SB Nation - Glenn Pakulak

New Orleans Saints' Defensive and Special Teams Player Grades @ Bucs

saints-nation — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:00:24 -0000

by Chris O'Meara - AP

Below are the grades for the defense and special teams @ Tampa Bay. Some terrific play all around.

Saints vs Buccaneers boxscore

Will Smith: B+ (2.83) Smith finished with 3 tackles and a sack. He did a reasonably good job of putting pressure on Josh Freeman, and was able to waltz in untouched for an easy sack on a missed blocking assignment. It was nice to see Smith help against the run on a number of occasions, too.

Charles Grant: C (2.37) Grant finished with just 2 tackles, and he knocked Freeman down once on a pass rush. His pass rushing was mediocre, and his run defense was mediocre... so he gets a mediocre grade to go with his mediocre GPA.

Bobby McCray: D+ (1.89) What happened to this guy? He was a very solid pass rusher last year, but his reps get lessened each week mostly due to his complete lack of production. At one point in training camp they were talking about installing packages that would include McCray blitzing from the linebacker slot. Whatever happened to that? No tackles for McCray in this game despite a decent number of snaps. He was complete neutralized on pass downs, too.

Anthony Hargrove: B- (2.44) Just one tackle for Hargrove, but he did a good job getting push on passing plays up the middle, and he recovered a CRUCIAL fumble that broke Tampa Bay's back.

Remi Ayodele: B (2.19) Ayodele plugged up the middle much better than usual and forced the Tampa backs to often bounce their runs outside, allowing the Saints' linebackers to make plays. He finished with 3 tackles and also showed more effort than what I've seen in the past. The main problem I've had with Ayodele is he has a lazy streak where he won't play to the whistle, but I didn't see that in this game.

Scott Fujita: A- (2.72) Fujita is back and playing at a high level. This was arguably his best game of the season. He was making terrific reads and had a very impressive play getting in the backfield and hitting the Bucs' runner for a loss. His tackles were sure and he showed no ill effects from the calf injury that slowed him down. His biggest play was a blitz off the backside where he sacked Freeman and knocked the ball loose, leading to Hargrove's big recovery. Nice to see Fujita making plays, he's been missed. He was a major reason the Bucs struggled to move the ball after that first drive.

Scott Shanle: C+ (2.77) Quiet day for Shanle, who really didn't do much until the second half. There were no major mistakes, but some of the bigger runs early in the game were plays going right at him where he didn't absorb the blocks very well.He was solid in coverage and ended with 2 tackles.

Jonathan Vilma: A- (3.00) Vilma was all over the field, looked fast and was steady. He finished with 6 tackles, a defended pass, a knockdown on a blitz, and an interception. When he gets a clean look at stopping a rusher he almost always makes the play. I don't think he's playing at quite the level he was a season ago, but he clearly makes everyone around him better. Nice to see him get that pick, he made a fantastic catch covering a tough customer in Kellen Winslow Jr.

Randall Gay: C (2.59) Gay was pretty solid in coverage before leaving early with a tweaked hamstring. From what I've heard it sounds unlikely he'll be back in time for the Monday Night game.

Malcolm Jenkins: A- (3.07) Jenkins made a terrific interception, the first of his career, going to the ground to come up with a low pass. He benefited from Antonio Bryant slipping, but still jumped the route well and showed terrific hands. He led the team with 7 tackles on the day and 2 defended passes. He held a very good receiver in Antonio Bryant to just 3 catches. Bryant did have a 21 yard reception against Jenkins at one point, but the coverage was picture perfect and Bryant just made a ridiculous catch on his outside shoulder - not much you can blame the rookie for there. He really stepped in and did not miss a beat.

Roman Harper: B (3.23) Harper dropped an easy interception, jumping a route well but failing to come up with the catch. If there's one thing I've learned from watching Harper all the years is the guy has the worst set of hands I've almost ever seen. He finished with just 3 tackles, but was sent blitzing a number of times. He was able to register a half sack, and he also knocked Freeman to the ground two other times.

Darren Sharper: B- (3.15) Sharper was fine. No real chances to get a pick this time. The few times he was in a good position, the ball by Freeman was so poorly thrown that Sharper had no chance. He finished with 5 tackles and was especially helpful against the run. His grade suffers because of yet another personal foul 15 yard penalty. He's had at least 4 or 5 this year. It was a blatant facemask penalty, and there really was no need for him to do that.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar: C+ (2.73) Dunbar finished with 3 tackles and played in spot duty late in the game at linebacker. He was aggressive and did ok. He over-pursued twice but with the game so far out of reach it's hard to grade him. I'll give him some love for doing a great job on special teams, though.

DeMario Pressley: B- (2.78) This guy deserves to start alongside Sedrick Ellis. There, I said it. I know there's a love affair going on with just about any avid Saints watcher and Anthony Hargrove, and the coaching staff seems enamored with Ayodele, but Pressley has been the tackle performing most consistently. I see him sometimes get pushed off the line of scrimmage, but once when that happen he bounced back up the middle and ended up making the tackle. Even when he's beat he plays to the whistle and shows terrific effort. He finished with 3 tackles and did a decent job rushing the passer.

