SB Nation - Heath Evans

Mike Holmgren's Greatest Managerial Achievement

John Morgan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:45:48 -0000

More photos » by Charlie Riedel - AP

Even in red, a Seahawk.

Mike Holmgren selected Steve Hutchinson 17^th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, seven picks after selecting Koren Robinson and 23 picks before he selected Ken Lucas. If Robinson could have kept off the bottle, that would have been a hell of a start to a draft. He swapped first round picks with Green Bay for Matt Hasselbeck, drafted Heath Evans, Alex Bannister, and John David Booty's older brother, Josh.

Holmgren built the 2005 offense that weekend. He won the draft. In a draft that produced someday Hall of Fame candidates: Richard Seymour, Drew Brees, LaDainian Tomlinson, Steve Hutchinson, Casey Hampton, Steve Smith, Reggie Wayne and Adrian Wilson, Holmgren won. The Panthers picked Dan Morgan, Kris Jenkins and Steve Smith with their first, second and third round selections, but still Holmgren's was better. He built the unit that would lead Seattle to its first and only Super Bowl.

Well, not quite.

The Bears cut Bobby Engram August 29 and Holmgren signed him August 31. Engram signed a two-year contract that paid him less than $500,000 annually. He was the 101^st highest paid receiver in 2001.

Engram received a 60k raise his second season and took on punt return duties to compensate. He averaged 10.7 yards per return and returned one to the house. That was the season Engram became the darling of Football Outsiders metrics. Targets to Engram ranked 26^th in total value and 13^th in value per target. He was ninth and second in 2003.

Holmgren struggled to fill out a roster and his teams were notoriously thin and talent poor defensively, but man did that man know early 21^st-century offense. He squeezed maximum value from slot receivers. Engram wasn't some schlub. He won the first ever Biletnikof trophy in 1994 and still holds most of Penn State's receiving records. Unlike Deon Butler, Engram wasn't a steady four-year starter with time to burn. Joe Paterno suspended him for the entire 1992 season after he was caught burglarizing an apartment and stealing a stereo with teammate Ricky Sayles. All charges were dropped against Engram after police determined Sayles convinced Engram the two were allowed to take the stereo.

The 1996 draft class included Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Eddie Kennison, Marvin Harrison, Eric Moulds, Terrell Owens, Muhsin Muhammad, Amani Toomer and Joe Horn. Engram was the eighth wide receiver selected, behind Johnson, Glenn, Kennison, Harrison, Moulds, Alex Van Dyke, Bryan Still and Muhammad. Engram never broke through with the Bears, struggling to receive for 38 year old Dave Krieg, Eric Kramer, Rick Mirer, Steve Stentstrom, Cade "AIDS" McNown and Shane Matthews, but he was good. Engram ended his career with Chicago with consecutive seasons of over 900 yards receiving before an ACL tear ended his 2000 season.

Holmgren didn't cash in a high pick or find a serviceable safety in the second, the kind of feats any GM can stumble into, he did that thing that separates the best general managers from the merely competent: found freely available talent and turned it into a long term asset.

Engram is a free agent after Kansas City cut him earlier this season. His time with the Chiefs was a tornado-obliterated double wide in a Rolls Royce career. Or maybe an efficient Elise is more Bobby's style. His short stop in the nation's dust mite might and probably will end Engram's fourteen-year career.

But maybe week 17, should the Tennessee Titans be out of it, Seattle can IR Patrick Kerney and sign Engram for one last perfectly-timed, Hasselbeck-to-Engram curl route for eight and the first.

Saints Mid-Season Offensive Player Grades; Jahri Evans Awarded MVP

saints-nation — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:00:30 -0000

by Bill Haber - AP

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Below are the Grade Point Averages of each player that's played significant time in the New Orleans Saints' offense through the first eight games of the 2009 season, ordered from highest GPA to lowest:

Jahri Evans 3.29 (8 games graded)

Pierre Thomas 3.22 (6 games graded)

Jeremy Shockey 3.21 (8 games graded)

Heath Evans 3.11 (6 games graded)

Drew Brees 3.09 (8 games graded)

Jonathan Goodwin 3.04 (8 games graded)

Carl Nicks 3.00 (8 games graded)

Mike Bell 2.95 (6 games graded)

Marques Colston 2.92 (8 games graded)

Jon Stinchcomb 2.88 (8 games graded)

Robert Meachem 2.83 (6 games graded)

Jermon Bushrod 2.81 (7 games graded)

Zach Strief 2.52 (7 games graded)

Lance Moore 2.50 (4 games graded)

Reggie Bush 2.42 (8 games graded)

David Thomas 1.89 (5 games graded)

Darnell Dinkins 1.67 (1 game graded)

Kyle Eckel 1.67 (1 game graded)

Below are the number of Offensive Player of the Game awards handed out in my Player Grades posts (note I gave Shockey and Bell a tie one week):

Marques Colston 2

Drew Brees 2

Pierre Thomas 2

Robert Meachem 1

Jeremy Shockey 0.5

Mike Bell 0.5

Based on the numbers alone, I'm choosing Jahri Evans as the Mid-Season Offensive MVP. That might not be the most popular pick but in my estimation, he's performed the most consistently in the eight games of any Saint on the offensive side of the ball. What do you think?

Check back tomorrow for the mid-season defensive and special teams GPA's.

Poll

Which Saints offensive player do you think performed the best during the first half of the 2009 season?

Jahri Evans

74 votes

Pierre Thomas

91 votes

Jeremy Shockey

41 votes

Heath Evans

12 votes

Drew Brees

264 votes

Mike Bell

22 votes

Marques Colston

35 votes

539 votes | Poll has closed

New Orleans Saints' Offensive Player Grades @ Miami Dolphins

saints-nation — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:00:39 -0000

by J Pat Carter - AP

about 1 month ago: After defeating the Miami Dolphins 46-34 the New Orleans Saints celebrate with fans after NFL football action Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009 in Miami. (AP Photo/J Pat Carter)

View full size photo »

See below for the grades of the Saints' offensive players. We saw lots of mistakes and lots of pressure on Drew Brees, but they still managed to amass yards, put up points, and most importantly, get the win. Remember the letter grade represents the performance in the Miami game and the GPA behind it represents the cumulative performance on the season.

Saints vs Dolphins coverage

Saints vs Dolphins recap

Saints vs Dolphins boxscore

Drew Brees: B- (3.17) I struggled with this grade. Part of me wanted to give him a worse grade because he turned the ball over 4 times, including 3 interceptions. While the first interception was a terrible throw and a bad mistake, the other two were defensible. The other part of me saw Brees showing grit when he scored on 2 touchdown runs, and he should be applauded for talking Sean Payton into going for the touchdown before halftime. From what I remember Brees has NEVER led the Saints to a 4th quarter come from behind win. Check that stat off his list. He made the plays when the game was on the line and finished 22 of 38 for 298 yards, 1 touchdown, 3 interceptions, 2 fumbles (1 lost), and 2 rushing touchdowns. It was a mix bag, but pressure was in his face constantly. His stature limitation was also evident, leading to a few batted passes at the line of scrimmage. Give him props for a great block on Bush's touchdown run.

Reggie Bush: C (2.22) I struggled with this grade, too. Bush was honestly in line for a D- until he made one of the most athletic and incredible plays I've seen this season. His touchdown leap was an absolute thing of beauty, and it single handedly saves his grade. He also converted a HUGE 3rd down play by shedding a tackle late and tip toeing the sidelines before turning upfield. Those plays came with the game in the balance, so give him credit. His punt returning was once again an atrocity, and his stats were forgettable: 3 carries, 10 yards, 3 catches for 16 yards. He had a touchdown and he also fell down for a loss with no defender in sight earlier in the game. He also had a terrible block on a blitz pickup that allowed Brees to get sacked.

Mike Bell: A- (3.42) Bell didn't play in the 1st half, but ripped a monstrous 35 yard gasher on his first carry in the 2nd half. He ran with brutal authority, and continues to have that violence about him that always get extra yards at the end of his carries. He did everything the Saints asked of him and finished with 12 carries for 80 yards. Give him credit for milking some clock as the Saints had the lead late. The only regret was him not scoring on a couple goal line carries inside the 5, but Heath Evans was banged up so he didn't have a true lead blocker.

Pierre Thomas: C+ (3.17) Not Thomas' best game, as he ended with 8 carries for 30 yards. Bell's second half emergence kept Thomas benched for the latter parts of the game. Thomas turned a 3rd and 16 play early into a 14 yard screen pass, just shy of a 1st down. The only reproach I really have was a play he tried to bounce outside that turned into a loss - it was very reminiscent of Bush's trademark screw ups.

Heath Evans: B- (3.11) Evans was blown up for a 5 yard loss on one screen pass and he made a nice first down play on another 8 yard screen. He had 1 carry for 2 yards to give the Saints breathing room outside of their own end zone. The running game was mediocre early, so hard to give Evans a better grade. Give him credit for Bell's emergence. He left the game with what looked like a sprained ankle. Knowing the kind of guy he is I'm sure he'll be ready to go next week.

Marques Colston: B- (3.06) If you look at his stats you'd think he played pretty well. Colston was the most targeted player ending with 5 catches for 72 yards and a touchdown. Colston did have a couple drops, though, and he should have hauled in a pass that was stolen away from him at the goal line for an interception. Colston did make some impressive plays downfield, though.

