Mike Triplett has an article in the Times-Pic today covering a topic everyone is curious about: McAllister and McKenzie's recovery progress.

I am reposting a good chunk of this article because I think everyone might be interested in this.

Both of them are at similar stages in their recovery, though, because McAllister had more extensive surgery. In addition to the left ACL repair, he also underwent microfacture surgery on his right knee to repair cartilage from a previous injury.

Both players said they are optimistic about the recovery process so far, and they both expect to be on the field for the season opener Sept. 7 against Tampa Bay at the Superdome.

"I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)," said McAllister, who was practicing in a limited fashion with his teammates last month and taking part in the individual position drills. "I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to.

"As far as getting out there and doing something I haven't done already up to this point, that would just be playing the game."

McAllister said he has been able to stay in good shape, but he admitted that his conditioning isn't quite up to "football strength" just yet. That only comes with the rigors of daily practices.

McKenzie said he has done most of his conditioning work on the treadmill. But he said he's just trying to be safe and smart with his timetable, and the only milestone that matters is the first regular-season game.

"That's the schedule I want to stay on. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize being ready for Week 1," said McKenzie, who estimated his current health at about 85 percent. "At the same time, I do have to push it. So I'm looking forward to those preseason games being a real test."

Smith isn't coming off of an injury, but he is eager to bounce back after a season in which he failed to play up to his lofty standards. He said the entire defense feels a responsibility to play better this season.

"(Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs) had a talk with the defense as a unit, and he told us, 'Hey, we didn't do what we were supposed to last year,'¤" said Smith, who also was celebrating his 27th birthday Friday. "Everybody clearly understands that, and everybody's been working hard to get better this year."

Ye Olde Fantasy Master Ross Devonport with the Times-Pic had a Loser's Day (Apparently, thats what British people call July 4th) fantasy football update. He has some info from around the league but here is what he had to say about Saints players.

- Taking a look at where the Saints' Fantasy studs are being taken in CBSSports.com drafts: Drew Brees is going with the 21st pick on average, which makes him the fourth-highest QB; Reggie Bush is being taken with the 39th pick on average, and is the 19th most popular RB; Deuce McAllister is being taken at the 89th spot on average, which makes him the 34th running back; and Marques Colston is going at No. 24 on average, and is the seventh most popular wide receiver.

Seventh most popular!? Please. He's the first receiver I would take. Am I biased?

"I'm not a UFO guy,"

That's all I am going to give you from this article from WWL that I missed the other day. It's all about Ricky Williams and his hopes and dreams and experiences. You know this one has got to be interesting. Check it out for yourself.

I have always liked Cris Carter because of his work on Inside the NFL. I like all those guys actually. Yes, even Bob Costas. Here is a video of an inspirational speech Carter gave at the recent NFL rookie symposium. It's pretty good, I suggest checking it out. Also, I really do think its a great idea that the NFL does this every year.

With Saints news coming in at a snails pace, I figured there was no better time to call Doc Brown, juice up the flux capacitor and hop in the Delorean. Now is as good a time as ever to replay the Saints 2007 season and see just how well we could have done.

"How can we do that!?" you ask. Ahhh, the wonders of technology. I am gonna fire up the ol' (new) Wii and sit down with some Madden '08!

Here is how it works:

• I will simulate the entire 2007 Saints season in franchise mode.
• I have made all the necessary depth chart changes to simulate last seasons starting roster. Unfortunately, Reggie gets used more as a receiver and not as a running back (Maybe Payton should take a hint).
• I simulate each game and show you all of the stats and more importantly, the outcome.
• When all is said and done, you can follow along each day as last season gets played out again and hopefully with different results.
• We will be able to see how accurately Madden '08 comes to the actual results of of the 2008 season.

Without further ado, I bring you the NFL season opener from Indianapolis.

Continue reading this post »

Before we start, I wanted to put a call out to any CSC readers who want to help and who are good at photo shopping or graphic art. I was thinking I wanted a cool graphic to go with the Saints News posts every day. Something similar to the above, but maybe long and wide, like a banner to go across the top width of the post. I was thinking like old time newspaper looking, with SAINTS NEWS as the headline and even maybe a picture on the paper. If any of you guys out there have the ability to come up with something like that, it would be awesome!! And now...the news.

USA Today has an article on everyone's favorite Saint, Deuce.  The article talks about his recovery, even comparing it to the recovery of the city. Here is what he had to say.

