Opening Statement:

“Going through the injury report, Jon Stinchcomb (back) did not practice, Marques Colston (thumb) was limited, Jeremy Shockey (hernia) was limited, Aaron Glenn (ankle) did not practice, Sedrick Ellis (knee) did not practice, Mike McKenzie (knee) did not practice, Antwan Lake (groin) did not practice, Kevin Kaesviharn (back) did not practice, David Patten (groin) did not practice, Chris Reis (hamstring) was full, Jonathan Goodwin (hamstring) was limited. The following are roster moves that we have made here in the last 48 hours, these three players were put on injured reserve: cornerback Tracy Porter, kicker Martín Gramatica, and fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin. We waived tight end Buck Ortega from the active roster and we signed the following four players to the active roster: defensive end Jeff Charleston, kicker Taylor Mehlhaff, tight end Sean Ryan and defensive tackle Montavious Stanley. We signed to the practice squad cornerback Darrell Hunter and linebacker Pago Togafau and released from the practice squad William Kershaw and David Roach. Some notes on practice, it was a little bit of a different schedule. Because of the Monday night game we went later today, obviously, and in a more reduced fashion. Most of it was base, first and second downs.”

Continue reading this post »

Reggie Bush Bush has done well against San Francisco in the past. He has looked great so far this season and there is no reason why this won't continue. In fact, its scary to say, but I think we haven't even seen Reggie get hot yet. The Niners will definitely be keying on him so Reggie will definitely need to elevate his game. Patrick Willis makes a lot of tackles so Bush has a tough matchup over the middle on Sunday. 

Lance Moore/Robert Meachem This is a big opportunity for the two young receivers. Matter of fact, this is really a big opportunity for all of the receivers. Lance Moore has continued to show improvement and we know that Drew has a lot of trust in him. Meachem has also continued to turn in respectable games with big catches. We could definitely see a break-out game from either of these, maybe 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. Maybe even both? That would be sweet. 

Carl Nicks  Time to step up. Nicks is a rookie so he's no where near perfect but I hear good things about the rookie. Losing a good player like Jamar Nesbit hurts but his pass blocking was better than his run blocking and run blocking is what we need more of. With Nicks' size, maybe he will be the key to opening up bigger holes for our running backs. 

Sedrick Ellis/Kendrick Clancy  With Frank Gore and DeShaun Foster toting the rock for San Francisco these two are going to have a long day. The Niners run the ball straight up the middle more than any other direction and average 5.6 yards per carry when doing so, 4th highest in the league. Their success in this matchup with be very key in the Saints stopping the run.

Deuce McAllister  All signs point to yes. I doubt we will see him much, certainly not 20 carries but this should be the official beginning of the comeback. If he dresses and doesn't see the field again, heads are gonna roll. 

J.T. O'Sullivan/Jamie Martin  I just thought it was interesting that the Niners have two former Saints quarterbacks.  

Today we continue with the second half of our in-depth analysis of last weeks pre-season game against the Bengals. Here we go.

Saints Defense First Drive

• After Mehlhaff finally boots one into the endzone for a touchback the Bengals start from their own 20 yard line. Their first play is a run to the right side. Randall Gay makes a nice tackle coming in for support as the play only gains 3 yards.
• Another run up the right side and Chris Perry hits a big hole and gains 13 yards for the first.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick, now the quarterback, tries the left side but Harper and Porter are all over it. Nice coverage. Very un-Jason David like.
  
• The Bengals then try a run up the middle but Fujita does a great job stuffing it at the line.
  
• On third down Fitzpatrick completes one to Chatman who is in the gap between the line of scrimmage and the secondary. Vilma brings him down from behind just shy of the first down. Bengals punt.

Review: Glad to see the defense still looks good after the half. The run defense wasn't so hot but, and I can't believe I am going to say this, the pass defense came through for us. I think Vilma has been looking pretty good but he just does a lot of things that don't usually get noticed. I'm a fan. I think it would be safe to buy his jersey.