Pierson Prioleau: B- (2.67) He finished with 3 tackles and did a fairly good job in coverage. With the Saints depleted at corner thanks to the injuries to Torrence and Gay, he stepped in and helped hold down the fort.

Usama Young: B (3.17) Young also lent a helping hand at corner with the Saints shorthanded by injury. He was pretty good, especially helping in run support. He finished with 2 tackles. His grade gets a boost, too, from 2 spectacular special teams plays. First he forced a deep punt to be fair caught inside the 20 with terrific downfield coverage, then he dove on a ball and downed it at the 1 yard line after another great punt by Morstead.

Leigh Torrence: C (2.00) Torrence was placed on IR, I'm told, and that's too bad. The guy was finally getting some playing time. Sure, he wasn't the best corner but you can't argue with the guy's toughness. He separated his shoulder and came back in the game to play and make a tackle due to the Saints' injury problems. He finished with 4 tackles and teamed up with Harper to get the other half of a sack on Freeman. He was also responsible for the touchdown pass to Michael Clayton, though, and I feel like his coverage was spotty enough that a better quarterback could have made him pay. I'm surprised as far as he was playing off receivers that Freeman didn't take advantage of the short routes in front of him.

John Carney: A- (2.77) Carney did his job, so it's hard to give him a worse grade. He hit a big 38 yard field goal to break a 7-7 tie, and at the time it was important. He also hit all 5 of his extra points, but once again got one or two barely inside the upright.

Thomas Morstead: A+ (3.03) He was booming the ball all day long. I tip my cap to you, Mr. Morstead, and I can't tell you how glad I am the Saints kept you over Glenn Pakulak. He was, in a word, fantastic. Every kickoff he booted went into the end zone, and as the game progressed they kept getting deeper and deeper (I believe his last 3 were touchbacks). Clifton Smith is known for being one of the most dangerous returners in the NFC, and Morstead completely neutralized him. He also blasted 4 punts for a 48.8 average, and pinned two inside the 20 (one of those at the 1). He only had one of his punts returned for 11 yards, so he ends up with an extremely impressive net average of a little over 46 yards. Without question his best game as a Saint.

Courtney Roby: B+ (2.93) Roby was pretty good returning kickoffs. No standout plays but he returned 2 kicks for a 25.5 average. His coverage skills, however, are what earned him his grade this time. The play that Usama Young made at the one was only thanks to a great athletic and head's up play by Roby, as he dove into the end zone and tipped the ball back into the field. For some reason the Bucs challenged that play, too, which had to be one of the dumbest challenges of all time.

My Defensive Player of the Game: Malcolm Jenkins
My Special Teams Player of the Game: Thomas Morstead

Poll

Who Was Your Defensive Player of the Game?

Malcolm Jenkins

200 votes

Scott Fujita

113 votes

Jonathan Vilma

111 votes

Chris Reis (didn't play enough to get a grade, but I'll give him props for his pick)

17 votes

441 votes | Poll has closed

Keeping an Eye on the Other Beasts in the East

Aaron Novinger — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:00:31 -0000

The premier matchup this week in the NFL is the one between the two unbeatens: the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints. Whichever team wins this battle in the Big Easy, could be considered the best team in the conference. Minnesota is the only other undefeated team in the NFC; it plays host to 3-2 Baltimore on Sunday.

The one win between Oakland and Kansas City suggests that Philadelphia and Washington could both be victorious this weekend. The Eagles are flying high while the Raiders are looking less competitive each week. The Chiefs gave the Cowboys a run for their money in Week Five, and should be able to do the same against a frustrated Redskins team.

More Beasts in the East after the jump.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-1)

Last game: 33-14 Home Win vs. Tampa Bay

Next up: @ Oakland (1-4)

Tomorrow, the Eagles will enter the Black Hole relatively healthy.

Guard Todd Herremans (foot) and cornerback Dimitri Patterson (quadriceps) are out for tomorrow's game at Oakland. Wide receiver Kevin Curtis (knee) is questionable, but he is making the flight west. Defensive end Darren Howard sat out yesterday's practice with a toe contusion, but he's probable. And that's it.

For the first time this season, coach Andy Reid will have to make some tough decisions regarding who will dress against the Raiders and who will be inactive.

"It's a good problem to have," Reid said.

Herremans has been out all season but is making progress and he could be back for the Monday night game at Washington on Oct. 26. He ran with the scout team yesterday in practice and will have a scan of his left foot - where he suffered a stress fracture - on Tuesday.

Andy Reid doesn't want his team to look past the Raiders.

"It's a frame of mind," Reid said following a short practice Friday at the team's NovaCare Complex. "It's how you handle that time, it's not necessarily the schedule as much as how you handle that schedule. That's the important thing here, from the time we get on the plane until the time we play the game, that you utilize that time wisely.

"That's what we need to do. I have a lot of new guys on this football team and this is the first time that they've been with me on a two-day trip. I expect certain things and I know that the veteran players will be a good example."

Donovan McNabb will "mentor" Jamarcus Russell during pregame.

McNabb wants to make sure Russell stays positive despite a rough start to his third season that has raised serious questions about whether the No. 1 overall pick in 2007 draft has become a draft bust.