"I've definitely been battered and bruised a lot like this city," McAllister says. "There's so many people who have lost so much here.

"But just like the people of New Orleans, I won't quit."

"I just look at this comeback as another challenge," he says. "You hear people saying 'Oh, he's had two knee surgeries. And he's 29 coming off two knee surgeries.'

"But I feel it's OK to defy the odds. It's OK to still want to be great.

"I've had success, and this team has had success with me. It's OK for me to recover."

"It's gone better this time because I know what to expect," McAllister says. "I feel confident I'll be 100% by training camp. … I feel really good about that happening."

"We want to give these people that hope and support again," McAllister says. "The city got a second coming of that with the (NBA's) Hornets' success this season.

"It's making us hungry."

"If we're healthy, we're a dangerous team," McAllister says. "You need luck, too. But we definitely have playmakers on both sides of the ball."

On Reggie Bush.

"You look at the (news) media pressure he's faced … for him to not have that quick success, there's been some criticism," McAllister says.

"He's handled it as well as possible.

"With Reggie being around more in the offseason, it will only help."

On the Saints looking at Shaun Alexander.

"I was willing to restructure, but I look forward to playing in all their games this season," McAllister says. "I have great respect for Shaun as a player and person. I understand the team had to do what they had to do."

Believe it or not there is more to the article. You should definitely just read this one yourself.

For those of you who haven't been paying attention the last, oh, I don't know, SIX MONTHS, the New Orleans Saints official website has a recap of the entire offseason, replete with signings, trades, acquisitions, drafts, releases etc. from Ed Orgeron's signing to Will Smith's contract extension. It was quite a busy offseason. This is how it ends...or is it only just beginning?

"Summer school" is over. The new "semester" waits. And the tests will come fast and furious in roughly five-and-a-half weeks.

"I know we are all heading our own ways for the next few weeks," Brees said. "But I am sure if you ask any of us (players), training camp and the season is something we are gearing up and excited about. I know it is something we think about every day."

Satchmo26 posted this one in the FanPosts. Kudos and thanks to him for that. Great example of how this whole thing is supposed to work.  Its from Sports Illustrator and it truly is a heart-warmer. It details the Saints community efforts through the eyes of coach Payton, including their recent rebuilding project last week, a team bonding session. Here is the most interesting and uplifting part of the story.

Author Michael Lewis, who wrote the best-selling sports books "Moneyball" and "The Blind Side," has recently moved back to New Orleans to conduct research for an upcoming book that will center on the restoration of New Orleans. "It's slightly alarming how much better run the Saints are after the storm than they were in the 38 years before it," he says. "They aren't a symbol of the city getting back to what it was before the storm; they're a symbol of the city remaking itself entirely."

This story  from the NFL was about Erni Accorsi being chosen co-chair of a new General Manager's Advisory Committee. For us to really care the story should have read "Mickey Loomis appointed to new General Managers Advisory Committee."

Other members of the committee are Jerry Angelo (Chicago Bears), Kevin Colbert (Pittsburgh Steelers), Rod Graves (Arizona Cardinals), James Harris (Jacksonville Jaguars), Tom Heckert (Philadelphia Eagles), Marty Hurney (Carolina Panthers), Mickey Loomis (New Orleans Saints), Carl Peterson (Kansas City Chiefs), Jerry Reese (New York Giants), Tim Ruskell (Seattle Seahawks), Rick Smith (Houston Texans), and Mike Tannenbaum (New York Jets).

Oh yeah, here is the whole purpose of the committee.

The General Managers Advisory Committee will provide advice and other feedback to the NFL Football Operations department headed by Anderson. Areas of focus for the committee will include:

" Protecting and supporting the integrity of the game

" Expanded use of technology

" Player development and scouting opportunities

" Development of innovative ideas to improve the Pro Bowl, Scouting Combine, NFL Draft, and preseason

"With our emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and accountability of all personnel in protecting the integrity of the game, the General Managers Advisory Committee gives our clubs a new mechanism for consistent communication with the league office and will result in better information for our office," Anderson said.

The most important news of all of course revolves around KUSH, better known as Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush. Apparently Reggie may have another woman on the side. Oh no he didn't! Kim quickly dispels these rumors. This is straight from her official blog.

It may be time to address rumors about Reggie...

