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Saints News, 10/17/14: Saints See Defense Turning Corner As Lions Loom

From USA Today: "You're going to see something starting this week," said (Junior) Galette, who has three sacks this season after a career-high 12 last season. "I'm real confident. We've had a great week of practice. We haven't practiced like that in a while. You can feel it, too, just the aura around everybody that we're about to turn this thing around."

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Chris Graythen

Tweets

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>More fantasy advice: if Graham doesnt play, no other <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> TE would replicate his production. Both Watson, Hill could see slight uptick...</p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522915618409172992">October 17, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I think Watson would get more targets, so I&#39;d lean toward him as handcuff. But Hill has made a couple big plays this year, so it&#39;s close.</p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522915864363171840">October 17, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Cool map of the most popular sports in each country <a href="http://t.co/592jznVVsQ">http://t.co/592jznVVsQ</a> &#10;in 25 years, what color will USA be? <a href="http://t.co/JMx88k8stB">pic.twitter.com/JMx88k8stB</a></p>&mdash; Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyre/status/522914961983422464">October 17, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Anything helps those who are in need of help. Lend a helping hand when you can. Food for the homeless. <a href="https://twitter.com/i_MITE">@i_MITE</a> <a href="http://t.co/0LCPmC4p9e">pic.twitter.com/0LCPmC4p9e</a></p>&mdash; Mark Ingram (@MarkIngram22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarkIngram22/status/522911829568548865">October 17, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtisLofton50">@CurtisLofton50</a> for coming out tonight. Love that smile <a href="http://t.co/FzgrjZb2FK">pic.twitter.com/FzgrjZb2FK</a></p>&mdash; Angel K (@halohead811) <a href="https://twitter.com/halohead811/status/522899590635614208">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TBT?src=hash">#TBT</a> Photos of Reggie Bush with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> -&gt; <a href="http://t.co/GUMdhaow6b">http://t.co/GUMdhaow6b</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NOvsDET?src=hash">#NOvsDET</a> <a href="http://t.co/B3FLTJPVbv">pic.twitter.com/B3FLTJPVbv</a></p>&mdash; New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/522891710225854466">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Video: Darren Woodson on the Defensive Struggles In The NFC South <a href="http://t.co/4TfZfGN9ww">http://t.co/4TfZfGN9ww</a></p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522880117119279107">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Joe Lombardi won&#39;t go looking for hugs from his old colleagues this weekend when the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lions?src=hash">#Lions</a> play the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a>: <a href="http://t.co/Pn6y4AKFHS">http://t.co/Pn6y4AKFHS</a></p>&mdash; Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikerothstein/status/522864208719790081">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/LarryHolder">@LarryHolder</a> booooooring.</p>&mdash; Canal St. Chronicles (@SaintsCSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaintsCSC/status/522869755112210434">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Sean Payton still &quot;optimistic&quot; about Jimmy Graham playing Sunday <a href="http://t.co/xH7TfdmbZw">http://t.co/xH7TfdmbZw</a></p>&mdash; WWL Radio (@WWLAMFM) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWLAMFM/status/522867633461268480">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Still a chance <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> Jimmy Graham could play after returning to full-team drills on limited basis <a href="http://t.co/JKOpSaWxP1">http://t.co/JKOpSaWxP1</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNFL">@espnnfl</a></p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522864738854653952">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Saw Keenan Lewis didn&#39;t practice. That&#39;s concerning but I know that guy will suit up with any injury if he can walk.</p>&mdash; Saints Nation Blog (@SaintsNationBlg) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaintsNationBlg/status/522851854364205056">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Lots of history in just two years of Lewis going back in banged up. He doesn&#39;t sit out unless he positively can&#39;t go.</p>&mdash; Saints Nation Blog (@SaintsNationBlg) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaintsNationBlg/status/522852167388905474">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Lions WR Calvin Johnson did not practice for the 2nd straight day. Reggie Bush was limited: <a href="http://t.co/nJjwLO0WPv">http://t.co/nJjwLO0WPv</a> <a href="http://t.co/UV4hBudbK0">pic.twitter.com/UV4hBudbK0</a></p>&mdash; New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/522848150659162112">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> RB Mark Ingram, C Jonathan Goodwin and FB Erik Lorig fully participated in practice for 2nd straight day. ...</p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522846021328449536">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> CB Patrick Robinson and LBs Ramon Humber and Kyle Knox remained out of team drills.</p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522846105772761088">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Meanwhile, RB Pierre Thomas and LB Ronald Powell were held out of practice due to illness. Both practiced Wednesday ...</p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522845586148839424">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>And <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> CB Keenan Lewis was held out of team drills with a toe injury -- also new to the injury report</p>&mdash; Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTriplett/status/522845810573062146">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Payton&#39;s Thursday press conference (VIDEO) <a href="http://t.co/Aai69mcguW">http://t.co/Aai69mcguW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash">#Saints</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NOvsDET?src=hash">#NOvsDET</a> <a href="http://t.co/JcmjCMfzpA">pic.twitter.com/JcmjCMfzpA</a></p>&mdash; New Orleans Saints (@Saints) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints/status/522841441903452160">October 16, 2014</a></blockquote>

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Saints Prepare For Lions

Saints see defense turning corner as Lions loom
"You're going to see something starting this week," said Galette, who has three sacks this season after a career-high 12 last season. "I'm real confident. We've had a great week of practice. We haven't practiced like that in a while. You can feel it, too, just the aura around everybody that we're about to turn this thing around."