"Understand that every quarterback in this league has been through some sort of struggle, but believe that you can pull yourself out of it," McNabb said of his advice. "The guys around you have to make plays. ... Not all the negative aspects of what's been going on should fall on JaMarcus because it's a team game."

Here is the preview video link for the Philadelphia Eagles at Oakland Raiders.

Washington Redskins (2-3)

Last game: 17-20 Loss @ Carolina

Next up: Home vs. Kansas City (0-5)

Whether Jim Zorn's job is in jeopardy or not, Washington's players want the organization to speak up.

If the team doesn't intend to fire Zorn, the players said, the coach should be given a public vote of confidence so that players won't have to bear the responsibility each week of responding to speculation about their embattled coach.

The players, who spoke on condition that their names not be used, said they had hoped management would soon release a statement endorsing Zorn to silence any doubts about his immediate future to eliminate what they said has become a daily distraction.

"I wish someone upstairs would just say he's going to be our coach for the season," said one of the players. "That way, we don't have to answer any more questions about it and everybody knows we're in this boat together."

LT Chris Samuels may miss the rest of the season with an injury that could force him into retirement, says Matt Mosely.

The six-time Pro Bowler, who already had been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, will have the injury re-evaluated Tuesday, sources told The Washington Post.

Samuels suffers from stenosis, a narrowing of the spine that causes him to wear a neck brace for extra protection when he plays, and was already dealing with significant knee pain all season, according to the paper.

The Redskins' defense is licking their chops in expectations of a struggling K.C. offense.

The Redskins have 10 sacks, including six in the last two games. Andre Carter leads the way with 3.5 sacks and rookie Brian Orakpo has 2.5. The defense is ranked 11th in the league in sacks after finishing 28th last year. Kansas City is struggling on the ground--Larry Johnson is averaging just 2.4 yards per carry--so the pressure could be on Cassel to move the ball through the air.

Cassel has been sacked 14 times this season, 28th worst in the league, as the Chiefs’ offensive line has struggled in pass protection. He was sacked four times last Sunday vs. Dallas and five times the week before by the New York Giants.

Punter, Hunter Smith, is a game-time decision because of a groin injury he suffered last week.

Smith, who did not punt during practice Friday, was injured on his first punt in the 16-13 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 3. He then sat out the 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

The Redskins signed free agent Glenn Pakulak, who averaged 35.6 net yards on five punts. Pakulak was cut after the game and re-signed to the practice squad. If Smith cannot punt again this week, the Redskins would have to make a move to add him to the 53-man roster for the game.

Here is the preview video link for the Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins.

New York Giants (5-0)

Last game: 44-7 Home Win vs. Oakland

Next up: @ New Orleans (4-0)

How do the Giants' defenders plan on handling Saints' QB Drew Brees?

"(Brees is) a great, accurate quarterback," cornerback Corey Webster said. "He knows how to get the ball to the skill players and playmakers. He allows them to make plays down the field. He does a great job of buying more time in the pocket, getting rid of the ball when he needs to, putting it in the right position where only his receiver can make a play on the ball. I think down the field we have to stay close in coverage because he can buy an extra second for his receivers to get down the field. So we have to be very disciplined on our coverage assignments."

In four games, Brees has thrown only two interceptions and been sacked just four times. Running backs Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and Bush have rushed for a combined 589 yards and five touchdowns.

"Brees gets so much attention that people don't realize they are averaging over 160 yards rushing," Tuck said. "They are definitely a balanced football team. I think they are right up there with us as far as balance. I know a lot of people don't understand that because people look at Brees and all the numbers he puts up, but that three-headed monster running back that they have down there is doing a great job, too."

While many Giants players were quoted this week as saying that this is just the sixth game of the season, Saints' head coach, Sean Payton, sees this as an early measuring stick for his team.

"When you look at all the categories that lend themselves to winning, this is a team that has done most of those things real well," Payton said. "This is a good challenge for us and a real good football team. Not only looking at the film and looking at all the numbers in all phases, they’re very well-coached and very talented."

Payton expects the Giants to be very physical on both sides of the ball. "We’ve played some good, physical teams and we understand the type of game that it’s going to be," Payton said, "and I think we’ll be ready for the challenge."

Eli Manning (heel) and Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) were limited in practice this week, but are only listed as probable for Sunday.

However, linebacker Michael Boley (knee), defensive tackle Chris Canty (calf) and cornerback Aaron Ross (hamstring) have all been ruled out for Sunday.

Is Brandon Jacobs frustrated with his role?

When asked specifically how he was a tone-setter on the field, Jacobs had enough.

"You're just looking for some (junk), aren't you?" Jacobs said to a reporter. The reporter seemed surprised and asked Jacobs what was wrong."

"Yes! I see myself as a tone-setter," Jacobs said. "Yes, I do. I am going out and just running into people. I'm 6-4 and 265 pounds, doing what I am supposed to do, running into people to get a 2-yard loss. Happy?"

Jacobs, who has rushed for 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons, ended the interview, picked up his shoes and walked away.

The Saints may come out with a little ball-control offense of their own.

A little more of a surprise this season has been the running game of the New Orleans Saints, which ranks second in the NFL, averaging 166.3 yards. This week, the Saints will have a tandem of their own in Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas, one they haven't had together all season. Bell rushed for 229 yards in the Saints' first two games, but sprained his right knee late in New Orleans' victory at Philadelphia.