There is a girl named Najmah Brown and speculation that she is Reggie's "side chick." This is totally false and Reggie does not know this person nor has he even met her. There were also rumors about some drama at a basketball game. Again, none of this is true. There were even pictures of a random girl that mediatakeout posted saying she was Reggie's "side chick," which, again, is not true. The girl felt so bad she was messaging me on MySpace about how furious she was that they stole her picture!

You may have already noticed that there are never pictures of any of these alleged experiences.

For once in my life, I am in a committed, trusting relationship. Before Reggie, I always tended to date the wrong guy who just wasn't ready. If I would hear negative things about them my gut feeling inside was telling me it was true, but I believed the guy anyway. I have made so many poor choices and never knew when to let go, always was the girl to stay and try to trust again. But the reality is, a girl has a gift -- her intuition. So use it ladies and don't be that dumb girl who gets taken advantage of!

I no longer have those problems and trust me, it feels sooo good! I think I finally got it right this time!

By the way, we just landed in Florence today. Reggie met me here. The city is so romantic! By the time we leave here, how much do you want to bet the engagement rumors will swirl!

I feel like I shouldn't even be reading this, like your sisters locked diary when the lock just "happened" to break.

Do you think Reggie is training in Florence?

Kim does not really help those swirling "engagement rumors" when she writes a post shortly thereafter entitled Scoping out Cartier Engagement Rings.

Geez, is the season here yet?

Usama in his old number. (Photo Source)

“Usama’s an incredible talent.  He runs in the 4.3's and jumps 43.  All he needs now is the opportunity to translate that athleticism onto the field.  My man led the team in special teams tackles as a rookie and looks to build on that success in 2008.”

That is how Usama Young's agent Nate Haber describes his talented player. Which is good, because Usama will certainly need to display all of his skills later this summer in training camp while battling for a spot at one of the most hotly contested positions this offseason, cornerback. Recently, CSC had a chance to talk with Usama. The following is what we discussed. Hope you enjoy.

CSC: First of all, what’s with the number change? You went from 38 to 28.

Usama: I played 3 years in high school wearing 28, and my last year they lost my #28 and they gave me #18, and throughout my college years I just stuck with 18.  But then the Saints gave me 38.  I stuck with 38 for the year because I wasn’t thinking about a number.  I was just thinking about making my mark.  Now it’s time to go back with my #28 from high school.

CSC: How did you spend your offseason? Do anything fun, exciting or different?

Usama: Mainly traveling and seeing family.  That was how I wanted to spend my first offseason.  I hadn’t seen my brother in Cali in a while, my grandma in NY, my family in Maryland.  Got to spend time there and in Indy with my mother.  Went to Ohio to see some old friends and teammates, and of course, Vegas for my brother’s birthday celebration.

CSC: Who has stood out so far this offseason at OTAs and minicamp?

Usama: We’ve made several changes on D.  The offense is still going for the big play.  Everyone’s playing more aggressive.  Everyone’s working harder.  Basically, everyone’s doing their thing.

CSC: Are you ready for training camp…and the heat?

Usama: I’m definitely ready for it, excited about it, but at the same time I’m gonna enjoy my time off.  It’s pretty hard to prepare for the heat, but you know it makes you stronger going through it.  I’m more excited to start the season.

CSC: What’s your favorite part of training camp? What’s your least favorite?

Usama: Favorite part is when we break meetings at night (laughs).  When we get to go back to the dorm room and lay back down.  The least favorite is the early morning wakeup call.  Once you get out on the field it’s all fun and competition though.

CSC: Cornerback is one of those positions that everyone will be watching with the hopes that it will be improved and it’s a tight, crowded race. You nervous?

Usama: No man, just excited to start the season.  We know that everyone’s watching the secondary.  We know people look at it as a weakness.  So we have to go out there and turn it into a strength.  When you’re in the secondary, you always gotta be on your toes.  We gotta play like we’re the best and prepare like we’re the best.

CSC: Have you been learning a lot from veterans like Aaron Glenn, David Patten or Mick McKenzie?

Usama: Aaron Glenn has been very helpful.  His route recognition is great.  You can see him on the field, he knows where the receiver is gonna go.  D. Patten, I ask him for advice and his knowledge because he has gone against the best in his career, so he’s been helpful.  He’s given me advice to help me get to the next level.  And Mike has been helping me since I arrived last year.  He’s been critiquing me this offseason and helping me improve my game.

