SB Nation - Dan Campbell

2009 Statistical Rankings: 49er Players Through Week 2

Florida Danny — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:00:54 -0000

On Wednesday, we here at Niners Nation (NN) introduced a new weekly post presenting Football Outsiders' (FO) team rankings according to defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA). Hope you enjoyed it, and hope you continue to read it for the next 15 (or more?) weeks. It turns out that FO also publishes player DVOA stats, as well as advanced stats measuring the performance of each team's OL, DEF front seven, and secondary. These stats are what I'll be presenting today, and will continue to present each Thursday or Friday during the regular season (and playoffs?).

If you don't know what DVOA is or how to interpret it, consult Wednesday's post. It's got my English-language answers for these relatively complicated questions. For today's post, and beware it's a long one, I'll be explaining FO's player stats as I present them.

After the jump, I'll discuss the player stats for the 49ers' QBs, RBs, WRs, TEs, OL, DL, and DBs...

Before I begin, I just want to alert everyone to something that I'm sure would come up in the comments were I not to address it in the article. Basically, I'm only going to present stats for individual 49ers that have enough passes (15), carries (16), or targets (6 for WR, 3 for TE) to qualify for FO's most valid individual statistics, DVOA and DYAR. Below the relevant "yardage opportunity" thresholds, these statistics can be wildly erratic from week to week, and - frankly - aren't as trustworthy or enlightening as I'd like them to be. Let me make clear though that this would be my opinion about any statistic, as all statistics are negatively impacted by extremely small sample size. Furthermore, I'd still take FO's small-sample stats over the popular NFL stats because, although both may be flawed when sample size is low, at least FO's stats are adjusted for opponent (after Week 3), game situation, and other important factors.

With that said, it's on to the stats and rankings...

QUARTERBACKS

Here are Shaun Hill's stats through 2 games (bold = top 8 in the NFL; italics = bottom 8):

DYAR	Rank	Passes	Actual Pass Yards	Yds Per Pass	Rank
-20	31	65	296	4.55	32
DVOA	Rank		EYds	EYds Per Pass	Rank
-16.5%	30		278	4.28	31

Before I discuss this table, let me explain what Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement (DYAR) and Effective Yards (EYds) mean. I've done this before on NN, but I'll do it again for the sake of clarification and NN newbie introduction.

For DYAR, FO first determined - via statistical analysis of NFL historical data - a "replacement level" of performance for each position that represents the number of yards an average NFL "backup" gains at that position. DYAR compares a player's yardage total to this "replacement level," and, as such, represents the difference between a player's yardage total and the yardage total that would be expected if he was replaced by an average backup at his position. In other words, DYAR answers the question that's often thrown around when it's time to argue about the MVP, "What would happen to Team X's offense if Player A got hurt and was replaced by Player B, who's an average backup?" In this sense, DYAR is a measure of a player's value to his team's offense, with positive numbers meaning his offense would be worse off yardage-wise without him. Now, obviously some backups are not average at all (See Sproles, Darren), so I'm using the MVP analogy in the name of education, not exact methodological precision. The purpose of DYAR is to compare players at the same position in a statistically valid way, not to settle the MVP debate. Therefore, it's important to realize that FO's use of a replacement level - something that's also done in sabermetrics - is aimed at creating a trustworthy statistic (by standardizing, and providing a baseline for starter performance) rather than providing fodder for sports talk radio.

For EYds, FO simply adjusts each players yardage totals based on the same factors for which it adjusts their DVOA statistic (i.e., opponent, game situation, etc.). In other words, EYds is basically DVOA without the whole "play success" determination that I described on Wednesday. This is intuitive because both are grounded in the concept that some yards (e.g., rushing yards on 3^rd and 20 against DET) are easier to gain than others (e.g., rushing yards on 3^rd and 2 against PIT), and therefore that high-difficulty yards should be worth more (i.e., are more efficient) than low-difficulty yards. Because this has the effect of standardizing (aka evening out) game situations for all players at the same position, EYds tells you how many yards a player would be expected to have if he played in average game situations. When a player's EYds is higher than his actual yards, it means that (a) he's been playing in game situations that are more difficult than average, and (b) he's actually been more efficient than his actual yards would seem to suggest. In contrast, the opposite is true when EYds is lower than actual yards.

Just to make EYds as clear as possible, here's a quick example:

Thomas Jones runs for 10 yards on 3^rd and 1 against TEN this week, while Willis McGahee runs for 10 yards on 3^rd and 10 against CLE this week. Both Jones and McGahee ended up with 10 rushing yards according to the NFL. However, we all know that Jones' 10 yards were more valuable than McGahee's because TEN is the top-ranked run DEF, whereas CLE is the 31^st-ranked run DEF. Now, let's say that, on 3^rd and 1, TEN's run DEF is 25% better than average (i.e., each rushing yard on 3^rd and 1 against TEN's DEF is worth 125%), whereas CLE's run DEF is 25% worse than average (i.e., each rushing yard on 3^rd and 1 against CLE's DEF is worth 75%).

Given these defensive situational stats, Jones' 10-yard run would have been expected to go 12.5 yards against an average run DEF (10 x 12.5 = 12.5), while McGahee's run would have been expected to go 7.5 yards (10 x .75 = 7.5). In other words, Jones' EYds for his run was 12.5, whereas McGahee's EYds for his run was 7.5. Therefore, the fact that Jones' EYds (12.5) is higher than his actual yards (10) accurately shows that (a) Jones' run was in a more difficult game situation, and (b) Jones was more efficient than McGahee. Notice also how going only by actual yards, which is what the NFL provides and pundits always refer to, our conclusion about which RB is better would have incorrectly been, "they're equals." This is precisely the major benefit of relying on EYds instead of actual yards.

OK, enough with the statistics lessons...

By any valid measure, Hill's value and effectiveness through 2 games compares pretty unfavorably to the other starting NFL QBs. With respect to his DYAR, the 49ers' pass OFF would actually be 20 yards better through 2 games if he had been replaced with an average NFL backup. Unfortunately, the Niners don't appear to have an average NFL backup on their roster, at least that's what I think. The kicker is that, even if you consider Alex Smith to be an average backup, Hill's DYAR suggests an improvement of only 20 yards were Smith to be elevated to the starting lineup. And one more thing about Hill's DYAR just to drive the point home: The only starting QBs that are less valuable (i.e., have a lower DYAR) than Hill so far this year are Brady Quinn (aka "1 TD guy"), Jake Delhomme (aka "6 turnovers guy), and Matt Stafford (aka "8 days on the job" guy). That's quite impressive company, indeed.