Thomas, who did not have carry the first two games while he was coming back from a preseason right knee sprain of his own, took center stage in Week 3 at Buffalo and has rushed for 212 yards and three TDs since. "It's going to be electrifying because we're going to keep pounding and pounding and pounding," Thomas said. "We've also got Reggie (Bush), who can do just about anything out there on the field, so it's going to be crazy."

Here is the pregame video link for the New York Giants at New Orleans Saints.

Feelying Good, Jay Ties Jets Record

David_Wyatt — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:40:05 -0000

More photos » by Bill Kostroun - AP

Browse more photos »

Lost in all the disappointment last night was the work of one man who has been just about as consistent as you could want from the kickers position.He needs one more to pass the all time Jets record for consecutive field goals made, but last night Jets kicker Jay Feely tied Pat Leahy's record of 22 consecutive field goals made.

His signing came right out of left field. Going into the 2008 season, we were all set with Mike Nugent, the disappointment from Ohio State. He hadn't done anything majorly wrong, but when you spend a 2nd round draft choice on a kicker, he is going to have to be close to perfect. Again it's not his fault he was chosen so early, but the bar was set too high.

A lot more after the jump

As a Jets kicker, Mike Nugent made 75 of 92 which is not great but it's not that bad either. The problems arose on his kick-offs, during his first two years with the team, he managed just 3 touch-backs, an area that he improved on considerably in 2007, forcing 9. One quadriceps injury into the 2008 season and he lost his job. Signing with the Tampa Bay Bucs. He was then released after going 2-4 against the RedSkins and is currently looking for work.

Last season Jay Feely made 24 of 28 kicks and registered 7 touch-backs, and kicked a long 55 yarder. This year so far he is 8-8 with a long of 43, with three touch-backs in 5 games. He scraped one in off the post last night, but as long as it goes through, that's all that matters.

If you talk to Jay about superstitions like Dave Hutchinson did, your not likely to get the expected reply:

‘After that Seattle game when I was with the Giants (when he missed three straight potential game-winning field goals in a 2005 loss at Giants Stadium), I wore the exact same socks the next game just to spike superstitions,’’ said Feely, who made one of two the following week in a victory over the Cowboys.

‘‘I feel like I’ve gotten better every year,’’ said Feely, who has improved his kickoffs. ‘‘As you get older, you understand how to control your emotions. You understand what makes you perform the best.

‘‘I know I have to be loose when I’m out there. I have to have fun. So I’m running around like a kid before games, catching punts, saying ‘Hi’ to people. I’ve learned if I’m too tight, I don’t kick my best.

‘‘You go through tough times and if they don’t break you, then you learn from them. I messed up as bad as I could in that Seattle game with the Giants and it didn’t break me, it made me stronger.’’

One thing that Jay has had to do this year, is learn how to adapt to a new holder. The one area that the Jets struggled with during the pre-season was the punting position. Jets went through Punters like Brett Favre does retirement parties. Reggie Hidges, B.J Conley, Ken Parrish, Glenn Pakulak, A.J Trapasso and now Steve Weatherford have all held for Jay who has starter this season off with a bang.

So next Sunday could be the day that Jay Feely passes the record held by Pat Leahy, a kicker who played 18 seasons with the Jets between 1974 and 1991. Leahy set the record over two seasons in 1985 and 1986. The record being set against Denver in a 22-10 victory. A 27 yard chip shot, Jay can only hope to be presented with a kick from within 20 yards.

Leahy was unable to add to the record the following week as the Jets hosted the New Orleans Saints, where he was presented with just one field goal opportunity

Who doesn't love this scene, the later part about Ray Finkle

Ace Ventura - Pet Detective - Ray Finkle's House (via zombieguy619)

(disclaimer: this is by no means meant as a dig at the Dolphins or Dan Marino, it's just one of my favourite moments, and you don't find too many films with parts about kickers)

Glenn Pakulak Released

John B — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:29 -0000

That was quick. Less than a week after signed punter Glenn Pakulak, the Jets released him.

Dude never got a chance to punt in a game.

This leaves Reggie Hodges as the only punter on the roster. Does this mean he has won the job? Well, he has outlasted three challengers, but if I were him, I'd rent, not buy.

Strange stuff. We saw last season that Reggie Hodges isn't really the answer, but the Jets never give anybody a chance to unseat him. I guess we're looking at another year of Reggie. Not the worst thing in the world, but you wonder how seriously the team considered these other options.

Jets Sign Another Punter

John B — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:44:26 -0000

In the latest installment of The Jets Can't Find a Punter, the team has signed former Saint Glenn Pakulak.

The New York Jets have claimed punter Glenn Pakulak off waivers and have waived punter Ken Parrish and linebacker Josh Mauga. The announcements were made by general manager Mike Tannenbaum.

Pakulak (6′3″, 220) signed with New Orleans on Oct. 29, 2008, and averaged 47.7 yards per punt in the Saints’ last eight games. He was waived on Aug. 17. He was a member of Oakland’s practice squad in 2008 and spent the 2008 off-season with the Chicago Bears. In 2006-07 he played for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe. He was allocated to NFLE by Oakland in 2006 and Tennessee in 2007.