Lance Moore: C- (2.78) Very quiet day for Lance Moore. Almost too quiet. 2 catches for 18 yards.

Devery Henderson: B+ (3.11) Devery was his usual self making plays for the Saints in the passing game. He ended with 4 catches for 71 yards, none bigger than a 37 yarder downfield as the Saints were mounting their improbable comeback. He also showed off his terrific speed taking an end around for 13 yards.

Jeremy Shockey: A- (3.39) Shockey was very quiet for a long stretch in this game, but he made some of the biggest plays when it counted. His most memorable was a 66 yard reception where he broke a tackle, then stiffed armed his way down to about the 10 yard line setting up a touchdown. Brees looked for Shockey often in the 2nd half, and Shockey ended with 4 catches for 105 yards. As always he showed terrific and reliable hands.

David Thomas: D+ (1.92) Poor blocking and poor catching day for the Wendy's founder namesake. A bad game overall for the Saints' backup tight end. The one pass he did haul in was a screen that went for a yard loss.

Jermon Bushrod: C- (2.74) Bushrod gave Brees some time late and did an effective job run blocking; otherwise, he almost got Brees killed. He gave up 2 sacks to Jason Taylor, allowed Joey Porter to knock Brees down a couple times and overall just didn't pass protect the way he had to this point in the season. The Saints really missed Jammal Brown in this game. He also had a bad false start inside the Saints' 5. He needs to improve if the Saints want to win the ultimate prize. He also missed assignments on blitz pickups.

Zach Strief: C- (2.67) Didn't make a difference run blocking like he normally does.

Carl Nicks: C+ (3.17) Pass blocking was overall pretty suspect for Nicks against Miami. When Brees would step up in the pocket his man would typically get some contact on the Saints' quarterback. He failed to help Bushrod on a couple plays and he wasn't his usual dominant self run blocking.

Jonathan Goodwin: C (3.06) He's typically terrific at pulling on screen passes and springing them free, but he missed his assignment on screens to both David Thomas and Heath Evans that resulted in lost yardage. A very average performance from the Saints' center.

Jahri Evans: B (3.45) Evans was by far the most solid Saints' offensive lineman on the day. Given how much Brees was hit all day it's hard to give anyone on the line better than a B, but Evans handled his man throughout the game and sprung some nice runs on his side. Bell's longest run was set up by a terrific seal job on Evans' part, and many of the hard nose medium running gains the Saints had were behind big Jahri.

Jon Stinchcomb: B- (2.83) Stinchcomb had at least one penalty that I can remember, and was quite frankly playing a miserable game getting beat on the edge and doing a poor job of run blocking. Then a weird thing happened. He seemed to go down with an injury, but he returned on the next drive and was lights out for the rest of the game. His run blocking was effective, and I never saw pressure again come from his side. He finished out the game very nicely.

My Offensive Player of the Game: Jeremy Shockey and Mike Bell (tie)

Poll

Who Was Your Offensive Player of the Game for the Saints?

Jeremy Shockey

322 votes

Mike Bell

154 votes

Marques Colston

17 votes

Drew Brees

270 votes

763 votes | Poll has closed

Saints Offensive Player Grades vs. Giants

saints-nation — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:25 -0000

More photos » by Bill Haber - AP

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See below for my player grades for the Giants game. Remember, the letter grade represents the grade for the game and the GPA in parentheses represents the player's cumulative GPA for the season.

Giants vs Saints coverage

Giants vs Saints recap

Giants vs Saints boxscore

OFFENSE:

Drew Brees: A+ (3.27)

Brees receives the second A+ I've given out this season. What can you say negative about his performance? It was simply flawless. He threw for 369 yards, 4 touchdowns, no interceptions and he wasn't sacked. He threw the ball at will to whoever he wanted, and was unstoppable.

Pierre Thomas: B- (3.45)

Decent game by Thomas. He finished with 72 yards on 15 carries, though 25 came on a run late. He was stacked up on 4th and inches from the goal line on a play where it seemed like he could have made a better effort to finish off the run. That play could have hurt the Saints if the defense hadn't given the offense a second chance with a forced turnover before halftime. Overall he ran with authority and kept the chains moving.

Mike Bell: B- (3.34)

Mixed bag from Bell. Right before the 4th down Pierre Thomas run mentioned previously, he was stopped on 3rd and short from the goal line. He also converted a crucial 4th and 1 from the 2 yard line for a touchdown on the game's opening drive. He seemed to get stacked up late, but showed impressive power on some plays. He finished with 15 carries for 34 yards and a touchdown. He did have a nice run along the sideline for a touchdown which was called back by a holding penalty.

Reggie Bush: B- (2.27)

Bush had 6 carries for 17 yards and a touchdown, 1 catch for 7 yards and 2 punt returns for 0 yards. His punt returning was atrocious as always. He had a couple nifty runs, including a 9 yard run around the edge and beautiful 7 yard touchdown run. He also had his trademark "dancing" rushing attempts. Brees bypassed him wide open a couple times in the passing game.

Heath Evans: B (3.20)

Evans capped off the Saints' final scoring drive with a 2 yard touchdown run. Otherwise, he threw devastating blocks at times when the Saints needed it the most. He negated a Mike Bell touchdown run with a holding penalty which prevents him from receiving a better grade. He also caught a screen pass for 5 yards.

Marques Colston: A+ (3.13)

Colston receives the 3rd A+ of the season. He was Brees' favorite target all day and completely torched the Giants. They had no answer for his frame and hands. He made tough grabs in traffic, grabs downfield, ran terrific routes and showed good ability after the catch. Colston finished with 8 catches for 166 yards and 1 touchdown.

Lance Moore: A (3.34)

It was nice to see Moore's number called, and he responded in a big way. On the opening drive he was targeted several times, and he had a juggling reception that converted a crucial 3rd and 7 for a first down. Nice to see Moore back to his old form from a season ago. He had 6 grabs, 78 yards and a touchdown.

Robert Meachem: A- (2.92)

Just two catches for Meachem all game, but they were both huge. He finished with 2 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, and his 36 yard TD from Brees was the best grab of the day over two defenders. His other catch went down to the 1 yard line and he would have scored but the ball by Brees was slightly underthrown. He also rushed for 2 yards on a reverse that went down to the Giants' 1 yard line.

Devery Henderson: C+ (3.06)

Just 1 catch for 6 yards on the day for Henderson who was very quiet on a day where everyone else was anything but. Henderson did beat his man deep on a throw that could have been a touchdown, but Brees underthrew the ball because he was hit by Justin Tuck as he released the pass. Give Henderson credit for a terrific block around the edge that sprung Bush's 9 yard run.

Jeremy Shockey: B+ (3.33)

Shockey blocked well on running plays, and he was used often in the first half. He kind of disappeared in the second half, but with the Saints successfully spreading the offense out, you can't really complain about Shockey's performance. It was nice to see him score against his old team. He made a nice grab and did a good job holding onto the football going down. Shockey, true to form, ran crisp routes and showed sure hands. He finished with 4 catches for 37 yards and 1 touchdown.

David Thomas: D (2.11)

Thomas did a poor job blocking on a couple plays, which allowed his man to get into the backfield. He also didn't catch a pass and he had a false start on 3rd and 7 which resulted in the Saints getting pushed back 5 yards further. Quiet day for the backup tight end.

Jermon Bushrod: A- (3.00)

Bushrod had, in my opinion, his best game as a Saint. He completely shut down Osi Umenyiora's pass rushing ability. I'm starting to believe the Saints can feel safe with Bushrod holding down the left tackle spot for the rest of the season. You'll notice the Saints also attacked the left side of the field on rushing plays several times and Bushrod was effective.

Carl Nicks: A (3.34)

We know he's a mauler and we know that run blocking is his specialty. What was nice to see against the Giants was the pass blocking he exhibited. In helping Bushrod, he knocked Umenyiora flat on his back twice showing nice athleticism and incredible strength. This guy just keeps getting better and better. What a draft choice he was in the 5th round.

Jonathan Goodwin: B (3.27)

The Saints didn't run many screens, so we didn't get a chance to see Goodwin pull and throw the lead blocks off the edge which he excels at. That said, he played a solid game.

Jahri Evans: A- (3.53)

Another textbook performance by Evans, who was dominating on the interior. Once again, any time Brees felt pressure on the edges he would step up in the pocket and feel zero pressure because the interior blocking was so superior. Evans did a good job springing the 25 yard Thomas run, and he hustled downfield a few times to help finish off plays.

Jon Stinchcomb: B+ (2.87)

Facing arguably one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the entire league in Justin Tuck, Stinchcomb held his own very well. His run blocking wasn't perfect, and late in the game when Saints' running backs ran behind him they struggled. Stinchcomb did show good technique as always and played a very clean game. The fact that both tackles held Umenyiora and Tuck sackless is a big tribute to the way they played.

Zach Strief: C- (2.87)

I've given this guy praise all year for how he's done coming in as the extra tight end on blocking downs. He just didn't perform all that well today. Usually he comes in and uses his immense size to completely demolish the lighter ends as the running backs run behind him. He played a significant amount of plays in the Saints' last two drives, and that was when they struggled the most to run the ball.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: Drew Brees

Check back tomorrow for my defensive and special team grades.

