That's bad enough. You cannot give up 1 out of every 5 dollars to one player and still be able to sign all the other 51 players. It just can't happen. But let's concede you can this incredibly stupid thing. That is not all Brees is demanding. He wants at least a six year deal with 4 out of every 7 dollars guaranteed. Do you realize, what that means. That means if you give him his 23 million a year. That the Saints would have to pay him 13.2 million a year for the length of the contract, even if he gets hurt and doesn't play another down. That means you are guaranteeing him 11% of your entire salary cap, even if he gets hurt and can't play another down. Do you realize what that means? Sure he has been durable as a Saint, but he does have a history of serious injury. Can this team afford that kind of risk? The answer btw for those that are NFL challenged, is no team can. You are talking about crippling this team for at least six years.

I am going to say this and I know many of you are going to scream and holler, but Drew Brees is a system quarterback. I say the same thing about Tom Brady. Out of the their system, they are good, but not great quarterbacks. And I am not just talking about the pass first philosophy of the Saints, but of things like blocking schemes to make lanes for a six foot quarterback, for things like having adjustable routes for receivers, for having receivers pinch pass rushers, so the line can block without help in order to keep so many receivers in the lanes. This scheme is what makes Drew Brees a great quarterback and not an average one. He is worth 18 to 20 million for past services and all, but he is not worth 23.

And I am going to raise more ire. Drew Brees is only worth an extra 2 wins a season with his leadership qualities, not his ability at quarterback. He makes a 10 -6 team a 12 - 4 team, but he is not Peyton Manning, who makes a 6 - 10 team, a 12 - 4 team. We can win the South and the NFC with Chase Daniels at quarterback, if the scheme can be achieved without Sean Payton. I don't think that is possible, but if we can run his scheme with our present coaching staff, I see a 10 - 6 or 11 -5 season. This being said, the one reason I do think we need to sign Drew Brees is not for his quarterbacking skills, but his knowledge of the offense. The minute Sean Payton was suspended, the Saints were forced into a corner. So, if I were the Saints, I would give him a one year deal for about 21 million and look to make a long term deal later.

Below is the combined rating from all the services I could find and a short blurb about each player from the combine and other services. Except for Toon, the Saints took players that had big question marks, but plenty of potential. Except for the sixth pick I don't think they took anyone that doesn't have a chance of making the roster. I don't know what it is about the sixth pick in the draft, but the Saints have trouble selecting anyone in the sixth round. I hate that pick the most. The kid can't pass block and has weight issues. Not to mention, at 62, I'm a better athlete than he is.

3rd round

Akiem Hicks, DT/NT, Regina University (Canada)
Height: 6-5. Weight: 318.
40 Time: 5.21.
Bench: 26.
Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-0.
Arm: 35 1/8. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-6. Combined rating 3.26
Hicks was decent at the Combine, but doing well in his team interviews were probably more critical than having a big field performance. The Canada product Hicks caught scouts attention by flashing at the East-West Shrine practices. He is a large man who has some quickness and athleticism.

Hicks was at LSU before leaving the program in January of 2010. He was signed out of the community college ranks prior to that. Hicks has physical tools, but teams will need to do research into his background.

It's not that I don't like this pick. He has the potential to be a great dt, but he has character issues. Do the Saints with their current problems want a player with character flaws? I also question the pick because of who was left on the board at this point. Brandon Thompson had dropped and was available. He was projected as a solid second rounder. He is not a pass rusher, but a run stopper. He dropped because of the emphasis on pass rushing skills. Chris Givens and Ladarius Green were available, both would have been solid picks. I really like Green's chances of going to the Pro Bowl in 3 years.

Hicks could be a great player or he could be a bust. Of the fifteen services I examined he was rated from a second rounder to a sixth rounder. That is a huge gamble for a team without a first or second round pick.

Grade: B

4th round

Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin
Height: 6-2. Weight: 215.
40 Time: 4.54.
Vertical: 37.5.
Hand: 9.
Projected Round (2012): 2-4. Combined Rating 3.27
Toon was solid at the Combine and his 40 time was better than expected. He is a quality prospect for the second day. Toon flashed at times, but Wisconsin simply didn't throw him the ball that much, as the team featured a ground attack. He caught 64 passes for 926 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011. Toon would have better production if he played on a team that wasn't based in the run game.

Toon has nice size, runs good routes, and has good hands. He also blocks extremely well. The wide out did a nice job of developing some quick chemistry with new quarterback Russell Wilson. Toon does not have special speed. That and durability seem to be the missing aspects of his game.

To me this was the best pick of the draft for the Saints. Toon was rated no worse than a high fourth round pick in the fifteen services I examined. He was rated as high as a top second round pick by two services. It broke down to 3 services rated him 2, 5 services rated him 2-3 and 7 services rated him 2 - 4. His projection score was 79th player overall, which was a top 3rd rounder. At this point, he was the best player on the board by combined rating score.

Grade: A+

5th Round

Corey White, SS, Samford
Height: 5-11. Weight: 206.
40 Time: 4.47.
Vertical: 37.5.
Hand: 9 3/8.
Projected Round (2012): 5-FA. Combined Rating 5.27

White is an up-and-coming prospect out of Samford who has great size for a cornerback and could be moved back to safety at the next level given his skill set. He has been a consistent tackler and run defender. He could benefit from playing at the back of a defense and working toward the line of scrimmage to be more involved in run support than he would be from his corner position. He could struggle athletically at corner. Look for him to be taken in the late rounds as a project and special teams contributor.

White is very strong in run support, where he takes great angles toward the ball. He uses his feet to track runners and fit on them to make plays. He approaches ball carriers like a safety would, which bodes well for a position switch. White displays good athletic ability when near a receiver with the ball is in the air, but he can struggle getting to that point. All these skill sets combine to make him a stronger and more intriguing safety than corner, especially given his size.

White is not a great athlete for the corner position. He is a bit of an awkward runner and can struggle in transitions. He stutters his feet through movements and in and out of breaks, which makes it difficult for him to cover closely in man-to-man schemes. He is a bit late in reacting to plays because of his slow footwork, and the same is true of his reactions when working in zone.

Another Roman Harper, he is a great run supporter, but has coverage issues. He has great size, but lacks quickness to the ball. He has hand issues. He was only rated on 11 of the 15 services, which means 4 services didn't think he warranted even a look. Not really good for a fifth round pick.

