Yesterday afternoon I had the opportunity to speak with Saints starting safety Malcolm Jenkins for a few minutes in advance of tonight's MNF Giants vs. Saints matchup. We talked about the big game, naturally, but I also got his thoughts on the Saints season thus far and even got a little personal. Read on to learn a little more about one of the leaders of this 2011 Saints defenses.  

I would like to thank Malcolm for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with me, and wish him all the best tonight vs. the Giants. 

Continue reading this post »

It's now time for part two of my in-depth conversation with Saints starting linebacker Scott Shanle. If you're just joining us, read part one of our interview right here. In this final installment, we get to know Shanle on a much more personal level including some of his personal favorites.   

Thanks, once again, to Scott for taking the time to speak with me. Best of luck to him whenever the season actually starts. 

Dave Cariello:  How much longer do you see yourself playing?

Scott Shanle:  In 2008 I had a really good season, I was fortunate enough to be named defensive MVP. In 2009 I had a good season, my first year with coach Williams. Last year I had little injuries here and there that didn't allow me to perform the way I had previous years, week in and week out. The way I feel right now, I feel like I have four really good starter years left in me where I can really produce at a high level. Like you said, I have had no major injuries. My body feels great. Nobody wants to see a lockout but if anything, this lockout has allowed my body to feel even better. I've been able to train at a pace that's comfortable but still stay in shape. I really feel as good as I've felt in a long time. 

Continue reading this post »

Last night I had the opportunity to speak with Saints starting linebacker Scott Shanle. But when I asked him who he thought was the most underrated player on the team, he struggled for a name. 

That's probably only because the most underrated player might actually be him and I'm sure the idea of naming himself in response to my question never even crossed his mind.

Scott Shanle is, arguably, the most underrated player on the Saints defense; possibly the entire team. For five seasons now, he has started at outside linebacker despite multiple efforts to replace him. Shanle's Cinderella story takes him from Nebraska walk-on to 7th round draft pick to Super Bowl champion starter. He was even named team defensive MVP in 2008. Yet ask any Saints fan to list their favorite players and chances are, Shanle's name won't make the cut. 

And that's just criminal. Hopefully it changes after today. Our entire conversation makes up the two-part, in-depth interview that follows below and later this afternoon. After reading, I think those that have always liked Shanle will be reminded why and those that haven't will realize why they should. 

Part two of our interview.

I want to thank Scott for taking time away from his busy family life to speak with me and for giving me some wonderfully honest answers. I hope the lockout ends soon and the Saints get him re-signed quickly. 

Continue reading this post »

We get a little more personal with new Saints linebacker Martez Wilson in Part Two of our Q&A, so read on to find out about his short time in New Orleans so far and what number Wilson wants to wear in the NFL, among many other things you never knew about the third round draft steal. In case you missed Part One of our conversation, catch it right here.  

Thanks, once again, to Martez Wilson for taking the time to speak with the fans. Good luck to him this season.

Dave:  How have player practices been going?

Martez:  Practices have been going well. I'm just getting adjusted and seeing how the guys in the NFL workout. 

Continue reading this post »

For quite some time now Saints fans have been hoping to see the team significantly upgrade the outside linebacker position, one of the weaker spots on the defensive side of the ball, and third round NFL draft pick Martez Wilson represents a legitimate solution to that problem.

I had the unique opportunity to speak with the former Illinois linebacker and get to know him better as he begins his long and exciting journey into the NFL. Below you will find part one of our conversation, in which we discuss his younger days and his recent draft day experience. 

Part Two of my interview with Martez Wilson. 

A sincere thanks to Martez for taking time out of his assuredly busy schedule to talk with all of us, the fans. I wish him the best of luck and health as soon as the season actually starts.

Dave Cariello:  Martez is a unique name. Where does that name come from?

Martez Wilson:  My aunt actually gave me that name; my mother's sister. It's Spanish for Tuesday except with a "z."

Continue reading this post »

Time now for Part Two of my conversation with Saints rookie cornerback Johnny Patrick. In case you somehow missed Part One, you can catch up by reading it here. In this second half, we learn about Johnny's experiences in his short time here in New Orleans so far and some of his personal favorites. 

Thanks again to Johnny Patrick for taking the time to speak with the fans. Good luck to him this season.

Dave:  Have you been following the lockout closely?

Johnny:  No. I'm not really trying to get involved in that. I'm very frustrated as it is that I wasn't able to go to minicamp. I'm just gonna let it all play out and let the older guys take care of that business. 

Dave:  Do you feel slighted at all that you don't get the normal rookie experience?

Johnny:  It's frustrating. I feel like every football player in the NFL feels the same way. Everyone wants to just play ball and I hope they get everything fixed before the season starts so that rookies and everybody in the NFL community gets a chance to play this year. I just hope that they fix it. 

Continue reading this post »

Today I present to you an interview with another one of the Saints 2011 NFL draft picks: third round selection cornerback Johnny Patrick. In Part One of our conversation below, Johnny and I discuss his college career and his draft day experience. Be sure to join us for Part Two of our interview featured later this afternoon. 

A sincere thanks to Johnny for taking time out of his assuredly busy schedule to talk with all of us, the fans. I wish him the best of luck and health as soon as the season actually starts.

Dave Cariello:  You grew up in Florida right in between Miami and Jacksonville. Which team were you a fan of growing up?

Johnny Patrick: I'm not really a big team fan, more of a player fan. Michael Vick and Devin Hester. 

Dave:  You transfered high schools was that move football related?

Johnny:  Yes, definitely football related. At Deltona High School I wasn't getting as much attention as I thought I should be. When I transfered to Deland High School I got over 25 scholarship offers to Division I programs. 

Continue reading this post »

Time now for Part Two of my conversation with Saints rookie linebacker Nate Bussey. In case you somehow missed Part One, you can catch up by reading it here. In this second half, we learn about Nate's experiences in his short time here in New Orleans so far.  

Thanks again to Nate Bussey for taking the time to speak with the fans. Good luck to him this season (I'm still looking at you, NFL).

   

Dave:  Have you been following the lockout closely at all?

Nate: I have a little bit but I haven't been trying to focus too much on it. I've just been down here working out with my teammates, just trying to wait and see what the labor decision is going to be. I'm sure Drew Brees is going to let us know when everything is official and final. I'm just waiting for him to give us the say so. 

Continue reading this post »