Grades of past games:

Poll

How Would You Grade the Overall Offensive Performance of the Saints?

A

582 votes

B

29 votes

C

3 votes

D

1 votes

F

8 votes

623 votes | Poll has closed

NY Jets 10 @ New Orleans Saints 24: The View from Section 140

Saintsational — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:00:22 -0000

That perception of destiny just won't go away. This feels like 2006 on steroids.

The Saints victory of the Jets yesterday wasn't the prettiest game we've seen the Saints play by any means but like last week, it proved that these guys are not one dimensional and can win however they need to. This does not have to be the Drew Brees show. Last week against the Bills we found out this defense is good enough to keep the Saints in games. Yesterday, we learned they can flat out win them.

So revel in the perfection and the knowledge that your Saints are among the NFL's elite. After the bye week, the real fun starts.

Make the jump for my observations, talking points and photos from yesterday's victory. Then discuss.

Let's go to the bullets:

There was a very healthy dose of Jets fans in the city for the game. I was very surprised to see how well they traveled. Admittedly, every one of them that I met was friendly.
I'm pretty sure the Saints broke their streak this season of scoring a touchdown on their opening drive when they settled for a field goal.
Give credit to the Jets defense. They stymied Sean Payton and the offense for the entire game. It was the Saints defense that won this game. I can't believe I just said that.
I had high hopes that this would be the season that Reggie Bush would finally win everyone over and the divisiveness would end but it's becoming apparent that will never happen. Ever. People are fed up with him and I certainly understand, though I don't necessarily agree. Personally, I thought Reggie looked good running the ball today. But, of course, he also had to fumble the ball at an inopportune time and almost caused the game to slip away. The grumblings continue.
Heath Evans is freakin' athletic for a dude his size. He made a great one-handed catch on a low thrown ball and managed to turn around and run a bit. Karney who?
Charles Grant and Will Smith are quietly becoming the leagues best pass rushing tandem. And that's good because they're getting paid as such. Seriously though, two sacks for each of them yesterday. With four sacks on the season, Grant has already surpassed his production from last year and Will Smith has tied his three-sack total from 2008.
Did you catch that block by Brees on Reggie's big run? You don't need to prove anything to us, Drew.
Darren Sharper's first interception and subsequent run back completely changed the momentum of the game. After Reggie fumbled and the Jets were threatening in the second half, Sharper again took over the game and assured victory with another pick. I think it's official: Other than Gregg Williams, Sharper was the biggest off-season acquisition of the year. I still think Jabari Greer is underrated but Sharper is changing/winning games.
The Saints secondary as a whole looked very great yesterday. Jabari Greer made more than a couple of great pass breakups, including a key one on third down. Tracy Porter made some big hits on the receiver after the catch. Not to be overshadowed by Darren Sharper, I think Roman Harper has been playing inspired as well. He is making plays I don't remember seeing him make last season. In fact, the safety position could possibly be the most noticeably improved unit. Even the inconsistent Randall Gay had a key pass breakup and game-ending interception. A complete turnaround and it won the Saints the game.
No one receiver played particularly amazing, racked up huge yardage or even scored a touchdown for that matter. But they each made a big catch or two when they needed.
Probably the one negative from this game was the eerily familiar short yardage suckage on fourth down. It felt like I had stepped into a time machine and was magically whisked back to 2008. Fortunately, it wasn't detrimental to the outcome of the game but the number one offense shouldn't need four downs to put it in the end zone from the two-yard line.
The offensive line may be slightly at fault for some of the short yardage crap, but I think they played pretty well. The talk before this game was about Rex Ryan and the attack-heavy blitz the Jets would employ but Brees has pretty much all day out there.
Thomas Morstead looked sick on kickoffs, forcing returners to take a knee in the endzone repeatedly. I believe he shanked one of his punts, however.
Good way to go into a bye week. Hate to lose this momentum of the season but it will be a great chance to get healthy. We'll have a lot to talk about the next two weeks. The Giants play Oakland next week so expect another battle of undefeated teams when the Saints return to face New York.

Pretty sure this was NOT a costume.

Even Gumbo was sporting the pink.

Payton getting mic'd up. Feel free to caption this one yourself in the comment section.

Moses wants YOU to get loud on third down.

Payton having a chat with the offensive line.

Goodwin talking with the rest of the line.

Brees going over the last series. Real men wear pink.

Obligatory Saintsation picture.

Here's the roll call for the game thread. Thanks for everyone who participated. We're gonna have to split it up into halves now.

Total Users: 48

Total Posts: 1053

Total Threads: 1

Name	# of Posts
SaintShark	119
rustdog74	111
benm316	80
stujo4	77
Steve the fan	77
Just Some Guy	54
Jee	52
NOSFan4Life	48
Ace Venom	47
SpindianSaints	41
skinnykinney	40
nanvinnie	40
VAsaintsfan	37
MattHaggard	32
cck781	26
SaintsFan-KS	26
Ponysaints	24
Dan39465	22
Cajun in CA	13
FrenchFreak	11
xen-cuts	10
arcuate	9
Sean McG	7
AllSaintsDay	6
TAYDIGGA	4
Philinwood	4
FuSoYa	3
Saintsational	3
Tigernut	3
HB-NOLA	3
pukenbowl	2
Dave the Falconer	2
BayouRebel	2
HansDat	2
jful	2
N_O_1saintfan	2
MT_always	1
Malsby	1
Dan Kelly	1
yoda1	1
dmcgoey	1
natde1016	1
Big and Easy	1
saintsfan77	1
MtnExile	1
SaintSophie	1
shake n bake	1
carolinasaintsfan	1

New Orleans Saints 27 @ Buffalo Bills 7: Prediction Results and Voting

Saintsational — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:00:17 -0000

Time, once again, to vote for this weeks winner of Da Chronic's prediction contest. Not nearly as many people in the running this week, thanks largely in part because most of you were banking on a big performance by Drew.

Nobody correctly guessed the final score.

Vote away!

