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Fleur-de-Links: August 8, 2012

By David "Satch" Kelly
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TWEETS:

Catchin a Sox game at the best venue in sports...Fenway Park.

Greatest hitter of all time. The Splendid Splinter. #9 Ted Williams. Great to be here

Nice touch at the end of practice at Gillette Stadium: "When the Saints Go Marching In" is playing on the loud speakers

Had a good week of practice against the Patriots, resting my body now....game day tomorrow!!

This is the whole view... Pretty cool experience. does the best field trips

Two homeruns over the monster now

Homerun rangers! It's been a lot of homers in this game... They puttin on a show for us. /Rangers

100 anny

Amazing hit by Hamilton ... 2 run shot to right field... Let's Geaux

Home run !! Cranked it over the green monster!!

Pic from Rita Benson LeBlanc supporting the team in London!

Just watched the game tape, DT #75 Tyrunn Walker will make this team if he keeps this up. Played a very active game. Outstanding effort.

Nice of to wave RT Big SHOUTOUT to for setting us up at Fenway Park

A nice wide panoramic type view of Fenway park.. Thanks to this dope app I found

My first time at Fenway Park! Let's go ! Representing the home state to the fullest!

The view tho..

RT A monster of a man, in front of the Green Monster

Hello Fenway park

Awesome seats on the balcony in right field at !!

Shell gas station making a come up when the RED SOX play a block away...

Putting down the hat and throwing on my one.. On the bus headed to Fenway Park with the guys

": u left too quick! Drew said wait back for bus 5 so whoever wanted to go just waited!"never heard that but ol

Had a good practice. Now headed to the Red Sox game with the fellas.

Excited to check out Fenway Park today. Not a big Red Sox fan but will be pretty cool to check out a game there

Great practice today w the patriots. We're getting better ad that's exactly how it needs to be right now.

Brees signing autographs for Saints & Patriots fans after practice

Can't make the club in the tub RT : Adrian Arrington: NFL stands for not for long. Potential is nice but health trumps it

After lying on the sideline in pain for several minutes, Graham has now risen to his feet. Bending over, trying to stretch with trainers.

Graham looks a little better now. Still trying to shake out cobwebs and walk it off on sideline. He's definitely in pain.

Good news: Graham has returned to sideline with teammates. Not sure if he'll return to action. His body language looks much better, though.

Excited about practice today. Every day is a blessing and presents a new opportunity. We have the opportunity to get better as a team!!

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JIMMY'S DOWN! HANDS OFF JIMMY! DON'T. TOUCH. JIMMY!

New Orleans TE Jimmy Graham injures himself during Wednesday's practice | wwltv.com New Orleans
Graham jumped to his feet, emphatically spiking the ball into Hightower before running off the field and diving to the ground. Trainer Scottie Patton walked over to Graham to check on him and about eight minutes later, the tight end got off the ground. He didn’t return to practice, but walked off the field following practice without a limp.

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham injures back during Wednesday's practice vs. Patriots - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
"He's fine. He's fine. ... If it was anything, I'd have a report from the trainers," Vitt said immediately after practice.

Jimmy Graham apparently fine after landing hard on his back | ProFootballTalk
Saints tight end Jimmy Graham gave his team a scare, but appears to be fine after landing on his back during a joint practice with the Patriots.

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SAINTS @ PATRIOTS PRACTICE:

Pats incorporate Sean Payton video into practices with Saints | ProFootballTalk
Some may interpret the gesture as a show of solidarity with the Saints, given that the Patriots have had a similar experience. Regardless, the Saints got an unexpected visit from their suspended head coach on Tuesday and Wednesday, courtesy of a head coach who wasn’t suspended but nevertheless punished publicly and aggressively by the league nearly five years ago.

What to watch for in New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots game - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Quarter by quarter look at Thursday's game

New Orleans Saints, New England have mutual respect heading into Thursday's preseason game - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
They have been two of the most successful teams in the NFL in the past few seasons

Saints LB David Hawthorne, WR Adrian Arrington out against Patriots | wwltv.com New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints will be without linebacker David Hawthorne and receiver Adrian Arrington for Thursday night’s preseason game at New England.