Saints Offense First Drive

• Saints take over at their own 28. Sit back and relax, because the Pierre Thomas extravaganza is about to begin. It starts with Thomas to the right side for 5 yards. The O-line (Nicks, Bushrod, Lehr, Strief) does an awesome job of making room and they actually force their will on the Bengals plowing them all to the right side. Had Reggie been out there, he might have actually cut it back to the left side and been gone, as there is no one there. I am starting to wonder if maybe the problem with the run game lies completely with the first team offensive line. 
• Brunell throws a quick one to the right to Meachem for 4 yards.
• Third down and two tight ends. Pierre tries the right side, gains the first down, sheds a tackle and spins away from a second before being taken down for a gain of 14.
• Play action. Brunell completes one over the middle to Terrance Copper. Pierre Thomas does a great job blocking in the backfield and keeping Keith Rivers away from Brunell. The kid does it all.
  
• They give it to Thomas again up the middle and he gains 9 yards after avoiding one tackle. To be fair, the tackling looks weak.
• Brunell is forced to roll left and overthrows Copper in the endzone on what seemed like an improvised play.
• Third and 1 as Pierre cuts it back to his right and up the middle for 4 yards and the first.
• Brunell hurrys a throw to Pierre Thomas who is covered. Pass incomplete.
• On second down Thomas takes it up the right side. He eludes one tackler, barely keeps his knee from hitting the ground, then fumbles the ball as he spins and falls down. Bengals recover.

Review: Ugh. Not that I think the fumble will really cause Payton any distrust, but everything was looking so good. Had that fumble not occurred, I think all Saints fans, myself included, would be up in arms about letting Pierre start and referencing this very drive to make our point. If Pierre is always going to fight to stay on his feet, then he needs to remember to hold on to the ball tight. Regardless, the drive looked good. Pierre looked better. By the way, I love it when Pierre uses his hand and puts it on top of a defenders head to push him out of the way as he passes him.

Saints Defense Second Drive

• Cincinnati gets the ball deep in their own zone. Perry tries the right side. Lance Schulters comes in and makes the nice stop for only 3 yards. Then proceeds to take a stupid 15 yards Uneccesary Roughness (classic movie) penalty.
• First and ten now from the Bengals 23 yard line. Chris Perry tries the left edge and guess who comes in with the nice tackle and the stop for no gain. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? It's Jason David!
• Fitzpatrick completes short over the middle for 4 yards. Troy Evans makes the quick tackle.
  
• Third down and Fitzpatrick throws a short  incompletion to Kenny Watson. Chris Reis was all over him with great coverage. Bengals...you know. Skyler Green gets nowhere on the return.

Review: This was actually a good showing for the defense, minus the penalty, particularly the secondary. They showed great run support on two plays and tight coverage on another. After going through this game in depth, I think this defense looked even better than everyone is giving them credit for. It was solid all around. Even Jason David. I am very impressed.

Saints Offense Second Drive

• Palko checks into the game now and starts from the Saints 33. The first play is a short dump off to Pierre Thomas over the middle for 5 yards. No hesitation going back to Thomas after the fumble.
  
• Palko checks down to Thomas on a flare to the left. With plenty of room to work with and nice blocks from Matt Lehr and Tim Duckworth, Pierre turns it into 25 yards up the sideline. He does that hand on helmet thing to another would be tackler. Watch for it, its funny! It's almost like he uses them for more speed as he pushes off of them.
  
• Meachem shows off his running ability on a reverse. He gains a respectable 13 yards.
• Palko takes too much time in the pocket and is sacked by Keith Rivers.
• 2nd and 18 as Palko completes a short one over the middle to Thomas for 3 yards.
• Palko tries Thomas again on a short dump off. Not much doing.
• Mehlhaff nails a 45 yarder. He then kicks a blooper to only the Bengals 16 yard line. He is visibly upset as he walks off.

Review: More awesomeness from The Flying Frenchman. The drive just stalled at the end as Palko couldn't find anything downfield. This offensive line deserves some credit for working hard and looking pretty solid out there. None of Thomas' success would exist without some good play from those guys. Mehlhaff shows some inconsistency. I don't think it is looking as good for Mehlhaff as it once was.

Saints Defense Third Drive

• After a false start, the Bengals have 1st and 15 from own 30 yard line. Jeff Rowe now takes over for the Bengals and tosses one quickly to the right. Aaron Glenn, looking great in run support, wraps him up quickly for a gain of only two.
  
• The Saints line flush Rowe out of the pocket and forces him to scramble right and throw it away.
• Rowe tries over the middle on a crossing route but Glenn is on top of him and breaks it up which is good because the Saints sent eight guys in to rush and didn't have much help in the secondary. There had to be someone else open downfield that Rowe just didn't see. Bengals punt and Skyler Green lets it bounce before fielding it and losing 4 yards. Not pretty.

