Tomorrow is the official beginning of the 2009 Saints season, which means today is the official end of their 2009 off-season. The Saints have come a long way since Drew's final record-breaking pass attempt hit the Superdome turf and it's been a wild ride with lots of ups and downs. I figured what better way to say our final goodbye to the long, cold, lonely months of off-season action than to reminisce one last time and take a final look at how we've gotten to today, as seen through Canal Street Chronicles.
After the jump you'll find a timeline of memorable events, good and bad, from the past eight months for both the Saints organization and for us here at CSC. I had fun putting this together and I hope you have as much fun reading it and taking that quick trip down memory lane. Feel free to share any of your memories about these events or even add your own memorable moments.
Gary Gibbs is gone - January 7, 2009
One of the first but still probably the biggest and best moves of the entire off-season. The perfect start. We'll all remember where we were when we heard the wonderful news. Only Jessie Spano could properly express my emotions the next morning.
Gregg Williams is in - January 15, 2009
It didn't take long for the Saints to find a replacement for Gibbs. Less than a week after I urged the Saints to take their time finding a new defensive coordinator, they hire Gregg Williams. Probably because Williams was Payton's top choice, so much so that he was willing to give up a quarter of a million dollars of his own salary just to make sure Gregg came to New Orleans.
Dan Morgan unretires and re-joins Saints - January 22, 2009
Pro Football Talk broke the news that Dan Morgan would be giving it another shot. Sure, he's old but it's got to be worth a shot right? I like where this is heading.
Deuce McAllister is let go - February 17, 2009
The news wasn't surprising but it was certainly depressing. We still miss you Deuce.
Tomlinson to New Orleans? - February 28, 2009
It didn't take long after the release of Deuce for the talking heads to start throwing around rumors about a possible LT signing to fill the gap. It never seemed likely but still, it was a fun couple of days while it lasted.
Saints sign Jabari Greer - March 4, 2009
I'm planning on Jabari being the savior for the Saints secondary woes. If football doesn't work out, though, he can always try to get a job on SNL. I was shocked when I found these clips on YouTube...
Bears sign Bullocks - March 11, 2009
It was great news already when the Saints refused to bring back Josh Bullocks for another season but even better news when we found out the Bears had picked him up. If only the Saints were playing the Bears this year!
Welcome Darren Sharper - March 18, 2009
The Saints make one of their biggest signings of the off-season when they snag veteran Darren Sharper. Things are really starting to look up.
Mike McKenzie bites the dust - March 19, 2009
Another fairly predictable move by the Saints. Still, it's never easy to watch your teams best cornerback leave.
Jonathan Vilma's Condo Location of Double Murder - March 31, 2009
Obviously Vilma had nothing to do with it but what ever happened with this?
Jeff Duncan vs. Saints Nation - April 7, 2009
In the internet sports world, the people are served by two separate yet equally important groups: the reporters, who are paid professionals, and bloggers, who claim they're getting ripped off. This is their story.
NYSaint becomes YouTube star - April 25, 2009
Speaking of Law & Order...I just had to find some way to include this in a post one more time.
Saints draft Malcolm Jenkins - April 25, 2009
Most Saints fans agree: This was a good pick.
Hap Glaudi rocks CSC - April 29, 2009
I think we can all laugh about it now, but when Hap made her debut here on Da Chronic, she turned quite a few heads and caused a massive uproar. Now we'll never look at Thomas Morstead, or cats for that matter, the same way again. After some damage control, I think CSC it's only made CSC stronger.
Practice squad players arrested and cut - May 3, 2009
Kolo Kapanui and Biren Ealy were relieved of their duties after they were caught relieving themselves in a parking lot and exposing themselves to a woman.
Canal Street Chronicles brings back Kenny Wilkerson - May 21, 2009
It had been over a year since Kenny Wilkerson was involved with the Saints reporting scene and his whereabouts were becoming the stuff of local lore. Fortunately for us, he chose Canal Street Chronicles to make his triumphant return when he broke his silence and granted us an in-depth interview.
Dan Morgan retires...again - June 8, 2009
You're not experiencing Deja Vu. It was fun while it lasted. I hope Dan's restaurant is doing alright.
Saintsational ties the knot - June 27, 2009
This has absolutely nothing to do with the Saints or the blog really, other than my sweet wedding cake.
The tax credit fiasco - July 2, 2009
After being the point man on a film studio investment and losing the money of quite a few Saints players and coaches, Kevin Houser was let go. The timing, however, was purely coincidental since Payton was already looking to improve on the infallible play of the veteran long snapper. Houser landed on his feet, though, when he signed with the Seahawks at the end of July. CSC was the first in the world with that news.
Twitter takes over - July 9, 2009
I think the first time we realized how important a role Twitter would play in following the tea, came when Shockey aired out his emotions about "Chad" Houser via a tweet. Now, it's mandatory reading for all Who Dats. Even PayDiddy has an account!
Goodbye Jason David - August 17, 2009
The Saints most maligned player was finally shown the door. As if letting go of Gibbs and Bullocks weren't wonderful enough. You've got to admit, the front office was very good to us this year. And to think, I actually thought things might be different for David this season.
Canal Street Chronicles hits 1,000 - August 20, 2009
It took CSC only five months after reaching the 500 member mark to double that feat and reach 1,000 members. Thanks to everyone who reads everyday. It's nothing without all of you. Looking forward to another season.