A 47.7 average? I think we've found a punter. Or one better than Reggie Hodges at least.

Thomas Morstead Wins Punting Battle. Glenn Pakulak (and Paris Warren) Waive Goodbye.

Saintsational — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:08:05 -0000

Ladies and gentleman...we have a punter.

Glenn Pakulak was just waived. Per Greg Bensel's Twitter account...

GregBensel The Saints have waived P Glenn Pakulak and WR Paris Warren today...Coach Payton will address with media following tomorrow's indoor practice

I think that makes Morstead the first official winner of a position battle this year. Paris Warren, we hardly knew thee.

Poll

Did you expect this?

Absolutely.

217 votes

Shocker!

38 votes

255 votes | Poll has closed

Getting to Know You!!!

Saintsational — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 12:00:13 -0000

Mrs. Frumplesworth is in charge of rookie hazing this year.

With training camp so close we can almost taste it and rookie signings coming any day now I figured this weeks "Getting to Know You" would have a 2009 rookie theme. Here are your five questions:

Which 2009 rookie will make the biggest impact this year?
Which 2009 rookie will be the biggest disappointment (Arnoux not included)?
Will either undrafted rookies P.J. Hill or Herb Donaldson make the team as the third running back?
Will Thomas Morstead beat out Glenn Pakulak?
Out of all of this years rookies, who will have the most succesful long-term NFL career?

2009 Saints Minicamp: What Have we Learned?

Saintsational — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:24 -0000

I hope you all got your fill of New Orleans Saints football for the time being because that's it. It's over. You won't be seeing anymore until training camp gets underway later next month. The team has just a couple of weeks of OTA's remaining, all of which are closed to the public, before they get some final vacation time. As we say goodbye to this three day tease they call minicamp I wanted to recap some of the major (and not-so major) themes I think are most important and open this bad boy up for one last discussion.

Shockey's Back

You know how I know Jeremy Shockey is going to return to form and have a great season on the field in 2009? Because off the field he has become the attention-grabbing, media magnet that all NFL fans have come to know and love. Shockey has done a pretty good job of staying out of the spotlight since coming to New Orleans. Unfortunately, he's also done a fine job of staying out of the end zone too. But The Shockmeister has made a return to national headlines with this most recent incident in Vegas. And wouldn't you know it - he had a damn good minicamp weekend too. I'm starting to think the off-field controversy and on-field production go hand it hand. Regardless, Shockey is creating a buzz and as of now it's the good kind. Don't kill my buzz.

Secondary No Longer Primary Concern

If Who Dat Nation wasn't talking about Shockey this weekend than they were talking about the ridiculously upgraded secondary. Though nothing is guaranteed when it comes to Saints football, with so many new talented faces on this years team the odds just have to be in favor of improvement. And if the increased depth doesn't get you excited, the fact that the secondary actually looked good this weekend should. Sharper, Jenkins and Greer all made interceptions on Saturday while Harper, Porter, Torrence and Reis each knocked down passes. Even Danny Gorrer is stepping it up. If we learned absolutely anything this weekend it's that the secondary should be better in 2009. Comforting, I know.

Is Different Better?

It was my main point when I gave my report back from Friday's minicamp and it's been a major theme of this weekend. The Saints defense has been given an extreme makeover worthy of Fox's The Swan. We're seeing different fronts and blitz packages. Gregg Williams was even tinkering with the 3-4 this weekend. I caution everyone to try and curb their enthusiasm because different doesn't necessarily mean better. It does, however, raise a million questions about what to expect this season.

Mike Bell Running Away With It

The battle for that third running back position will be intense this year but given the nature of minicamp we didn't really get a good look at the competition. If I had to pick a front-runner, though, it would have to be Mike Bell. He seemed to garner the most attention and praise from the media this weekend, moreso than Lynell Hamilton, P.J. Hill and Herb Donaldson. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens in training camp

Injuries are Scary

There were some injury scares this weekend with regards to a couple of players. First was, who else, Dan Morgan who left practice Friday with a calf injury. Darnell Dinkins was out with an ankle. Then Sedrick Ellis tried to hack Pierre Thomas's wrist off and Jammal Brown did his best Shockey impression (dehydration). Don't forget Scott Shanle missed time with a calf injury as well. All of which should hauntingly remind us of last season. It's frustrating to be reminded how quickly the potential for a great season can come crashing to an end at the hand of injury but unfortunately it's part of the game. All we can do is hope for some better luck this season.

Sean Payton is the Next Steven Spielberg

I don't know about you but I thought the story about Payton shopping his "XBox Kid" movie script was the most interesting news of the weekend. I'm sure it will be just a shell of it's original self once Hollywood gets its hands on it, but learning about Payton's creative side was certainly the most shocking fact of the weekend.

Biggest Surprise Players

Mike Detillier says Danny Gorrer and Jermy Parnell have been impressive.

Why Didn't We Hear Much About...

Chip Vaughn? DeMario Pressley?

Whose Job is in Jeopardy?

Glenn Pakulak. Thomas Morstead drew praise for his big leg and his hang time.

Who Picked Up Right Where They Left Off?