Review: Gotta love three and out. More straight up solid play from the defense. This drive was all Aaron Glenn. There isn't a doubt in my mind that Glenn makes this team. He looks better and better every week. I don't think he will start but its great to know he's there. Honestly, seems like you take away Jason David, and this secondary doesn't look half bad. We should probably give it a little more time and observation though.

Saints Offense Third Drive

• Saints start from their 12 yard line and Palko throws a quick pass to Meachem to the right. He gets six yards as the defender drags him down by his pants, ala the Coppertone girl, as Meachem refuses to go down.
  
• Next is a hard run up the left side by Lynell Hamilton for six yards.
• Palko completes a pass to Lance Moore for 14 yards.
• 1st and ten now, as Palko throws a bad pass nowhere near Terrance Copper that almost gets picked off.
• Lynell Hamilton takes it up the middle for 7 yards. He looks very powerful. End of third quarter.
• On third down with 3 to go Hamilton takes it again, this time to the left side for 4 yards, picking up the first.
• Palko throws an interception on a deep pass intended for Terrance Copper. The throw was into double coverage.

Review: It would have been nice to see this drive continue. Hamilton was looking pretty impressive. As bad as I feel for Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker, I will feel even worse for Lynell Hamilton who will most likely not see any playing time with this team though he looks pretty good. I can't find anything in Palko to get excited about.

Saints Defense Fourth Drive

• We have to pick up this drive from 3rd and 7 since the broadcast team favored doing some piece on how Fujita would make the best Olympian over showing us the first two plays of the drive. And what a wonderful place to pick up from, as we're just in time to see the dynamic duo of Jason David and Josh Bullocks get beat on a 9 yard pass that keeps the drive alive. They were both right there and still couldn't make a play! How much longer must we suffer? Even on a night when everyone else is looking great, these two manage to suck. Who are we going to make fun of after Payton hopefully cuts these two?
• First down now and a short completion to the right side for three yards.
• Another Rowe pass to the right for 10 yards as Craft is no where near his receiver.
  
• After a Kenny Watson run for only two yards, Rowe dumps it off over the middle for 9 yards and a first down.
• On first down now and Bobby McCray shoots through the gap and gets the sack for -8 yards. I can't say enough about how fast he is.
  
• Rowe completes a short dump off to Kenny Watson but the Saints react quickly and McCray and Harris stop it for -1 yards.
• More pressure from the line again as McCray, who is forced to take the long route behind the quarterback, doesn't give up and eventually beats his man deep in the backfield and gets to Rowe to disrupt the pass. Bengals punt.
  

Review: I think this drive is very telling. This was the Bengals longest drive of the night play-wise. Bullocks, Craft and David, who all saw a lot of time in the Saints secondary last year were all out there against the third team and still having trouble. What does that say? Bobby McCray saves their butt however as he was a monster on the last three plays. Can't wait to see what he brings this season.

Saints Offense Fourth Drive

• Saints start at their six. Hamilton runs for two yards.
• Palko looks good as he avoids a safety and shows some nifty moves eluding would be tacklers and running for 9 yards. A personal foul call takes the Saints to their 32 yard line.
• After a botched snap, Palko fires a bullet to the right side for Buck "Naked" Ortega for 17 yards.
• Hamilton then makes a short three yard catch on the left sideline.
• Palko goes to the left side again and finds Meachem for 7 yards and a first down.
• The Bengals' Angelo Craig notches a sack for -4 yards. Duckworth failed to pick up LB Corey Mayes who broke through the line, caused disruption and barely missed the sack himself.
  
• A draw to Hamilton up the middle for six yards.
• Palko, looking solid on this drive, fires another rocket, this time to Todd Blythe, over the middle for a gain of 15.
• After scrambling left Palko throws a short 6 yarder to Hamilton. Holding on Bushrod.
  
• 1st and 20 now as Palko throws another dump off to Hamilton who has room to turn it into 16 yards.
• Palko throws two straight into tight coverage. The first one should probably have been picked off.
• Saints go for it on fourth down but Palko is forced to scramble to the left and throw it away.

Review: After a nice start to this drive by Palko, the Bushrod penalty and some poor passing decisions kill it. Tyler is just too inconsistent for my taste. A couple of nice hard passes mixed in with poor decisions and botched snaps. That's just not gonna cut it. Bushrod has been the culprit on quite a few penalties this pre-season and really needs to fix that.

