A Quick Recap of the State of the Saints Right Before Training Camp
by Dave Cariello on Jul 30, 2010 6:00 AM CDT
in 2010 New Orleans Saints Training Camp
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PrintSean Payton and Mickey Loomis addressed the media yesterday as they kick off this years training camp. You can read the official transcripts in their entirety right here but if you're too lazy to do that. here is a quick summary of the state of the team to catch you up as the Saints begin their two-a-days. Everything is open for discussion, especially your conspiracy theories about the mysterious re-signing of Bobby McCray.
- First-round draft pick Patrick Robinson signed late last night. Everybody is at camp.
- Colston, Meachem, Ingram and Sharper are all on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
- Colston had knee surgery in the off-season.
- Marques Colston and Clint Ingram are expected to be ready in a week. Meachem and Sharper are expected to be ready in two weeks.
- Jimmy Wilkerson is full go at practice, surprisingly early.
- Jason McKie was terminated and Earl Heyman was waived.
- Matt Tennant's mother died and will not be at camp this weekend.
- The catchphrase for training camp this year is Our Time.
- The Saints installed new artificial grass in their indoor practice facility similar to the turf in the Super Dome only more padded and little softer.
- The team was not planning on brining back Bobby McCray when they released him. Some things happened and some conversations were had in the last 30 days. The team decided to bring him back. That's literally all we know. Loomis and Payton were elusive. It's all very mysterious.
- It sounds like it's going to be a while until Pierre Thomas gets a long-term deal.
- Tracy Porter and Rod Harper will get some work returning punts.
- Lance Moore and Thomas Morstead will be in the mix for placeholder.
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“Tracy Porter and Rod Harper will get some work returning punts.”
Ugh @ starting CBs returning punts. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. If Sharper’s the projected starter at FS, they need to get Jenkins more involved in games somehow. He did a great job of returning punts at OSU. Why not now?
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
Might be because Jenkings runs a 4.55 fourty
That is plenty fast enough for college and for FS in NFL, but not for a punt returner in NFL. Patrick Robinson also returned punts in college, I am not too sure how he did though. Whoever does it needs to have good hands though.
The way I see it, we have a 1/32 chance on repeating and winning the Super Bowl again. If you need an elite QB to win a Super Bowl we have a 1/3 shot at winning the Superbowl. If you need an elite coach then we have a 1/2 shot at winning the Super Bowl. If you need an elite city and a elite fan base to win a Super Bowl then we are the only logical choice so we have a 100% shot at winning the Super Bowl! We are New Orleans, this our city and this is OUR TIME!!!!!!!!!
Here’s an article on the relevance of 40 yd dash results in the NFL.
Marques Colston and Lance Moore ran times of 4.55 and 4.52 in the 40 coming out of college.
Lance Moore returns punts. I don’t think 3/100ths of a second is going to make or break us, especially when he-of-All-World-speed Reggie Bush is only averaging 1/5th that distance per PR over his career.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
Do you actually think that Jenkins can make cuts like Lance Moore?
The way I see it, we have a 1/32 chance on repeating and winning the Super Bowl again. If you need an elite QB to win a Super Bowl we have a 1/3 shot at winning the Superbowl. If you need an elite coach then we have a 1/2 shot at winning the Super Bowl. If you need an elite city and a elite fan base to win a Super Bowl then we are the only logical choice so we have a 100% shot at winning the Super Bowl! We are New Orleans, this our city and this is OUR TIME!!!!!!!!!
In terms of route running? No. If he could, he’d be a WR. In terms of shaking a gunner? I have no idea. It’s not like Moore does that very well himself. I honestly don’t see much of a difference between the two, as far as what the duties would entail.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
Punt returners
Physically need to be agile and quick when accelerating. Jenkins isn’t either of these particularly at the pro level. He’s not bad just not the best we have. Porter is better at both than him so that’s prolly why they’re thinking bout him, I just don’t want him to get injured at an experiment at PR. And I’ve always thought of Rod Harper as a bigger kick returner type, but maybe I’m wrong. But Reggie is the best player we have for this. Followed probably by Porter. And then by Moore. Porter just doesn’t have the vision and experience like the other two, but he does have the tools to take The number 2 PR spot imo
by ReggieVilma on Jul 30, 2010 9:04 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
IMO, no starters should be returning punts or kickoffs, no matter how good they are at it. We have the top offense in the league. The few yards in field position that a slightly more adept returner is going to constitute doesn’t outweigh the risk of losing a key component to either our offense OR our defense.
That being said, the top candidates for the PR job SHOULD be …
1. R. Harper – IF (huge if) he can contribute enough on offense to justify the roster spot, as I don’t think we can afford to p*** away two WR spots (Roby being the other) on returns specialists.
