Saints Pre-Season Battles: Stock Report
Another game and another opportunity is in the books for many of the bubble players looking to play professional football for the reigning world champion New Orleans Saints. The performances will be evaluated by coaches this week and weigh heavily in their final decision as to who stays and who will go.
I've got my own opinions and suggestions for the coaches, of course. Make the jump and take a look at which players I feel moved up and down the board in their effort to earn a full-time job on the Saints final 53-man roster then let me know whether you agree or disagree.

Chase Daniel
Voted overwhelmingly by you guys as the player of the game, no players stock went up after Saturday night's showdown more than the backup quarterback's. His performance against the Texans may have single-handedly bumped him into the No. 2 spot ahead of Patrick Ramsey and it most definitely earned him a place on the final 53-man roster for sure. Life without Drew Brees looks a little better now.

Adrian Arrington
I'm not sure it's possible for Arrington's stock to rise any further but the receiver just continues to produce big plays during games, making him impossible to ignore even in a very crowded race. He probably won't get much playing time in the third pre-season game but it would be cool to see him get a chance to line up with Brees and the ones just to examine how he handles himself with the big boys.

Rod Harper
My personal pick for training camp stud has done nothing so far this summer. Total let down. While it may just be bad luck and limited opportunity, Harper is sitting stagnant as others, particularly Arrington, are stepping up and passing him by. I don't see him making the team anymore and that's a shame.

Chris Ivory
There doesn't seem too much to worry about in the running department either as Chris Ivory put together yet another confidence boosting performance this pre-season. One more game with similar production and I'd say we have found our Mike Bell replacement.

P.J. Hill
Even though Chris Ivory is the clear front-runner and getting most of the attention in the running back battle, it's not for lack of production on Hill's part. The former Wisconsin Badger has also made much of his opportunities. Even if he becomes the victim of a roster numbers game, the stuff he's putting on tape is pretty quality. He's giving himself a good chance to get picked up by another team if the Saints decide to let him go.

The Wake Forest Twins
Stanley Arnoux and Chip Vaughn have a lot in common. Both were chosen in the 4th round of the 2009 draft. Both played college ball at Wake Forest. Both spent the entire 2009 on IR. Both have had less-than-stellar training camps this year. And now, both are in danger of being cut from the team.
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Agree with most all of your comments, Dave
with the exception that I might not have given PJ the up arrow. I feel his preformance was more of a “no harm, no foul.” I don’t think he did much to give the coaches anything more than they already knew about to evaluate him. Just my opinion, but I think Ivory is a bit ahead, and I think he outshone Hill against the Texans, although Hill didn’t do anything to hurt his chances.
Chase was the player of the night! Now the coaches will have a hard decision about what to do with him and Ramsey as far as the number 2 slot. Nice problem to have! I’d like to see Chase as Drew’s backup as he has the “youth” factor going for him.
"It's about time that something good like this happened." - Drew Brees
Based on the fact that he was benched mid-week
I think Carl Nicks should have an Up Arrow based on his performance. The coaches didn’t like what he was doing, they benched him and it clearly started a fire under his ass. The whole offensive line played great, but Nicks did so after being benched.
"Here's the funny thing. Last night, I couldn't sleep too well. I called my dad (Bill) at 2:15 in the morning, and told him I had a feeling I was going to hit the game-winner from 42 yards on the right hash. I think I was two yards off."- Garrett Hartley
he got demoted to the 2nd team because of a penalty. I think the coaches demoted him to make a point to everyone about sloppy play. It did light a fire under him though
Superbowl bound!!!...I know! do you?! Go Saints!!
by skinnykinney on Aug 25, 2010 12:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Chase Daniel
I’m really hesitant to say that he is the number 2…in fact, IMO, i really think Ramsey is the backup. What his performance did do though, was book Canfield a ticket home.
"But, why do you even ponder passing? I mean you can TAKE A KNEE!! AND TRY A 56 YARD FIELD GOAL!!!! This is not Detroit man THIS IS THE SUPERBOWL!!!" Minnesota play-by-play caller Paul Allen after Brett Favre's interception in the 2009 NFCCG
Agreed. Daniel moved the team well, but there were at least a couple of times he threw into double coverage … one that was picked off, one that should have been. Also, a screen pass to Thomas was well overthrown. Pierre had to climb the ladder to make something out of nothing. He also stalled out in the red zone against the Texans’ scrubs. Not facing a legitimate starting NFL unit; likewise not playing with his own starters throughout … a good showing all things considered, but I’m not ready to call him Drew’s backup just yet. I hope Canfield is still around to get the same kind of playing time in week four of the preseason, as the starters will probably be on the field for three quarters on Friday.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
also agree
I would have liked to see him check down through his progressions more. It seemed like he was usually fixed on his first read.
Overall, though, I was impressed with his performance.
In Breesus' name we play
by Breesus Christ Superstar on Aug 23, 2010 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
i think
they may cut the twins some slack, as this is essentially their rookie year as far as actual participation. maybe put them on the practice squad?
"These two teams just should not play each other" ...John Madden during a 1991 Saints-Eagles game
maybe send them down to the minors to get some seasoning with these twins