Saints Defense Fifth Drive

• Carson Palmer's younger brother Jordan comes in to lead the charge. First play is a run up the middle for a gain of two.
• Palmer completes a short one to the right but Chris Reis is right there to bring him down quickly.
  
• Scrambling left, Palmer gets the needed 2 yards for the first down.
  
• He follows that play up with an interception to Lance Schulters to end the Bengals night. Jason David, whose receiver it was, was behind the play, but Lance, probably figuring David wasn't going to do anything, decided to jump the route and pick it off.
  

Review: Good sign from Schulters. Maybe he is the help this team needs over the top. He was very aggressive on the interception as Jason David stood there and watched. Literally!

Saints Offense Sixth Drive

Nothing important to report about the final drive. Lynell Hamilton runs for 2, 3 and 3 yards to run out the clock.

That does it. I was very happy with the teams performance after watching the game the first time. Having taken a closer look I have to say I am ever happier. There were a lot of good signs and we can only hope that this is a better representation of what we can expect from the defense and the team in general this season.

The team has off today as they make their way back to Metry. Having gotten a clearer picture of just what this team looks like, I thought what better time to throw out another attempt at predicting just who will make this team of 53 and who wont. This, of course, is meant to spark conversation and your input is welcomed and awaited. Where did I go wrong and where did I go oh...so...right? Let us all know what you think about who makes what will inevitably be the greatest Saints team of all-time.

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

Here is my thinking on some of this:

• Brian Young's health concerns me. If it continues to be spotty, the staff may say to hell with it and go with one of the other talented options in Antwan Lake and Orien Harris.
• I went with Reis over Roach at safety.
• Yeah, I went with six receivers. Copper and Moore both contribute on special teams. Skyler Green was so close I practically flipped a coin for this one.
• I only went with one fullback. We should expect better blocking from our tight ends. Maybe keep another fullback on the practice squad in case Karney is injured.
• Jason David is still around. I just don't think the coaches are going to give up on him. I don't really feel we have seen enough from Tracy Porter, but I gave him a shot anyway.

For a good laugh, compare it to my roster prediction back in May. Also check out  how much nicer looking my tables have become. We've come so far.

The floor is now open. Take it away.

Only one practice today for the Black and Gold before preparations begin for the first preseason game of the year against Arizona. Here is all you need to know from the practice session and other Saints happenings from the day. I will update as more info is released.

Must Reads

Fox 40's offensive practice notes.

Fox 40's defensive practice notes.

The Times-Pic's notes from practice.

Notes from today's practice from the New Orleans Saints official website.

Trancsript of Q & A with Antwan Lake

Trancsript of Q & A with Kevin Kaesviharn

More roster moves today from the Saints. They have signed defensive end Jeremy Geathers and waived defensive tackle Tim McGill. Man, that was quick! McGill got two practices to prove himself. Life in the NFL is not as easy and glamorous as many people think.

Check out Scott Cody from WWL talk about Meachem's rough day today in this video.

More audio clips for you guys from WWL. The first is with Mitch Light from Atlhon Sports. The second is Doug Moreau, LSU football color analyst. Pierre Thomas brings up the rear.

 SportsTalk - MITCH LIGHT
 SportsTalk - Doug Moreau
 SportsTalk - Pierre Thomas

And as if that wasn't enough coverage for you from WWL, check out this article about the teams 2008 expectations.

The NFL released its fan code of conduct for all stadiums for all 32 teams today. You can find the press release at the New Orleans Saints official website. Here is what the policy states.

FAN CODE OF CONDUCT

“The National Football League and its teams are committed to creating a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for all fans, both in the stadium and in the parking lot. We want all fans attending our games to enjoy the experience in a responsible fashion. When attending a game, you are required to refrain from the following behaviors:

· Behavior that is unruly, disruptive, or illegal in nature

· Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior

· Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures

· Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field)

· Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel

· Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans

“Event patrons are responsible for their conduct as well as the conduct of their guests and/or persons occupying their seats. Stadium staff will promptly intervene to support an environment where event patrons, their guests, and other fans can enjoy the event free from the above behavior. Event patrons and guests who violate these provisions will be subject to ejection without refund and loss of ticket privileges for future games.”

Awww, they are taking all the fun out of it!

ESPN is taking on vote on the greatest Saints player of all-time. Cast your vote now!