He has great potential, but he is a clone of what we already have. I would have liked them go after someone who could intercept the ball a bit. Again this was a pick that confused me. Terrell Manning was on the board. He was an outside linebacker that was on all 15 services and was projected to be in the 3-4 range. I was begging them to take him. He came out early and that was a mistake, but he has pass rushing skills, something we need at linebacker. I think he could have been a spot starter this season.

Grade: B-

6th round

Andrew Tiller, G/T, Syracuse
Height: 6-4. Weight: 324.
40 Time: 5.50.
Bench: 31.
Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 10.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA. Combine rating 6.9
Tiller arrived at Syracuse over 400 pounds but dropped weight in order to break into the lineup. He is not a very good athlete despite the weight loss. Tiller needs to develop more skills than just being a power-drive blocker. He also has to improve his pass protection. Tiller did not impress at the Combine.

Tiller has NFL size for the guard position. He is a below-average athlete, which hurts his ability to contribute early at the next level. A strong, positional blocker who really excels in the run game, where he can overpower defenders. His footwork is his Achilles heel and the likely reason he will probably be delegated to the practice squad during his first few years.

Tiller excels as a run blocker. Although not very explosive, if he is able to get his hands on defensive linemen he is generally able to move them out of the play. Size and strength are the shining attributes of his game.

Tiller is a non-explosive interior lineman who struggles in pass protection. It seems he hasn't honed in on a stance and pass-set that he feels comfortable with, as when gets too high at times and can be caught off balance by powerful pass rushers. He struggles in space to work upfield and get his hands on linebackers, and would really excel more in a zone blocking scheme.

Terrible pick. He is a first cut player. He would have been a terrible free agent pick up, much less a draft pick. I don't know what it is about the sixth round, but the Saints cannot pick anyone at this pick. They should just trade all their sixth round picks. They have some sort of mental block at this pick.

Tiller has weight issues. He can't pass block for a team that features the pass. Winston Guy was available. He would have been a great pick up for a strong safety. He can catch. He has good speed and size and is a devastating hitter. He was projected as a 5th rounder in most services.

Grade: F

7th round

Marcel Jones, T, Nebraska
Height: 6-6. Weight: 320.
40 Time: 5.68.
Bench: 13.
Arm: 33 5/8. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-6. Combine rating 5.26
Jones is one of the top offensive tackles in the class after starting for two years on some highly productive Nebraska offensive lines. He has the size and footwork to compete for a job at left tackle at the next level, and such prospects often have second or third round value. Jones is no different, and he has the talent to start early in his NFL career. Look for him to make a move to the right side, though, as he is less reliable powering off his right foot and isn't quite at the level to start immediately protecting on the left side.

He is a polished run blocker from his time spent in the Nebraska offense, but he is an accomplished pass protector as well. He has size to block any defensive end in the NFL and a pass set and anchor to stop a bull rush. He is athletic enough to recover against pro defensive ends and would be a physically imposing player on any offensive line. He likely will need to begin his NFL career on the right side as he develops the flexibility and reliability to be a blindside blocker.

Jones can struggle at times in space, as he is a big man and can take a few steps to get going. He is reliable at sustaining blocks once there but can struggle to throttle down and set on linebackers.

This may have been the best pick for value in the draft. He was rated highly by the combine services. He was actually projected by two services as a second round pick. Overall, he was projected as a top quarter fifth rounder, but many had him moving up in the draft. He could actually get some playing time for the Saints.

Grade: A+

Overall, it wasn't a spectacular draft, but how could it be with no first two day picks.

Overall Grade: B-

However, I do like the draft as I have posted in my memories, I used to take all the data from differing draft mags and such and create a data base that would identify where most players fell in the draft. I have been pretty successful in locating player positions in the draft. Here is what I see for the Saints:

3rd Round

Ladarius Green, TE, Louisiana-Lafayette
Height: 6-6. Weight: 237.
40 Time: 4.53. 10-Yd Split: 1.58.
Bench: 16. Vertical: 34.5.
Arm: 34 1/2. Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
4/24/12: Green had a decent performance at the Senior Bowl, and followed that up with a good showing at the Combine. His 40 time had expectations to be a solid number and he hit it.

In the first three games of the 2011 season, Green had one catch for a loss of one yard. After that, he became much more productive, finishing 2011 with 51 receptions for 606 yards and eight touchdowns. Green had an excellent end to the year with five receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown against San Diego State. His other 100-yard receiving game came against Louisiana Monroe with 13 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Green is undersized and needs to gain some bulk in order to block at the next level.

4th Round

Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 235.
40 Time: 4.53.
Bench: 32.
Vertical: 38.5. Broad: 10-4.
Arm: 32.
Projected Round (2012): 3-5.
4/25/12: Davis recorded 69 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one interception in 2011. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl, but Davis held his own against the better competition. He is fast and has some physicality.

At the Combine, Davis showed off his rare combination of skills. He sprinted a very fast 40 time and was one of the leaders on the bench press. His vertical and broad jump measurements were excellent and showed his explosion. At his pro day, Davis had another quality performance. He is a sleeper prospect who could be a big reward in the NFL.

5th Round

· Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas
. Height: 5-10. Weight: 182.
40 Time: 4.42. 10-Yd Split: 1.45.
Vertical: 38.
Broad: 10-0.
Hand: 8 1/2.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
4/24/12: Wright totaled 66 receptions for 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season. He had a massive performance with 13 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns against Texas A&M. Wright's senior production raised his stock, but that bump was hurt by not producing much against LSU's talented secondary. The senior had two receptions for 27 yards and a score versus the Tigers. Wright's stock took another hit when he weighed in smaller than expected at the East-West Shrine Game. He did well at the Combine.

In 2010, Wright caught 42 passes for 788 yards and five scores. As a sophomore the year before, he had 41 receptions for 681 yards and five scores. Wright projects as a slot receiver in the NFL.

6th Round

Julian Miller, DE, West Virginia
Height: 6-3. Weight: 256.
Projected 40 Time: 4.72.
Arm: 34 1/8. Hand: 9.
Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
4/26/12: Miller had 57 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks and two forced fumbles in 2011. West Virginia didn't do the redshirt senior any favors by moving him around the line, including playing him at defensive tackle this year.