Billy Miller. He continues to be underrated and a fan favorite.

Quote of the Weekend

Billy Miller again...

"If Jeremy Shockey is at the best of his ability, Billy Miller in year 11 is going to win a Super Bowl," Miller said. "And that's all that matters. Nothing else really matters at my age but winning. Not money, not any of that. Just winning ball games.

"Jeremy Shockey was brought in to be the starting tight end and to provide me with a nice shiny ring."

Popular Minicamp Trend

The Times-Pic reports that Courtney Roby, Roman Harper, Jason David, Skyler Green and Anthony Waters all have mohawks.

Completely Stupid Random Fact

There are three players on the current roster with the last name Evans. Jahri, Heath and Troy.

Feel free to now discuss anything else you think I've missed and offer your final thoughts on Saints minicamp.

CSC Interview: Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune, Part Two

Saintsational — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:00:14 -0000

Part two of my interview with Saints columnist Jeff Duncan can be found after the jump. We finally talk about the team, the draft and the 2009 season as well as learn a bit about Jeff's personal life.

Thanks again to Mr. Duncan for taking the time to answer my questions.

CSC: Let's talk about the Saints. Do you consider yourself a "fan" of the Saints? Is it difficult to remain unbiased?

JD: That’s an easy answer: no. I could care less how the Saints perform on Sundays. I know that might be difficult for people to believe but it’s true. Their performance doesn’t affect my life one way or the other. Covering the Saints is a job. Before I was on this beat, I covered LSU sports. And in between, I worked a short stint as a news reporter covering Katrina. I have no allegiance to any of the beats or sources I cover and only strive to cover the respective organizations I’m assigned to as fairly and accurately as possible. That is the responsibility of every journalist. We would be doing our readers a disservice if we covered the team from a fan’s point of view.

CSC: Where do you sit for the home games? Do you travel to all away games?

JD: I sit in the press box, which is on the club level of the Superdome, right at the 50-yard line. Our seats are among the best in the stadium. Alas, that luxury will be short-lived. The final phase of renovations at the Superdome will move the press box to the upper deck. We’ll be in the cheap seats. And, yes, I travel to every road game, as do our beat reporters and at least one photographer. Wherever the Saints go, we’re there.

CSC: I was in London for the International Series game and had a blast. Did you enjoy it?

JD: Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. London is a remarkable city, such great history. I took off the week after the game and had a chance to explore the city. I only wish I had more time to do it. I needed a month to properly see all of the requisite sights.

CSC: Who is your favorite Saints player of all-time?

JD: Deuce McAllister and Steve Gleason were my two favorite players to cover. More than their playing skills – and they were considerable in both cases -- I admired the way they carried themselves. Both were strong leaders who related to every player in the locker room and had the respect of their peers. There’s a reason those two guys live successful lives away from football. They are highly intelligent, well-rounded people who would have been successful in whatever field they chose in life.

CSC: Who is your favorite current player?

JD: I don’t really have a favorite player on the current roster. I respect all of them for their talent and dedication to their profession.

CSC: Nicest guy, other than Deuce, on the Saints?

JD: Tough call. There are a lot of them. Billy Miller. Jon Stinchcomb. Scott Fujita. Jon Vilma. The young trio of Pierre Thomas, Lance Moore and Usama Young is on the verge of emerging into more prominent roles and all three are really good guys. Kevin Houser is a terrific guy. Ditto Glenn Pakulak – what a great story he is. Will Smith, Jahri Evans and Marques Colston are quiet, but really good guys, as well. Relatively speaking, it’s a very good locker room to deal with from a media standpoint.

CSC: Favorite Saints moment since you've been covering the team?

JD: That would undoubtedly be the re-opening of the Superdome in 2006 after Katrina. In many ways, I think that game was more important than the club’s two playoff victories. It was an emotional night and the fact that Gleason had the big play made it more special. I’ll never forget interviewing him afterward and seeing and hearing his appreciation of the moment. He realized immediately what he had done. He got it. He knew he’d done something very special.

CSC: Tell us one thing that most of us probably don't know about the Saints.

JD: That team officials were trying harder to relocate the organization to San Antonio after Katrina than many people will ever know. Now, I don’t think they were ever really close to leaving because the NFL would have blocked the move, but there were a lot of wheels turning in that direction behind the scenes.

CSC: In your opinion, do you think the Saints organization runs a tighter ship than most other teams in the NFL in terms of media access? If so, is it because of Payton?

JD: Sean Payton’s media relations policies have been influenced greatly by Bill Parcells, meaning he allows as little access as possible. In general, I think Payton sees the media as a necessary evil, a potential obstacle in his daily quest to win games. The Saints keep access to players, coaches and other team officials to league minimums.

CSC: Now some mailbag-type questions. Who do YOU want to see the Saints draft? Is that different than who you think the Saints WILL draft?

JD: I don’t "want" the Saints to draft anyone. If I were running their team – and Saints fans should be glad that I’m not – then I would select the best pass defender or pass rusher on the board at No. 14. The Saints’ pass defense has struggled for as long as I’ve covered the team and they need to find a difference-maker on that side of the ball. They’ve neglected that side of the ball too much in recent years and have paid the price. It’s time to find a "Reggie Bush of the defense." Defensive back Malcolm Jenkins seems a perfect fit to me.