*CSC Member*	*Predictions*	*Analysis*
GlackandBold	1. Bush has at least 120 all purpose yards (please?) 2. Shockey back in the mix with a TD 3. Charles Grant gets a SACK! (am I out on a limb or what?)	No No Yes
DrewBreesManCrush	1. 3+ sacks by def 2. 2+ turnover diff 3. defensive/special teams td	Yes No No
saint boss hog	1.defense will continue to get turnovers at least 2. 2. brees will brees through the bills and put up brees type numbers at least 3 tds and over 325 yards. 3. bush will have 2 tds	Yes No No
carolinasaintsfan	1. Reggie and Pierre both get 50+ all purpose yds. 2. D. Thomas gets a TD. 3. Defense scores 14 pts.	Yes No No
MtnExile	1. The Saints will trail at some point of the game. 2. The weather will not be a factor. 3. Zach Strief will score a touchdown.	No Yes No
Jee	1) Edwards throws 4 INT’s: Greer, Sharper, Gay and Porter each get one. Greer runs his back for a TD 2) PT has over 110 yards rushing with 2 TD’s, 1 at the goal line. Heath Evans also gets a goal line TD 3) Brees goes 430+ yards with 3 TD’s: each to Shockey, Colston, and a screen to Bush	No No No
deucifer	Some EPSN insiders discussed what Bills offense does—lots of vertical routes. Saints will challenge the Bill’s attemtps at running the balll, and the Bills will throw deep a few times—for INTERCEPTIONS, Having NO PASS INTERFERENCE will run up the score for the Saints.	No No No
Ponysaints	1. Brees = 395 yards, 4 TD’s 2. Shockey = 2 TD’s 3. Bush = 175 all purpose yards	No No No
Corb	1. Drew Brees plays well but is disappointed with only 3 passing TDs and 300 yds 2. Both Pierre and Heath score rushing TD’s 3. The defense will not have a turnover, and will be less than impressive	No No No
jack_casse	The Saints get pinned at the 1 yard line. They hand off to Bush where he runs to the back of the endzone, beats 7 tacklers, and takes it all the way to the other 10 yard line when a freek blizzard hits in Buffalo and the game is called right before he steps into the endzone.	No
nanvinnie	1. R. Bush will score a TD 2. Saints D will get 3+ sacks 3. Saints win the TO battle	No Yes Yes
WhoDat_OH	1) Lynell Hamilton gets a rush TD 2) Reggie gets a rec TD of 20+ yards 3) Hargrove gets 2 sacks and Greer gets INT — welcome back to Buffalo	Yes No No
Philinwood	1) Jeremy Shockey gets at least 1 TD 2) Saints win TO battle 3) Saints get at least 3 sacks!!	No Yes Yes
FuSoYa	Brees throws<300 yards, but still 3 td’s Greer gets an int The Saints have<100 yards rushing	No No No
Satchmo26	1. David Thomas scores his first Saints TD. 2. Malcolm Jenkins gets an INT. 3. Rod Harper fields punts and scores a TD.	No No No
stujo4	+ Brees throws for 300+ yds, no picks + Saints D has 2+ picks + Reggie shines in the rushing game, PhotoOp is overshadowed	No No Yes
Monkey Poop Battle	1.) Fred Jackson has 115 or more combined rushing/receiving yards 2.) 4 or more field goals are scored in the game (by both teams combined) 3.) Saints win by exactly 4 points	No No No
VAsaintsfan	1. T.O. gets less than 50 receiving yards. 2. Greer gets an INT. 3. Yet another 300+ yard passing game for Drew.	Yes No No
Dave the Falconer	1) Drew Brees tosses at least 3 TDs 2) Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Lynell Hamilton split carries, and none of them reach more than 75 yards on the ground 3) Fred Jackson puts up 100+ yards on the ground for the Bills	No No No
Steve the fan	1. LunchPail gets another pick. 2. Heath Evans scores another tight rope TD. 3. Reggie scores a TD on a punt return.	No No No
janepriceestrada	1. Saints get two picks, at least one by Vilma. 2. Devery gets a TD, ove 20 yds. 3. Shockey also gets a TD and does a little dance.	No No No
jamesyyyboyyy	1. Jabari Greer will play very well against TO 2. Trent Edwards will throw at least 2 interceptions 3. Drew Brees will throw for over 300 yards with no interceptions	Yes No No
WarWolf	1 Brees has 300 yards and 3 TDs 2 Fred Jackson and Trent Edwards have good games 3 Saints lose a close game 30 to 28	No No No
bstetiger	1. Jon Vilma has 12+ tackles 2. Drew throws 3+ TD’s 3. Reggie gets a punt return TD	No No No
J Rock	Saints win close high scoring game. Bills no huddle tires out Saints D after 3rd drive and go score for score with Saints offense. TO gets 2 long pass plays, 1 for TD.	No No No
HansDat	1) Rian Lindell misses a 1st Q xp that ends up keeping their score under 20 for the game. 2) Thomas Morstead converts a fake punt and runs for a first down. 3) Saints complete their first 2-point conversion of the season in this game.	No No No
SaintBevo	Trent Edwards has less than 224 yards passing Saints at least +2 in turnovers Charles Grant looks fat and gets no sacks	Yes Margin? No No
BlackandGold4ever	1. Defense gets 3 sacks and 3 turnovers 2. Bush has over 100 all purpose yards and a TD 3. Brees throws for 300+ again with 4 TD’s	No No No
jamaican drew brees	1. Pierre Thomas – TD 2. J. Vilma – causing a fumble 3. Drew Brees – passer rating over 120	Yes No No
slumD	1. Bush has 2 TDs 2. Sharper gets the hat-trick. 3rd game in a row with a pick. 3. Fred Jackson has 100+ rushing yards	No No No
vicvega26	1. Drew is Drew. 315+ yards passing and 4 TD’s 2. Shockey has 60+ yards and a TD 3. Fred Jackson has below 50 yards rushing.	No No No
benm316	1. Drew throws for at least 4 TD’s 2. Shockey scores at least 1 TD 3. Saints D gets at least 2 turnovers	No No Yes
xxMUCK_ITxx	1st Brees 300+ yards 3 Tds …………….Duh!!!! 2nd Bush Returns Punt for Td 3rd Jabari Greer gets a INT	No No No
in the 9th	1. bush has over 100 yards (rushing/receiving) 2. saints win easily, but don’t crack 40 3. at least 5 sacks on the buffalo qb	No Yes No
mr_Koolbreeze7	1. Defense get 2+ turnovers 2. Brees Throws 4 TD’s 3. 500+ yds of total offense	Yes No No
WalterN	1) Drewski will have another Brees-y day throwing for 289 yds, 3 TD’s and 1 INT 2) The Rush Defense shows up and Holds Jackson to 60 YDS and 2 FUM’s 3) We Finally get some sacks, 5 all day, with 2 from McCray	No No No
skinneykinney	1. Bush has 100+ all purpose yards and a TD. 2. Defense creates at least 2 turnovers and Vilma is a part of 1 whether it’s forcing or recovering a fumble or an interception. 3. Colston gets 60+ yards and a TD.	No No No
saints fan in cowboyland!	1. P.T scores 2. T.P gets a pick 3. T.O gets less than 40 yards	Yes No Yes
Cajun in CA	1. Saints get 2 rushing TD’s 2. Devery Henderson gets a long TD. 3. Anthony Hargrove gets a sack and celebrates by leaving the game to find the nearest Pizza Hut. (I’m only half-kidding on this one… )	No No No
Hooahsaint	1. Saints defense holds the Bills to under 200 total yards and creates 4+ turnovers. 2. Saints offense tops 400 yards. 3. Lynell Hamilton breaks 100 yards	No No No
GSO Saints Fan	1) Brees 300+ yards, 3 TD 0 INT 2) Bush 100+ yards RUSHING (wet field gives him advantage), 200+ yards all purpose (rush/rec/ret), 1 TD 3) McCray 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble	No No No
SaintsFan-KS	1. Rocketman throws for 325 yds, 3 TDs, No Ints 2. Vilma fumble recovery for TD 3. Defense forces 3 turnovers	No No No
MattRichWarren	1) Trent Edwards will throw no interceptions 2) The Bills will score a special teams or defensive touchdown (my guess is ST) 3) Drew Brees won’t be sacked	No Yes No
HB-NOLA	1 – Brees has first game without INT, but throws < 300 yds and < 3 TDs 2 – Sharper has 3rd consecutive game with INT 3 – Grant and Smith each get a sack.	Yes No Yes
dicecar18	1. Rod Harper scores TD on punt return. 2. Defense gets 2+ turnovers. 3. Brees has completion percentage > 80%	No Yes No
LocoSaint	Brees- Over 300 yards, 2+TDs Anthony Hargrove get’s a sack and/or makes a big TFL Jabari Greer gets his first interception as a Saint	No No No
jful	1. Shanle gets a turnover 2. Vilma leads team in tackles. 3. Bills’ WRs have fewer than 6 catches combined.	No No No
Dempsey63	1. A Saints DLineman recovers a Bills Fumble 2. Jabari Greer has 1+ INTs 3. The GrandMaster QB (Mr. Drew Brees) throws for 350+ yds	No No No
JPH	1. The Saints will not be able to throw the ball deep. Nobody does against the Tampa 2 when it’s playing well. But Brees is smart and won’t try. He’ll paper-cut us to death. 2. Brees will throw at least 50 passes. 3. The Bills win the turnover battle.	No? No No
Dan39465	Saints win Time of Possesion battle with a 2 to 1 ratio. Thomas Morestead is only used for kickoffs (no punts) Bush gets >100 all purpose yards.	No No No
freddyjj	4 FGs by Bills FG and safety by NO Ugly weather and game	No No No
hakimdropstheball	1. Weather (and to a less extent the Bills’ secondary) holds Brees to under 300 passing yards and less than 66% completions. 2. Pierre Thomas nets over 80 total yards. 3. Reggie Bush scores twice (1 rushing, 1 receiving)	Yes Yes No
AA27AADW	1. Trent Edwards wil have less than 60% qb rating 2. Saints D hold bills to less than 75 yards rushing 3. Drew will have such a good lead in the 4th quarter, they will put in Rookie, Chase Daniel to get in some quality playing time.	Yes No No
John lo	the defense will get to drew breese.everyone knows they should have won agains new england. terrell will break 100 yds.this game. finak 28 17 buffalo	Yes No No
coldpizza	1. Fred Jackson finishes with more total yards from scrimmage than Reggie Bush. 2. Terrell Owens finishes with more total yards from scrimmage than Reggie Bush. 3. Lee Evans finishes with more total yards from scrimmage than Reggie Bush.	Yes No No
Juncti	Reggie gets his 2nd TD of the season Hamilton gets a chance in the RB rotation Defense creates more turnovers	No Yes Yes
RogerMilla	1 narrow win saints 2 meachem TD 3 saints D score a TD	No No No

Poll

Who had this weeks most accurate predictions?

Juncti

14 votes

hakimdropstheball

16 votes

HB-NOLA

59 votes

saints fan in cowboyland!

12 votes

Philinwood

8 votes

nanvinnie

11 votes

120 votes | Poll has closed

New Orleans Saints 48 @ Philadelphia Eagles 22: Now Can We Get Some Respect?

Saintsational — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 21:28:06 -0000

More photos » by Mel Evans - AP

3 months ago: New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell, top, dives into the end zone for a touchdown over Philadelphia Eagles safety Quintin Mikell in the third quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Browse more photos »

All week we've had to listen to Eagles fans underestimate the Saints and the improvements they've made as a team this off-season. In fact, a lot of people in the world of football haven't thought too much of the Saints despite evidence to the contrary right in front of their face. And that's understandable given the Saints penchant for underachieving, as in years past.

But the Saints just hung nearly fifty points on the talented defense of the NFC powerhouse Philadelphia Eagles and it will be hard for the pundits to ignore the black and gold now. If you are what your record says you are, then the Saints are undefeated, baby.

We've got to be pretty happy about the direction this team is going. As long as injuries don't kill them.

Make the jump for my bulleted notes.