CSC: A lot of people, including myself, think you show a lot of promise and that this could be your breakout season. I assume you agree?

Usama: It definitely could be.  Thats what I’m looking for, that’s what I’m preparing for.  I’m preparing to do great things.

CSC: The front office was pretty aggressive this offseason; signing some key free agents, twice moving up in the draft and giving certain players the big contracts they wanted. How is everyone in the locker room feeling about this season? I don’t want to jinx it but, ya know, is this the year?

Usama: Everyone is feeling good, yes.  We've been working hard and we want it to pay off.  The front office has been making moves and hopefully it helps to improve upon last year.

CSC: What game do you have circled on your calendar this season?

Usama: We've got a few. We get to go out to London, my first time overseas.  I get to go home to Washington to play the Redskins.  People been hitting me up already about that game.  Green Bay and Denver, I get to see one of my former teammates from Kent.  Like you said, it’s gonna be an exciting year.  And that game in London, man I can’t wait to play out there.

CSC: What has been your most memorable moment as a Saint so far?

Usama: That first game against the Colts when I stepped on the field.  It was like “Wow, I’m here.  I’m finally here.”  It’s what every kid dreams of, playing football and playing at the highest level.  I wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school.  I went to a small school at Kent State and people thought we didn’t play against elite talent.  Then I wasn’t invited to the Combine.  But then being drafted 66^th overall was an amazing feeling, and then finally stepping out there for my first professional game was incredible.  I was in awe.

CSC: Who is the toughest receiver you have faced? What makes him so tough?

Usama: Steve Smith.  He runs great routes and is untouchable in the open field.  He blocks well for a smaller receiver.  His motor is always running.  I go up against some of the best, too, everyday in practice, but yeah, I’d have to say Steve. 

CSC: Were you nervous about what to expect coming to play for the Saints in New Orleans after the storm?

Usama: No, I looked at it as an opportunity to help a city on the rise and playing a major role in helping them rebuild.  As a member of the Saints, we’re part of the community.  We help others who have suffered.  They have gone through more than you could ever imagine – losing their houses, their loved ones.  I wanted to help these people, including my sister who was staying out there too. 

CSC: Who is the most fun in the locker room? Who are the leaders?

Usama: Man, there’s so many leaders.  Let me think of the characters... Mike McKenzie’s a character.  Charles Grant, he’s a character.  We got a whole lot of different clowns on the team who keep us loose.  They keep a smile on the guys’ faces.  There’s a lot of leaders too.  Drew’s a great leader, he’s a hell of a player.  Will Smith is one of those leaders by example, constantly working.  David Patten leads.  Marques Colston leads.  Deuce is another, just to name a few.  We have a ton of guys who do a great job on this team.

CSC: What is your game day routine?

Usama: Night before, calling my father and praying.  Watch some film.  I make sure I get to sleep early for a noon game.  We get a wakeup call at 7am.  Eat breakfast with the team and head to the stadium.  I’m a candy fiend, so gotta have some Skittles before the game.  Get to the field early for warm-ups and drills, stretching, talking to some of the guys and then going out there and making it happen.

CSC: What are your favorite activities to do in New Orleans?

Usama: Gotta say eating.  They got so many restaurants down here. 

CSC: What do you think about the food down here? Whats your favorite restaurant?

Usama: They’ve got great seafood down in this city.  My favorite restaurant is Montrel’s Bistro.  They better give me some free food from now on (laughs).  It’s a small, family-owned spot with a lot to choose from.  Great food.

CSC: Anything else you want to say or let Saints fans know?

Usama: Looking for a Superbowl this year, baby.  New Orleans deserves it.  We truly do have some of the best fans in the country.  Everywhere we go, there are Saints fans supporting us.  We really appreciate y’all and hope to make the city proud this year.

CSC would like to thank Usama Young for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions and we wish him luck in training camp and the upcoming season. For more info on Usama check out his official website.

In what may well be the final installment of CSC's Saints and Music Series we bring you an interview with Marcus "Red" Hubbard trumpet player for Soul Rebels Brass Band. Marcus is a die hard Who Dat and his answers were short and sweet, but they say everything that needs to be said.

The band standing outside of Le Bon Temps their weekly haunt, located on Magazine St. (a71.ac-images.myspacecdn.com)

CSC: How long have you guys been Saints fans?

MH: All my life.

CSC: Do you have any memorable Saints moments from your past?

MH: The first playoff win.

