Saints coaches appear to be doing their due diligence this week in examining all of the top defensive linemen assembled at the Senior Bowl. After speaking to Saints D-line coach Bill Johnson yesterday, the NOLA.com crew did a great series of posts today on several of the top defensive ends available in the draft. I've linked to all of those and included their synopsis on each player.
In other news, more on the Superdome renovations, Commissioner Roger Goodell says he will cut his salary to $1 if there is a work stoppage after the collective bargaining agreement expires in March, and the NOLA.com crew answers a question many Saints fans are interested in - How can we get the Saints to abandon those darn black pants?
Also, Thomas Morstead happily tweets that he's able to lift his arm to shoulder height today after his recent shoulder surgery. I'm happy he's making good progress.
TWEETS:
SAINTS:
NFL.com news: Super Bowl rewards teams willing to take chances for glory
The New Orleans Saints truly blindsided the unsuspecting Colts when they opened the second half of Super Bowl XLIV with an onside kick. They recovered the ball and quickly turned a halftime deficit into a 13-10 lead. Although they would fall behind again, the play provided the momentum boost necessary to carry the Saints to a 31-17 victory and their first Super Bowl championship.
New Orleans Saints discuss Drew Brees, Reggie Bush contracts - NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
New Orleans Saints discuss Drew Brees, Reggie Bush contracts
Saints GM Loomis enjoys Senior Bowl, would rather be at Super Bowl | New Orleans News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | wwltv.com | Eye on Black and Gold
"I think this - we enjoy being here," Loomis said. "We enjoy seeing new players. This is kind of the first event of the next season." Then, with a smile and a laugh, he added, "But we’d rather be somewhere else."
Notes from Senior Bowl: Two from LSU thrive, two more for Saints to consider
Two LSU players are doing well in practice for Saturday's 2011 Senior Bowl in Mobile.
Drew Brees in Hawaii shaking off Saints loss, doing charity work - Page 2: Humor, columns, commentary, lists and analysis from ESPN.com’s Page 2 - ESPN
"Those are two really good teams and so obviously it's hard because you know, for us to have been there, and then hoping that we'd get back this year and being in the playoffs and falling short, you know, it's kinda hard to watch at times," Brees said. "Because you say, 'Man, I wish we were there.' But both these teams have earned the right to be there."
Hitting the NFC South hot spots - NFC South Blog - ESPN
Chuck in Ponchatoula, La. asks how Sean Payton will do as a television analyst leading up to the Super Bowl because his interviews often "leave something to be desired."
DRAFT PROSPECTS - DEFENSIVE ENDS:
New Orleans Saints checking out defensive linemen at Senior Bowl | NOLA.com
"It's like dogs. Do you want the puppy you can teach, or the 5-year old already set in his ways?" Johnson asked. "You want the pup."
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Christian Ballard, Iowa | NOLA.com
Most analysts slot him in the second round, though he has cropped up in the first round of some mock drafts. Has played in the shadow of his teammate, Adrian Clayborn, but has been strong in 1-on-1 drills this week.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue | NOLA.com
A consensus first-round pick according to most mock drafts and unlikely to be available when the Saints pick.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Pierre Allen, Nebraska | NOLA.com
Unlikely as a first-round pick, given his relative inexperience at the DE position. Had 3 1/2 sacks and a conference-best 13 quarterback hurries last season in the Big XII.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Cameron Jordan, Cal | NOLA.com
Stock rising, almost certain first-rounder and many mock drafts now have him going before the Saints pick at No. 24. Has had impressive Senior Bowl practices.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Allen Bailey, Miami | NOLA.com
Generally regarded as a solid second-round pick who is creeping into the first round on some boards and might be available when the Saints draft. Has looked very good in practices.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Sam Acho, Texas | NOLA.com
Good buzz, considered a top producer for the Longhorns but smaller and not a first-rounder on most boards at the moment. Very impressive personality.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Pernell McPhee, Miss. State | NOLA.com
McPhee registers on the bottom of most top 10 lists at the defensive end position, and currently projects as a second- or third-round pick.
New Orleans Saints DE draft prospects at Senior Bowl: Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson | NOLA.com
Played sometimes in the shadow of Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers, whom some rate as the top defensive end in the draft. Still, Jenkins has looked very quick but projects more as a tackle than the outside force the Saints appear to need.
SUPERDOME RENOVATIONS:
Superdome gets makeover: Pursuing the 'wow factor' - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
The 36-year-old Louisiana Superdome is getting its biggest overhaul since Hurricane Katrina tore away a lot of the roof and flooded the arena with millions of gallons of water. And it comes at just the right time as America's oldest domed stadium still called home by an NFL team gets ready to play host to college football's BCS Championship in 2012, the men's college basketball NCAA... - National Football League news
Raw video of Superdome renovations - Video | NOLA.com
Behind the scenes footage of the massive renovations to the interior of the Louisiana Superdome on Wednesday, January 26, 2011.
CBA TALKS:
Goodell: $1 salary if work stoppage - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will cut his salary to $1 if there is a work stoppage after the collective bargaining agreement expires in March. Goodell, who makes about $10 million a year including bonuses, said in a memo to his staff Wednesday that chief negotiator Jeff Pash will do the same. Pash makes nearly $5 million a year. - National Football League news
Drew Brees: Rhetoric between NFL, NFLPA a 'difficult' part of process - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com
"I'm not expecting for them to choose sides," Brees said. "We're not asking for that but we definitely want fans to be educated so that they can understand our point of view as players."
Saints union rep Stinchcomb sees hope for 2011 NFL season
JS: Do I think we’ll see football next fall? Yes, I think we will. Do I think we’ll have a deal done by March 3rd? No. No, I don’t think that is very likely.
LAGNIAPPE:
Drew Brees and the Brees Dream Foundation - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Drew Brees didn't lead his New Orleans Saints back to the Super Bowl this year, but he did win the 2011 Bart Starr Award. The Bart Starr Award is given to an individual in the NFL that exhibits character and leadership both on and off the football field. Brees led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl win in 2010, probably his most memorable moment in his NFL career. Brees is an excellent quarterback, but also a good humanitarian. This article is about Drew Brees, the man—not the quarterback. - National Football League news
Odds to win the 2012 Super Bowl - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
BetOnline.com (hat tip to Dave Mason) has opened the action with Bill Belichick’s New England Patriots as the early favorite at +500.
"World Champs" Event Coming To Baton Rouge Friday
New defensive coordinator Allen believes Broncos will improve - The Denver Post
Though he inherits a defense that was at, or near, the bottom of the NFL in virtually every meaningful category this season, Dennis Allen doesnt see the Broncos depth chart as being half empty.
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