Saints shoot for first road win in Detroit - SportsNOLA
Detroit has the NFL’s No. 1 ranked defense, allowing just 270.7 yards per game, while the Saints will counter with Drew Brees, who is 4-0 against the Lions in his career, and the NFC’s top-ranked offense, piling up 442.8 YPG.

Saints remember, appreciate 'Reggie Bush years'
New Orleans' source for complete news coverage of the Saints football team with schedules, scores and stats. WWLTV.com

The Drew Brees Road Conundrum
The New Orleans Saints are only 6-13 in regular season road games since 2012. Call this a conundrum. When you think about it, is Drew Brees the problem?

New Orleans Saints pass protection actually a strength against sack-happy Lions: First and 10 | NOLA.com
Saints safety Rafael Bush, predictably, fit in seamlessly on the starting defense

New Orleans Saints appearing optimistic tight end Jimmy Graham may be available against Detroit, plus other story links | NOLA.com
Here is a look at the national media is writing about the New Orleans Saints and the NFL.

Saints' Tim Lelito feels 'privileged' to play in home state stadium against Lions, plus other NFC South links | NOLA.com
The latest news from around the NFC South

Saints receivers Joe Morgan, Nick Toon doing 'really good,' but game day lineup tough to crack | NOLA.com
Morgan was active in Week 1 when Kenny Stills was out with a hamstring injury. He didn't have any receptions and hasn't played since.

John DeShazier: Saints defense knows it needs to 'get after' Detroit's quarterback
Matthew Stafford, while talented, has taken a lot of sacks

New Orleans Saints' Thursday injury report for Detroit Lions game
Jimmy Graham was listed on Thursday's injury report

Quotes from Sean Payton's Thursday review
Sean Payton spoke with the media after practice on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014

Know the enemy: New Orleans Saints on Ndamukong Suh, Lions' front four - ESPN
Saints players know NFL's No. 1 defense presents tough challenge

Saints "still optimistic" about Jimmy Graham’s availability | ProFootballTalk
The Saints travel to Detroit for a game with the Lions this Sunday and they aren't ready to say whether they'll have tight end Jimmy Graham in the lineup.

New Orleans Saints' reunion with OC Joe Lombardi might require tweaks - ESPN
METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions might have to pull out their secret playbooks when they meet on Sunday -- or at least throw in a few new wrinkles -- since they both have so much inside information on the other’s offense.

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Lions Prepare for Saints

Detroit Lions Injury Report: Ansah and Ross Return
The Detroit Lions have released their new injury report with updates to Ziggy Ansah and Jeremy Ross while Calvin Johnson remains out from practice.

Jim Caldwell Discusses his Coordinators and Facing the Saints
When meeting with the media today, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell talked about his coordinators, Ziggy Ansah, DeAndre Levy and various Saints topics.

Jim Caldwell's quotes from Thursday - Pride Of Detroit
A recap of Jim Caldwell's comments from Thursday.

Joe Lombardi and Teryl Austin's quotes from Thursday - Pride Of Detroit
A recap of Joe Lombardi and Teryl Austin's comments from Thursday.

Detroit Lions work out tight ends Kellen Davis, Richard Gordon - ESPN
Detroit Lions work out Kellen Davis, Richard Gordon with tight ends banged up

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Other Saints News

Brad Pitt -- DON'T GIVE UP ON DREW BREES | TMZ.com
The Sexiest Man Alive (1995, 2000) was leaving an event in Washington D.C. last night when we asked if he had any advice for the New Orleans Saints QB -- who hasn't exactly been posting those legendary Fantasy stats we're used to.

Saints vague on why Khairi Fortt was released - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN
Sean Payton declined to offer specifics on why the New Orleans Saints released rookie linebacker Khairi Fortt during their bye week.

Willie Roaf Set for Oct. 18 NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute
Louisiana Tech and the National Football Foundation will jointly honor Willie Roaf, a 2014 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, as the Bulldogs host UTSA

Saints glad they took chance on Khiry Robinson despite troubled past - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN
METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans Saints running back Khiry Robinson opened up last week about a troubled past that included multiple cases of criminal act

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NFL News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ax director of player development Isaiah Harris following arrest | FOX Sports
Find live NFL scores, pro football player & team news, NFL videos, rumors, stats, standings, team schedules & fantasy football games on FOX Sports.

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Video

VIDEO: Junior Galette on rushing the QB
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Junior Galette spoke with the media Thursday, Oct. 16 following practice. (Video by Justin Stout)

VIDEO: David Hawthorne on Detroit's offensive scheme
New Orleans Saints linebacker David Hawthorne spoke with reporters Thursday, Oct. 16 about the similarities between the Saints and Lions offenses. (Video by Justin Stout)

VIDEO: Corey White on the Detroit offense
New Orleans Saints cornerback Corey White spoke with reporters Thursday, Oct. 16 on the challenges of playing the Detroit Lions. (Video by Justin Stout)

VIDEO: Zach Strief on his bye week
New Orleans Saints right tackle Zach Strief met with the media Wednesday, Oct. 15. (Video by Justin Stout)

VIDEO: Ben Grubbs talks about the Lions defense
New Orleans Saints left guard Ben Grubbs talked Wednesday, Oct. 15 about playing the Detroit Lions. (Video by Justin Stout)