CSC: Do you think Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper and Pierson Prioleau are enough of an improvement for this secondary?

JD: No. I think they could use a rookie defensive back, particularly a cornerback with some size, to add to the mix. Jenkins would add a missing element to the defense with his size, athletic ability and instincts.

CSC: Will Dan Morgan make it through training camp?

JD: It’s way too early to answer that question. He says he’s in the best shape of his career but training camp will be the true litmus test.

CSC: Which receiver isn't on the roster week one?

JD: The Saints will keep all of their top five receivers: Colston, Moore, Henderson, Meachem and Arrington. Courtney Roby and Skyler Green will compete for return duties. One of those two will likely also make the roster. Other than those six, I don’t see another receiver making the team.

CSC: Are we going to regret the trade for Shockey?

JD: The jury is still out on this one. Shockey gets a pass on last season because of injuries and his late acquisition. I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he won’t have that excuse this year. We’ll be able to judge the deal a lot better after this season. It’s a big year for Shockey.

CSC: If you had to get rid of one, who is it: Charles Grant or Will Smith?

JD: In my opinion, Smith is the better all-around player. Not a knock on Grant, but I just think Smith is tough. I think the Saints overpaid Grant when they re-signed him but I understand why they did it.

CSC: Will Pierre Thomas be the main back this year?

JD: Yes and no. I don’t see Thomas ever becoming a true lead back like Deuce McAllister. But I do think he’ll get the bulk of the carries on offense. He’ll split backfield duties with Reggie Bush and a yet-to-be-named back the Saints acquire in either the draft or free agency. I like the way he runs.

CSC: Do the Saints have strength and conditioning problems?

JD: Not that I’m aware of. The team’s strength and conditioning program was the same one they employed in 2006 when they were relatively injury-free. If this were an issue, I think I’d have heard about it from a player by now. And I haven’t.

CSC: How much longer will Reggie Bush remain a controversial enigma?

JD: I don’t think Bush is "a controversial enigma." I think he’s a very good football player who is trying desperately to live up to unrealistic expectations placed on him out of college. I really like his competitiveness and passion for the game. He’s a breathtaking return man on punts and kickoffs and a vital weapon in the Saints’ offense. But he’s not a natural running back and it’s apparent when you watch him on film. His first instinct is to run away from color (opposing team jerseys) and I don’t see that changing at this point of his career. Running back is a brutal position in the NFL. Backs take a lot of punishment. Contact is inevitable. I’m not sure Bush is wired that way. That’s not a knock on him. It’s just not who he is. I think the Saints have figured that out now and he could be poised for a big year. But … he must be healthy. So much of his game is based on speed and elusiveness. I’m interested to see how his knee responds to a second rehabilitation from offseason surgery.

CSC: Record prediction for the 2009 Saints season?

JD: I’m not good at predictions. Nobody can accurately predict what’s going to happen during a given season. There are too many variables from year to year. But I think the Saints can compete for a playoff spot. They will be better on defense under Gregg Williams and the offense should continue to rank among the league’s best as long as Drew Brees is around. Two games to circle on their calendars are the home contests against the Giants and Cowboys, two teams that are favored to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. If the Saints fancy themselves as Super Bowl contenders we’ll find out in those two games. They could have playoff implications and the Saints get both teams in the Superdome.

CSC: Are you going to Jazzfest? Who do you want to see most?

JD: Yes. I’ll be there on Friday. I’m looking forward to seeing the Drive-By Truckers, Trombone Shorty and Tab Benoit. Unfortunately, NFL Draft duties will prevent me from attending on Saturday and Sunday.

CSC: Favorite restaurant in New Orleans ?

JD: Jacques-Imo’s has always been the reigning champ. I live in the Riverbend section of Uptown and can walk to the joint. To me, it’s the quintessential New Orleans neighborhood restaurant. I love to take visiting journalists there on the Saturday nights before home games. I bet I’ve taken scores of them there and introduced them to owner Jack Leonardi – a great New Orleans character -- and his devilishly good alligator sausage cheesecake. Life doesn’t get much better than that. Other favorites: Patois, Clancy’s, Luke, Cochon, Adolfo’s, Dick & Jenny’s, Upperline and Kyoto.

CSC: Favorite nightspot in New Orleans ?

JD: I stick to places close to home in Uptown: Cooter Brown’s for sports; Cure for cocktails; Delachaise for wine and their awesome cheese plates; and the Kingpin for everything else.

CSC: Any pets?

JD: No, but I do have a pride of feral cats living under my house. I’ve seen three generations of kitties born and raised in the shed behind my house. I know better, but I can’t take it upon myself to trap the little guys and get rid of them.

CSC: Favorite movie?

JD: I favor movies about journalism. I have three favorites: All the President’s Men, Cry Freedom and The Insider. Anyone that doubts journalism’s importance should watch those three movies, all based on true stories. I also think National Lampoon’s Animal House and Vacation are the two funniest movies of all-time.

CSC: Hobbies?

JD: I’m a big runner but I’ve slowed down considerably in my old age. And I love to fish. I tag along with Times-Pic outdoor writer Bob Marshall on trips when he’ll let me. I’ve also fished with Jim Henderson a few times. He’s an avid bass fisherman. There’s nothing he enjoys more than catching bass.