CSC: You guys going to any games, maybe London?

MH: I hope.

CSC: What do you guys do on gameday?

MH: Bar-B-Q at the house.

CSC: Who are you favorite players and why?

MH: Reggie Bush. He is "the man."

CSC: How do you feel about the Saints off-season moves?

MH: Real good.

CSC: What do you think about the Saints new draft class?

MH: I think they will fill some needs.

CSC: Who do you think will start at running back this year?

MH: Deuce!!!!!!!!!!

CSC: Who do you think will step up as the number two receiver behind Colston?

MH: Meachem.

CSC: What do you think will be the keys to success this season?

MH: D-Line

CSC: Wanna make a prediction on the Saints final regular season record this year?

MH: 11-5

CSC would like to thank Marcus and the Soul Rebels for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions. You can catch them at Le Bon Temps nearly every Thursday night or check out their website.

For this weeks edition of "Who Would You Keep" we are going back on the offensive side of the ball and looking at running back. You might think this would be easy but its not. A lot of it depends on Deuce's knee and how you feel he will recover. It also depends on your feelings toward Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas and their ability to step it up this season. Or whether you think a new guy has what it takes to make the team. Enough talk, here are your choices at the position:

• Deuce McAllister
• Reggie Bush
• Pierre Thomas
• Aaron Stecker
• Chris Barclay
• Lynell Hamilton

You get to pick four, so two of them get axed. Is it going to be the same four we had last year, or will Hamilton or Barclay win out a spot. If they do, whose spot do they take. After you have figured out your four, you need to put them in depth chart order as you see it. Good luck with this one. Some of you are bound to disagree with each other. Comment away!

Really slow one today.

The Times-Pic had an article on Bobby McCray and the Saints defensive line. It's basically saying that Bobby McCray is looking real good in practice. So good in fact that our defensive line may seem some changes and has surely been upgraded this offseason.

While Coach Sean Payton doesn't want to tip his hand this early, it's evident he's thinking about moving Grant inside to tackle, if not permanently then on downs when the Saints are looking to collapse the pocket.

McCray worked both sides of the defensive line in practice last week and consistently blew up plays in team drills.

With the addition of rookie Sedrick Ellis, whose impressive work during the rookie minicamp didn't seem to diminish when he went up against the veterans, New Orleans' defensive line, at least, should be much improved.

The rest of the article goes on to quickly say that Meachem is looking much better and Deuce seems to be further along in his rehab at this point than he was the last time he tore his ACL. Cool.

Here is an interview with Mickey Loomis from Sportstalk on WWL 105.3FM. It's obviously about the firing of Rick Mueller and the hiring of Khai Harley. I listen every evening to Bobby, Hokie, Deke and everyone else on Sportstalk on my drive home. Unfortunately/fortunately its a 7 minute drive. Enjoy!

 New Orleans Saints - Mickey Loomis

This one is from the Sporting News. It's about six teams that could make the playoffs after having missed them last year. Obviously I wouldn't be telling you about this if the boys in black and gold weren't on that list.

5. New Orleans Saints

There's a strange phenomenon in the NFC South. In every season since its inception in 2002, the last-place team the previous season has rebounded to win the division the following year.

In '08, the chances of the Atlanta Falcons knocking off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are remote, at best. Instead, look for the Saints to get back on track after a disappointing '07 season. A tough early-season schedule put the Saints into a hole from which they couldn't emerge.

The Saints' road is easier in '08, and a 6-2 record when they hit their bye week isn't a stretch. So, look for the Saints to jump over Tampa Bay to win the division. It's not all bad news for the Bucs, who still should do well enough to swipe a wild-card berth.

I missed this one yesterday. My bad. It's from the Clarion Ledger and it's about training camp at Millsaps and a little bit about Deuce. Definitely read if you want to get those tingles and goosebumps of excitement in anticipation of the upcoming season. Technically it hasn't been officially announced that the Saints will hold camp there, but unofficially, its official. To sum up the rest of the article...it's gonna be freakin' hot!

Pro Football Talk is continuing to fan the flames of the rumor that Payton was behind the Meuller firing.

As far as we can tell, both Loomis and Payton were in on the move to move out Mueller.

Payton, we’re told, never felt comfortable working with Mueller.  In fact, Payton made a run at getting Mueller ousted a year ago, something that Mueller himself might not even know about today.