The Sporting News has random notes from each of the 32 teams training camp. Here is what they had on the Saints.

Carl Nicks is lining up at both left guard and left tackle but has stood out at tackle. He has held his own against pass rushers Bobby McCray and Will Smith. Nicks could challenge Jamar Nesbit for the starting left guard job, but chances are he'll enter this season as a backup.

I am still laughing my butt off from asaint's story about his Cox Cable experience in Stujo4's FanPost. Genius...pure genius.

Season Tickets I received my season tickets in the mail yesterday! I can't tell you how exciting a moment this is every year. Reality sets in that this is actually going to happen and that everything we have been talking, analyzing and harping over for months will actually materialize in front of my eyes and either seriously disappoint or incredibly delight me. Certainly nothing in between. The tickets are a symbol of a new beginning and a fresh start. Last year is officially over, this year is finally upon us and these beautiful pieces of paper represent a chance to be a part of Saints history. At the very least, they will provide me with lasting memories and the fix I need to slake my severe thirst for Saints football. Who knows, maybe this could be the year. I look forward to going through the season with all of you guys and I hope you get even a fraction of the same joy. Who Dat!?

Random camp notes:

• The afternoon was the most physical practice so far.
• Deuce had two very promising carries making some nice cuts.
  
• Carl Nicks is still looking impressive.
• Arrington is human and dropped a few. Camp may be wearing him down.
• Shockey did not participate again today. Cause for concern?
• Jon Stinchcomb is fine.
• There were NFL officials participating in the practices today.
• Robert Meachem had the play of the day with a 50-yard run after the catch.

Here are three hours of audio from WWL's Sports Talk with Bobby Hebert. That ought to keep you from not working for quite a while.

 SportsTalk - Live from Saints Training Camp
 SportsTalk - Hour 2 LIVE from Training Camp
 SportsTalk - Hour 3 LIVE from Training Camp

The millionth one of those articles meant for us, the reader, to get to know the featured player. The Advocate has this one and its about Kevin Kaesviharn.

“A lot of people are making it out to be me against Josh, but it’s not about that,” said Kaesviharn, who played in the Arena League and briefly in the XFL before landing a job with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2001. “It’s about who’s going to give our team the best chance to win on Sunday. He and I both understand that.

“We’re competing and that helps us both get better, personally, as players. But we’re both going to do what’s best for the team. We can only do what we can do and we’ll let the coaches make the decision from there.”

“I felt I did enough there to earn that right (to start),” Kaesviharn said, “but for some reason, they were always looking for the next guy. But that’s how it is for every position.

“Sometimes, you have to look at what you do already have here and remember that, ‘Hey, maybe we don’t need to go keep looking for the future. We’ve got what we need right here in front of us.’ ”

“Any time you come to a new team, there’s going to be a learning curve, but I feel much more comfortable this year because I’ve got a year under my belt,”

“I can play either (free or strong), so that’s one of my values to the team,” he said. “I can be more than just one thing. Knowing both gives me a better knowledge base and understanding of the defensive scheme.”

Times-Pic. Getting to know you article. Pierre Thomas.

"No, not at all -- I don't feel secure at all," said Thomas, smiling, his baby face still looking as if it never has been touched by a razor. "I feel the same way I did last year, where I've still got to prove myself.

"This year, I feel a little bit better because I understand the offense and I understand what it takes, and I've just got to keep pushing myself to be better than that. I still have a lot to learn from this game, and I'm still learning from these guys. I still have a whole lot to learn."

"I look at it like I did last year -- whatever it takes to get on this team," Thomas said. "Offense, special teams, whatever it takes, I'm going to be on this team. That's my whole attitude coming in, just like last year.

"I'm going to be on this team, and I'm going to make it, so I'm going to keep that same attitude, and wherever they want me at, that's what I'm going to do."

"That's what I wanted to prove to everybody, that I can play with these guys and I can play at this level, and just leave it in their hands," he said. "Because I'm going to go out there and keep doing my job, keep doing what I have to do to help this team out, to help us get a victory and get to the Promised Land where we want to be."

"It's very special, because you showed something," he said. "You showed a lot of people something. I accomplished a big goal.

"Nobody has done that in Saints history -- I couldn't believe that. It feels good to have that sit in my name. It's an honor to have it, but I'm not really satisfied with that. It's just one time. Hopefully, I can get more shots at that. That's my goal, just to get more, more and more."