The Mountaineers even lined Miller up as a nose tackle in a 3-4 set on some passing downs. Moving him to the inside killed his pass-rushing opportunities, but he finished the regular season strong with a four-sack game against Pittsburgh.

Miller played better this year than his 2011 stats indicate. He was tough against the run and held his ground well at the point of attack. Miller also got more pass pressure than his stats reflect. He has a quality combination of strength and speed and could be a good sleeper prospect.

Miller played well at the East-West Shrine in January, but did not work out at the Combine.

7th Round

Sean Cattouse, SS, California
Height: 6-2. Weight: 211.
40 Time: 4.68. 10-Yd Split: 1.65.
Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-6.
Arm: 33.
Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
4/25/12: Cattouse had 76 tackles, two interceptions, two passes broken up and a sack this season. His two interceptions came against Presbyterian. Cattouse looked better than expected at the Combine.

All this could change if one player were to fall to the Saints' pick and that would Brandon Taylor.

3rd Round

Brandon Taylor, FS, LSU
Height: 5-11. Weight: 209.
40 Time: 4.50.
Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-10.
Arm: 31 1/4. Hand: 9 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
4/25/12: In recent months, Taylor has seen a justified surge in his draft stock. He was being underrated for a long time and ranked behind inferior safeties. Taylor played well in 2011. Even with a lot of playmakers around him, he still produced. Taylor had 71 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, five passes broken up, one sack and two interceptions this season. Taylor had strong games against West Virginia, Florida and Alabama. Fast and physical, he was the third-leading tackler for LSU in 2011.

Taylor strikes players with some violence. He is fast and doesn't shy away from getting physical. At the Senior Bowl, his physicality stood out along with quality instincts and anticipation. Taylor's Combine 40-yard dash time was very impressive as well. Others rate him lower, but he is a sleeper prospect who could surprise in the NFL.

4th Round

Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
Height: 6-5. Weight: 252.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd Split: 1.57.
Bench: 21. Vertical: 36.
Arm: 33. Hand: 9 3/4.
Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
4/24/12: Egnew posted better than expected measureables at the Combine. He had some nice moments at the Senior Bowl, but wasn't consistent enough to really help his stock. Through the Combine and Senior Bowl, Egnew has confirmed his grade as an early-round pick on the final day of the draft.

Egnew had a disappointing senior season. His production dropped off dramatically from 2010, and it doesn't look like he has the speed to be a receiving tight end in the NFL. Egnew had 50 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns this year. He had a big game against Iowa State with six receptions for 105 yards and a score. Egnew caught 12 passes for 69 yards against Baylor. Otherwise, he was quiet this season.

5th Round

Same as before see above.

6th Round

Same as before see above.

7th Round

Logan Harrell, DT, Fresno State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 278.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
4/25/12: Harrell had a quality season even though Fresno State struggled and failed to qualify for a Bowl. He totaled 71 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up and three forced fumbles this year. Harrell was held in check by Nebraska but played tough against Boise State. He plays physical football, has a fabulous motor and gives maximum effort.

At the next level, Harrell's best fit might be to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense and move inside to rush the passer on passing downs. If Harrell bulks up, he could be a potential five-technique. Harrell did not work out at the Combine.

I would like to make a list of fond memories of the Saints. I've been giving it some thought and I am in the process of starting to write a book on the Saints. I'm going to call it 'Waiting for the Shoe to Fall'. I've been going over stats and articles to refresh my memory and have found that my memory of things are not as accurate as I would like. So I'm coming to you guys to give me your best recollections.

For instance, the Saints' first playoff game. I remember that the Saints took an early lead. The way I remembered it was that the Saints took a 10 - 0, then everything fell apart and they lost 44 - 10. In looking back the lead was 7 - 0, then 10 - 3, before everything fell apart. Man, i have told that story for years of how Bobby Hebert's interceptions and the defense let us down, when we looked like we were going to walk away with the game, but my memory of the game is faulty. So what I want is your stories. My idea is to tell the stories as they are REMEMBERED, then tell the true facts.

BTW, you can comment on my idea for the book. You can say it sucks and it won't bother me one bit. I think it is a good idea and I am going to do it, one way or the other, but I need your input. Additionally, by posting the story, you are giving me permission to put in the book. So don't post, if you don't want it in there.

Like the Machiavellian Kings of old Commissioner Roger Goodall is prosecutor, judge, jury and appellant court. If the NFL were ever challenged legally they would loose so badly. They have no exemption from the due process clause of the Constitution and the system the NFL has in place is in direct violation of due process. No private company can do what the NFL is doing. If a worker was fired by a boss and that boss was his appellant person, the company would be fighting a losing suit for illegal termination. It is the most fundamental rule of this nation that you have due process. That process is that you have a right to confront your accuser. You have the right to be judge by a jury of your peers. You have the right for the judge to be separate and isolated from the prosecution. And finally that the appellant process be separate and isolated from the judgement process. In other words, by Goodall's office investigating, prosecuting and judging the case, he is acting in a judge advocate manner, which is the French system of justice, not the American. In just this, he is in violation of so many of civil and cooperate laws. Additionally, he has no separate appellant process. You appeal to the man who convicted you. He just lucky that the Saints don't sue for regress. The NFL would lose as badly as it did when Al Davis sued to move to LA. Tom Benson is a class act and a team player, who will do nothing to upset the NFL apple cart.

During Sean Payton's time here, he has done better with the later picks.

third round

Martez Wilson on the roster

Johnny Patrick on the roster and with Porter gone, he will get a lot more playing time.

Jimmy Graham All-Pro and the best tight end in the NFC.

Usama Young starter for Cleveland

Fourth Round

Antonio Pittman bust

Jermon Bushrod Starter on the blindside.

Jahri Evans All-Pro

Fifth Round

Mike Tennant spot starter and plays guard and center

Thomas Morstead one of the best punters in the league and by far the best kick off guy

Carl Nicks All-Pro

David Jones spot starter for Jacksonville

Rob Ninkovich starter for the Patriots

Sixth Round by far the worst everyone a bust. maybe we should trade down out of this round. Sean seems to like the seventh round.

Taylor Mehlhaff kicker bust

Mike Hass bust

Josh Lay bust

Seventh Round

Sean Caufield on the roster

Adrian Arrington on the roster and with the loss of Meachem, he will see a lot more action

Marvin Mitchell spot starter for the Dolphins. I hated losing him.

