SB Nation User Blog: Grumps

Gay shut down?

Grumps — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:03:54 -0000

From Rotoworld:
Saints coach Sean Payton revealed Wednesday that CB Randall Gay's Week 12 hamstring injury is "significant."
The Saints may consider placing Gay on injured reserve with Mike McKenzie playing so well. Gay has been New Orleans' nickel back for most of the year.

It is times like this when you are very thankful for some quality depth in the secondary. Hopefully it is not the case. But the recent signings of McKenzie and McAlister are looking even more brilliant.

Simoneau Out for Several Weeks

Grumps — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:52:44 -0000

Simoneau Out for Several Weeks

Saints LB Mark Simoneau will be out for at least several weeks after tearing his triceps in Saturday's scrimmage.

Simoneau was scheduled to undergo surgery Tuesday. It's unclear if he'll be placed on injured reserve right now. Simoneau was the team's top backup at both middle linebacker and weakside linebacker. He'll likely be replaced by Marvin Mitchell.

Drew Brees Chat on NFL website

Grumps — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:48:39 -0000

Courtesy of NFL.com

Here is the transcript from the Drew Brees Chat:

04:00 PM - 05:00 PM ETDrew Brees 22 comments
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, national spokesman for NFL Play 60 and the Take a Player to School program presented by JCPenney Afterschool Fund, joined NFL fans for a live chat on Tuesday, July 21. Brees discussed the NFL passing record, his WRs, and why Sean Payton should be considered an elite coach.

NFL.com

Drew, you’re here today on the behalf of the Take a Player to School Program, which is presented by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. Before we get started with our fan questions, what made you want to get involved in this program?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I think it's an extremely important program, when you talk about getting kids outside for exercise and to be with their friends. I think it's good for a number of reasons. Childhood obesity is very high right now. Then there's also diet and eating well, and not always going for fast food and candy. Just being conscience of what you're eating and put in your body. The earlier you gain that knowledge, the better you'll do down the road. That, and also it's a great way to develop social skills ... kids having to do different things together. There's also the aspect of spending time with your family, too. It's a great program for a lot of reasons.
NFL.com

How long have you been a part of this, and what other NFL players are involved?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

This is my third year being involved. I know there are quite a few other players involved, you see the commercials ... Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Bob Sanders, Santana Moss ... quite a few guys around the league. I think at least one guy in each NFL city. It's a great opportunity for the kids. I had a chance to go to an elementary school this year in Louisiana, a very small school, and it was a great experience. I got to show them a lot of things we do on the football field and I really got a kick out of that.
David Sailman, Philadelphia

04:08 PM ET
What major influences did you have growing up? Highschool coach, Gym Teacher, Dad?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

There's been a lot of those peolple. I've had a lot of mentors. But mostly it was my grandfather, my dad and my brother ... we spent a lot of time in the yard or wherever playing sports. All those things involved competition. My grandfather was a high school football coach for 38 years, and I remember watching two-a-days in Texas way back then and being the water boy and that kind of stuff. I was always around it.

I've had so many great coaches along the way, helping develop me and teach me life lessons along the way.
Ben, Bowling Green, OH

04:10 PM ET
Drew, thanks for the amazing 2008 season--so fun to watch! What are you working on now to improve your game in 09?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I always evaluate the season before and the areas I want to get better at. There's certain fundamental things that you always have to stay on top of -- like throwing mechanics, footwork -- just staying on top of them and being aware. You don't want those things to lapse. You kind of just make it part of your routine. So I always try to involve working on those along wtih my workouts and film study, as I'm constantly trying to find an edge somewhere.
Tyler, Florida

04:12 PM ET
Hey Drew, How did you feel when first found out you did not break the record by 16 yards?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I was disappointed. Just because I know how important that record was to our team and our fans. That's all anyone talked about all week long. Winning is obviously the most important, but people wanted it. It would have been important to our team to get that big of a record. It would have linked us together forever and it would have been something we would have always been a part of.
Charles, Middleburg, FL

04:14 PM ET
Congratulations on your 5,069 passing yards last season. Do you believe you have an oppurtunity to surpass that mark and break Dan Marino's single season passing record?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I'm not even thinking about it, Charles. That's a lot of yards. I never enter a season thinking about something like that. Anything I can do to help us win a championship. If the record is part of that, great. If we win without it, that's great too. Either way, I'd rather have the ring.
Matt, Jersey

04:15 PM ET
What quarterback do/did you try to model your play after?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I had some favorites growing up, like Montana and Aikman. Growing up in Texas was during the Cowboys heyday. There were always on TV. I try to watch a lot of QBs and take bits and pieces and work that into my own game and what I do, working them into my attributes and my abilities. I try to find things they all do well. Things from different guys.
MAX, TENNESSEE

04:17 PM ET
What are your impressions of Robert Meachem, and do see him having a bigger role this year???
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I do see his role increasing. He continues to get better every day. Every snap he gets, he kicks it up a notch. He works hard, and he's very self-motivated. I look forward to the opportunities he'll get this year.
Andrew W., KC, KS

04:18 PM ET
Devery Henderson and Lance Moore both had good seasons last year. Who is likely to start opposite Marques Colston this year?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Lance is our No. 2 guy, and I think Devery plays a huge role in our offense, as does Meachem. Offensively, we move those guys around so much and put them all over the field. If you ask the receivers, as a group, who rates where, they kind of see themselves all as No. 1s. They'll all get opportunities. At the same time, they also all need to create for each other. We have a great group of wideouts.
darrion gray, arlington tx