With respect to EYds, Hill's are lower than his actual passing yards, which means that his meager production has unfortunately come in situations easier than average. Furthermore, if we compare Hill to a starter who has similar actual passing yards through 2 games, we find that he's actually been less effective than - gasp - Marc Bulger, who has 66 more EYds than actual passing yards (355 vs. 289).

Of course, all of the above stats are affected by the fact that Jimmy Raye is not Sean Payton and Isaac Bruce is not Marques Colston. In other words, SF's OFF doesn't require much in the way of passing yardage, and SF's WRs aren't exactly Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens when it comes to yards after catch.

The latter factor is something we can't really account for, but the former is accounted for by the per-pass stats in the table. As you can see, Hill has thrown for 4.55 yards per pass, which is pretty abysmal when you consider that the average is 6.25 among the 35 QBs with 15 passes or more. What's worse though is Hill's 4.28 EYds per pass, which is over 30% lower than the qualified-QB average. Not to mention that the #1 QB, Drew Brees, has an EYds/Pass that's triple that of Hill's (12.83).

RUNNING BACKS

Among Niner RBs, only Frank Gore qualifies for the most valid FO stats through 2 games (> 14 runs). Here they are:

DYAR	Rank	Runs	Actual Run Yards	Yds Per Run	Rank
24	13	38	237	6.24	5
DVOA	Rank		EYds	EYds Per Run	Rank
7.6%	15		169	4.45	17

Looking at DYAR, Gore has been more valuable than all but 12 RBs, the most valuable of which has been Marion Barber (DYAR = 75). If we translate Gore's DYAR into DYAR per run, we see that replacing him with an average backup would cost the Niners' run OFF over half of a yard per carry. Of course, the question is whether or not Glen Coffee is an average backup. Based on the preseason, you'd think he's above average. However, because (a) preseason stats don't mean anything (See Clayton, Thomas; sorry Ninjames), and (b) he's a rookie, you can't be so sure of that above-average status.

Regarding EYds, Gore's are considerably lower than his actual run yards, which means that his production has come in easier-than-average situations. I have a sneaking suspicion that this is due to his pair of 80-yard TDs against the Seahawks, which both came in a relatively easy running situation (1^st & 10 with the Niners up 3 points). I can't know this for certain though because I'm not privy to the situation-specific NFL averages that FO uses to determine whether the difficulty of a particular game situation. However, it's interesting to note that the RB immediately ahead of Gore in actual run yards, Chris Johnson with 254, also seems to have had his EYds (145) take a massive hit thanks to 2 long TD runs in Week 2, albeit in (intuitively) easier game situations. Specifically, Johnson's 57-yard TD run came on 3^rd & 19 with the score tied at 0, and his 91-yard TD run came on 3^rd & 10 with the score tied at 24. Running the ball on 3^rd & Long with the score tied against HOU's run DEF sure seems like about as easy a game situation as you can get to run the ball. Although this is most likely why his yards-to-EYds difference is even larger than Gore's, I still think both of their differences are due in major part to the length of their TD runs because, subtracting 25%, for example, from an 80-yard "easy" run (or 20 yards) does much more damage to a RB's EYds than subtracting 25% from a 20-yard "easy" run (or 5 yards); 15 more yards of damage to be exact.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Among Niner WRs - and this shouldn't surprise you - only Isaac Bruce qualifies for the most valid FO stats through 2 games (> 5 targets). Incidentally, you should know that, for WRs and TEs, FO analyzes all plays in which a player was the intended receiver of a pass, not just the passes he actually catches. For your convenience, I've included "Catch Rate" in the table, which is simply Receptions divided by Targets. OK, here are Bruce's stats:

DYAR	Rank	Targets	Actual Rec Yards	Yds Per Target	Rank
-2	55	16	109	6.81	46
DVOA	Rank	Catch Rate	EYds	EYds Per Target	Rank
-14.3%	55	50.0%	99	6.19	54

According to DYAR, Bruce could be replaced by an average backup and the 49ers wouldn't lose much in the way of receiving yards. Unlike the situation with Gore, the 49ers likely do have an average backup or two on their roster. The question becomes, "Does Bruce's experience, leadership, and rapport with Hill make him more valuable than the average WR backup with which you'd replace him; say Brandon Jones or - gasp - a signed Michael Crabtree?" At this point, I'd say the answer is probably, "Yes, Bruce is more valuable right now."

I think the take home message of this table is that the 49ers' pass OFF doesn't have a #1 WR. Alternatively, you might say that anyone who thinks the 49ers have a #1 WR is sorely mistaken - at least through 2 games. I say this because Bruce, the Niners' nominal #1 WR, actually ranks as a middle-of-the-pack #2 WR according to every stat in the table. Now, as was the case with Hill, he's being affected by Raye's offensive philosophy. As evidence for this Raye effect, I'll echo something Mike Sando reported recently: Only twice has Raye been the offensive coordinator (OC) of a 1,000-yard WR, and only twice has one of his WRs had 65 catches or more. Interestingly enough, Bruce is on pace for a 64-catch, 872-yard season. Coincidence? I think not.

TIGHT ENDS

Among Niner TEs, only Vernon Davis qualifies for the most valid FO stats through 2 games (> 2 targets). Here they are:

DYAR	Rank	Targets	Actual Rec Yards	Yds Per Target	Rank
0	31	13	72	5.54	34
DVOA	Rank	Catch Rate	EYds	EYds Per Target	Rank
-7.7%	31	53.8%	61	4.69	32

All hail your 49ers' 2006 1^st-round pick! The 31^st-most valuable TE in a 32-team league! Seriously, though, there are two OFF positions that were poised to benefit when Raye replaced Mike Martz as OC: RB and TE. After all, Tony Gonzalez made his bones when Raye was in KC. Not to mention the fact that Martz had the perennial nobodies like Jeff Robinson, Roland Williams, Ernie Conwell, Brandon Manumaleuna, and Dan Campbell manning the TE position during his tenures in STL and DET. And yet, VD's 2-game "renaissance" consists of vaulting from 37^th in DYAR last year to 31^st this year.