Zach Streiif starter and maybe the best pass blocker on the team.

Marques Colston All-Pro

By my count, the Saints under Sean Payton have drafted 23 players in the last five rounds. 19 are still in the league. 14 are still Saints. 4 have made All-Pro. 5 are starters for the Saints and 2 are starters for other teams and 2 are spot starters for other teams. I was less upset losing our second next year, I was worried we would lose our 3rd and 4th this year. I have high hopes that we will get at least one starter and four contributors from this draft. I think the track record speaks for itself. Note: This is just a positive post. No stress. I am trying hard to see the full part of the glass.

I had some fun reminiscing on another post some of my memories of the old days with the Saints. I don't know how much of my memories are real and how many or just the way I remember them. However, I thought it would be fun to remember some of the old days and talk about them. Two people in particular I want to talk about are Hap and Buddy D. One of my regrets in life is that Buddy and Hap never got to see the Saints win that Super Bowl. Being a good Catholic, I hope they got enough time out of Purgatory to see the game. But not many of you may remember this, but it was Hap and Dave Dixon that got the NFL to give New Orleans a franchise. No one other than those two thought it would work.

Hap used his column in the Times-Picayune-States-Item to crusade for a team and for the State to build them a new state-of-the-art stadium. He also used his platforms of CBS television and WWL radio. He was tireless in his efforts, he had editorial comment after editorial comment. It was Hap that steered Dave Dixon to John Mecom Jr. for the Saints to get an owner. Unfortunately, he was the worst owner in NFL history. That being said, we would have never gotten the Saints without him.

He started out making so many mistakes. A rookie coach in Tom Fears, because he was a fan of his when he was a player. He forces Fears to pick Paul Hornung in the expansion draft even though they know he is finished, because the Packers left him unprotected. They sign Jim Taylor after he played out his option with the Pack, again the Pack knew he had nothing left in the tank. I think he had like 400 yards rushing in his only season as a Saint. I remember he split time at fullback with Ernie Wheelwright.

Our two best players that first year where on defense, Big Doug Atkins and Davy Whitsell. Whitsell had 10 interceptions, if I remember right. Danny Abramovicz, who was a 17th round draft pick, they went 17 rounds in those days for you younger guys was big offensive player. He caught 50 passes that first year. Remember Gary Cuoso, who we traded a no. 1 pick for, spent more time on his back, then throwing passes. They had to go to Billy Kilmer, because he could at least avoid the rush.

I remember John Gilliam's touchdown on the first play. I was selling sodas in the upper deck at the time. i couldn't afford tickets, so I got there at five in the morning on game day to be in the front of the line to sell sodas. I was 17. I had to buy the first tray of drinks at half price and then sell those and go buy another tray. I think they were 50 cents a drink. A tray of 24, I think cost $6, which was about half what I made on my paper route, but I could sell like ten trays of drink for a game, which brought in about $55, I would buy those terrible dollar dogs during the game. They were some nasty. That was more money, then I could make from both my paper routes. You got to watch the fourth quarter from the stands, because they stopped selling trays after the third quarter. Boy that was so much fun. They next year, I got my brother, who was just old enough at 12 to buy a tray, started selling sodas. At 18, I graduated to the big money....beer. Too bad, I went into the service on All-Saints Day 1968. I had to do something with my life.

I managed to get back in 1972 and I had the money by then to get season tickets for me and my two brothers. I got a degree in Electrical Engineer from LSUNO in 1974. I had gotten all my prereqs done while in the Air Force, by taking college courses every semester. So only needed two full years, that included summers to get my degree. I started working for Martin Marietta until the 1994 layoffs. That's when moved to North Carolina to get my teaching certificate, but through all of it I never left the Saints.

I followed the Saints in Viet Nam and the Philippines and even Gila Bend, New Mexico, which was worse that South Viet Nam. You know they had to ship our water in by water tanker, it was miserable. But I digress.

I remember sitting with my Sport and Street Magazine trying to map out a draft. I got so crazy in the 80's I designed a computer program that digested all the different rating services and quantified them with a score of 1 to 40 and then taking the average of about 14 different magazines, newspapers and rating services. I would get a white and green printout of about 450 to 500 names of every player and rated in order. It was nuts. I started doing it on punch cards and staying late at work running batch files. My bosses thought I just didn't want to go home to the wife and kids. They had no idea, I was running draft ratings.

I was so happy when I got my Apple. I got one of the first, it came in a wooden box and run off a cassette tape machine and it 4K of memory. When I 16K with my Apple II, I was wondering what I could do with all that memory. I remember having to wait to compile my data in batches. But then came the draft junkie miracle...the spreadsheet. My first spreadsheet was Visicalc. It was so great. Today, I laugh about it, but I would sit there before the spreadsheet and rewrite code over and over to get one more bit of memory out of a loop, so I get one more flag or have one more variable. My players had the bit code names, it was nuts. I was nuts, but I could always watch the Saints blow draft after draft. It was fun and my wife was so patient with me.

Remember Les Kelley, Kenny Borroughs, and all the others. There can be our reminisce, all the terrible draft picks and which was the worst. To me, it had to Russell Erxleben. Remember, he was going to be hitting the dome with his punts and kick 60 yard field goals every Sunday. He was such a bust, when he lost his kick block. In those days kickers in college were allowed to use a block to get the ball off the ground. In the Pros, you couldn't use a block. It was such a shock to Russell. Can you guys come up with worse?

Now, that the Saints have lost Sean Payton for a year, the Saints cannot afford to lose Drew Brees. I said I would eat crow if I had to and I will. I still think he misled his fans and I don't think much of him as a human being. However, he is a great quarterback and knows the system. Without Sean Payton, no one could lead this team like Drew Brees. I will no longer be a fan of his, but I do give the devil his due. The Saints have to pay him what he wants and get him signed.

I would have written this post sooner, but I couldn't. I had another heart attack and it was attributed to my stress over blogging. This is my last blog. My daughter will no longer let me blog for fear of my getting overly involved. I am writing this in the wee hours to get passed her.

