Looks like it's gonna be another Pierre-less week of Saints football. If ever there was a time for rookie Chris Ivory to have a surprise break-out game, it's this Sunday. The Bucs haven't proven to be all that stout against the run, so the opportunity is there. Let's hope he's learned to always tote the rock high and tight.
With the exception of Randall Gay, Tracy Porter, and Reggie Bush, it looks like everyone else is probable and will likely suit up against the Bucs. Come on 4-2! We can't afford to start a losing streak.
TWEETS:
Official_Saints Vote for @DrewBrees for the 2011 Jefferson Awards All Star Dream Team! http://bit.ly/cCUIPX
jeffduncantp RT @SI_PeterKing: Sean Payton: "I like this team--not a little, a lot.'' How Payton has done psyche rehab on the Saints, up soon at SI.com.
TylerLorenzen @HeathEvans I am sure your family is doing great as am I. Waiting for that good call. Tell dt to put an egg on it. And get a win this week!
Official_Saints #FF Be sure to follow @thomasmorstead who is 2nd in the NFL in Net Yards Avg. at 42.0 yds per punt!
T_Porter22 Soooo ready to get home and relax...had productive day though
jeffduncantp The #Saints signed OG Brian de la Puente to their practice squad & released WR Montez Billings, per Sean Payton.
jeffduncantp RB Pierre Thomas & CB Randall Gay have both been ruled out for Sunday, Payton said. Also, LB Scott Shanle (ham) didn't work but is probable.
jeffduncantp # Saints DE Will Smith is questionable with a groin injury. Everyone else should be good to go.
SAINTS @ BUCS + INJURY REPORT:
New Orleans Saints injury report: Pierre Thomas, Randall Gay ruled out for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | NOLA.com
Defensive end Will Smith is questionable; linebacker Scott Shanle and safety Roman Harper are probable
Tampa Bay Buccaneers injury report: receiver Mike Williams will be game-day decision against New Orleans Saints | NOLA.com
Rookie leads the Buccaneers in catches, yards and touchdowns
New Orleans Saints tailback Pierre Thomas frustrated, but 'coming along' | NOLA.com
"I'm a little frustrated, but hey, it's coming along," said Thomas, who said his ankle is "starting to look like a normal ankle again."
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees spent time with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman this offseason | NOLA.com
Brees invited up-and-comer to work out with him for a week in San Diego
Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect to be blitzed often by opponents - St. Petersburg Times
"On top of it, the New Orleans Saints and (defensive coordinator) Gregg Williams has been known for his blitz package. So with them being in our (NFC South Division) we, obviously, broke down all our opponents. It's the Jets, the Steelers, the Bengals, the Ravens and the Saints — teams that other teams are looking at."
Sean Payton's Saints are struggling; what to watch for in Week 6 - Peter King - SI.com
"When you win the Super Bowl,'' Payton said, "the next year it's either crisis or a carnival. We're taking on a little water right now. But I like this team -- not a little, a lot. I have to do a better job as a playcaller. We're got to do a better job protecting Drew, and we've got to give him a consistent pocket. The two greatest allies for a quarterback are a good defense and a running game, and we've obviously got to run it better with who we have.
2theadvocate.com | Sports | SAINTS NOTES: Payton: Hartley not on short leash — Baton Rouge, LA
"That wouldn’t apply to him, he has too much ability," Payton stressed. "He’s going to play just fine over the long haul. He’s going to play well."
ESPN Expert: Foundation for success building for Bucs ahead of Saints game | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
"View from the Other Side" talks Bucs with Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com.
Award-winning New Orleans Saints offensive line looks to regain form
"Balance is the key,’’ Nicks said. "Last year, we had a good running game and that was opening up the play-action and opening up the pass. I wouldn’t say we’re not running successfully, we’re just not doing it as effectively as we were last year, so a team can just zero in on pass, pass, pass.
Henderson: Will worst be first again in NFC South? | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
There's a curious trend at work in the NFC South that both the Saints and the Bucs have benefitted from and been victimized by.
Aqib Talib not missing any opportunities - NFC South Blog - ESPN
"When you talk about the best cornerbacks in the league, I just want my name be in the conversation,’’ Talib said. "I never wanted to come to the NFL and just be regular.’’