To be fair, ARI and SEA have two of the better sets of LBs and Ss in the NFL, so it might be the case that VD's stats will improve when FO incorporates opponent adjustments after Week 3. Maybe, maybe not; we'll just have to wait and see. I wouldn't hold my breath though. The bottom line is that the 49ers have a seemingly above-average backup in Delanie Walker, so they might actually benefit from starting him over VD. Whatever the case may be, it's getting awfully close to "fish or cut bait" time for the guy in the fuchsia shirt.

Here he is soliciting your vote for the poll:

via blogs.orlandosentinel.com

OFFENSIVE LINE

For the sake of brevity, I'm not going to explain FO's methodology behind their stats for OLs and DEF front sevens. You can find their thorough explanation here. Rather, I'll just tell you that, in the next table, the following stats, are interpreted in the following ways:

Adjusted Line Yards (ALY) - Run yards per RB carry (up to 10 per carry) that are attributable to the OL. This is a measure of OL run-blocking performance, with higher numbers meaning better OL play.
Power Success Rate - % of runs that are successful on 3^rd/4^th Down & 2 or Less (i.e., ones that result in a 1^st down or TD). This is another measure of OL run-blocking performance, with higher %s meaning better OL play.
Stuffed Rate - % of RB carries that gain 0 or negative yardage. This is another measure of OL run-blocking performance, with lower %s meaning better OL play.
Adjusted Sack Rate (ASR) - Sacks per pass attempt. This is a measure of OL pass-blocking performance, with lower %s meaning better OL play.

Each of these stats has been adjusted for game situation, with all stats except ASR also having been adjusted for OFF formation because some formations produce more OL-reliant rushing yards than others. As with other FO stats I've presented over the past 2 days, opponent adjustments won't kick in until after Week 3. OK, here are the 49ers' OL stats through 2 games:

ALY	Rank	Power Success Rate	Rank	ASR	Rank
2.51	31	50.0%	25	10.0%	29
Actual Yds Per RB Carry	Rank	Stuffed Rate	Rank	Actual Sack Rate	Rank
5.20	5	24.0%	23	12.1%	30

Let's start with pass-blocking. Yeah, not so good. According to their actual sack rate, Hill is getting sacked about once every 8 times he drops back to pass; good (bad?) for 30^th in the NFL. According to ASR, the picture's a little rosier, but still not pretty: game situations have accounted for between 1 and 2 total sacks thus far this season, meaning that the OL is actually pass blocking better than what basic NFL stats would otherwise indicate (ask me in the comments if you want to know how I came up with this). Of course, surrendering 6 or 7 sacks in 60+ dropbacks isn't going to cut it in the long run (long pass?...sorry, had to).

In terms of run blocking, it sure looks like the Niners' OL isn't doing it very well. To begin, only half of SF's yards per RB carry can be attributable to the OL, a stat that's no doubt affected by Gore's twin 80-yard TD runs. In other words, outside of those 2 runs, in which the lion's share of the yardage was thanks to Gore's breakaway speed, the SF run OFF has been the proverbial 3 yards and a cloud of dust. More proof of the OL's lackluster run-blocking performance through 2 games is their relative inability to (a) pick up 1^st downs on short-yardage runs, and (b) prevent DEF penetration for stops at or behind the line of scrimmage. These conclusions are based on the OL's power success rate and stuffed rate.

Below is a chart displaying the OL's directional run-blocking performance (click to enlarge):

Looking at the top of the chart, you can see the 49ers are running the ball predominately up the middle and behind RT. Keeping in mind that the NFL standard for teams with a right-handed QB is to have their better run blockers on the right side of the line and their better pass blockers on the left side of the line, the Niners' preference for middle-right runs is in the top quartile of an already middle-right run-heavy league. It's also interesting to note - not to mention very peculiar - that SF hasn't the run the ball to the outside right at all in their first 2 games.

With respect to directional ALY, notice how inept the 49ers' OL has been on runs behind the tackles. This is especially troubling behind RT for the reason I just described: it's where their OFF prefers to run the ball. Hey. At least they're only below average when it comes to running up the middle. Of course, these stats probably confirm what we've been seeing in the run game from our 49ers. Namely, 3 yards and a cloud of dust; keep running it up the middle for minimal gains regardless of whether the DEF is stopping it or not - and they have been.

DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN

The same stats for OL can be applied in reverse to the DEF. However, rather than these stats measuring the performance of the DL, it's more accurate to say that they measure the performance of the DEF front 7 because LBs - and sometimes Ss - are involved in run-stopping. So here they are:

ALY	Rank	Power Success Rate	Rank	ASR	Rank
3.24	8	100.0%	32	5.8%	14
Actual Yds Per RB Carry	Rank	Stuffed Rate	Rank	Actual Sack Rate	Rank
3.13	6	32.3%	2	4.5%	13

Once again, we see statistical proof that the DEF is carrying this team. Except for being perfectly unsuccessful in short-yardage 3^rd/4^th down situations, they've been stout overall stopping the run. Although perhaps not apparent at first glance, the Niners' middle-of-the-road ASR is an important development. For one, they were a dismal 26^th last season, with an ASR of 5.0%. Also - and this is a nuanced point, so try to keep up with me here - the 2008 49ers' DEF had an ASR that was lower than its' actual sack rate, whereas this season the reverse is true. In other words, last year's pathetic sack total was - even more depressingly - a statistical mirage due to favorable game situations. Think "losing by 20 points on 3^rd & 20 in the early 4^th quarter." In contrast, this year's pass rush has actually been hurt, rather than helped, by the game situations in which they've played. Aside from this being yet another vindication of the validity of FO's stats, it more importantly suggests that the Niners pass rush might have more to show for itself once game situations even out a little bit as the season progresses.

Below is the DEF front 7's directional run-stopping chart (click to enlarge):

As you can see, the 49ers are a top-8 DEF through 2 games when it comes to stopping runs to the outside. Is this a speed thing? Is this a Nate Clements and Shawntae Spencer thing? Is this an overall aggressive philosophy thing? You decide.

One other thing I'll point out about the directional stats is a bit of good fortune the DEF front 7 seems to have experienced in their first 2 games. Namely, they allow over 7 adjusted yards per RB carry when the opponent runs behind their LT, but - thankfully - ARI and SEA have basically ignored that major weakness in their play-calling. If I were MIN, or any other future 2009 opponent, I'd be looking to exploit this weakness much more than 3.2% of the time.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

Finally, FO puts out DVOA stats for each pass DEF that tell you how they've performed against their various types of opposing receivers. As is the case with all passing stats, these look at every pass attempt, not just those that are completed. Again, I've made a reader-friendly chart for you (click to enlarge):

Although it's quite difficult to figure out, a thorough search of the internet, NFL game books, and Fooch's DVR led to the pass DEF formations displayed above. In nickel, Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson move to DE, Dre Bly comes in as the 3^rd CB, Mark Roman - ugh - replaces Michael Lewis at SS, and Lewis moves down to replace Takeo Spikes at WLB. In dime, either Lewis moves back to S (with Dashon Goldson and Roman) or Tarell Brown replaces Lewis as the 6^th DB.