I am sorry I will no longer be able to argue with you, but C'est la vie! So good bye everyone. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

rather than sign a franchise tag. I want to know, who out there still wants him back and at the money he is asking. He does not deny the reports of the dollars being offered and turned down nor does he deny the reports of the money he is asking. His lack of denial is actually admitting the numbers are either correct or very close to correct. So, we now know he lied when he said his number one priority in the offseason was signing a long term deal that would allow the Saints to retain the same team. What makes it more distasteful was the backdrop of the comment. He said while at the opening of his sandwich shop in order to get New Orleanians to give him more money. So I ask again do you really want a man who has lied in our faces and is out to destroy this team with unreasonable salary demands.

I wish I could only say I am disappointed in Drew Brees in this contract dispute. He has repeatedly told the press how much he wants to keep this team together. Now, we find that is all cow manure. He has been demanding 20% of the salary cap, which is over 22% higher than the highest paid qb. I used to love Drew, but he is not worth that kind of money. Additionally, now there is a rumbling of a holdout, because he hates the franchise tag. What did he expect them to do, let him go? I had so much respect for him, but have found out that is just another money grubbing ingrate. Has he forgotten that the Saints were the only team willing to give him a starting qb salary after his injury. Has he forgotten that it was only with the Saints that he has compiled NFL record setting numbers.

Additionally, as the Saints official conscience and teamleader, why has he made no statement on this scandal. He had to have know it was going on. But he says nothing.

I, now, know the proper term...disillustioned. I think the Saints need to think about trading Brees. I think they ought to trade him and enter the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, because I think he will be a better answer than Brees. Brees is tainted by this scandal and Peyton, who was a victim of GW, could be a positive healing force. It would be nice to have Peyton back in NO.

I'm thinking with the tag on him, Brees could command 2 firsts and 2 seconds with one of the seconds dependent on Brees signing a long tem deal. We could squeeze some more, if the first first is not in the top ten picks.

I don't know all the details of what is going on, but I do know the Saints cannot afford to keep a pouting qb.

If this is true than he is in for a long wait. The team can't afford to give one player 20% of the cap. However, the Saints could give him a large signing bonus say in the 70 million range and spread it over a seven year contract. Then could let him buy a piece of the team for say 50 million for whatever percentage of the team value that is. Then he would have the long term security he wants and the team has a long term relationship with a man that will go beyond his playing days.

Let's say a 70 million signing bonus.

1st year 5 million in salary and 2 million in bonuses. That would be 15 million against the cap. Brees would have 77 million in his pocket.

2nd year 5.5 million in salary and 2 million in bonuses. That would be 17.5 million against the cap. Brees now has 84.5 mil in hand.

3rd year 6 million in salary and 2 million in bonuses. That would be 18 million against the cap. Brees would have 92.5 mil in hand.

4th year 6.5 million in salary and 2 million in bonuses. That would be 18.5 million against the cap. Brees would have 101 million in pocket.

5th year 7 million in salary and 2 million in bonuses. That would be 19 million against the cap. Brees would have 110 million in pocket.

Further signing bonus for 20 million, the Saints have the option to pay it or leave it and Brees is a free agent. Contract now at 130 million.

6th year 10 million in salary and 2 million in bonuses. That would be 34 million against the cap. Contract would be at 142 million.

7th year 12 million in salary. That would be 34 million against the cap. Final value of Contract is 154 million.

That is a 154 million over 7 years. After 5 the Saints and a 38 year old Brees can part ways with a 20 million dollar cap hit for the remainder of his signing bonus. Brees would have received 110 over 5 years or about 22 million a year, but because a large part of that money was up front, he would have gotten about 23.2 million in value with a 2.2% inflation rate and 5% return on a 20% of salary investment rate. More if the Saints let him buy in like I suggest. This is a contract that has more value than 25 million a year. It is a life time of security and commitment.

Marques Colston is history as a Saint. The Saint cannot match the offers he will get from the rest of league. He will get in the 10 to 12 million in the open market and with the way Brees spreads the ball around, there is no way they can justify that type of salary. They can probably still sign Carl Nicks, but expect Robert Meachem to get offers that the Saints will not be able to match. He will probably get at least one offer for 5 to 6 million, which the Saints cannot match. Someone is going to see those yards per catch and see a potential #2 receiver. Tracy Porter is also gone. With the scandal I just think he will want to distance himself and besides I think again someone will offer him money, we cannot match. We will loses at two draft picks to this scandal, so free agency is the only way the Saints will have to rebuild.

We need to cut Vilma and Smith. Smith will save 5.75 mil and Vilma will save 4.4 mil versus the cap. In real money it will save the Saints 7.75 mil and 4.4 mil this season and 10.4 mil next season. The importance of both figures is this. Cap money is money that can be manipulated to sign free agents and real money is money that get used to lure players from other teams. For instance, a 4 million dollar signing bonus on a 4 year contracts counts as one million in cap dollars, but that player get 4 million real dollars the moment he signs. By saving 12.15 mil real dollars, that is 12.15 mil in signing bonuses, which can spread over long term contracts.

Sid Ellis is another possibility, he is a 6.257 mil cap hit and 4.316 mil in real dollars, but he would only save about 2.4 mil against the cap because of his huge signing bonus. Can we get a dt of his ilk for 2.4 mil, I don't think so.

If we weren't about to lose two wideouts to free agency I would cut Devery Henderson, I like Dev, but he does have the production to warrant 3.525 mil in cap dollars. However, we can only cut him, if we resign Colston or Meachem. Though I would hope they are talking to him about modifying his contract to make it more cap friendly.

Our only hope is to sign five or six key free agents. We might be able to get one or two guys out of our late draft picks, but that is always iffy. I like Dunbar to replace Vilma, but I would also go after a free agent linebacker or two, say Dan Connor (CAR) and Stephen Tulloch (DET). I would also try to pick up Mario Williams. I know this is ambitious, but he would be the player to really help our defense. I would also like a top safety and tight end. At safety, I like Richard Marshall from Arizona. He can play both corner and safety. He is hard hitter with good cover skills. I like him as a strong safety. At tight end, I like Jacob Tamme from Indianapolis. He has been a really good second tight end with Clark at Indy. He had a off season, because of Peyton's injury and can be gotten at a reasonable price. We need another tight end to compliment Jimmy and with all his concussions, I am worried about Thomas. We need a free agent wr, to replace Colston. I would go after New Orleans native Reggie Wayne.

I was thinking the other day of a way the Saints could sign Drew for a lower cap value and make him very happy. The Saints need to get creative and sign a seven or eight year deal with a large upfront signing bonus that could be spread over the length of the contract and with large roster bonuses strategically placed to pay him and protect the team. I was looking at maybe a seven year deal with a 42 million dollar signing bonus. This would be a 6 million cap figure over the length of the contract.