This is actually a very interesting one from Gambit Weekly. It has a few random facts about Jonathan Vilma, including the fact that he can speak German, French and Creole...sort of.

“I’ve gotten real rusty with those,” he said. “I have an aunt and uncle that live in Germany. I speak German when I speak with them, but I’m all rusty right now.”

The article also tells us he hasn't had a soft drink since high school and that he wears #51 because there are too many famous linebackers who wear #52.

Question of the Day: Who should be the main punt returner this season?

Larry Holder's blog has a good summation of the action early this morning.

- The Saints touched on special teams for a chunk of the Friday morning practice. Reggie Bush, Lance Moore and Skyler Green fielded punts and Bush had the most trouble fielding kicks. Bush dropped two punts - one where he badly misjudged the ball causing him to drop the ball and the other he simply muffed the catch.

- If Tracy Porter would have been in camp, he likely would have been back there as well.

- Devery Henderson and Adrian Arrington both lined up as gunners on special teams. A receiver spot on this team could come down between those two players and special teams ability will play a part in deciding who takes the roster spot.

- Rookie Carl Nicks took snaps with the second team at left tackle as Jermon Bushrod filled in for Jammal Brown with the first team. Brown missed the A.M. and will miss the P.M. as he's attending a funeral.

- TE Jeremy Shockey, DT Brian Young and RB Deuce McAllister fully participated this morning. All three were at least limited in yesterday's P.M. practice.

- Those who didn't practice at all were CB Mike McKenzie (knee), S Josh Bullocks (knee), TE Eric Johnson (ankle), DT Sedrick Ellis (contract) and Porter (contract).

- CB Jason Craft and S Tuff Harris made a couple of nice interceptions. Craft picked off Mark Brunell for a pass intended for Shockey. Harris undercut a Shockey route to snatch away a Tyler Palko offering.

- The linemen conducted some pretty physical one-on-one drills. DT Orien Harris and G Jahri Evans had to of the better overall efforts in the drills. Rookie DT DeMario Pressley seemed like he couldn't get by anyone, while T Jon Stinchcomb struggled for much the portion.

- G Andy Alleman didn't have his best practice of his career. The second-year guard got beat on nearly every snap during the one-on-ones and he jump offsides during the team portion of practice.

The Times-Pic had a quick run down of some of the mornings events.

"Like I said, I'm just trying to work like I'm trying to make the team," said Shockey, who is also trying to shake off the rust physically after missing the entire offseason program in New York while recovering from a broken leg. "I'm getting there. I'll keep getting better."

The Times-Pic also had a short piece on the status of Deuce.

"I'm probably about four or five pounds away from where I want to be as far as the season is concerned," McAllister said. "It's just trying to get myself as light as possible, to take off as much pressure as possible on the knees and then just try to get some of that quickness back."

McAllister gave his first day of training camp a 'B.'

"I have to prove that at age 29, coming off two knee surgeries, that I'm still a viable option for this team," McAllister said.

Sports Illustrated thinks the Saints offense, with the new addition of Shockey, is so good its scary!

"This is a great move by them," said an NFC personnel director. "Adding a top notch tight end to a lineup that features Reggie Bush, Marques Colston, Drew Brees and Deuce McAllister makes an already potent offense very scary."

"He may be a bit of headache in the locker room," said a NFC personnel director. "But there is no doubt he still one of the most talented tight ends in the league."

"They didn't have a threat down the middle of the field, so defenses were able to limit their big-play opportunities by using more two-deep coverage," said a NFC personnel director. "With Shockey running down the middle, Brees should have more chances to attack down the field."

"They may have the most complete offense in the NFC," said an NFC personnel director. "They have the ability to beat you a number of ways and Drew Brees is a patient enough to take what the defense gives him. If Deuce can give them something in the running game, they will be very difficult defend with all of the offensive firepower that they possess. "

This is the part where I get goosebumps!

ESPN is continuing the positive talk about Adrian Arrington and wonders, like the rest of us, if he is the next Colston.

It was only one catch, but it was enough to make you wonder if the Saints have tapped the secret to drafting wide receivers in the seventh round.

I am keeping my fingers crossed.