Saints, Patriots tight ends Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski revolutionizing game | wwltv.com New Orleans
New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski couldn’t be much more opposite off the field.

New Orleans Saints play of the day Wednesday: Brees & Bundchen - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Foxborough, Mass. - With a short practice Wednesday, the play of the day came afterward when New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees walked over to speak with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and wound up getting a kiss with Mrs. Tom Brady, international supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

Patriots-Saints joint practice notes
Things were quick today at Gillette Stadium on the afternoon before the Pats and Saints face off. There were a few interesting tidbits that came out though.

End all, be all: Gronk, Hernandez and Graham impress
The Patriots standout tight end tandem is joined on the field this week by perhaps the NFC's best, the Saints' Jimmy Graham.

New Orleans Saints injury report from Wednesday practice with the New England Patriots - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Tight end Jimmy Graham appeared to strain his back; K John Kasay took off his pads and walked off the field before practice ended but had not appeared to suffer any injury.

New Orleans Saints joint practice with New England: quick takes - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The Saints and the Patriots concluded their second day of joint practices with a suprisingly brief go Wednesday, a short collection of drills without full pads that New Orleans interim coach Joe Vitt said went exactly according to script.

New Orleans Saints DE Junior Galette more mature, ready to contribute | wwltv.com New Orleans
For nearly two –plus years now, say the word beast on a Saints fan message board and you’ll undoubtedly start a multi-page conversation about defensive end Junior Galette.

New Orleans Saints sit out eight players, including Devery Henderson, Mark Ingram | wwltv.com New Orleans
Eight players sat out practice Tuesday, a list that’s bigger than at any time in training camp previously this season for the New Orleans Saints.

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees sees similarities with Patriots QB Tom Brady | wwltv.com New Orleans
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is sure about one thing – stand him next to superstar Tom Brady and there won’t be anyone who sees a resemblance between the two.

Stallworth's perspective on the greatness of Brady, Brees
"As I've gotten older, the best thing for all receivers, both of those guys they throw the ball right out of your breaks," Stallworth said. "As a receiver, that's all you can ask for. There's not much separation in the NFL, but when you do, those guys throw the ball right on point and it gives you a chance to do some running after the catch. That's what both of those guys do really well."

New Orleans Saints set to Battle New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium on Thursday
Looking to build on the momentum of a 17-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game, the New Orleans Saints (1-0) will travel to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass to face the New England Patriots on Thursday, August 9. Kickoff is at 6:30 CT for a contest that will be regionally televised by Cox Sports Television, as well as locally on WVUE-FOX8

Recovering Saints hold Patriots as model | New Orleans Saints | The Sun Herald
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A harsh penalty imposed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell may inspire the New Orleans Saints to have an outstanding season.

Saints find common ground in adversity - The Boston Globe
"That was the motto that they really took in that locker room," Harper said. "We kind of took the same thing. As long as we stick together in our locker room — which is a great one — and we don’t let outsiders get in and continue to be a distraction, it won’t distract us.

Patriots and Saints praise each other after joint practice - The Boston Globe
"It’s great to work with the Saints,’’ he said. "They’re a great organization. I have a lot of respect for the ownership, with Mr. Benson and of course [suspended head coach] Sean [Payton] and Joe and his staff and players.

Saints, Belichick mourn Reid’s son - The Boston Globe
"The Saints and Mr. Benson were generous enough to let me go down with them on their plane, so I’m just glad I had an opportunity to be there and see Andy, and his family, and the Eagles organization," Belichick said. "I have a lot of respect for them and what they do as well. They’re great friends and my heart goes out to him and our team does to the Eagles."

Patriots practice report - The Boston Globe
The Patriots had it taken to them by the Saints in 11-on-11 situations, and it started up front. The offensive line was one big sieve against the Saints’ active front and it threw off the entire offense, including QB Tom Brady, who only completed 7 of 16 passes (43.8 percent) and threw an interception. And because of injuries, the Saints were down to their 4-6 CBs for much of team drills. Conversely, New Orleans’ terrific offensive line easily handled the Patriots up front as Drew Brees hit on 18 of his 26 passes (69.2 percent) with an interception.