Here's the structure I was thinking:

1st year 6 million guaranteed money with another 1 million in incentive bonuses, like 2000 passing yards, 10 touchdown passes and less than 20 interceptions. This would be a cap figure of 12 million, but would put 49 million in his pocket this season.

2nd year 8 million guaranteed money with another 2 million in incentive bonuses, this would be 15 million against the cap and would raise the contract value to 59 million for the first two years.

3rd year 10 million guaranteed with 1 million in incentives. This would be 17 million against the cap and would raise the contract value to 70 million for the first 3 years.

4th year 11 million guaranteed with 1 million in incentives. This would have an 18 million cap value and bring the real value of the first four years to 82 million. A 9 million roster bonus is added, similar to the one Peyton is facing now. If you want to keep him you five him the 9, if not you keep the 9 mil and go another direction, Drew will be 37 at this point. This like the signing bonus would be spread over the remainder of the contract. The real value is 91 mil over 4 years.

5th year 14 million guaranteed with 1 million incentives. This would have a 24 million cap value and bring the real value to 106 million for 5 years.

6th year 16 million guaranteed with 1 million incentives. This would have a 26 million cap value and brings the real value to 123 million for 5 years.

7th year 18 million guaranteed with 1 million incentives. This would have a 28 million cap value and bring the total contract value to 142 for 7 years.

This would be a cap friendly deal that would make Drew the highest paid player in the NFL. It would also give the Saints an extra 8 million this season to sign other players. Enough to pay say Carl Nicks and Robert Meachem.

Other than the records that are falling left and right. Here are the some stats that are not being discussed:

SAINTS PACKERS

Rushing TDs 15 12

Passing TDs 41 45

Two Pts. 2 0

One Pt. 57 62

FGs 27 23

Tot Offensive Pts 478 473

Defensive Pts 18 30

Special Teams 6 12

I have said all year that the Packer defense has helped Aaron Rodgers much more than the Saints defense have helped Drew. The average starting field position for Green Bay is 31.02 and 28.19 for the Saints. The Saints are 41.03 yards per drive, while the Pack is averaging only 39.13. The Saints are punting only 27.8% of the time, while the Pack are punting at a rate of 35.9%. These facts I think show that the Saints are much more efficient than the Pack. I say all this helps support the claim that Drew deserves the MVP.

The real reason Rodgers is going to win the MVP has nothing to do with seasons or stats, but has to do with the storied tradition of Packer football and Vince Lombardi et al and the storied tradition of Saints football, the bags et al. The truth is if Drew Brees played for a team with a winning tradition, he would have already won the MVP, twice.

Darren Sproles needs 34 yards in the final game against the Carolina Panthers to break Lionel James's combined yardage mark for a running back. He is 190 combined yards short of breaking the NFL combined yardage mark. This is not impossible. He had 233 all-purpose yards against the Falcons. He will need to break a long one against the Panthers to get the overall record, but should have no problem breaking the mark for a running back.

The news is not so good for Jimmie Graham. He is well short of the record for most receiving yards per game for a tight end set by Jackie Smith. He would need 185 yards to break that record. However, if he had 12 catches for 78 yards, he would break the record for most receiving yards and most receptions for a season by a tight end.

Roman Harper is still one sack short of the NFL record for sacks by a defensive back.

The Saints are 9 points short of breaking the teams all time scoring record. The Saint do have the team record for point differential at the moment with +180 which beats the old record +169.

Now I have copyrighted this title, no one else may use it or any other parts of it.

Seems Rodgers and company will be getting a break in Chicago, the weather is going to in the low 30's with some wind. Not normal Christmas weather for Chicago. Detroit has a dome, so no joy there. Rodgers may take the touchdown title.

Reggie Bush is about to break 1000 yard rushing barrier. I have said many times, we were not using him correctly. Though I do like having Darren Sproules.

Darren Sproules is no longer on pace to break the combined yardage record for a running back. He needs a long return to get back on track. He has set new personal bests for rushing attempts and yards as well as receptions and receiving yards.

The Saints are 54 points from a new team scoring mark. They need 43 points to reach 500 points on the season. That will be for the second time.

Jimmy Graham needs 16 receptions and 120 yards to break the receptions and yards record for a tight end. Unfortunately Gronkowski is hot on his heels, just 30 yards behind Jimmy. Gronk is 11 receptions behind Jimmy.

Jimmie Graham has 87 receptions, which is 16 short of breaking the NFL record for a tight end. He needs to get at least 8 against the Falcons and the Panthers. Additionally, he needs 120 yards over the next two games to break the record for yards by a tight end. He could get that this week against a Falcon defense that has a very week secondary.

Did any notice that Reggie Bush topped a 1000 total yards last week? He has 973 yards rushing and 270 receiving yards.That's 1243 total yards this season. I hope he get a 1000 rushing yards. He deserve some success.

Well, Drew widened the gap with Brady second he needs only 305 yards to break Marino's yardage record. Here is a list of the records he is within striking distance to break:

Attempts in a season Record 691 by Drew Bledsoe, Drew Brees is projected to 667. It doesn't look like he will get this record. He needs 108 attempts in his last two games. Let's hope he doesn't have to pass that much.

Completions in a season Record 450 by Payton Manning, Drew is projected with 477, which would smash the old record. As of this moment, he is 33 completions short of this record. There is possibility that he can break this record against the Falcons.

I've ready covered yards in a season. He will probability break this record against the Falcons next week.

Highest completion percentage in a season, Drew is projected to be at 71.622 percent by the end of the season. The record is 70.623, which means he is projected to break his own completion record by a full percentage point.

Most 5000 yard seasons with 2.

Records he has already broken:

Most consecutive games with at least 20 completions, he is now at 34, the old record was I think 28. He keeps adding to this record.

Most 30 completion games in a season with 9, I think the old was 5 or maybe 6. I forget.

Most 30 completion games in without an interception in career 27, I don't know what the old record was.

Most 30 completion games in a season without an interception, 5 that ties Brady, who also had 5.

Most 400 completion seasons with 4.

Most 300 yard games in a season 11.

He can tie two records he holds, most 20 completion games in a season, which is 16 and most 200 yard games in a season, which is 16.