The guys over at Football Outsiders have put together a couple of lists. The first one is a top 10 list of the greatest games by a quarterback from 1995-2007. You better believe Drew mad the list at #7 with the game last year against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Another player getting a boost from opponent adjustments is Drew Brees. Nobody really noticed when Brees went nuts on the Jaguars last year, because he did it at the same time Adrian Peterson was setting the all-time rushing record against San Diego, and then both performances were overshadowed later that afternoon by the Game of the Century. Brees would not be anywhere near the top ten without opponent adjustments, but the quality of the Jaguars’ defense pushes this game up from 244 YAR to 295 DYAR.

They also put together a list of the top 20 running back games and our very own Pierre Thomas happened to make his way on that list in the 14th spot.

The always underrated Brian Westbrook shows up twice in the top ten with games from last year; that appearance is no surprise, but Pierre Thomas’s appearance certainly is. His Week 17 game against Chicago was a testament to efficiency. Ten of his 20 carries gained six or more yards. Eleven of his 12 receptions gained eight or more yards. Between rushing and receiving, Thomas had 15 first downs and a touchdown, and he would rank even higher if he had not been stuffed twice at the goal line.

Yesterday was another action packed, fast paced day of excitement. Signings and extensions all over the place. I've got some good stuff for you guys today. See ya after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a three year deal with former Nebraska lineman Carl Nicks. Per the New Orleans Saints official website.

Two more to go!!

I missed these two articles today.

The Northeast Ledger had an article about training camp in Jackson this year and what affect gas prices will have on attendance. Here are some quotes.

"The people from New Orleans who are taking vacation at that time - school's getting ready to start, so it's the last chance to do it - so instead of driving, say, to Florida and going that extra mileage, they may decide 'I'll only drive three hours and visit Jackson for the Saints camp," said Gina Aswell, the manager of communications and public relations for the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"The crowds may not be affected as much (by the gas prices) because people are discontinuing those longer drives and flights and starting to drive in the region more. So it may help us. We won't know until it gets here, but we expect the crowds to be as large as they've ever been."

"We already have a package up on our Web site about Saints camp," said assistant manager John Rabe. "We're already starting to see some influx (of reservations) from media personnel and a lot of fans. We're hoping to be more of a draw, with gas prices being what they are, as people look at taking mini-trips from Louisiana and the Gulf Coast."

"It's all tied into football; the Saints are here and Jackson is such a big football town as well," Aswell said. "It runs through Dec. 31, but someone who is coming in for the training camp, if they come in and stay for four days, they'll definitely eat 10 times in that time frame, so they can enter into that promotion and maybe get to come back up here and see the Saints in the Super Bowl."

"It's fun for the people who live here in Jackson," Pixler said. We've got no professional teams here, except for the (Mississippi) Braves. I'm not a New Orleans fan, but it's still professional football, and I'm sure I'll bring my kids out to see them."

All the way from Monterey County, CA comes this article from their Herald about new Saint Carl Nicks and when he will actually sign with the team.

"It's sort of like their MO (method of operation),'' said Nicks' father. "No one is too concerned. You cannot get too excited until September.''

"From what I understand, that is when the Saints want to start negotiating,'' said Nicks, who played one season at Hartnell College. "I'm not worried. I'm pretty sure we'll get this deal done next week.''

"I'm out here because it's hot and humid,'' said Nicks, a fifth-round selection by the Saints in April's draft. "It's too cool in Salinas. This is a good transition. I'm trying to get faster and stronger.''

"I don't have a lot to go on,'' Nicks said. "I know they want you to earn your keep before you re-sign. It makes sense from a business standpoint to keep a player a year longer. I just want the best opportunity for me."

Nicks is looking for a three year deal, but reports say that the Saints maybe looking at a four year deal. He should get some help from the fact that the Rams signed fifth round pick offensive guard Roy Schuening to a three-year deal worth $295,00 this year and $495,000 the final year.

This is what he had to say about Jake Long's big payday.

"All offensive linemen smiled with that contract,'' Nicks said.

And some more quotes.

"Whatever gets me on the field,'' Nicks said. "I told our offensive line coach to give me something to work with and I'll adjust. I saw the move as an opportunity.''

"The guy in front of me is great,'' said Nicks, who at 345 is the heaviest lineman on the roster. "I just want to get in there and learn something from the guy."

And his thoughts on recent minicamp.

"I was kind of nervous when I got there,'' Nicks said. "After a while, it's a grind. Everyone is a little faster and stronger. The speed of the game is the significant difference. Like everything, it's an adjustment."

This is how it all sums up.

"It'll get done,'' Nicks said. "I'll be in on time."

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