The other most important stat of the day: Saints +3 in the turnover battle. That will do it every time.
The Saints opened the game with a lot of tight end work. In fact, the only pass to a wide receiver in the first drive was the scoring play to Marques Colston.
I have been very impressed with Thomas Morstead. Today's game proved his worth.
I still think the Wildcat is gimmicky and stupid.
Anthony Hargrove got to sit in first class on the flight to Philly, something the Saints do to reward players. Hargrove had another solid game today though it would have been nice to see him get that interception he wound up bobbling for an hour. I think he deserved it.
The only one thing that really worries me following today's game is the injury to Mike Bell and the future of the running game. Bell has been listed with a knee strain and will be getting an MRI tomorrow. Pierre is not ready yet and Reggie is not the same type of runner. If Bell's injury is serious, does Hamilton get the nod? Everything has been going so well, I would hate to see the Saints lose that wonderfully balanced offense they've been able to finally create.
Also worrisome on the injury front, though not nearly as serious a situation, is Lance Moore. He left the game with a hamstring injury says the New Orleans Saints official website.
For the most part special teams was improved after last week. No muffed punts, no blocked field goals, only one big return given up and a forced fumble created. Still room for improvement however.
How about Devery Henderson? We got a little flashback of the old Devery when he dropped a ball, but he more than made up for it with that over the shoulder grab while having his jersey pulled. He's having a great season and I can just feel his concentration out there on the field. Remember last year when everyone wanted to trade him? Now he's actually worth something and I wouldn't get rid of him over anyone.
Ballerina. That is Heath Evans' new nickname. For the second week in a row Evans has scored by tip toeing gingerly along the sideline and squeaking into the end zone. I said it last week and I'll say it again: I don't think Mike Karney could have done that.
Malcolm Jenkins was a stud on special teams. He was responsible for jarring the ball lose on the kickoff, setting the tone for the rest of the game, and he broke through a double team to make that huge hit on the punt return.
Credit the Saints offensive line today. They didn't keep Brees completely clean but they definitely held their own against a tough Philadelphia defensive front.
The Saints definitely got some help from the refs in this one. Stinchcomb never got flagged for a pretty obvious hold. Heath Evans' foot may have been touching the sideline. Wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game.
The Saints were a second half team today. Check out the stats after the first half. Pretty dead even.

	New Orleans	Philadelphia
Total Yards	246	250
Passing	190	190
Rushing	56	60
Time of Possession	15:07	14:53

I think we saw a lot more in the pressure department from the Saints this week. They weren't hitting the hell out of Kolb but they were definitely screwing up his timing. Give credit to Kolb for hanging in there and actually making some nice passes with defenders in his face. A little bit quicker and the Saints pass attack should be where we would like it to be.
Reggie continues to be enigmatic. He looked god awful on punt returns. In fact, we haven't seen anything this year in the return game like we saw from Reggie last season. He also looked like crap trying to carry the ball out of the end zone late in the game, though the blocking was crap as well. But then he goes and takes one to the house by running between the tackles. Who the hell knows. I give up.
There also appeared to be a miscommunication between Reggie and Drew on a couple of swing passes. The first one looked like Brees just had to rush it but the second probably should have been completed.
And what the hell is with that one play to Pierre Thomas? What is even the point?
The Eagles didn't do themselves any favors today, getting flagged often on special teams and giving the Saints better field position a number of times.
Hats off to Scott Shanle. Second career interception in two consecutive games. Shanle looks like he may be evidence of Gregg Williams' ability to get more out of players than other coaches can.
Not that the play made that much of a different but who is lovin' them some Darren Sharper?
An interception by Tracy Porter is what you get when you call a timeout with seven seconds remaining in a losing effort. Stupid.

Here is the roll call for this week. Much better turnout. Thanks to everyone for hanging out.

Total Users: 35

Total Posts: 945

Total Threads: 1

Name	# of Posts
skinnykinney	119
xen-cuts	70
Saintsational	65
Just Some Guy	60
NOSFan4Life	58
SaintBevo	56
Jee	47
Steve the fan	46
SpindianSaints	43
vicvega26	42
N_O_1saintfan	41
VAsaintsfan	40
Mikethetiger	36
jful	36
FriarBob	34
SaintsFan-KS	32
janepriceestrada	26
AKAY47	21
Tigernut	20
Dan39465	17
asaint	10
northern eagle	8
BayouRebel	3
pukenbowl	3
thwalls	2
Igglesfan13	1
napaman470	1
smittydasaint	1
RogerMilla	1
FuSoYa	1
gui_france	1
carolinasaintsfan	1
Cajun in CA	1
MobileSaint	1
AllSaintsDay	1

Poll

Who was the Saints player of the game?

Drew Brees

393 votes

Mike Bell

27 votes

Devery Henderson

12 votes

Marques Colston

103 votes

Scott Shanle

23 votes

Thomas Morstead

18 votes

Malcolm Jenkins

29 votes

605 votes | Poll has closed

Detroit Lions 27 @ New Orleans Saints 45: Loose Ends

Saintsational — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:00:23 -0000

Before we begin to take a look at the Philadelphia Eagles and the next game on the slate, I wanted to hit on a couple of remaining points from the Lions matchup and offer them up for discussion. I know at least one of these topics ought to get a lot of people riled up. I would, however, like you to keep in mind that I personally view this weeks contest against the Eagles to be the unnofficial start of the black and gold 2009 season. Though the Saints made sure not to look past the Lions on Sunday, it might not be completely accurate to use the game as a barometer by which to predict the success of the Saints season. Cautious optimism still prevails until further notice.

Heath Evans vs. Mike Karney

During the postgame podcast on Sunday evening, CSC member coldpizza asked me whether or not I thought Payton was trying to prove something with the way in which he utilized Heath Evans against Detroit. Of couse I can't speculate on the motivation behind what we saw on the field but I will say that Payton seemed to incorporate Evans much more than he ever did Karney.

On top of that, I think it's safe to say that Evans is a certain upgrade. Karney gained only ten yards on eight carries last season and only averaged 2.0 yards on his eighteen catches. Heath Evans has nearly doubled Karney's receiving production in just one game and I can't imagine Mike being able to tiptoe his way into the endzone as Evans did on New Orleans' final score. Whether he's just better or he's being given better opportunities by Payton is up for debate but I expect to see more of Evans this season.

Running Backs and Reggie

I think Who Dat Nation is expecting to see Pierre Thomas ready to go for this Sunday's game against Phildelphia but I am doubtful. The seriousness of Pierre's knee injury has still got me skeptical. Whenever he does return, however, the Saints will have a wonderfully tough decision to make with Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and their running back rotation. How will it work and who is considered the starter? Embedded in that same question, of course, is another old, old question, though it's an implied one: How does Reggie fit in and how should the Saints use him? Personally, I think the way Payton used Bush and Bell on Sunday was ideal. It's what I've been hoping to see for a while now.

Reggie was given his obligatory number of handoffs which is necessary to keep a defense honest but when it was obvious he wasn't getting it done between the tackles, the switch to have Bell carry the load was made and sucess was attained. In fact, Bush still managed to be a threat in the receiving game, picking up 55 yards through the air and second most on the team. He is a luxury, sometimes a liability; not a necessity.

In reality, it was Reggie's special teams play that was the problem on Sunday and no doubt that needs to be cleaned up. But what was great to see last week - and this is very important - was improved play calling and an absence of stubborness on the part of Sean Payton to force Reggie into this offense; something I have always felt has held them back. It has taken the Saints only one game to achieve something that took them thirteen weeks to accomplish last season: Have a player rush for over 100 yards.

Inside the Numbers

The Saints ran off the right guard, Jahri Evans, fifteen times on Sunday; three times more than any other direction.

Sean Payton has a 100% success rate in video challenges so far. Probably won't last long.

Surprisingly, Tony Romo currently leads all quarterbacks with a 140.6 passer rating despite the fact that Drew Brees threw for more yards, twice the number of touchdowns and a higher completion percentage on Sunday. Brees' 137.0 passer rating was brought down by his one interception. What's a guy gotta do?

Predicting the Saints 53-Man Roster

Saintsational — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 11:00:20 -0000

Here's a crack at the 53-man roster, not necessarily in correct depth chart order. Go ahead and share your thoughts.

Offense

*Position*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*
QB	Drew Brees	Mark Brunell	Joey Harrington
RB	Pierre Thomas	Reggie Bush	Mike Bell
FB	Heath Evans
WR	Marques Colston	Robert Meachem	Lance Moore	Devery Henderson	Rod Harper	Adrian Arrington
TE	Jeremy Shockey	Billy Miller	Darnell Dinkins
C	Jonathan Goodwin	Nick Leckey
G	Carl Nicks	Jamar Nesbit	Jahri Evans	Tim Duckworth
T	Jammal Brown	Jon Stinchcomb	Zach Strief	Jermon Bushrod

Defense

*Position*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*	*Player*
DE	Bobby McCray	Anthony Hargrove	Paul Spicer	Jeff Charleston
DT	Sedrick Ellis	Kendrick Clancy	Rod Coleman	DeMario Pressley
LB	Jonathan Vilma	Scott Fujita	Scott Shanle	Jo-Lonn Dunbar	Jonathan Casillas	Anthony Waters
CB	Jabari Greer	Tracy Porter	Malcolm Jenkins	Randall Gay	Leigh Torrence
SS	Roman Harper	Pierson Prioleau
FS	Darren Sharper	Usama Young	Chip Vaughn

Special Teams

*Position*	*Player*
Kicker	John Carney
Punter	Thomas Morstead
Long Snapper	Jason Kyle

Saints Training Camp Update: Day Two

Saintsational — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:36:36 -0000

More photos » by Bill Haber - AP

4 months ago: New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper (42) talks with teammates during the morning practice session at the club's NFL football training camp in Metairie, La., Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

Browse more photos »

Here are all your updates so far from todays practice. Remember, this post gets continually updated on a regular basis, so keep checking back. We've also got some more AP photos. Click the picture on the right to view all of them.