2. Moore – already handles the duties.
3. Robinson – won’t start, Jenkins could shift back to CB in a pinch. Makes sense to get him involved more than just at the nickel.
4. Jenkins – probably just as good as Moore, slightly less inconsequential to the overall picture, if not starting.
5. Bush – needs to earn his millions somehow, but he’s technically a starter whose loss could throw a monkey wrench into the offensive playbook. He’s also the most injury prone of this entire group, though that may very well be an affirmation of the worries associated with this topic.
6. Roby – No idea how he’d do in this role, but he’s of very little value otherwise, so why not experiment?
7. Henderson – electrifying speed, handed PR at LSU. Technically a starter, hands are a big question mark.
8. Porter – Far too valuable as a starter. No way, no how should he be returning punts, imo.
9. The TBD 4th halfback, assuming one is retained.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
Punt returners physically need to be agile and quick when accelerating.
It’s not a requirement. You could conceivably put Billy Miller back there and have him fair catch the ball every time out. If the fastest, most agile player on the entire team is only averaging 8 yds per return, how much worse off are you in that situation?
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
by coldpizza on Jul 30, 2010 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You sound like you are arguing just to argue.
The way I see it, we have a 1/32 chance on repeating and winning the Super Bowl again. If you need an elite QB to win a Super Bowl we have a 1/3 shot at winning the Superbowl. If you need an elite coach then we have a 1/2 shot at winning the Super Bowl. If you need an elite city and a elite fan base to win a Super Bowl then we are the only logical choice so we have a 100% shot at winning the Super Bowl! We are New Orleans, this our city and this is OUR TIME!!!!!!!!!
no, he believes it
And I agree with him, rec’d it.
Good times are comin',
but they sure comin' slow.
I agree with your point that we may not want key starters at the position.
But it’s hard to keep them off if there is a major drop off between them and the next guy. And part of the reason Reggie’s return avg is lower is because the other team fears him and kicks accordingly. They often kick it higher and toward sidelines, thus shorter, in order to make sure he doesn’t break one. This is similar, but to lesser of an extent, to when some teams just kicked kickoffs out of bounds to avoid Devin Hester. The teams don’t worry about Moore and others in this way as of now. If they assert themselves as a bigger threat they could but not yet.
Also Reggie’s avg is low due to the fact that he tries to create something when there’s little there to work with, no blockers and close gunners. This isn’t something good for the health, and he is maturing out of it. but that did take his avg down, since they didn’t count as fair catches.
The only time I remember Reggie ever getting hurt on returns was Carolina 2 years ago, but that was bothering him earlier in the game too i think. He had fewer touches in the offense then he used to, so a couple more in spec teams should be ok.
None of the other guys break big returns like Reggae, barring harper’s preseason one against back ups. I hope we have another gem in Harper that will prove he is a dynamic returner. That way we would have even better depth at the position. With Reggie being the number 1.
by ReggieVilma on Jul 30, 2010 11:17 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Roby?
I understand kickoff and punt returns require different skills but as long as he can catch the ball I say put Roby out there! He cant be that bad! And I agree with CP, I would let them punt with no one back there before I let Porter return punts that just plain dumb!
by GESWhoseBack on Jul 30, 2010 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Dumb
I hope the saints reconsider Tracy porter returning punts. We cannot take a chance on him getting injured. He and Greer are the two players who allow out defensive scheme to work
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jul 30, 2010 6:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
We may find the next Tyrone Hughes!
But then again, Tyrone Hughes was never a good cornerback.
"I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl -- and the MVP of the entire league.''
-- Saints coach Sean Payton, handing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Drew Brees after Super Bowl 44.
Really good to see Jimmy Wilkerson ready to go this early. I always knew gumbo had mystical healing properties.
Stu, does your accountability index have anything from when CP was telling me about how Jason McKie was a better FB than Heath Evans?
"I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl -- and the MVP of the entire league.''
-- Saints coach Sean Payton, handing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Drew Brees after Super Bowl 44.
GAAAA! I didn’t even notice that. Gotta believe he wasn’t 100%, as he definitely has been a better all-around FB than Evans over their respective careers.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
no, that didn't annoy me that much
But I am detecting some waffling and weaseling today.
Good times are comin',
but they sure comin' slow.
Actually, I clearly stated “if healthy” at the time of proclamation. If he’s 100%, there’s no way they wouldn’t at least let the man compete during training camp, especially with Evans coming off IR. He must have failed his physical or something. Not unlike Transformers, there must be more to this story than meets the eye.
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
agreed
Mar. 16-
Bears released FB Jason McKie.
Constantly battling injuries the past two seasons, McKie had slipped as a blocker and was never an asset as a receiver.
