Pre-season Game 1: New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals
Thursday, August 7th, 2008
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Game Time: 8pm E.S.T.
TV/Radio: ESPN; WWL 870AM and 105.3FM; 560AM KBLU in Phoenix
Saints: 0-0
Cardinals: 0-0
Arizona leads series: 13-12
Last meeting: 12/16/07 Saints 31, Cardinals 24
I know you've pretty much heard it all when it comes to the players and what we should be looking for in tonights game, but guess what? You're gonna hear it one more time, Saintsational style.
This game is exciting yet disappointing at the same time. A ying and yang if you will. It sucks because a lot of the new players we really want to see won't be out there including Vilma, Shockey and Porter. Add to that another six other players including Colston and Henderson and that means more playing time for the guys really trying to make this team and a better look at position battles which makes for good football. From a superstitious standpoint, I honestly hope the Saints lose this one and do poorly this pre-season. No good comes from having a great pre-season.
Quarterback This will be our chance to see how much fuel Brunell has left in the tank. Tyler Palko is Payton's pet project and I am always anxious to see how he performs on the rare occasions he gets to exhibit his talent. The next Romo?
Running Back Being a big Pierre fan, this is a big one for me and I think for Pierre. He should see a good amount of time tonight, and putting up some nice numbers will help ease my mind that he is not just a fluke and the game against Chicago was the real deal. Not sure whether they will try running Reggie up the middle again or whether they have finally abandoned that plan.
Wide Receiver Everyone will be watching these guys closely, in particular Robert Meachem and Adrian Arrington. With Colston and Henderson out, this will be the perfect opportunity to see the other guys. Interestingly, Lance Moore is listed as the projected starter by WWL. I don't think Skyler Green will earn a spot at receiver alone so I am more anxious to see him in the return game (see below).
Tight End By the reports I keep reading everyday, Billy Miller seems to be one of Drew's favorite new targets. He may start tonight and don't be surprised if they go to him if they're when they're in the red zone. Hopefully Mark Campbell doesn't get injured.
Offensive Line Carl Nicks is who I will be keeping a close eye on. The talk is that he is actually pushing for a starting job. Jonathan Goodwin has big shoes to fill and tonight we will get a chance to see just how those shoes may get filled.
Defensive Line With all the money invested and hype surrounding our newly revamped, NY Giant inspired pass rush, these guys better bring it. Leinart better be spending a lot of time on whatever fake turf they have installed at that high tech stadium. Sedrick Ellis will be the man to watch, but I've got my eye on big bad Bobby McCray aka 93 Octane. Hopefully, the Saints defense gets the Cards in third and long early and we get a chance to see Grant move to the inside. Kendrick Clancy, Antwan Lake and Hollis Thomas are also dueling it out for roster spot.
Linebackers Unfortunately we won't get to see Jonathan Vilma crack some skulls just yet, but Bobby Hebert's newly adopted son Jo-Lonn Dunbar will be the one to watch.
Defensive Backs After last season, this is probably numero uno on everyone's list. Is Randall Gay going to be the answer? McKenzie's still out obviously, and unfortunately we have to wait until next week (hopefully) to see 2nd round draft pick Tracy Porter. Who is going to show up tomorrow night and play hungry? I would really like to see our friend Usama Young continue being a threat and I will watching him intensely. There's been a lot of talk about Kaesviharn lately so I'm anxious to check him out.
Special Teams I'm hoping Skyler Green runs another one back like he did in the scrimmage. A threat on kick returns would just make everything right with the world. It will also be interesting to see if Reggie has any ball handling issues on punt returns. Maybe Payton will bring out Mehlhaff for a 52-yarder and he'll nail it.
That's all from me. Only thing left to say is "Who Dat!?"
Consider this thread OPEN!!