Twitter

jeffduncantp 8:30 a.m. WhoDat Nation out in full force. Saints fans already lined up & lubed up (& I don't mean Coppertone) outside

MalcolmJenkins hopefully i can make this a productive day...tryna make the best of it

jeffduncantp Morning practice about done. A lot of work on running game. Mike Bell might've tweaked his groin. Gotta check.

jeffduncantp Still no official word on Bell. He practiced throughout so didn't look serious. Shockey to speak after afternoon practice.

jeffduncantp Another camp observation: Media horde has multiplied. Local media overflowing, all seats in work room taken. Visiting media out of luck.

jeffduncantp Had a great interview with new fullback Heath Evans. Great guy. Strong leader. Winner. I can see why the Saints brought him in.

jeffduncantp Saints media fashion trend 2009: Hipster hats. Lotsa reporters rocking straw fedoras w/their requisite cargo shorts. Bucket hats a close 2nd

therealJShockgetting ready for round 2 for the day.......

saints83 Man today was a hot one! I think we had about 10 guys need IVs. Well back out to the next practice, I feel like I have been here a week

jeffduncantp 3 fracases in evening practice. Reis-vs.-Strief. Torrence-vs.-Bushrod. Hargrove-vs.-entire O-line. Done for day. White Linen Night on deck!

Linkage

Marques Colston returns to drills for New Orleans Saints - Times-Pic

"I'm definitely 100 percent injury-free," Colston said. "It's just a matter of now trying to manage it so I can come out of preseason feeling the same way. I'm always going to be leery of that and keep working hard."

-Marques Colston

"I'm going to do what they'll let me," Moore said. "They don't want me to have any contact for another two weeks at least, so I won't be in team drills."

-Lance Moore

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams: All jobs are open - Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints offense will try to catch up to the defense today - Times-Pic

"You come out here everyday you're challenged to hold onto the football the right way, you're challenged to pickup blitzes and anymore this game is about applying pressure to the quarterback," Payton said. "How you get it, whether it's a four man rush or applying pressure, the ability to change his comfort level is critical in terms of forcing turnovers and bad decisions. From that aspect, he's really been good. They've done a good job defensively so far of creating pressure."

-Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. isn't just a face on the sidelines - Times-Pic

"Pete handles all the quarterback meetings with (quarterbacks coach) Joe (Lombardi)," Payton said. "Pete sits in on all the installs. He's involved in the installs. He handles the staff. (Friday night) for example, practice is ending, the staff is meeting at the hotel and Pete's running the meeting. I'm not there. That happens a lot. He's done a great job."

-Sean Payton

"He came here from San Diego with a pretty diverse background and each year he's done a great job with not only working with the quarterbacks specifically, but working with the group in general," Payton said. "He's had two opportunities to leave as a coordinator and to his credit he's stayed with this system and this offense. He's a huge asset for me and he is very talented."

-Sean Payton

"His role on game day is on the sidelines he'll work hand in hand with the quarterbacks as they come off, communicate with Joe Lombardi," Payton said. "They'll go through the pictures with Drew (Brees) and the quarterbacks and really be my voice or ear in the passing game with my thoughts each series. I have a lot of trust in him. He works very hard at it, is very diligent and very thorough. He's done a great job."

-Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints work on special teams in morning training camp practice - Times-Pic

Fifth-round draft pick Thomas Morstead looked good in practice with nice hang time, distance and direction. He is battling with Glenn Pakulak, a midseason pickup in 2008.

Reggie Bush was smooth in fielding punts while local favorite Skyler Green muffed two returns and let another ball hit him.

New Orleans Saints afternoon practice is schedule for outside - Times-Pic

Training Camp, Day 2: WRs best the DBs in 7-on-7, other observations - WWLTV

Cody: Lance Moore shows his stuff - WWLTV

Porter Picking Up Right Where He Left Off - New Orleans Saints official website

"It feels great being out here practicing again," Porter said today after the team’s morning practice session. "I am pleased with how I have been able to get right back to playing before I was injured."

-Tracy Porter

"Things were going well and I was gaining confidence on a daily basis," he said. "You hear guys say that the game starts to slow down a bit for them as they become more and more familiar with all that is thrown at them and I definitely felt that way."

-Tracy Porter

"I thought it would be one of those things, that despite hurting pretty bad, would only force me to miss a week or so," Porter said. "But then they said it required surgery to repair it and that it would mean going to injured reserve, and that ends your season."

-Tracy Porter

"Right now you see all of us on defense competing really hard and trying to do what the coaching staff is asking us to do," Porter said. "It’s great working against what was the best offense in the league last year, because it is only getting us better and testing us on each play."

-Tracy Porter

"That keeps your focus all the time," Porter said. "There is no letting up. You want to be the guy making the play and creating a turnover or keeping the offense from making a play. Every play is a test and if you don’t do it right, not only are you going to hear about it from the coaches, but you risk the possibility of someone coming into your spot and getting the chance to show that they deserve to be in there."

"That’s motivation, in itself," he summarized. "I know every guy on this field wants to be out there making plays, I am no different."

-Tracy Porter

New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas on training camp at home - Times-Pic

"It's still training camp, but the fact that it's here and this is where we normally practice helps out," Thomas said. "It feels good to be home. Jackson, Miss. was good, but the guys feel more relaxed here."

-Pierre Thomas

"It's always good to get your mind off everything," he said. "When we were there we weren't getting caught up in stuff outside of football and I think we really came together as a team."

-Pierre Thomas

"Here we're not building, we've got a good group on offense and defense," Thomas said. "What we're doing now is just putting the pieces together."

-Pierre Thomas

Malcolm Jenkins still unsigned by New Orleans Saints as other first-round picks around him get signed - Times-Pic

New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper thinks highly of his backfield mate Roman Harper - Times-Pic

"I believe he has Pro Bowl potential," Sharper said. "He's doing extra drills after practice to perfect his technique."

-Darren Sharper

"That's where it starts with knocking it down," said Harper, who was ribbed constantly by teammates for his stone hands last season. "Now I've got to start catching the ball."

-Roman Harper

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton is singing different tune this year when it comes to Kenny Chesney - Times-Pic

"I told Kenny to stay away this year,'' a smiling Payton said of his longtime friend who first met in 2002. "Plus we can't hook up; he's on a West Coast tour when we're in camp.'

-Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints defensive backs still looking for first interception against Drew Brees - Times-Pic

"You know, I'm pretty sure someone might throw a ball out to a fan or something if we can get Drew," Saints safety Roman Harper said. "You know, Drew's pretty smart out that. He doesn't throw many, especially against us. He kind of knows what we're doing a lot of times, and he's such a good quarterback and he's so accurate, he doesn't throw many to us. So we're just trying to take advantage of him if he ever does hang one up to us."

-Roman Harper

"He's tough to get. He's tough to get," said Sharper, the NFL's active leader in career interceptions with 54. "He's a quarterback that's not going to throw the ball up and just give you a chance too many times by making a mistake. So the first guy that gets him, he'll definitely be able to say he has a little one-up on the rest of us guys."

-Darren Sharper

Morning practice report - Other signings may expedite Jenkins deal - NewOrleans.com

Day Two Notebook - New Orleans Saints official website

New Orleans Saints have an old roster, but they're young at receiver - Times-Pic

STC - Day 2/Practice 1 - WWL

Reggie Bush rests knee at afternoon practice - Times-Pic

Saints "Electrician" wired different than most - WWLTV

"Most people in America don’t eat goat," Charleston said, his mouth turned up in a grin and his eyes darting back and forth between the two reporters standing near him.

"But it’s actually pretty good. Down here you eat alligator and everything like that. Up in Oregon, we eat goat."

-Jeff Charleston

"I’ve always been a guy that during camp, I’m the only one running on my own and doing stuff like that," Charleston said. "I saw him and said, ‘You know what, I can be that guy who goes in and takes it a little easy and feels no pressure at the end.’ I’ve never been that guy.

"I told Charles, ‘I’m going to work with you every day. I’m going to push you a little harder. I’m going to have something for us to do.’ "

-Jeff Charleston

"He comes to me now and says what are we going to do? If he says that, he’s got the will and the want to be in the best shape. I know I’m not in the best shape right now. That’s what we’ve got camp for. I’m trying to get him in the best shape he can be in."

-Jeff Charleston

"I dreamed about games like that," Charleston said. "I always wanted to get a two-sack game in. That was the best feeling in the world. That night, nobody could say anything to me."

-Jeff Charleston

"The guys around me, I’m developing a lot better relationships," Charleston said. "Last year, I came in the fifth week. Who is this guy? Where’d he come from? I’m pretty much liked by most people I’m around, but nobody knew who I was.

"It was kind of hard coming in the fifth week. I’m the new guy. I didn’t say much and let my actions speak for me."