As for the stats, the chart shows that Spencer and Bly have actually played more efficiently than Clements. Of course, it's once again important to remember that the above stats haven't been adjusted for opponent yet. Obviously, Larry Fitzgerald and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are 2 of the best #1 WRs in the NFL, so Clements' stats stand to improve simply by virtue of the adjustments. I don't anticipate much of a change in the stats vs. TEs, because SF has faced one really good TE (John Carlson) and one invisible TE (Anthony Becht), which pretty much averages things out anyway. And one more thing I don't envision changing much is the pass DEF's poor performance against RBs, but that might just be - at least in part - by design.

BOTTOM LINE

OK, so through 2 games, we can draw the following conclusions about the 2009 49ers based on their team statistics thus far:

Hill has produced pass-unfriendly numbers despite playing in pass-friendly situations. But having Jimmy Raye as an OC is a superceding pass-unfriendly situation.
Gore's been a valuable and efficient RB, though not quite as much as what those two 80-yard runs might suggest. Sorry for the reality check, but don't expect him to be gaining 6+ yards per carry for the remainder of the season.
Bruce may be the Niners' best WR, but he sure hasn't been a #1 WR, which means Morgan hasn't been a #2 WR, and so on.
VD...can win without him.
The OL hasn't been run-blocking very well, which is surprising, what with all the practice they've been getting. They've been pretty bad compared to the rest of the league at pass-blocking too, but still better than what their 8 sacks allowed might suggest.
The DEF front seven has been stout against the run, especially when the opponent has run to the outside. Also, their pass rush through 2 games is statistically better than last year's, and may improve even more once their game situations even out.
The secondary is defending well against #2 WRs, #3 WRs, and TEs, but not so well against #1 WRs and RBs. Clements' numbers will probably improve once FO starts making opponent adjustments, but the poor pass DEF against RBs probably won't.

OK, that's it for this week. If the length of these 2 posts has rubbed you the wrong way or made you feel like you just survived being hit in the back by Patrick Willis, don't fret. Next week, I won't be trying to teach everyone how FO's stats were developed, what they mean, how they're interpreted, etc. That'll make the posts a whoooooooole lot shorter. So, see you again next week, hopefully after a Niner win!

**DVOA, DYAR, ALY, and ASR statistics used to produce this article were obtained from Football Outsiders.

Poll

After what you've seen from Vernon Davis in the first 2 games of 2009, should the 49ers fish or cut bait?

Fish

437 votes

Cut bait

65 votes

502 votes | Poll has closed

Sean Payton and Reggie Bush Press Conference Transcripts from Day Two of Saints Minicamp

Saintsational — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:21:33 -0000

More photos » by Bill Haber - AP

6 months ago: New Orleans Saints defensive back Malcolm Jenkins (27) goes through a drill during morning football practice at the team's training facility in Metairie, La., Saturday, June 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Browse more photos »

Sean Payton

From the Times-Pic

Opening statement from New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton on Saturday:

"Just a couple notes: Malcolm Jenkins obviously had his first practice; Thomas Morstead had his first practice. With Dan Campbell, I mentioned yesterday that he's going to have surgery done on Monday morning. With Darnell Dinkins, it's an ankle sprain, and with Dan Morgan, it's a calf strain. We'll go from there."

How much better can this offense be with a healthy Jeremy Shockey?

"Certainly he's a guy both in the running game and in the passing game that we feel like is an asset to what we're trying to do. When you're at your full depth, obviously you have a chance to be more efficient so that's one aspect of it. We're looking forward to training camp where he'll be a year removed from both of the injuries that he's had. I think that definitely can help us."

What will Heath Evans add to your offense? Is he a contender to be a short-yardage back for you?

"I mentioned right after the draft that the primary focal point for him is as a fullback, both in the running game and in the passing game. I'm sure there will be some situations where we'll decide to hand him the ball. He's certainly a factor for us as a blocker and also as a receiver. I wouldn't go as far ahead as to say that he's going to be the short-yardage back - I wouldn't say that. He's probably going to be in a lot of short-yardage situations as the blocker. We'll see week by week."

As a veteran, what kind of locker room presence does he bring?

"He's a guy that has won a lot of games and any time that you can get a player from a successful organization, I think it adds to your team chemistry. He's a good leader and he's a guy that works hard. He does all the little things right. I think that's all a plus."

Is he an upgrade over Mike Karney as a blocker?

"We feel so. That's one of the big reasons that we ended up making this move. We felt like we needed to be more consistent at the point of attack as a blocker in that position and we feel like he does that well, talking about Heath. He has good athleticism to find the linebackers or the safeties at the second level; some of the things that we're asking the fullback to do in the running game. He's also versatile enough to where he's a guy that you can throw the ball to as well."

How will Darren Sharper's experience help the young guys in the secondary?

"His experience from the amount of games that he has played in this league is an asset, not only for himself but for the players that are watching film with him in the film room. You don't ever know exactly the type of leadership roles that veteran players that come in from other teams are going to have and we don't try to force those roles on any player. A lot of it comes from what they're doing on the field. Certainly there is competition too and we think we have a lot of new faces in the secondary that are going to help us, both at safety and corner."

Do you like the collection of talent that you have in the secondary?

"I like our spots."

Do you feel like you've made a big upgrade there?

"You just go through it and you can talk about the addition of a Jabari Greer, the additions of Darren Sharper, the addition of Malcolm Jenkins, Tracy Porter I look at as an addition because he's coming back off an injury. Those are a lot of new faces right off the bat before we get to Pierson Prioleau and some of the other players. To answer your question, yes."

After seeing Jenkins in action some, is he the same player you expected when you drafted him?

"Yes. When we drafted him, we felt like we were getting a guy who is physical, who is smart, who is disciplined, a guy that plays the run as well as he plays the pass. He has long levers and he has good size for the position. We're excited about him and we're excited that he was able to get out here earlier than we had anticipated having graduated."