New Orleans Saints are laying it on the line to get the running game going | NOLA.com
"As long as there's a hole, it doesn't matter who's running, " Nicks said. "You know, I can run through a hole as long as there's a hole."
Sean Payton, holding many of same cards, dealing from new deck | NOLA.com
New Orleans Saints unfolded vs. Arizona Cardinals
LAGNIAPPE:
Defenses are playing soft zone against the New Orleans Saints: First-and-10 column | NOLA.com
Jeff Duncan's weekly take on the Saints
Saints' Run Hasn't Been So Magical This Season | TheLedger.com
"I think when you have success each week you get the (opponent's) best shot," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said. "But I think in our league, that's pretty normal. Last year, when we were 7-0, 8-0, 9-0, it was getting more challenging."
Ex-Saints star sees 'gold' at Byram | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger
"I don't do the best job myself, but I know what I have to do," McAllister said. DEUUUUUUCE!
Saints help Vandy recover | HoumaToday.com
The tragic car accident that took the lives of four Vandebilt Catholic students on Sept. 26 still stings the hearts of many people around the area, and it will continue to do so for a long time.
Deke: Numbers Show Why Saints Offense Is Struggling - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports
2theadvocate.com | Sports | MICKLES: The mystery that is the New Orleans offense — Baton Rouge, LA
"Why can’t they throw the ball deep?"
TRANSCRIPT:
New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Post-Practice Press Conference
Friday, October 15, 2010
Opening Statement:
"Quickly, let’s go through the final injury report for this game. The following players were all full for practice and probable: Stanley Arnoux (ankle) full, probable; Drew Brees (knee) full, probable; Jimmy Graham (ankle) full, probable; Chris Ivory (knee) full, probable; Jon Stinchcomb (shoulder) full, probable; Zach Strief (knee) full, probable; Leigh Torrence (toe) full, probable; Anthony Waters (hamstring) full, probable; Jimmy Wilkerson (knee) full, probable; Marques Colston (rib) full, probable; Jeff Charleston (neck) full, probable; Usama Young (quad) full, probable. Will Smith (groin) was limited; he’ll be questionable. Roman Harper (hamstring) was limited, probable. Scott Shanle (hamstring) did not practice; probable. Randall Gay (head) did not practice; he’s out. Reggie Bush (fibula) did not practice; he’s out. Tracy Porter (knee) did not practice; he’s out. Pierre Thomas (ankle) did not practice; he’s out. One switch on the practice squad; we signed Brian de la Puente as a guard in place of Montez Billings. That took place for today’s practice."
Scott Shanle didn’t practice but is probable. Is his injury one you think that’s not severe but wanted to rest him?
"Yeah, basically. With him, the exams and everything have been good so we just held him out."
Did he hurt himself in the Wednesday practice or was it game-related?
"Today is Friday. It wasn’t game-related. It would have been not yesterday but the day before. He’s doing well."
Any concerns about Randall Gay since this has gone on for a few days?
"The symptoms fortunately have gotten a little better. We just have to be smart for this weekend’s game. We’ll monitor it and make sure that he goes a full week really without any symptoms."
Has he had several concussions before that would concern you?
"The concern you have is the player’s ability to concuss more easily after you’ve had a few. We just have to be smart with him."
Do you need to sign another cornerback or do you plan to sign another corner?
"We still have that flexibility but the likelihood is that we wouldn’t. We’ll have that within the group that we go with."
This is the first time you’re going into a game with three healthy running backs. Does that change how you’re going about things this week?
"Actually, we’ve had three healthy the whole season. DeShawn Wynn we carried and he’s a guy that obviously played in the kicking game but still could play at the running back position. That being said, I think Julius (Jones) has gotten enough work to where he has a grasp of what we’re doing. With just one week, you would be mindful of how many snaps and what specific things you want him in on. Ladell (Betts) and Chris (Ivory) have both had a good week of practice."
Will Chase Daniel continue to be the holder with Garrett Hartley kicking?
"Yes."
VIDEO:
NFL Videos: O-Line Confidential: Saints - Part 2
Think you're job is dirty? Wait till you hear how a Saints O-lineman spent one summer on the job.
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