New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots joint practice: updates - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
From Foxborough, Mass.

Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski take center stage in practices | ProFootballTalk
"They’re both such a tough task," Pats cornerback Kyle Arrington said of the pair, via Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald. "Graham is a pretty good basketball player. He hasn’t played football that long, but you watch him, and it looks like he has. He’s just so athletically freakish."

Saints running short on cornerbacks | ProFootballTalk
"We are kind of getting dinged up there right now. I went through that last year unfortunately, losing a lot of corners," Spagnuolo said after Tuesday’s practice. "So I don’t want to go through that again. But I’d rather have it happen now and get the guys to bounce back and have them ready for the regular season."

Saints be praised: Gregory, Pats defense embrace new challenge
"[The Saints] have a lot of talented guys out there, especially Drew, their running backs, receivers and tight ends. It poses challenges for defenses so it's good for us to go against an offense like that."

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ESPN FARCE & BOUNTYFARCE:

State Police gives FBI material collected in alleged Saints eavesdropping | wwltv.com New Orleans
The State Police have turned over material from an investigation into alleged eavesdropping involving Saints GM Mickey Loomis to the FBI, according to State Police Superintendent Mike Edmonson. Edmonson would not say whether any of the material collected showed any wrongdoing by Loomis.

"Roger, Roger Über Alles…" - Who Dat Social Club
Because the world came to its senses, recognized a trend, and decided to put a stop to it. After the reoccupation of the Rhineland, the Anschluss with Austria, the dismembering of Czechoslovakia, Starcaps, and Hitler’s private vendetta against James Harrison, it had become patently obvious that he recognized no limitations on his power.

Jonathan Vilma, NFL submit filings in advance of Friday hearing - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
New Orleans Saints linebacker seeking restraining order

Possible Vilma reduction has no relevance to Payton’s suspension | ProFootballTalk
Despite the fact that Payton doesn’t have the leverage to force a reduction, there’s speculation in some league circles that Payton could unexpectedly be reinstated in the second half of the season. That chatter came primarily from Payton’s silence in the wake of the flawed bounty evidence that the league has leaked and/or unveiled. The thinking is that Payton believes he could be allowed to return at some point late in the year, and that Payton has decided to bite his tongue in the hopes that the league office will extend the kind of gesture that in turn will make it a little easier for league officials to spend the week before the Super Bowl in and around New Orleans.

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LAGNIAPPE:

Steve Spagnuolo hopes his new scheme translates to a title for the New Orleans Saints - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
He's a quiet teacher and not a hot tempered coach a lot of defensive guys are

Tickets for Benson, Deuce Induction, Gala On Sale
Tickets for the 24th Annual Saints Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon and the 13th Annual All Saints Night Gala are now on sale!

Brees channels Belichick on replacement officials: It is what it is
"It is what it is," Brees said after an extended pause. "I understand that those control what goes on with the officials or those negotiations so whoever is out there officiating is officiating, and we'll just focus on doing our job."

Join the Saints and Copeland's for the Jr. Tee Retriever Kickoff Party

Hokie Gajan: Saints rallying around adversity
Watch Hokie Gajan: Saints rallying around adversity in the WEEI Audio

First Female NFL Ref, But Hold Your Applause?
This Thursday, Chicks like us should relish the opportunity to hold our heads high. For the first time in NFL history, a woman will referee a preseason game. Her name is Shannon Eastin. And while female fans should be clinking their glasses of Pinot over the fact that this ridiculous glass ceiling has finally been broken, it’s just not that simple.

Saints Nation: Chronic Podcast - Jeff Duncan Sucks And Who Will Play Corner Edition | August

Willie Roaf Becomes 2nd New Orleans Saint to earn H.O.F. Honors
Willie Roaf Becomes 2nd New Orleans Saint to earn H.O.F. Honors.