Is it too early to tell if he's been in his playbook and doing his homework since the rookie camp?

"I think he's pretty smart. For all the new players there is a learning curve, but I would say that his ability to learn is a strength for him. I think he's a pretty smart player and he has handled the bulk of what we're doing now - especially in this veteran camp - pretty well."

Did Tracy Porter surprise you with how quickly he adjusted and played before his injury last year?

"There was a period of time in training camp, if you recall he pulled a hamstring and on the same play he and Devery Henderson both went down, and that kind of slowed him. He was able to come back before the start of the regular season and get healthy and we felt like he was on track and was playing at a very high level. Having him back is a big plus for us, a huge plus."

Do you expect Joey Harrington to compete for the number two spot now that he's here for a full offseason?

"Yes. I've talked to Joey about it and certainly Mark (Brunell) understands that each year you're competing for that position. It's something where each day they come out and take these reps. You may only get 28 team reps and I think both of those guys value those reps and understand the importance of being consistent. We'll continue - like we do with all of these positions at this time of year - to mix up the lineups and try to move guys in and out of spots. But certainly he's competing for that position and I think he understands that."

Will Reggie Bush work this afternoon?

"We'll see. Yesterday he got two (practices) in and I wanted to back off of him this morning. I want to see how he feels. I know if he doesn't go this afternoon, he'll work tomorrow morning."

Are there any positions right now where you see a great deal of competition?

"You look at some of the positions where there has been more turnover. We talked about the secondary and there are a lot of guys there competing for spots - at the corner position and at the safety position. There's a lot of competition I think at running back. We're certainly seeing some new guys on the defensive line and I think when we get through this offseason portion of the calendar and get into training camp, ultimately you start grading the preseason games and see how they handle everything."

Is it safe to say that the guys that are in camp right now are going to be your running backs this year?

"Yes. We feel pretty good about this group. The key is just developing and keeping these guys in tune to what we're doing. We have good depth. We have some good young prospects and we're excited about it."

Did you guys tell Pierre Thomas to bulk up?

"I don't know that he has bulked up so much. I've heard that but I think you're going to see him at a similar weight that he was a year ago. You have to be careful at that position. Especially at the running back and receiver positions, bigger isn't always necessarily better. The right weight is what's most important; the weight he's most comfortable carrying. He's probably three or four pounds heavier today than he was last season. I would anticipate his playing weight to be similar to what it was last season."

What was his playing weight?

"Probably in the (2)20s range; (2)24, (2)25."

Have you seen any loss of agility or speed in him?

"I just haven't seen that much of a change to begin to look at it. Mike Bell and I talked yesterday about his weight. He has played halfback before at about (2)18 or (2)17. He's probably (2)28 now. He's a guy that's a little bit heavier than what he's used to playing halfback at. Before these guys leave here in three weeks, we'll spend a lot of time assigning the reporting weights to these players. That's a pretty important topic because it's something that you want to be on with. You don't want to be too low or too high with the specific player's body type. Their body fat and how their body is made up is important in determining that."

What are your thoughts on the big crowd that has been out here for the two open practices?

"I think it's easy to feel the fans' excitement year-in and year-out here. I've said before that it's a fan base that is unique to any other that I've been a part of and I've been in some pretty big cities with pretty good football traditions in Dallas, New York and Philadelphia. But there is a uniqueness here and it's great that they have an opportunity to see some practices at this time of the year when they're all anxiously awaiting the season. It's good to see them out here."

Reggie Bush

From the New Orleans Saints official website

Q: Do you think you have a good overall group of running backs?

A: I think we definitely have a good core group of running backs. Everybody here that we have here right now are fully capable of stepping in and getting the job done. We're very confident about our group of running backs we have right now.

Q: What does Heath Evans bring to the table with veterans like Mike Karney and Deuce McAllister having left as far as a leadership role?

A: Experience. He also brings versatility to our group and that is really important for us at the fullback position, because that's going to just make us that more dangerous and enable us to create a lot of mismatches with defenses. On top of that the experience part is huge for us. The leadership role in terms of having been playing for championships and in a Super Bowl and coming from a winning organization brings an attitude that can only help us.

Q: Do you think there is a drop-off at fullback with the loss of Karney?

A: No, not at all.

Q: How can you guys improve offensively, even though your team was ranked number one?

A: We can always get better. We didn't make the playoffs last year so we can get better. It's not just about the offense or the defense, it's about us as a team collectively winning. Whether it's the number one offense or the number 15 offense, whatever it is, however it is collectively winning or not just individually or the offense doing well and the defense not doing as well. We want to collectively play well as a team.

Q: Do you think you guys will have problems in third and one situations this year and that you have the personnel to be successful in that situation?

A: I definitely feel like we have a chance to do that. I don't think that's ever a question for us. We're such a versatile offense we can line up or split five wides and get a first down. We're not that worried about first downs, third and ones or fourth and ones.

Q: Do you think you have a good overall group of running backs?

Q: What does Heath Evans bring to the table with veterans like Mike Karney and Deuce McAllister having left as far as a leadership role?

Q: Do you think there is a drop-off at fullback with the loss of Karney?

A: No, not at all.

Q: How can you guys improve offensively, even though your team was ranked number one?

Q: Do you think you guys will have problems in third and one situations this year and that you have the personnel to be successful in that situation?

Transcript of Sean Payton's Minicamp Press Conference

Saintsational — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:03:28 -0000

Per the Times-Pic.

Opening Statement:

"The one player that wasn't here was Thomas Morstead, our punter. He was excused for a funeral and he'll be getting back tonight. It was our first morning of the minicamp and so far, so good. We just have a lot of work ahead of us."

How do you prepare for the looming four-game suspensions for Charles Grant and Will Smith?

"One of the things we'll do out here is to rotate the order of how these guys are getting reps. In minicamp here, with eight more OTAs, all of training camp - we have a lot of time to mix up the repetitions and we'll be mindful of that."

Are you comfortable with the personnel you have behind those guys heading into the season?

"Yes. Purposefully we've been able to go out and acquire some guys at that position and get some depth, some guys with experience. We'll be prepared."

Did Marques Colston have a setback or do you just decide to hold him out this morning?

"With him and Reggie (Bush) both, we're just gradually increasing their workload. Both of them are getting some work in after practice. They're at that stage where we just don't want them getting tangled up in a drill. We'll be smart and continue to increase their workload as we see fit. There hasn't been any setback."

Do you still have Reggie Bush and Lance Moore penciled in as your top punt returners?