-Jeff Charleston

"I know what it’s like to go and work for every two weeks and get a normal pay check," Charleston said. "I know what it’s like. I don’t want to go back. Anytime I think this sucks, I think about that. I think I could be a man in the crowd wishing I was here."

-Jeff Charleston

"I’ve been to Houston. I lived in Atlanta for awhile," Charleston said. "New Orleans has its own flavor. I like it. This is my kind of people. I went on a gator tour, went out on the swamp boats.

"Our bye week is gator season. And I want to go hunting for gator.

-Jeff Charleston

The NFL Network's Steve Wyche talks about the Saints

New Orleans Saints training camp video log (Aug. 1, 2009)

Jeremy Shockey on offseason workouts

Sean Payton Q&A

From the New Orleans Saints official website after this afternoons practice.

Opening Statement:

"Just a couple of practice notes: Kendrick Clancy we held out this afternoon with some back spasms and I held Reggie Bush out just to keep his knee from getting aggravated; he's doing fine. With tomorrow's ‘B' schedule, which is really one practice in the afternoon, we expect everyone to be full go except for Adrian Arrington."

Did Bush's knee have some swelling or anything?

"No, it's really one of the things that we wanted to do with the two-a-day schedule with him, just to keep that from coming up."

Any news on the Malcolm Jenkins negotiations?

"Nothing that I'm aware of."

Do you think that the fact that #13 and #15 have signed will expedite the process?

"Hopefully. That's what you look for, the clump around them. But certainly nothing new that I'm aware of."

Gregg Williams said yesterday that the culture that you've established here was part of what brought him here and that you come from coaching background that places importance on that. Does that come from Bill Parcells?

"There have been a number of people that I've been fortunate enough to work for that helped mold what I would eventually become as a head coach and certainly Bill would be one of those figures. That was one thing that he stressed - the importance of having the right locker room and having the right mentality in the locker room. That's something that we pay close attention to. It's something that's not easy and it's something that you have to continue to work on or it can go the other way quickly. Collectively as a staff, as an organization, we take that into account very seriously in the selection of players or the signing of players as to how they're going to fit in this team. I think that is important to winning football."

So you think that really makes a difference?

"No question. I've said before and credit to New England, if you just pay attention to who's winning, typically those teams have very good cultures; the ones that are winning on a consistent basis."

Heath Evans said that he saw it as much when they lost as when they won. Is that the case?

"No question. It's easy when you win. It's the culture when you hit the bumpy roads that come with the 16-game regular season."

Anthony Hargrove said that the team is kind of like a "big brother" to him. When you have a culture like that, can afford to take a chance on a player like Hargrove?

"I think you can. Once it's established, I think you can. But it has to be the right player because we've seen cases where maybe there has been a team with a real good culture and yet the individual wasn't able to fit in. When that happens, then there's probably not a lot of places that individual is going to fit in. I think you can."

Have you seen such feistiness before in the second day of practice as you did today?

"The only concern that I have is that we have to be able to learn to practice without the full pads on. I don't want to lose a player. That hurts us to start the season. But I think they've been competitive; I think they're practicing hard and I think their intent is good. Those are some of the things that you want to see."

What does it say about a guy like Jeff Charleston that he's willing to stay after practice to work and run with Charles Grant?

"Every once in a while you come across a player that finds a way to catch your attention, and he's one of those guys. He's one of those throwback players that knows that his effort and his intensity and all those intangibles have to be at a high level for him to have a chance and he understands that. He's a player that knows who he is, and that's a good thing in our league."

What are your views when dust-ups like those happen?

"It's a little bit more challenging when two of them break out at the same time. But there's that five to ten-second period where hopefully then it's controlled by the team and I think even in that case today, you saw ultimately the team take care of it."

Do you like to see a good scrap like that?

"Like I said, I like the competitive nature of the way we're practicing. We just want them to be careful and not do something stupid."

What kind of things do you expect from Pierre Thomas this season?

"He's knows the offense very well. We expect him to be a big contributor as a running back for us - it's that simple. We expect him to be a guy to get a lot of carries. The key is staying healthy for him, but he runs with good pad level. He's a guy that doesn't take a lot of minus-yardage plays, which is a big plus for him and he's very reliable in protection."

So he needs to take another step forward since he's in year three now?

"The key for him is just the consistency in regards to his injuries, just being able to stay healthy and stay on the field."

Do you like his weight to be where it is right now?

"Yes. I think he's at a good spot right now. When you look at him, I think he's carrying it well. I'm always mindful or cautious of guys that play skill positions that put on weight. I think you have to be careful there, but I think he's playing at a comfortable weight right now."

What have you seen from Tracy Porter so far in these first few days?

"It is early, but he's a guy that is smart. He has real good ball skills and he's taking reps at punt returner as well and he can run well. He's right there in the mix. He did some good things a year ago."

When you look at receivers and cornerbacks, what is it about their feet that is important?

"So much of the game is start-and-stop. If your ability to start and then stop and then start again is better than your opponent's, then it gives you an edge. Conversely, if you struggle in transition - if when you stop it takes you a while to get back started again, then it becomes a challenge for you and you're behind a little bit. That quickness and agility is a key component to this game because there's so much of it that takes place on every play."

Pierre Thomas said that he'd like to recreate something like what Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister had in 2006. What are your thoughts on that?

"I think he's anxious and I think he is certainly ready to take on that role. Now we go through the process of preparing him for that. I said earlier that in the group as a whole, there are some interesting players that we have to do a good job of evaluating. When you talk about the Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton, the P.J. Hills and Herb Donaldson, I'm anxious to see all of those guys. It's hard to get them all work. You'll see in practice that we'll start clumping two or three of them in a nine-on-seven and not try to give each one of them two reps but try to give one of them a little bit more work. That gives us a better chance to look at those players."

Sean Payton Q&A

From the New Orleans Saints official website after this mornings practice.

Opening Statement:

"I don't know that there were any injuries to report. There were a couple of upset stomachs;Jammal Brown had a little bug and that was about the extent of it. This afternoon we'll go outside again, which is a little bit contrary to the normal schedule, but we'll be out here again in the afternoon battling through it."

Does Jammal have a flu bug?

"I don't know if was that or a little bit of the heat, but he should be fine."

Would you say that Lance Moore and Adrian Arrington are both limited still?

"Lance I would say got a little more work in one-on-ones and seven-on-seven. Adrian, with the hamstring, it's really us monitoring it every day. With Lance, his lower body is fine and he's doing real well. With Adrian we just have to get his hamstring right before he gets back out."

Anything to report on the Malcolm Jenkins contract front?

"No, nothing new."

You've always had an elder statesman type in your receiving corps since you've been here. This year they're a younger bunch but still experienced. Did you not need the older presence this year?

"We're pretty comfortable with the group that we have. We're spending time evaluating some of the younger guys, but I think the reps that Marques (Colston) has had, Devery (Henderson), and even Lance Moore and Robert Meachem for that matter - those guys have had a lot of work. A couple of the other free agents that we signed have been around for a while like - Paris Warren - but we'll see. Those guys have had a lot of reps. I don't know that purposely it worked out that way or if it was just a matter of where we were with the roster."

Did you feel like you needed to have that older guy those first couple of years?

"I don't know that specifically. We had veteran experience with a guy like Joe (Horn) our first year and Terrance Copper had some experience, but he wasn't that old. It really comes down to production. It's a group that works pretty hard and it's not a high maintenance group like it can be sometimes."

How has Marques looked to you?

"Pretty good. This is his first full work. All of these guys are carrying their pads for a second day now, so really it's a process that takes place to get used to that. So far he's doing well."

We've seen Jonathan Casillas watching with the ones the last few days. Is he someone that could make an impact?

"He's one of the young guys that is clearly going to be evaluated both in the kicking game and at linebacker. We felt like there were some things in the spring that he was able to pick up on. He started a little late because of his injury, but he has some promise so we'll see."

Is that similar to what you've done with Marvin Mitchell?

"A little bit."

How do you feel about your backup quarterback situation?

"I feel good about it. We have experience there obviously with Mark Brunell. Joey Harringtoncame off of what we thought was a pretty good year in Atlanta the year we acquired him. Our job is to make sure that both of those players are mentally and physically ready to go in at any time and I think they understand that. That's the nature of the position; that's the challenge of the position sometimes. That being said, it can't slow down progress. We're still coaching those guys and not taking anything for granted. They have to be ready."

Would you say that the #2 quarterback job is open?

"We talked about it in the spring that those guys are competing for that. More than just that spot, there are a number of jobs that are open. We'll have plenty of time in the preseason to evaluate these guys in the games."

Is that a coach's nightmare, to lose a guy at such a key position?

"It's certainly one of the things that you're always guarded against and you're hopeful that it doesn't happen. But I think that also is a little bit of the reality of the game that we play. You don't know what position it will come at - these suspensions for instance on two guys right off the bat if they hold up. The key is preparing the whole roster and not just the front line guys."

What kind of offseason has it been for Pierre Thomas?

"Pretty good. He has been healthy; he has his wrist back; his hand is feeling pretty good. I think his weight is at the right spot and that he's in real good shape."

Last year he had 160 offensive touches and 12 touchdowns. Do you see his touches going way up this year?

"We'll see. He's certainly one of the guys that will be in the mix for runs and plays other than that. He's a guy that's consistent. There's something to be said for knowing exactly what you're going to get from a player and that's one of his assets."