Mar 18-Incumbent FB Mike Karney is signed for two more years in St. Louis, and McKie is not an upgrade at this stage of his career. Once an accomplished lead blocker, his play has fallen off due to injuries the past two seasons.
May 23-McKie drew interest from the Rams in March, but he might not have been able to pass a physical.
May 24-McKie, 30, struggled as a lead blocker along with the rest of the Bears’ running game last season. He may only last until Heath Evans gets healthy.
Good times are comin',
but they sure comin' slow.
What was the kerfuffle with Morestead about last year?
It was mentioned on the Forecast Radio segment last night.
Thanks.
The catchphrase for training camp this year is Our Time.
Does this mean winning is no longer an attitude?
"I was not on the boat in question." -Darren Sharper
Yeah, that is exactly what it means.
The way I see it, we have a 1/32 chance on repeating and winning the Super Bowl again. If you need an elite QB to win a Super Bowl we have a 1/3 shot at winning the Superbowl. If you need an elite coach then we have a 1/2 shot at winning the Super Bowl. If you need an elite city and a elite fan base to win a Super Bowl then we are the only logical choice so we have a 100% shot at winning the Super Bowl! We are New Orleans, this our city and this is OUR TIME!!!!!!!!!
“Our Time” – Makes me think of some 19th century play my 8th grade class had to stage.
I’d prefer something from the GDub canon, like “F somebody UP.”
Good times are comin',
but they sure comin' slow.
by stujo4 on Jul 30, 2010 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
rec'd it solely for our should be slogan
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Jul 30, 2010 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Best wishes to Matt Tennant
That’s gotta be tough for a young man to lose his mother. I’m sure Drew will be able to provide him some emotional support when he gets back.
I’m very glad P Rob. is signed and won’t miss any time.
I’m not too worried about the guys on the PUP list. Sounds like they’ll be ready in time to welcome Favre back to the Dome.
It’ll be interesting to see who becomes the regular placeholder. My money is on Morstead. I’m sure Payton would prefer it be him, since he’s got to dress him no matter what.
I didn’t even realize Rod Harper was still with the team. I’d like to see Lance get more punt return opportunities. Does this mean Bush will get an expanded role on offense? Why else would Payton be looking to get someone else more punt return opportunities? Is it because of Bush’s injury history? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks for the concise little summary, Dave. This really brings me up to speed fast.
"As soon as Tony (Dungy) said we had no chance, I knew we had 'em right where we wanted 'em"--Coach Sean Payton right after Super Bowl XLIV with the Lombardi Trophy firmly in hand. WHO DAT!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Jul 30, 2010 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
come on what is this
was there a practice today? i can go on almost any other sbnation site and they have updated info on what is happening at practice. are we the only site in which we all have jobs? just trying to say im hurting for saints info at work and cant listen to the radio.
are we the only site in which we all have jobs?
Mr. Dave’s employees needed supervision today.
By the way, cscmember, I notice that you do not yet have an avatar/profile image. Thinking of one that complements your anonymous name, may I respectfully suggest:
I took on my father and I’m still walkin’
Took on all comers in some shape or form
it’s even a generic UPC…. even more awesome.
Want to go to the Saints vs. Cowboys game? I've got an extra ticket.
Don't forget to always be checking the FanShot section...
That’s where everyone posts links from around the internet. If it’s happening with the Saints, it’s usually there.
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on Jul 30, 2010 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Dave
is it difficult to be on vacation from the blog…or is it kinda nice to just pop on and read a bit in between cruise-ship buffets, slot machines and skeet shooting?
I hope you’re relaxing and enjoying…
Sean Payton and the players need to focus on the upcoming season and defending the title but I don’t.
by Hans Peterson on Jul 30, 2010 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't left yet
Wanna say something? Sign up! It's free!
by Dave Cariello on Jul 30, 2010 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions
1. right click on the image and select “save image”, and put it on your desktop for easy retrieval.
2. click on your name at the very top of the page (to go to your profile)
3. click EDIT PROFILE on the top right
4.click Browse… next to “Profile Image”
5. select the image file off your desktop.
Want to go to the Saints vs. Cowboys game? I've got an extra ticket.
i agree with CP
Our CBs shouldn’t be returning punts. Moore isn’t the answer. I hate seeing him back there to take punts. It’s always a fair catch. Reggie should keep doing the punts imo. The thing that needs addressed as far as punt return units are the other guys. Whoever’s trying to block the gunners. Doesn’t matter who’s returning punts, they almost never get a real shot at returning it before getting hit. When given the time, Reggie usually has a decent return with the capabilities of always taking one to the house. I think Reggie is the most logical choice unless they plan on significantly upgrading his playing time.
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
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