"Obviously we're going to look at Reggie; we're going to look at Lance Moore; we're going to look at Skyler Green; we're going to look at Tracy Porter and Jason David. So if you look at five right now that are going to be getting some reps along with some of these younger guys, that's how it will start off."

So you're not shying away from having Bush and Moore back there?

"Not at all."

How has Darren Sharper fit in with the defense so far?

"So far pretty well. He obviously has a lot of experience and he's been here throughout the whole offseason as we've added and really installed the new defense. He's been involved with it just like everyone else. It's not like some of these new players coming in are behind because we're really looking at a new installation for everybody. He's been able to handle it from the beginning."

Is it the same for Jabari Greer?

"Yes, it's the same for Jabari and really quite honestly for all the veteran players that have been here."

What have you seen from Anthony Hargrove and Paul Spicer so far?

"Both of those players have played in the league and have experience. They're different types of players; Spicer is someone that we feel like is stout at the point of attack and plays the run well. Anthony Hargrove is someone that can get up the field and rush the passer. Their skill sets are a little different and yet they are at key positions for us, especially if we're looking at possibly losing some players to start the year."

When you bring those guys in, do they know about the possible suspensions for the other players?

"I think so. I think they're aware of it. The better question would be, 'Are we bringing those two players in if that looming suspension doesn't sit out there?' And the answer to that would be, probably yes."

It looked like Devery Henderson has improved on catching the ball cleanly. Have you seen that?

"I think that's accurate. He's taking some reps at 'X' right now, which is really the other side of the formation with Marques (Colston) not going full-speed yet. It's helpful when you can move him a little bit. Certainly he knows the 'Z' position, but outside of the specific position, he's catching it cleanly and playing with confidence and he's done a good job. He had a good morning practice today."

Is this the Jeremy Shockey that you wanted to get, the player we saw on the field today?

"It was our first practice and he's healthy, so you were able to see him move around better. But it's early and we'll see."

Is he as healthy right now as he has been since you traded for him?

"I think that's true. He came here off the injury in New York and then he had the sports hernia. There has been enough time between both of those injuries now to where if he's not 100 percent, he's getting back into a rhythm."

Has he been at the OTAs?

"We had four OTAs that he was excused from. I use that term although he doesn't have to be excused from them. There were four OTAs that he wasn't able to be at, and we're here at minicamp with eight more OTAs left."

What has been your early evaluation of having Tracy Porter back on the field?

"It's a big plus having him back. We felt like he was playing at a pretty high level when he got injured and he's certainly going to be in the mix at the corner position. We feel like he has a good skill set and understands the defense. He has good cover skills and range and it's a big plus."

How does Dan Morgan look right now?

"He's picking things up pretty quickly and he seems to be moving real well. His movement skills have been real impressive and that's encouraging."

This will be the fourth straight year of sellouts at the Superdome. What are your thoughts on that?

"It's a credit to our fan base. To some degree, the fan base has shifted a little bit after '06 and regionally you're seeing not only the local fans from New Orleans but more of the state, you're seeing Mississippi, you're seeing Florida, Alabama and that's all a positive thing, especially with the economy now. I think the fans are pretty smart in their decisions as to how they want to spend their money and it's a positive for the organization. It just keeps getting back to putting the right product on the field and certainly we're appreciative of it."

What happened to Darnell Dinkins and did Adrian Arrington hurt himself out there?

"Arrington is coming off a hamstring from the last OTA so we really didn't see him do much except for the walkthroughs. We feel like we'll have more of him here in the next two weeks. Dinkins and (Dan) Campbell were the two guys that got nicked up a little bit. Dinkins looked like he twisted his ankle and Campbell twisted his knee so we'll get those two guys examined. But Arrington had a hamstring from our last OTA practice."

Have you seen progress from Robert Meachem?

"Yes. He's healthy and he has a real good grasp of what we're doing. He's someone that has been involved the whole offseason and is playing with a lot more confidence."

There were a couple of skirmishes out there this morning. Does that just show the players are feisty and ready to compete?

"I think that's fairly common when you get together here and you start working against each other. The key is just being smart and understanding what time of the year we're at. We have a long way to go."

What was your reaction to Shockey's hospitalization? Did you talk to him?

"No, I didn't. I'm sure I'll have a chance to visit with him here. Really, outside of that, I know it happened on the weekend and out of town. What's important is that he's healthy and he gets back to what we're doing here and getting on the same page with what we're doing offensively and our quarterback. These repetitions for him - not only at the minicamp but at these next OTAs - are going to be important, especially coming off his injury."

Are you happy with his attitude throughout the offseason?

"This is the first offseason to my knowledge that he's been around and been working. I would speak first from a group standpoint and I say this at the team meeting last night, we have a chance to where we're over 35 players now that are over 100 percent of the workouts and that's probably double where we have been in the last two or three years. This is the first year where everyone has been here; in other words we haven't had a player holding out or not involved. There are various degrees of how much each player has been involved, but overall it has been our best offseason by far."

In the practices that we've seen it's looked like Dan Campbell has been catching the ball well and looks smooth out there. Is that what you've seen?

"He catches it well. I don't know about looking smooth, but he catches it well. He's someone I'm familiar with; obviously we had him in New York. He's a guy that gives you a presence in his blocking. He's strong at the point of attack in the run game, he can block defensive ends in the passing game, and he's functional as a receiver, which is important. If you look at his assets or his skill sets, it would start with his ability to block in the run and the pass. He made a real nice catch out here in the one drill."

How much catch-up will Malcolm Jenkins have to play when he finally gets back here?

"Fortunately, he has graduated and he's flying in tonight. He was able to get his exams done and he'll be in tonight and you guys will see him on the field tomorrow. That's pretty important. That gives us Saturday, it gives us Sunday and that gives us all these OTAs coming up, and he's already been at the rookie minicamp. I think the learning curve for him will be smaller than it would have been had he had to wait longer."

Did Mike Bell seem impressive to you out there?

"He has been doing well. He's done a good job. He still hasn't been here a full year but he knows what we're doing. He's big and he's a guy that is relatively young when you look at the age of a running back. He's someone that is in the mix and will have a lot of opportunities."

Considering Rob Ninkovich's ability to play defensive end, do you think this will be the most competitive battle you've had at long snapper here?