Does the fact that you didn't bring another veteran running back in say something about the confidence you have in Pierre Thomas, Lynell Hamilton and Mike Bell?

"There is a group behind Reggie (Bush) and Pierre that is going to be really interesting to evaluate. Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton and then P.J. Hill and Herb Donaldson - there's a group of guys that we have to get a handle on in the next four weeks as to where we think they fit and they'll get a lot of work. Not just in practice, they'll get a lot of work in the preseason."

When Casillas wasn't drafted and you guys were looking at bringing in free agents, what was it about him that caught your eye?

"He had a draftable grade. What typically happens when you finish the seven rounds is that there are a few magnets that stand out above the others because of the grade that you had on them and you start there. There were two concerns with him - one being the injury problem and not being able to work out at his pro day and that left a lot of people skittish and then there were a few incidents on campus there that also did that. That being said, when you saw him play there were some things that excited you so we were excited to sign him as a free agent."

Are you still as excited after having him in here?

"Yes, definitely."

Do you get encouraged when you see the guys that were drafted around Jenkins get signed?

"Yes. When you start seeing the guys in front and behind, then you're hopeful that the process speeds up. What you don't want to see is two or three days turn into a week or a week-and-a-half. Now you wait and you hope that we can get this thing resolved quicker than later."

After three practices, can you give out a grade on which unit - offense or defense - has gotten the better of the other so far?

"I don't think we talk about that. We're able to see the tape and what's important is to evaluate each segment in its separate phase. First off, you have three different groups that are going against each other, but I think as you watch practice - and there's an ebb and flow to practice - typically my experience with camp is that the key is the consistency aspect of it all. A lot of times you'll see one better in one session and then the next group play better in the other session, but it's still early. The competition aspect of it is healthy and it's good."

Gregg Williams said that the defense won both practices yesterday.

"Is that right?"

How is Usama Young making the transition from cornerback to safety?

"He's doing well. He had a good offseason we felt. He was one of the pleasant surprises. When you make a move from corner to safety like that there is a lot that's involved in it. He has picked things up pretty quickly and we're excited about where we're at."

Is it too early to say that there's a renewed sense of urgency with this defense?

"I think we're seeing a lot of things that are positive, and yet we have a long ways to go both offensively and defensively. I don't really buy into picking up where you left off, for instance, as it pertains to the offense. We have a lot of work to do. In 2006 we had a pretty good year offensively and then in '07 we really struggled in the first four weeks of the season. You have to start right from the beginning with the fundamentals, whether it's your veteran players or your young players. You can't take anything for granted. We have to be able to as a team play a complementary game and hopefully we're able to do that."

Have you noticed a different culture around the secondary this year?

"From a personnel standpoint it's different. There are a lot of new faces in the secondary and they're adjusting to the new scheme well. I see guys that are in position and I think we also have better depth than we have in years past so you're seeing some pretty good competition. You can take the cornerback position for instance. As you try to put all those hats in order, there's a lot of work to be done yet for evaluation of those players. That has all been encouraging."

You had talked about a list of needs and wants going into the offseason. Was improving the secondary high on that list?

"It was one of them. The cornerback group was one of them and I think we have to have better play than we did a year ago."

Have you noticed different safety play from Roman Harper with Gregg Williams here?

"He's had one of his better offseasons, if not his best offseason. We're anxious to see his progress. He's a guy that we think can be an impact safety for us and we have a lot of time to get a peek at him."

Is it maturity or the influence of Gregg's defense?

"It's probably a combination of a number of things. He was in position last year a number of times to make some plays and hopefully he is able to do that this year."

Is Adrian Arrington's recovery on schedule with you guys?

"It has probably lingered a little longer than we expected. With the hamstring we would have hoped he would have been ready to start camp, but those are kind of tricky. The worst thing we could do is hurry him back and have a setback. The best thing is to get him healthy and get him out there, but he's probably a little bit behind schedule."

Are you reducing reps at this camp because it is more of a veteran team?

"I think to some extent. I also think that the amount of work we have gotten in the offseason has allowed us to do that. We have a lot of players back know our system now. It's still training camp, so I still believe in the two-a-day routine. I still believe in the grind."

Is it less of a grind this year?

"We're just trying to keep them a little fresher. The roster limit has changed the last two or three years so we have to be flexible with that."

Has the culture of this team changed since you first brought them up in Millsaps?

"I think to some degree they know what to expect. I think that there's still a formula that never changes. I go back to the offseason, the reps and work we had, allows us for instance to be 20 minutes shorter on our p.m. practice yesterday."

Would you have not done that in Jackson?

"Probably not in that first year."

Any noticeable progression in Sedrick Ellis going into year two?

"He's doing well. He's in shape."

Sean Payton Q&A

From NewOrleans.com after yesterday afternoons practice.

Opening Statement: This P.M. practice is scheduled a little bit different than it has been. We're not on the field quite as long for a couple of reasons. I thought the first day went pretty well. The guys were moving around. I think you could see the work in the offseason right now. I think they're in pretty good shape, having the opportunity to come in here; we made that decision this afternoon with some of the rain. Our plan tomorrow is to be outside twice and we'll go from there.

Q: If Jo-Lonn Dunbar plays well enough do you look at him as a potential starter?

A: I think all these guys are competing for playing time. He's a young player that we like. We think he's going to make a big impact for us on special teams and for snaps. He's a guy that's pretty smart and has a pretty good grasp of what we're doing. For him in this second year, how many snaps he can get, not only in the kicking game, but does he figure in on defense? We're looking at all these young guys right now and trying to get them work and the preseason will be important.

Q: Can you discuss how much comfort level you have with Pete Carmichael Jr. as your offensive coordinator?

A: A lot. Pete handles all the quarterback meetings with Joe (Lombardi). Pete sits in on all the installs. He's involved in the installs. He handles the staff. Today for example, practice is ending, the staff is meeting at the hotel and Pete's running the meeting. I'm not there. That happens a lot. He's done a great job. He came here from San Diego with a pretty diverse background and each year he's done a great job with not only working with the quarterbacks specifically, but working with the group in general. He's had two opportunities to leave as a coordinator and to his credit he's stayed with this system and this offense. He's a huge asset for me and he is very talented.

Q: What is his role on game day?

A: His role on game day is on the sidelines he'll work hand in hand with the quarterbacks as they come off, communicate with Joe Lombardi. They'll go through the pictures with Drew (Brees) and the quarterbacks and really be my voice or ear in the passing game with my thoughts each series. I have a lot of trust in him. He works very hard at it, is very diligent and very thorough. He's done a great job.

Q: When you made a change in offensive coordinator what convinced you Gregg Williams was the guy?

A: You first look at the body of work that's important. He had a track record that was coincidental and for a number of years I had experience in going against him. Then in the interview process, you saw his passion for what we were wanting to do. I think the combination of what he wants to implement, his past success, his ability to come in and play a key role from a leadership standpoint and get those guys up to speed, all of them factored in.

Q: What did he do in that interview that convinced you to hire him?

A: It was a full day of meetings. It's hard to point to one thing, but it's easy to point to a lot of things, which I did. But, I think when he left we felt comfortable that if we were able to secure him...He had a number of teams interested...If we were able to get him on board and the search was going to stop there and fortunately it did.

Q: How long did you have to wait to be able to hire him?

A: It was probably six days after the interview, maybe a little less than a week. He went up to Green Bay, came back and then we spent some time on the phone and got it done.

Q: Even if you didn't work with him personally, did you talk to people who worked with him?

A: I talked to a number of guy, various coaches, and various players. Mark Brunell was with him in Washington. The linebacker that I had in Dallas that is now in Miami at Washington. I talked to assistant coaches. I talked to other coaches that had been with him and much like you would if you were signing a player you do homework. All those things factored in.

Q: Did the game against Washington in 2006 and their defense's performance against your offense make an impression?

A: That was just part of it. That was one game. There have been a number of games that made an impression over a period of time.

Q: How do you think your offense has responded to the increased intensity?

A: Good, we get challenged. It's helpful for us. You come out here everyday you're challenged to hold onto the football the right way, you're challenged to pickup blitzes and anymore this game is about applying pressure to the quarterback. How you get it, whether it's a four man rush or applying pressure, the ability to change his comfort level is critical in terms of forcing turnovers and bad decisions. From that aspect, he's really been good. They've done a good job defensively so far of creating pressure.

Q: Are there any individuals that have impressed you today?

A: Mike Bell did a good job and made some good runs. I thought defensively there were a number of players that got their hands on balls. I think a lot easier after two, three four days, after a week, where you start to see guys make repeat performances. Overall, knock on wood, we were healthy today, guys seem to be flying around. The offseason work from a football standpoint or the football x's and o's helps us he a lot in the first day or two because we give them a lot and their ready to pick it up in the first day or two. We have a long way to go. Fortunately we have time on our side to evaluate and make proper decisions.

Q: How much did Jonathan Vilma work?

A: Pretty much the same, about two thirds of what (Scott) Fujita and (Scott) Shanle or one of those first line guys would do, not just quite as much, but similar to this morning.

Q: Is Jeremy Shockey healthy?

A: He's in good shape. He's injury free, he's moving around well. It's good to see him running the way he's running.