But Loomis was the guy who pulled the strings this time around, and Loomis now holds the juice.  The V.P. of player personnel position is gone, and the college and pro scouting directors now report directly to Loomis.

And it’s Loomis, not Payton, who has final say over the final 53-man roster.  So Loomis now has the juice, even though Loomis is a cap-and-contracts guy who was in the right place at the right time when Rick Mueller’s brother, Randy, was fired.

With that said, Payton is in no danger.  He and Loomis are joined at the hip, we’re told.  And they’ll likely remain that way until the team struggles for a few seasons and Loomis persuades ownership that it’s time to hire a new coach.

That’s the overriding point here.  The guy who has the owner’s ear is the guy who has the best chance at keeping his job, especially when the guy who has the owner’s ear also knows sufficiently little about the scouting and coaching to claim that the current state of the team shouldn’t be blamed on him.

Still no links on any of this yet, so I reserve myself.

This was a good one. It's a quick post on Bleacher Report asking the question, "Marques Colston or Brandon Marshall...Best Receiver for the Money?" And the winner is...drumroll please....oh, read it for yourself! Lazy! I'm sick of doing all the work.

I was just kidding in the last post. I strangely enjoy wasting my free time doing this for absolutely no reason or payment. Marques Colston won. Here is what Bleacher Report said...

So who gets the distinction for having the best hands for the money? In my mind, Marques Colston gets the slight nod as best receiver for the money simply because he's put up solid numbers in both of seasons in the NFL. 

Things may change if Marshall has another season with over 100 catches, but for now he'll have to settle for second best WR for the money.

I still feel bad about being rude earlier. Here is a cool Reggie/Deuce video to make up for it.

Fox Sports had this article about sophomore players this season who are ready to take the next step. At the top of that list is New Orleans Saints own Robert Meachem.

Robert Meachem, WR, New Orleans Saints

First round, 27th overall

After being inactive for the entire 2007 season due to a knee injury which required arthroscopic surgery, Meachem enters his second season with the Saints and will be given every opportunity to be the second WR alongside Marques Colston. The Saints resigned Devery Henderson and David Patten this offseason and also have Lance Moore, who will compete for playing time. But Meachem is a highly touted prospect, who has tremendous quickness, vertical speed and playmaking ability.

Meachem is the perfect compliment to Colston, who's a physical, sure-handed intermediate route-runner, and the tandem has the potential to be explosive with Drew Brees delivering them the ball.

Has anyone else thought about the possibility of Meachem and Arrington both breaking out this year. That would give us three tall, prototypical wide receivers with the best quarterback in the league throwing to them. Triple Towers of Terror. If that happens, I got dibs on the name. You heard it here first. Unless anyone has something better. Leave them in the comment section. Never happen anyway.

The Times-Pic had another Sports Talk live chat with David Gladow. Here is the whole thing. I will do my usual summation.

On the cornerback situation.

Why 9-10 corners?   Because they obviously don't feel great about what they have at the position (hence the Butler signing this week).   A little birdie told me that McKenzie really isn't expected to be ready by the start of the regular season, so lots of these younger guys will get their chance to shine.   Watch Porter and Young during the offseason to see how they progress.   That might tell you how this defense will utlimately fair in '08.

A little birdie? Can we quote you on that? That's kinda important news. Apparently McKenzie will not be ready to go for the season opener.

On Rick Mueller.

I didn't know Rick personally, so I'm not going to spew venom at the team.   If they were unsatisfied with his performance, fine, make the move.   I think what most people are complaining about is that it came out of left field ... making it look like another patented bizarre Saints move.

That was pretty much it. Nothing else important.

The guys after an awesome set at Jazz Fest.(via www.satisfiedproductions.com)

The third installment of CSC's Saints and Music Series features the funkier than funky, Papa Grows Funk. CSC had a chance to get some answers from singer/organist Jon Gros, saxaphonist Jason Mingledorff, and bass player Donald Ramsey. Check out what these die-hard Who Dats had to say about their favorite football team, including their draft analysis, 2008 record predictions and a cool Steve Gleason tidbit.

CSC: How long have you guys been Saints fans?

JG: Practically all my life, but I would say a die hard for the last 25 years.

JM: Since moving to New Orleans, the same year Ditka came.  Boy, that was surreal!

DR:  20 plus years.

CSC: Do you have any memorable Saints moments from your past?