can I hear it for Slap Shot?
It's gonna be a great year.
by HansDat on Aug 23, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
BOOM! Rec’d!
"Here's the funny thing. Last night, I couldn't sleep too well. I called my dad (Bill) at 2:15 in the morning, and told him I had a feeling I was going to hit the game-winner from 42 yards on the right hash. I think I was two yards off."- Garrett Hartley
Great movie:p One of their sons is actually an NHL player for the Toronto Maple Leafs
"Here's the funny thing. Last night, I couldn't sleep too well. I called my dad (Bill) at 2:15 in the morning, and told him I had a feeling I was going to hit the game-winner from 42 yards on the right hash. I think I was two yards off."- Garrett Hartley
This movie is almost a cult around here.
Let’s just say it has much to do with the translation in french slang. As ME put it so eloquently about french swearing, it’s just a hoot!
Repeat? Under construction...
Foil up!!
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by Dave Cariello on Aug 25, 2010 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions
So is Sean Canfield now relegated to practice squad fodder? There have to be at least a few teams hurting for a young QB on their 53 man roster at this point. I heard good things about Stanley Arnoux in training camp, but I have to agree on Chip Vaughn. I haven’t heard his name at all. Roman Harper is getting better with time, but I was hoping Vaughn would develop into someone to fill the void left by Harper’s lack of coverage skills.
"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.
Vaughn made a nice play on special teams late in the game, taking the right angle to chase the KR down from behind. The kickoff coverage looks like cr** in general, though. Cream of the cr**? Is that a heartless accessment?
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
They are basically additions to this year's rookie class
that still doesn’t help with the fact that we have to cut the same amount of players as every other year. But I’d give them the rest of the preseason before we get too hard on them. I mean we haven’t heard much good about Al Woods or Matt Tenant but haven’t openly discussed cutting them.
Two Dat!! Who Dat!?
Again, big props to Pierson Prioleau for his impressive performance Saturday night. I’m kind of surprised no one else is talking about it. He had an exceptional game, both on defense and special teams.
"I was not on the boat in question" -Darren Sharper
Good point.
I guess the coaches saw something they liked in practice, because I never would’ve given him a second chance. Of course, HOU receivers (other than AJ) are not of equal quality as New England receivers. I’m anxious to see him repeat this week’s game before I judge.
Finished Strong.
And what about PT?
Why was there no report on him? He clearly had some sort of head injury and was thrown back in. Did SP address this in his presser?
"But, why do you even ponder passing? I mean you can TAKE A KNEE!! AND TRY A 56 YARD FIELD GOAL!!!! This is not Detroit man THIS IS THE SUPERBOWL!!!" Minnesota play-by-play caller Paul Allen after Brett Favre's interception in the 2009 NFCCG
like it or not..
usama young should be considered a bubble player. if brett favre switched positions right now to wide receiver, even he would burn usama young, he cant cover anybody. he’s had a few years to develop but his skill set is still cr** IMO.
"These two teams just should not play each other" ...John Madden during a 1991 Saints-Eagles game
Yep.
I think Malcolm Jenkins is taking his spot as we speak. Now whether they keep Usama, Chip Vaughn, and/or Prioleau on the roster for depth and special teams is the question.
Two Dat!! Who Dat!?
I can see them keeping 5 safeties
Sharper and Harper starting, Jenkins definitely makes it. Prioleau stays because he is servicable either safety position and plays his heart out on special teams. I think Chip Vaughn could be 5th guy just because right out of college he was billed as a guy that could play the pass and hit hard. If Vaughn can’t show that at the pro level he could the odd man out since Usama has shown some good work ethic and plays special teams.
"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.
by VAsaintsfan on Aug 23, 2010 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Usama Young = The Scott Shanle of the secondary. Sort of. In a Rodney Dangerfield kind of way.
Try to see it my way,
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong.
I am not a fan of his play but he is an awesome Saint!
It tears me up to think that he’s not good, but he just isn’t. He has such great team spirit, too. Changed positions (possibly out of necessity) for the team. This one is frustrating to me.
they looked much better
the team as a whole, looked much better. the offense certainly looked sharp, with bush, brees, the o-line, daniel, ivory, and the receiver(don’t remember his name). the defense looked pretty stout as well, but the special teams are looking badddddd(and not the good bad). payton need to light a fire under their behinds and get them up to par. otherwise, the team looked the exact opposite than they did a week ago.
Helps to play a mediocre team
I’m really irritated by the stupid penalties (Hargrove…) and the wide open receivers down the middle of the field.
Well, P.J. Hill was the first of the young RBs to make the team....
on IR.
"Why do you even ponder passing? I mean, you can take a knee and try a 56 yard field goal! This is not Detroit man, this is the Superbowl!" -- Paul Allen's call after Tracy Porter intercepted Brett Favre in NFCCG
I actually have nothing against Hill & I'm sorry he broke his arm.
The former Wisconsin Badger has also made much of his opportunities.
But, “Badgers? We don’t need no stinking Badgers”. I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop myself.
"Dang! The Saints won the Super Bowl!" - my wife, Meso "Happy" Hu Dat.
Adrian Arrington
As great as he has been playing in camp and these first two preseason games, I’m having a hard time seeing how Arrington will get a roster spot. I can’t imagine that he will displace any of the top four guys (Colston, Henderson, Meachem, Moore). And I don’t think Payton has ever carried more than 5 WRs on the roster.
If he’s not returning kicks or punts (which, as far as I know he hasn’t), how does Payton justify the roster spot for him? Does he play special teams at all? I haven’t noticed him out there on kicks, punts, or returns of either.
I think his best shot is if Payton keeps 6 WRs with the intention of trading one right after the 53 man deadline (Sept 4). He may risk letting a less tradable player that he wants to keep slide through waivers, hoping to get a mid to late round pick for Arrington, and that’s assuming Arrington continues to get enough playing time in preseason to garner the attention.
I do wish him well – he seems like a solid player that could probably be a #3 or #4 WR on a lot of teams.

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