CSC: Is football your favorite sport?

JD: Basketball remains my first love, but my favorite athletes to cover are track and field competitors. As a whole, I find them the most disciplined, motivated and intelligent people I’ve covered. I have great admiration for their talent and dedication. There’s not a lot of glory in their sport. They are competing strictly for the love of it. To me, it’s sport at it’s purest. I covered the Summer Olympics in Beijing and was awed at the performances by Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva.

CSC: What team did you support when you were growing up in Kentucky ?

JD: I grew up following the Cleveland Browns and endured some of the most heartbreaking losses in NFL history with the infamous Interception, Drive and Fumble. Having experienced those losses, I can relate to the struggle of Saints fans.

CSC: Last but NOT least, the question everyone wants to know the answer to...do you think the Saints should pick up Lito Sheppard?

JD: No. the Saints cornerback spot is solid with Tracy Porter, Jabari Greer and Randall Gay as the top three. If they add a guy like Malcolm Jenkins in the draft then it would probably rank among the better units in the NFC. They don’t need Lito Sheppard. Besides, to get him, they’d have to give something up and I’m not sure what resources the Saints have to trade for him.

2008 Saints Season: Making the Grade - Defense & Special Teams

Saintsational — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:09 -0000

Defensive Line

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Charles Grant	8	3.0	20	0	0	0	26	7	33

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Will Smith	16	3.0	23	0	0	0	43	18	61

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Bobby McCray	11	6.0	35	0	0	0	25	4	29

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Sedrick Ellis	13	4.0	16	0	0	0	20	10	30

On the whole this unit was just a huge disappointment this season. With all of the money invested in defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant we should all expect more than what we got this year. It's an overstated point but it's definitely true. Bobby McCray a Sedrick Ellis were the only bright spots on this line. McCray proved to have a nose for opposing quarterbacks while Ellis stepped up to contribute nicely in his rookie year. Big Sed definitely shows a lot of promise. Following the Giants example, the Saints stressed the importance of a pass rush and put great effort into making sure theirs was improved. After all that hype though, these guys fell way short of expectations.

Linebackers

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Jonathan Vilma	16	1.0	5	1	8	0	98	34	132

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Scott Fujita	14	0	0	2	19	0	62	18	80

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Scott Shanle	16	2.0	12	0	0	0	60	27	87

Jonathan Vilma is to the Saints defense as Drew Brees is to its offense. Without a doubt the signing of Vilma has proved to be a great move. He played in every game and led the entire team in tackles. Fujita was solid as usual and Shanle actually played better than most people give him credit for. On the whole this was the best and most consistent unit on the entire Saints defense. Could we make an improvement at linebacker? Definitely. Do we absolutely need it? I don't think so.

Secondary

D+

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Mike McKenzie	7	0	0	1	14	0	21	1	22

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Randall Gay	12	1.0	6	0	0	0	48	4	52

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Jason David	11	0	0	5	83	0	21	2	23

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Roman Harper	15	0	0	0	0	0	73	7	80

		Sacks		Interceptions			Tackles
	G	Sacks	YdsL	Int	Yds	IntTD	Solo	Ast	Total
2008 - Kevin Kaesviharn	11	0	0	2	13	0	47	14	61

All eyes were on these guys this year after their infamous performance last season and I'm happy to report that the Saints secondary actually improved in 2008. Unfortunately it was still nothing to write home about, hence the grade. To be fair, injuries were a huge problem and definitely played a part in the continued failures of the Saints pass defense. Starting cornerbacks Mike McKenzie and Tracy Porter both suffered season ending injuries early, leaving Randall Gay and (ugh) Jason David to pick up the slack. The situation at safety wasn't any better. Harper can't catch a ball, Kaesviharn is mediocre and Bullocks is...well...Bullocks. Popular opinion has the Saints looking to improve in this area with their first pick in the draft. All eyes will continue to be on this entire unit this off-season.

Special Teams

		Field Goals								PAT
	G	0-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50+	FGM	FGA	PCT	XPM	XPA	PCT	pts
2008 - Garrett Hartley	8	0 - 0	5 - 5	4 - 4	4 - 4	0 - 0	13	13	100.0%	28	28	100.0%	67

	Punting
	G	Punts	Yds	AVG	Lng	In20	TB
2008 - Glenn Pakulak	7	24	1144	47.7	70	3	2

The overall special teams play of the Saints in 2008 was made up of both forgettable and memorable moments. Most forgettable was the kicking game during the first half of the season with Gramatica and Mehlhaff. Following the International Series game and Taylor Mehlhaff's missed extra point the Saints picked up K Garrett Hartley and P Glenn Pakulak. They haven't looked back since. As far as the punt return game is concerned, Reggie Bush's performance was electrifying in the first half of the season. On kickoffs, Courtney Roby was a hair away from running one back before an injury ended his season. All these factors taken into consideration and the Saints special teams unit gets an average grade of C for the entire year. Next year looks much more promising.

Poll

What grade would you give the Saints defense this season?

A

1 votes

B

0 votes

C

8 votes

D

36 votes

F

18 votes

63 votes | Poll has closed