JG: Listening to my aunt complain about Russell Erxleben, Morton Anderson kicking a winning field goal against Dallas on Monday Night Football I think in 1988. I was jumping up and down by myself in my kitchen. And Steve Gleason’s block during the Atlanta Falcons Monday night game in 2006. I was screaming, crying, laughing, in total awe.  By the way, Steve Gleason stopped by the Maple Leaf later that night, real late, as we were jammin’ onstage.

JM: The best one so far was the playoff game that we beat Philly in.  The Dome was alive and Deuce was unstoppable!

DR: The whole 2006 season, unforgettable.

CSC: You guys going to any games, maybe London?

JG: I go to as many games as possible given or touring schedule. Maybe Mickey Loomis and Tom Benson would see the need for some REAL New Orleans music accompanying the team to London.

JM: I'd love to go to London, but don't have any scheduled.  

DR: Maybe 2-5 games or so.  None in London.

CSC: What do you guys do on gameday?

JG: If we are touring, we watch the game wherever possible and if we are driving we listen loudly on Sirius satellite radio. Its wonderful to hear Jim Henderson’s voice while driving through Colorado. If  we’re home and not going to the game, I’ll grill some chicken wings and get down to some serious watching. If I’m at the game, I’d like to apologize to the women and children sitting near me.

JM: We're usually on the road, spreading the New Orleans funk around the country.  We've got NFL ticket on Sirius radio so we never miss the game.

DR: Just suit up baby!!!!

CSC: Who are you favorite players and why?

JG: Drew Brees, Willie Roaf, Deuce McAlister, Sam Mills, Hoby Brenner, Marques Colston. They shut up and give 110% to their team and their city. They take their jobs serious as role models and their actions are their words.

JM: Marques Colston, because of his work ethic. He's not flashy and immature, and his hands are like glue.

DR: Deuce McAllister. He exemplifies what we, as fans, are all about. Colston too!!!!

CSC: How do you feel about the Saints off-season moves?

JG: I’m encouraged, but I’m always encouraged.  This is gonna be THE year.  I believe we have a better team this year than at the end of last year, but I’m concerned about getting two injured linebackers who are making comebacks. [Note by Saintsational, This was before the announcement of Dan Morgan's retirement. ]

JM: They were okay, but they should have gotten some more cornerbacks.

DR: Neutral. Like the Vilma pickup, however....

CSC: What do you think about the Saints new draft class?

JG: We got the run stuffer we needed and hopefully that will ease the pressure on the cornerbacks.

JM: Better than last year...

DR: We blew it.  Hopefully I'm wrong. Like the DT but we left a lot on the table.

CSC: Who do you think will start at running back this year?

JG: Deuce, Reggie and Carney

JM: Deuce!!!!

DR: Hopefully Deuce...It could've been Matt Forte'(wishful thinking).

CSC: Who do you think will step up as the number two receiver behind Colston?

JG: I wish I could say Robert Meachem, but I can’t. It’s gonna be David Patten.

JM: Definitely not Meachem.

DR: Reggie Bush, if we use him right....

CSC: What do you think will be the keys to success this season?

JG: Can our cornerbacks cover man to man without Mike McKenzie? Can we bring the heat to the quarterback? Will Vilma and Morgan make an impact? Can Deuce contribute on the field? Can we stay healthy?

JM: Focus. Don't forget the basics. Teamwork. Don't let Fred Thomas or Jason David play.

DR: As always, a healthy Drew Brees.

CSC: Wanna make a prediction on the Saints final regular season record this year?

JG: 10-6

JM: Yes, 10-6

DR: 10-6, 9-7

CSC: Since you guys have been so generous in taking your time to answer these questions, you have any albums or upcoming shows you want to plug?

JG: We’ve been getting attention for our latest CD, Mr. Patterson’s Hat. It can be found at the Louisiana Music Factory and also online at www.papagrowsfunk.com. People can hear us every Monday night at the Maple Leaf Bar, uptown down on Oak St.

JM: Every Monday at the Maple Leaf.

CSC would like to thank Papa Grows Funk for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer our questions and for their help in keeping New Orleans funky. Keep up the great work!

I can only dump links on you today. Sorry!

Mark Brunell coming along. Times-Pic.

Meachem kicking butt. Times- Pic.

Sedrick Ellis' development. Times-Pic.

Payton wants turnovers. The Advocate.

Payton loving Jammal Brown. Sun Herald.

Interview video with Deuce . NFL.com.