With all this, how is not the MVP.

I had been touting this week as the week the Niners fall from the two seed and now it looks bad. The Steelers have lost their best defensive player to a suspension and their quarterback to a high ankle sprain. It will be so much harder, now. To top it off, Petersen may be back for the Vikings to give us trouble. I hope for the best, but it looks like the Steelers are not going to do it. My main hope lies with both injuries in the Niners defense and their lack of a consistent offense. My prediction is

Steelers 19 Niners 12

Only one touchdown in the game. Any other predictions?

No one is giving me my koodos for calling the upset against the Niners. I told everyone that the Niners were ripe for the picking and could go 1 - 3 for the rest of the year. I don't like them against the Steelers or the Seahawks, who are a good home dog. The 49'ers benefited from a soft schedule and great scheme, but like all schemes eventually the league learns how to adapt to a team's use of smoke and mirrors,

All this is great news for the Saints, who have a real shot at the two seed. A loss to either the Steelers or the Seahawks and Saints can win out and become the two seed.

Darren Sproles is no longer on pace to set the mark for combined yards by a running back and he can thank his teammates on returns. There are continuing problems with return blocking that needs to be fixed and watch the holding guys. BTW he is 3 yards off the pace.

Jimmy Graham is on pace for 98 receptions for 1355 yards, which would break the yardage mark of 1290, held by Kellen Winslow, but short of the 102 catches by Tony Gonzales. He has already passed 1100 yards this season with 3 games left. He also has 80 reception.

Drew Brees has 385 - 543 for 4,369 yards, He is on pace for 474 - 668 for 5, 376 yards. The record of completions in a season is 450 by Peyton Manning, he throws 19 a game, He needs to average 302 yards per game to catch Marino. He now is only the second player to complete a touchdown pass in 40 consecutive games. He also has two records with 7 30-completion games in a season with 3 games to play and 33 consecutive 20 completions games.

Brees continues to have trouble throwing on the move. He missed a wide-open Jimmie Graham in the second quarrell.

Well, those of you that pick 3 - 0 for the poll on the three game stretch of Falcons, Giants and Lions were correct. Now let's examine the last four games.

Tennessee Titans - This games scares me the most of the remaining games. The Titans are hot and this is the start of a two game road trip. The Saints have not traveled well this season with a 3 - 3 mark on the road. They have the 7th rank defense and have won 3 out of their last four, only losing to the Falcons in Atlanta. They are 2 - 1 against the NFL South this season. Chris Johnson has gotten track with 3 one hundred games in the last four games and 343 yards in the last two games. Additionally, the Titans are back in the playoff race, so they have a lot to lose. I expect the Saints to win, but this team is scary.

Minnesota Vikings - A second road game in a row. This is one of those games that like the Rams, where the Saints should win, but find a way to lose. On paper, this is an easy game for the Saints. Additionally, I bet the Vikes would like some payback for a certain NFC championship game.

Atlanta Falcons - Assuming the Saints and Falcons have won their last two game. This game will be must win for the Falcons. Additionally, the Falcons always play better in the Super Dome. I don't know why, but I believe it to be true. A lot depends on which defense shows up for the Falcons.

Carolina Panthers - This game could be irrelevant or vital. A lot depends on whether or not the Saints start there starters.

Roman Harper had another uninspiring week. He is down to 101 tackles and assists on his projections.

Darren Sproles also has drifted from his goal. He is down to a projection of 2540, which is down for a second week in a row.

Now, Jimmy Graham helped his cause he is now projecting to 100 catches and 1395 yards. He is still short by 2 on the record of 102 by Gonzales, but he is well on his way to yardage record for a tight end. BTW, he is already over 1000 yards at 1046 yards.

Drew Brees tied a record for his sixth consecutive 4000 yard season that ties Manning. He extended his 20 completion game record to 32 straight games. he has reach 30 touchdowns faster than he ever has and now projects to 40 touchdowns on the season. he is on pace to break both the attempts and completions records as well.

I couldn't attach a poll to get an answer to this question so I figure I need to get a discussion going on this to truly get a pulse on this question. As everyone knows I am stuck in the cultural wastelands of Charlotte, North Carolina. I so hate it here. So I'm not getting a sense anyone home is excited about this as I am.

Which records do you guy think Drew will break. I think he will break the season records for completion, attempts, yardage completion percentage and though he will have a personal best, he will not break the touchdown mark. I think he will break the record for most 5000 yard seasons, and go to 36 in his record for most consecutive games with at lest 20 completions and I think he will have 8 or 9 30 completion games for the season to increase his record in that department.

As for Jimmie Graham, I truly believe he will set the mark for most receptions and most yards by a tight end, The schedule has no one that defend him. The truly scary thing is he is a kitten. He is still learning. Last night he blew two routes that could have been a disaster. Did you see Sean Peyton lecturing him on the sideline about completing his routes.

I think Sproles will break the mark for combined yards by a running back. He is going to need at least two huge gains either running, receiving or returning to break the all time mark. I am talking bout at 60 yard gains.

I really need to know what you guys think about this and what the city is saying.

Brees will reach 4,000 for the sixth consecutive season, tying Peyton Manning's NFL record. He will also reach 39 consecutive games with at least one td and will set a NFL record with 32 consecutive games with at least 20 completions. He will also have his four consecutive year with at least 30 td passes, one short of the record held by Farve with 5. He will have an NFL record 8 30+ completion game, which move over 350 completions for the season for his sixth consecutive season, an NFL record. He also pass 500 attempts.

Jimmy Graham will reach 75 receptions and be just short of 1100 yards receiving. He will also go into double digits on td catches.

Roman Harper will get a sack and 10 tackles and 2 assits, 2 behind the line.

Darren Sproles will get a return for a touchdown and more than 50 yards receiving and rushing.

John Kasay will pass his personal best of 46 PATs in a season.

The defense will score a touchdown and get at least three turnovers.

Final Score New Orleans 55 Detroit 16

I was hoping for some other predictions for you guys and maybe some FUN score predictions.

A look at the three game stretch of Atlanta, the Giants and the Lions looked formidable but we are now 2 - 0 and the LIons are reeling. They will be Suh-less and they have not looked like the team they once were. That being said they are still a dangerous team and the Saints did not do so well after the runaway game against Indy, I am afraid of how they will respond after crushing the Giants. I am hoping that the Rams game was due to injuries on the o-line, which don't exist now. Well we are 2 - 0 in this stretch, what will happen with the Giants. I Like the Saints to win, but how will they react after another stellar performance?