"One of the things that we've looked at with Rob is making sure that his focal point starts with being a snapper and then having the flexibility of being able to play on the defensive line. You're seeing him spend more and more time with the specialists than maybe in years past or when he was in Miami. You're always trying to develop that position and have depth at that position and have competition, and I think we have that right now. We'll see how that plays out."

Do you have him listed as a long snapper more than a defensive end now?

"I think that would be fair to say right now, long snapper first. With the depth at defensive end, it gives him the opportunity and the flexibility to go play on defense, but still that's the mindset as to how he's going to make the team."

Will you give that job to whoever performs best as a long snapper or does Ninkovich have an edge because he can do two things?

"We still have to look at the results at the position and make sure that whoever is our long snapper is someone that we have confidence in. Obviously it's an added bonus if a guy can play another position on the field because you're always looking to see how many snaps we can get these guys in when it comes to the game. That will factor in, but it still starts with snapping."

Addition by Subtraction or Addition by...Addition?

Saintsational — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:00:15 -0000

It's a fact that after every season, NFL teams begin the process of improving their roster during the long off-season months. These improvements can come about in two different ways: Getting rid of certain players/coaches and adding others. Most often, and rightfully so, it's the big name free agent signings or the top round draft choices that get talked about most. But after the Saints didn't re-sign Josh Bullocks and let go of Gary Gibbs this off-season, I started wondering if getting rid of a player or coach could be just as important to the betterment of a team as who they add.

We know defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs has been replaced by Gregg Williams and hope this is going to be an improvement for the Saints. If this turns out to be the case, which half of this defensive coordinator transition would factor most in the Saints defensive improvement; the absence of Gibbs or the presence of Williams? In reality, it's a combination of the two. But is it possible that one could play a larger role than the other? Perhaps Gibbs' system really was that bad and any new defensive coordinator would provide better results than what Gibbs was able to accomplish. If that was the case than I think it would be safe to assume that getting rid of Gibbs was more important than actually choosing the correct replacement, whoever that may have been. And this logic could just as easily apply to the players on the field. Anybody has got to be better than Josh Bullocks, right? Also remember that with a limited number of spots, roster re-arranging is a zero sum game. Every time the Saints sign a player, someone else has to go. Are the Saints getting rid of the right players or are they releasing a future Pro Bowler?

So let's get a little philosophical with this today. On the whole, have the Saints improved more because of the players they have added or because of the players they've gotten rid of this off-season? Are there at least specific instances where this was true this off-season? Is it even possible that getting rid of a player/coach is more important than acquiring one?

As a quick refresher and to help facilitate discussion, here is a list of some personnel that are not returning to New Orleans this season as well as some players who will be making their regular season debut with the team. This list is meant for illustration purposes only and is not making any comparisons.

Position	Former Player	New Player
Def. Coordinator	Gary Gibbs	Gregg Williams
CB	Aaron Glenn	Malcolm Jenkins
S	Kevin Kaesviharn	Darren Sharper
CB	Mike McKenzie	Jabari Greer
S	Josh Bullocks	Pierson Prioleau
TE	Mark Campbell	Darnell Dinkins, Dan Campbell
RB	Aaron Stecker	Lynell Hamilton
DT	Hollis Thomas	Rod Coleman
C	Matt Lehr	Nick Leckey
DT	Brian Young	DeMario Pressley
FB	Mike Karney	Heath Evans
DE	Josh Savage	Paul Spicer

Poll

Have the Saints added by subtracting this off-season?

Not at all

27 votes

Yes, slightly.

355 votes

Every cut they've made has been genius

233 votes

615 votes | Poll has closed

Saints 2009 Position Battles: Tight End

Saintsational — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:00:15 -0000

We return back to the offense today as we take a look at tight end in our early examination of the 2009 roster. The competition might get a bit heated this season but the race is wide open. The battle here is really for that third tight end spot as Jeremy Shockey and Billy Miller are probably sure to make the team. But will it be one of the two new free agent signees or practice squad regular Buck "Naked" Ortega?

A quick refresher of the current tight ends on the roster:

Player	Height	Weight	Age	Experience
Jeremy Shockey	6'5"	251	28	8
Billy Miller	6'3"	252	32	10
Darnell Dinkins	6'4"	260	32	8
Buck Ortega	6'4"	240	27	2
Dan Campbell	6'5"	265	33	11

We know Shockey is going to make the team. Let's all hope he stays healthy and benefits from a full off-season of training with Drew and the Saints offense. Done.

After picking up the slack last year in the absence of Shockey and Campbell, Billy Miller Time is everyone's favorite new tight end. If Miller can pick up where he left off last season, he should have no trouble making the team this season. He certainly deserves it.

The Saints picked up Darnell Dinkins this off-season undoubtedly with the hopes of having him compete for a spot. Only a minor contributor his entire career, Dinkins has never caught for over one hundred yards in a single season. Doubtful that he could supplant Miller but that third spot is free for the taking.

Buck Ortega has been limited to practice squad duty most of his career but saw a touch of action last season due to myriad injuries. Highly doubtful he makes the team outright but he may continue with his practice squad responsibilites in 2009.

Dan Campbell is the oldest of the bunch and his age may finally be catching up with him. Once a significant contributor with the Giants and Cowboys, Campbell has had only two receptions in the last two years. He'll be duking it out for that last spot with Ortega and Dinkins. Coming from the Lions, he'll need to wash off that loser stench to ever stand a chance.

Now it's on you! What do you expect to see from the Saints tight ends in 2009?

Poll

Assuming Shockey and Miller make the team, which tight end earns the third spot?

Darnell Dinkins

126 votes

Buck Ortega

147 votes

Dan Campbell

143 votes

416 votes | Poll has closed

Friday Notes: Free Agency Has Begun

Sean Yuille — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:44:32 -0000

Free agency officially started at 12:01 a.m. ET, kicking off what is sure to be an eventful part of the offseason. Specifically for the Lions, it is expected that they will be very busy in the next few days. With lots of cap room and a roster full of holes, this will be a very important time for the Lions. Not only will what they do in free agency clear up the draft picture quite a bit, but it will really be the new front office's first chance to show what they're made of. Obviously Martin Mayhew sort of gave us a glimpse of what he can do with the Roy Williams trade, but making a trade and making moves in free agency are two completely different animals. The latter is much tougher in my opinion, and I think we'll start to realize what direction this franchise is going in pretty quickly.
Even though Panthers cornerback Ken Lucas put an end to trade talks between the Lions and Carolina, Detroit is continuing to work the phones in hopes of making a deal that would land them a corner. The Lions have a need for two starting corners, and there aren't a whole lot of options out there in the free agent market. Because of that, the Lions will have to likely find at least one starter via a trade or the draft.
Steelers wide receiver Nate Washington is reportedly going to visit the Lions this weekend. Washington would be the Lions' #2 receiver if he signed with Detroit. The appeal of coming to the Lions is the chance to start and the chance to play alongside Calvin Johnson. With such a talented player on one side of the field, any other receiver is probably going to get a few more open looks than usual since defenses have to really focus on C.J.
CollegeFootballNews.com has always been a pretty shoddy site over the years, but their latest stab at a mock draft is pure comedy. They project Matthew Stafford as the top overall pick, which is no surprise. However, for the 20th overall pick, CFN has the Lions drafting Florida wide receiver Percy Harvin. Seriously.

