runs another one back like he did in the scrimmage. A threat on kick returns would just make everything right with the world. It will also be interesting to see if Reggie has any ball handling issues on punt returns. Maybe Payton will bring out Mehlhaff for a 52-yarder and he'll nail it.
That's all from me. Only thing left to say is "Who Dat!?"
Consider this thread OPEN!!
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Ahhhhhh, finally some live action!
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:08 PM CDT reply actions
Good luck...
...y’all. Interesting year for both of our teams.
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
Hey Stujo!
Campbell actually pulled in a pass and didn’t get hurt!! Things are already looking up.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:14 PM CDT reply actions
TD!!!!!!!!!!!
I like this start to the season so far!
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:17 PM CDT reply actions
Can I ask a question of Saints fans?
What do you think of Bush at this point? He doesn’t seem to have the bounce outside capabilities at the NFL level and has been rumored to have the “bust” label thus far. Do you guys/gals think he has the ability to turn his game into something fun this year? And by that I mean find the endzone.
Great toss and catch by the way.
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
I'm waiting to see
Certainly, Bush needs to prove himself this year. He was automatically labeled a star two years ago. Now, he really needs to earn that prestige. I’m hoping he can, but it all still remains to be seen.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions
My thing is...
...that RB is supposed to be one of the easiest positions to make the transition to the NFL level and to this point it seems that Williams has done a better job for Houston at a harder position. I am a Pac guy (shocker considering I am from CA and live in AZ) and hope he does well.
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
I am surprised
Palko isn’t running with the #2s. Is this an issue with you guys?
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
Special teams coverage looks noticeably quicker so far
They seem to be swarming to the ball better than last year. I’m just waiting to see someone besides Moore field punts and kickoffs.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:35 PM CDT reply actions
First 2 series
Yes Satch, I have to give it up for Mark Campbell. Nice catch up high, and he bounced right up again.
Drew has incredible touch on the ball, that was a really nice TD toss, over the guy’s head.
2 big Reggie runs, both called back.
Defense looks good, yeah good pressure.
Ha Ha!!
Yeah! I just can’t find anything to like about that guy.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Alright
I give up on the AZ SBN site. I am going to follow this game on this thread. I come in peace though and will only comment in a positive manner.
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
Consider yourselves blessed.........
sitting in an Business Law class hitting refresh.
Go Saints!
Oh the horror!!!!! Sacked on 4th down!
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:51 PM CDT reply actions
Brunell
So far, I can safely say I hope Brees doesn’t get hurt this season.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:53 PM CDT reply actions
Kornheiser is an IDIOT!
Didn’t they already say Warner injured his wrist or something. He can’t play tonight!
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 7:55 PM CDT reply actions
Pretty good red zone stand by the revamped D!
They gave up some big plays in the middle of the field but held strong at the end. I don’t if that’s really a good thing or a not-so-bad thing.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:01 PM CDT reply actions
Why wouldn't Plako get any support?
I would much rather have Tyler as 2 and Brunell as 3.
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
I think Payton likes having an older veteran at no.2 and his project QB at no. 3. Plus, Palko hasn’t been all that consistent during camp.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions
To me that indicates Payton
and the rest of the Saints think Tampa is a legitimate goal this year. Is that something that is realistically agreeable to you all?
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
there goes Campbell again, down the field
Where’s Billy Miller?
Man, this is all happening too fast. I’ve got the game on, flipping over to the Chiefs game to check the score (Ahead 7-3) and the PC is in the bedroom. Good thing I’ve got the VCR going.
DAMN!!!!
That was an awesome catch!!
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:08 PM CDT reply actions
Henderson is in trouble
Meachem may beat him out for a starting job.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:09 PM CDT reply actions
Everyone and their mother....
...saw that play coming.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:15 PM CDT reply actions
Note that Pierre's jersey says Thomas
Not P Thomas. I suppose there is no chance of mistaking him for #99 H Thomas.
HA!
Great observation.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:18 PM CDT reply actions
That was a huge sack!!
I hope McCray is OK.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:23 PM CDT reply actions
I'm about Favred out!
How much more can they dissect this Favre trade? I like that he’s still playing, but my God this is getting redundant.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:26 PM CDT reply actions
Yes, and he just said "... it is what it is."
I want everyone here to pledge with me, “I will not say ‘It is what it is’ because it actually doesn’t mean anything.”
one thing someone said, Favre is extremely motivated to play very well this year
To show the Packers they made a mistake. He’ll either just kill it this year, or burn out and cry a lot. I’m thinking maybe the former. Good thing Tampa didn’t get him.
I'm pleased ...
...with the 1st team offense. The defense and special teams look a little improved so far. I expect they will get better. I’m mainly just hoping no one gets injured.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, wish you guys would have
been able to converse on certain topics on the game and maybe be able to respond in depth to certain topics. I wish you all well this season and good luck!
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
Yeah, nice 1st down pick-up
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Uh Oh
Campbell is shaken up. Hey Stujo, look familiar? I hope it’s not his back again.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:48 PM CDT reply actions
OOOPS
That was Stecker. My bad
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Stecker is looking sharp too
Dave, I owe you that one. You’ve been saying what is he chopped liver, and I’ve been saying he’s done. I thought he was Reggie on that play earlier, he shot up the middle, on fire.
Palko
I wish he could fix that bobbled snap problem.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:02 PM CDT reply actions
He looks a little fragile
compared to Colston, for example. More like Plaxico Burress, only not as beefy.
Nice catch!
I’m starting to really like the idea of maybe having Colston, Meachem, and Arrington on the field at the same time.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:05 PM CDT reply actions
I think...
...it’s Mehlhaff (or however you spell it) because he’s reported to have the stronger leg.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Just an observation
and hopefully I’m wrong but Payton calls too many passes for Brees and company in the flats. Throw down field!!
Tony wants Drew to be the Mad Bomber
Me too. But the percentages just aren’t there. He’ll air it out often enough though. When it’s time, boom!
You're right
just not a fan of slow developing plays.
Tackling...
sure seems better to me.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:20 PM CDT reply actions
Why is that?
First game? Stecker was manic. It’s a long season, boys. Don’t leave it all on the field in September.
I think part of it is that these guys are really trying to prove themselves and earn a roster spot.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions
MEACHEM!!!!!!!
looks great.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:25 PM CDT reply actions
Here's a prediction (for what it's worth)
Meachem becomes the no.2 receiver and Henderson becomes a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:26 PM CDT reply actions
Ed Hockalee....
for a ref, looks like he could easily suit up at linebacker. That’s a stout lookin’ mofo!
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:31 PM CDT reply actions
Another bobbled snap!
I hope they find a way to correct that
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:38 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah
He played the first two drives and scored a TD on the second.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions
OOOOPS again
I also was thinking Leinhart. I don’t remember seeing Lehr.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:43 PM CDT reply actions
Oh stop it...
.....he said with a limp wave of his finger-polished hand. Seriously though, I should read names better. When I saw “Matt” I immediately thought Leinhart.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Kornheiser philosophy of football
Either you’re a New England Patriot or you suck. Seriously, why is he in the booth? I just don’t get it.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions
Yeah
It was a fun game and the live interaction here was great. Sorry Red Reign got offended or something and left. I don’t know what happened there. I didn’t sense any sarcasm in the comments. Look forward to further analysis and discussion tomorrow.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Aug 7, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions
Wasn't offended at all
by you guys. You had a great Saints discussion going on. Not upset at all. I had had a couple questions that weren’t really responsed to was all. No worries. Great game and hope y’all have a great season!
I love the smell of commerce in the morning
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