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TRANSCRIPT:

Saints Camp Q&A: Joe Vitt After Second Practice with Patriots (Aug. 8)

New Orleans Saints Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Joe Vitt

Media Availability

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

With all the injuries at cornerback, it’s given a lot of other guys opportunities to step up.

"Listen, I thought our cornerbacks did a good job last week. Our two starting cornerbacks were down. This is a game of opportunity, so the next man is going to have to step up and do the job. Listen, we’ll evaluate where we are personnel-wise when we get back to New Orleans."

Are you happy with Courtney Roby?

"I thought he really played well in the first half of last week. We knew his leadership, his coverage ability on special teams, we know that he can return kicks, he’s returned them for touchdowns, and he’s an elected captain on our special teams."

How’s Jimmy Graham and will he be able to play tomorrow?

"He’s fine. I haven’t been inside yet. There’s been no report from the trainers. If there was anything, I would get a report from the trainers."

Do you know who won’t be able to play tomorrow?

"We’re going to have a personnel meeting this afternoon. It’s a short turnaround this week, so that’s going to go into detail this afternoon with playing time, who’s going to be available, the guys, the guys who are getting treatment right now, so to give you an update would not be good if we’re trying to be accurate."

Is it a different dynamic after practicing with a different team for two days?

"They know what we do, we know what they do. This has always been a game about execution and players. Both teams execute very well. Both teams have won a lot of games. They’re the defending AFC Champions. They’re body of work speaks for itself, so we’re excited about it."

What did you see from the tight ends today?

"I think you see the ability of all the tight ends in this group right here. They can run down the field and stretch the field. Also come out of their breaks, drop their weight, catch the ball outside the framework of their body. I’m not so sure that this era in football right now doesn’t have some of the best tight ends in the history of the game. I really do. When you’re talking about these guys, I think you’re seen some of the best out on the field these past couple of days."

Can you talk about David Hawthorne?

"He’s got a hip flexor. He’s been getting treatment all week long. He didn’t practice today, so he has the potential to be out this game."

Any update on Adrian Arrington?

"Adrian Arrington got a second opinion yesterday. We’re waiting for the results today. So I would say that those two guys are not going to play."

Can you talk about Devery Henderson and him being back out today?

"We’ll talk about his status this afternoon. He continues to get better. It’s an ankle. He’s had this before. He’s played with it before, but we just have to be smart with it."

It looked like Patrick Robinson was doing a little bit of running today.

"He’s coming a little bit faster than we thought. He’s a young guy. He hasn’t been nicked up a lot in his career, so he’ll continue to get the treatment. He’s been diligent with that. That’s good news for us."

Did you guys intend for this to be a quick practice today?

"Yes. The day before a game, situational stuff, in and out, up and down, on and off, working on personnel groupings, working situational periods in shells. We’re on a short week, so you kind of want to be smart on a short week. We’re playing tomorrow night. We played Sunday night, so this is the way we scripted it out."

Can you talk about Jimmy Graham’s fall?

"I saw him take a fall right here. If there was anything serious, it would’ve come to me. He’s going in there to get it stretched out. He’s fine."

Do you feel like you got out of this week what you wanted to?

"Absolutely. We got a lot of situational work yesterday. We were able to go through all the film with our players last night. Again, you’re going against some great skill here and another great quarterback. Absolutely, we got a lot out of this."

What did your defense do differently today?

"It’s a different situation today. Today, we were in the red zone a little bit more. We had a two-minute drill yesterday. Today was working personnel groupings. Getting on and off, moving the ball, first, second and third downs and moving the ball. Listen, we were happy with the tempo yesterday, our angles to the ball and our intent. As I looked at practice with a blind eye, I’ll go back and look at the film and we got the same out of it today."

Will Johnny Patrick or Patrick Robinson be able to play tomorrow?

"No."

Is there any concern that the referees in the preseason will be an issue?

"I’ve addressed that before. No, we’re going to play the hand that we’re dealt. We’re out here to get better. We’re not going to complain about the officials, we’re not going to talk to the officials. Do your job. If there’s a bad call, we’ll see it and we’ll give you a mulligan somewhere down the line. Just get better at what you’re doing."

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