Their explanation is even more hilarious. They defend the pick by saying that Detroit needs playmakers and that Lions quarterbacks will need targets to throw to. Evidently they are forgetting that having an offensive line or a defense is sort of important, or that the Lions already have a playmaker that goes by the name Megatron.

Not only would this pick be horrendous based on the fact that wide receiver should be the least of the Lions' concerns in the first-round of the draft, but Harvin is a slot type of guy. He does not seem like someone that will make a consistent impact on a game, and drafting him because Matthew Stafford and Daunte Culpepper need targets is possibly the dumbest reason ever.
Speaking of awful mock drafts, the Sporting News has the Lions selecting Mark Sanchez with the top overall pick.
Former Lions tight end Dan Campbell has signed with the New Orleans Saints.

Cut Day Claims First Victims, QB Target Available?

Adam T — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:37:15 -0000

Yesterday teams started making roster cuts. I am sure this is no longer a complete list, but here are some of the early names. Since the teams that did the most cutting were the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, we probably would not be interested in any of these guys for anything more than depth.

Adam Jones, CB
Bruce Gradkowski, QB
Terry Cousin, CB
Jason Reda, K
Mike Dragosavich, P
Eric Young, OL
Ken Dorsey, QB
Antwan Peek, OLB
Dan Campbell, TE
Jon Dunn, OL
Edwin Mulitalo, G
Leigh Bodden, CB
Dwight Smith, DB

The interesting news from yesterday is that Tampa Bay signed QB Luke McCown to a two-year deal. The deal is worth $14 million with incentives. Many believe this means the Bucs will part ways with Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia. Unless Garcia is insistent on finding a starter's gig, he could be the off season target Angelo brings in for competition.

Lions Release Six Players, Announce UFAs

Sean Yuille — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:32:15 -0000

The Lions have announced that six players were released today, including the four that were already reported. Here is the full list:

WR Mike Furrey
TE Dan Campbell
OT Jon Dunn
OG Edwin Mulitalo
CB Leigh Bodden
S Dwight Smith

Along with that announcement, the Lions also confirmed that eighteen players will become unrestricted free agents on February 27:

QB Dan Orlovsky
RB Aveion Cason
RB Rudi Johnson
FB Moran Norris
WR Keary Colbert
WR Shaun McDonald
TE John Owens
OT Damion Cook
OT George Foster
OG Stephen Peterman
OG Andy McCollum
DE Corey Smith
DT Shaun Cody
DT Langston Moore
LB Paris Lenon
LB Ryan Nece
CB Stanley Wilson
K Jason Hanson

Monday Notes: Lions Expected to Release At Least Four Players Today

Sean Yuille — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:09 -0000

Today is the first day that players can be released, and the Lions are set to get rid of at least four players: Mike Furrey, Leigh Bodden, Edwin Mulitalo, and Dan Campbell. It isn't known if these are the only four players that will be released, but I would sort of be surprised if they are. The Lions are cleaning out the roster to clear cap space and make room for new faces, and although many players won't be back because their contracts are up, I would think a couple others will be released as well.
One player that may not be released is quarterback Daunte Culpepper. According to Tom Kowalski, it looks like Culpepper won't be released today. That doesn't mean his spot on the roster is locked up for good, but if the Lions were going to get rid of him there doesn't seem to be any point to wait. Culpepper will receive his $2.5 million roster bonus on February 27, which will begin his $2.5 million salary for 2009. I think Culpepper should be released based on his performance last season anyways, but add in the fact that he is set to make so much money and I believe the Lions would be better off clearing the cap space.
Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is going to be a free agent and would be an absolutely huge acquisition for a team like the Lions. Jim Schwartz's attitude is to run the ball and stop the run, and adding someone like Haynesworth would definitely help them with the latter goal.

The problem with signing Haynesworth is how expensive it would be -- he wants to be the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. The other issue you have to worry about is his past behavioral problems. Even so, I'm trusting Schwartz in this situation. He knows Haynesworth better than almost all other coaches in the league (sans Tennessee's current coaches, of course), so if he feels that bringing in Haynesworth is worth the risk and the big contract, then I'm confident in that decision. At the same time, if Schwartz doesn't think adding a big-name free agent like Haynesworth is necessary, I'm confident in that decision, too.
Apparently NBC had a conversation with its Detroit affiliate, WDIV, about what they put on their scroller while Matt Millen was on TV during Super Bowl coverage.

Lions Move Dan Campbell to IR, Sign Brandon Middleton

Sean Yuille — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:40:39 -0000

The Lions unsurprisingly placed tight end Dan Campbell on the injured reserve today. Campbell has been bothered by a lingering hamstring injury that just never seemed to get better. He missed all of the preseason and was limited in practice when he was healthy enough to return.

In Sunday's game, Campbell re-injured his hamstring injury on the only catch he made. As soon as the play was over Campbell limped off the field, and the feeling yesterday was that he probably was going to be out for an extended period of time. Knowing that, the Lions decided to put him on the IR for the second straight season.

To replace Campbell on the roster, the Lions signed wide receiver Brandon Middleton. Middleton had a solid finish to the preseason and would have been the Lions' fifth receiver if they kept that many. They didn't, though, and decided to carry an extra tight end instead, so Middleton was cut. However, now that Campbell is gone, the Lions will have five receivers on the active roster, meaning Middleton is back with the team.

Losing Campbell hurts, but it isn't a devastating injury by any means. The Lions have solid depth at tight end anyways, and the addition of Middleton will hopefully help Detroit's special teams as he is likely going to return kicks this week. Mike Furrey didn't do much of anything on kick returns against Atlanta, so hopefully Middleton will some success against Green Bay.