First off I didn't give Roman Harper the total credit he was due. He is on pace for 9.5 sacks, which would be an NFL record for sacks by a defensive back. His tackle total has gone down to a projected 108.

Jimmy Graham is on pace for 97 catches for 1392 yards, which would shatter Kellen Winslow, Sr. 1980 record of 1290 yards. Additionally his td projection has gone to 12, the record is 13 held by a couple of tight ends.

Darren Sproles rushing and kick off return production went up, while his punt return and receiving yards went down. He now projects to 585 yards rushing, 692 yards receiving, 1014 yards in kick off returns and 252 yards in punt returns. This gives him a total of 2543 yards, which would still top Lionel James's record for a running back of 2535 yards. His production however has dropped for three consecutive games.

Drew Brees did not look sharp last night. He missed on several passes at one point, going 1 - 7 in stretch. I seemed to lack a little touch last night. I know he had a great statistical game, but I will bet real money that he will like what he sees on tape. He has dropped 70.9 to 70.2 in passing percentage. Here are the projections  470 completions in 669 attempts for 5366 yards and 39 touchdowns. BTW, with his 4 tds last night he has had 7 consecutive seasons with 25 or more tds, which is second all time behind Manning at 13. Additionally he is now at 38 games in row with at least one td pass and at 31 games in row with at least 20 completions (this is an NFL record). He is also on pace to tying his own record of at least 20 completion in all 16 games in a season.

I stand corrected on the tackles stats for Roman Harper. I was using a personal website that sited records upon request and they were wrong about the total tackle records for a safety. Additionally after the Atlanta game, the tackle project drops to 85 tackles and 24 assists for 109 total, which is a drop of 2. His sack projection has dropped from 11 to 10.5.

Jimmy Graham had a good game against the Falcons, but some his numbers dropped as well. He still projects to 99 catches. I really want him to get the 102 catch record for a tight end,so he needs to get those 4 more catches from somewhere. He now projects out to 1397 yards that would be a record for tight ends, but I would love for him to get to 1400 yards for the season. His 87.3 ypg would be a record by a lot.

Darren Sproles has already passed his personal best for rushing yards for a season with 348 yards which is 3 more yards they his personal best to date. He projects out to 557 yards rushing for the season. He projects out to 96 catches for 717 yards, 1016 kick return yards and 277 punt return yards. That's a total of 2567 yards, which would be the most by any running back in NFL history, but 123 short of the NFL record held by Derrick Mason. The record for a running back is held by Lionel James with 2535 all purpose yards in 1985 for San Diego.

Drew Brees is still on pace to break the yardage record by a lot. He projects out to 5322 yards. The record by Marino is 5084. Of course his 332.6 ypg would be a record. He now is second in most consecutive games with at least one td pass, 37. Unitas has the record at 47. Brees is presently on a record streak of most consecutive games with at least 20 completions at 30. Brees has set a new record for the most 30 completion games in a season with 7. He projects to 478 completions, which would shatter Manning's record of 450 completions. He projects to 675 attempts, which would not break Bledsoe's record of 691 attempts. He already has the most 30 completion games for a career with 27. He is still ahead of his pass completion percentage record with 70.9, he holds the record at 70.6. Aaron Rodgers dropped from 72.4 to 71.8. He will drop even more as the season gets very wet and cold in Wisconsin. He projects out to 37 touchdowns, which would be a personal best.

So I reask the poll question, who is having the more fantastic season. The winner in the previous poll was Graham.

We talked about the three game stretch with Atlanta, the New York Giants and the Lions. I took a poll and a 2-1 record won with a 3-0 record coming in second. Many of the 3-1 crowd sited the Atlanta game as their loss. Well the Saints beat Atlanta. So we have jumped that hurtle safely. At first I thought the Giants game was a trap game. The Giants are reeling and they have a terrible November/December record under Coughlin. I still think this is a loseable for the Saints, however I am not sold on the Giants defense. If they don't get sacks they lose and the Saints haven't given up a sack since they got their present starting five healthy.The injury to Strief in the Rams game proved costly, but right now they are healthy so I like the Saints offensive line to keep Brees's jersey clean. It also looks like Detroit will be weakened immensely with Suh probably on suspension for Saints game. Without Suh the Lions have difficulty getting the push they need from the inside. So I want to know have your opinions changed for the results of those three games. 

With the Saints going into their bye week and 10 games into the season, it is time to take a closer look at four exceptional personal seasons. Each of these players is looking at personal best:

Roman Harper, though I wish he learn how to catch a football, is on pace for a special season. At the present pace he will have 87 tackles, 24 assists and 11 sacks. These are all personal bests as well as special numbers for a safety. A total of 111 tackles and assists will be the second most by a safety in NFL history. His 11 sacks would be the most ever by a Saint safety.

Darren Sproles is on pace for 557 yards rushing with 6.8 ypc, 96 catches for 717 yards, 1016 kick return yards and 302 punt return yards. This would give him 2592 all purpose yards and 10 touchdowns. This would place him third on the all time record for a season, 55 out of second and 98 off the record.

Jimmy Graham is on pace for 99 catches for 1396 yards and 10 touchdowns. No tight end has ever caught for 1400 yards add a catch to his present pace and we are looking at 100 catches and 1400 yards. The record for a tight end in receptions and yards is by Tony Gonzales 102 receptions for 1258 yards. Additionally, the record for yards per game by a tight end is 86.4 by Jackie Smith in a 14 game season. Jimmy is averaging 87.3 yards per game.

Drew Brees is on pace for 478 competions in 675 attempts for 5322 yards and 37 touchdowns. That would destroy the season yardage record, ninth all-time for a season in touchdown passes, 450 is the record for completions and 691 is record for attempts. Additionally, he can reach 43 for number of consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass. The record is 47.

This the stretch I have dreading all season. The next 3 games are against the Falcons, Giants and Lions.with a combined record of 17-7. I wish we were 7-2 and not 6-3 at this point. We could be 6-6 by the end of this stretch. However, the goood news is the Saints being 9 - 3 after this stretch would give them the tie breakers against all three teams, which are in playoff contention. This stretch is vital to the Saints playoff chances this season.