04:21 PM ET
Do you think greg williams is the missing part of the defense
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I woldn't say that, really, but it's really that he's a great coach, and he commands a lot of respect around the league. He's really created an attitude on defense. Any time you change coaches at any position, they have their own system and scheme that will take time to learn, but they bring a different mentality. They're only going to help us get better, and we'll help them too. He's a great coach and will do a great job.
Bob, Frisco, TX

04:22 PM ET
Drew, After your career with the Saints is done (hopefully that will be a long time from now), do you expect to continue to call New Orleans home?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

My wife and I love New Orleans. It's a special place. We hope to be there a very long time.
Brent , Nashville, TN

04:23 PM ET
I love how you and others in the NFL work to improve health in our youth. The work you do shows that no matter who we are and what we have we can all lend a helping hand. I just want to tell you I appreciate everything you do to better the community.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Thank you much, Brent. There are a lot of guys in the NFL doing great things with their foundations and in their communities. I don't think people realize all the good things going on. Instead there's a lot of focus on the bad decisions that are made by a small few. It's good to know it's being seen and appreciated. We're just doing our part.
Jeff, New Orleans

04:24 PM ET
Are we loud enough in the dome on Sundays?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Jeff, you're very loud. But I think there's always room to kick it up a few decibles!
Clarence Ashe, Hamden, CT

04:25 PM ET
Been a Saints fan for over 20 yrs and I think I speak for most Saints fans when I say you're the best QB the team has had. Not many people talk about Sean Payton as an elite coach. What can you say about him and his play calling?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I think he's def an elite coach, for many reasons. Not only is he an exceptional play-caller and a real coach in terms of scheme and technique, but I think he's a great motivator and a great communicator. I think he does a good job of putting everyone in a position to succeed in realtion to what our strengths are.
RET, New Orleans, LA

04:27 PM ET
How do you think a healthy Shockey can improve our O?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I think Shockey adds another element. With our WRs, they're usually the ones who are draw coverages. When you have a guy inside like Shockey or even Reggie working the inside, that really works to our advantage.
conner entriken, orlando, florida

04:28 PM ET
What are your thoughts on the defense for this season?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I've been very impressed. They're playing with a lot of attitude. Granted, they're still learning the defense. But they're flying around, playing fast, and they have a swagger about them.
Scott Terrio , Weisbaden, Germany (US Army)

04:29 PM ET
Drew, I have to admit. More than any other season in the past, I am most excited about our chances this season. We're healthy and we've revamped our defense. I know your a competitor, but does this season feel like any others before it or is there something special there that your truly excited about?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Each season, you tell yourself that you never know when it could be your year. That's why you work as hard as you can to put yourself in the best position to win. I do feel like our opportunity is now. The team we put together, we're not getting any younger. So this is the time.
Dave Pellegrino, Philadelphia, Pa

04:31 PM ET
Hey Drew, what role do you feel Pierre Thomas will play in your offense coming off 6-7 strong games in 2008? Do you think he will help take the pressure off of you in the passing game?
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Yes, all of the above. I think he'll have a breakout type year. I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but I think he's really talented, and if he stays healthy, he can be a really good player and a big part of our offense. The stronger your running game is, the more opportunities you have in the passing game.
josh, nashville

04:33 PM ET
drew, i was wondering who do you think will be your toughest opponent in the upcoming season
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Well, they're all tough! I'm not saying that just to dodge the question. Looking at our schedule, where we play our own division twice, but we play the NFC East and the AFC East. You're talking about the Pats, Jets, Dolphins, Philly, Washington, Dallas ... a lot of very good teams. An extremely difficult schedule for us. But you have to find way.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Who Dat Saints fans! I'm out of time, so time for me to get going. Also want to shout out to all the troops overseas. You guys all get home safe. I'm looking forward to this season, hope you all are too.

Drew.

Former Saints Pro Bowl DT La'Roi Glover announced his retirement from football. A fifth-round...

Grumps — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:09:48 -0000

Former Saints Pro Bowl DT La'Roi Glover announced his retirement from football.

A fifth-round pick by the Raiders in 1996, Glover made his mark with the Saints. His 17 sacks in 2000 led the NFL while ranking second in history among defensive tackles. The six-time Pro Bowler finished his 13-year career with 83.5 sacks, an outstanding number for a defensive tackle.

Rotoworld

Happy belated Fathers Day and a wedding coming up!

Grumps — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:03:21 -0000

Happy belated Fathers Day to all the Dad's out there. This was my first year as a father and my wife bought me a gift that i thought i would share with you. Soon to adorn the wall in my basement, once i get it put in a shadow box frame, is a signed Deuce McAllister jersey. I think my expression didn't change for about half an hour when i opened the box. I think the first words out of my mouth were "holy crap".

Can't wait to explain to my son why Deuce is such a role model in life.

As as aside, how are the wedding plans coming along Dave? Nervous? Only a handful of days left!

Should the Saints resign Deuce and move PT to LB???

Grumps — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 12:42:03 -0000

Good morning Saints Faithful! As for the title of this post, i'd still love to resign Deuce, but was kidding about the LB move (better state the fact before i am labelled as a wingnut).

In case you weren't aware, NFL.com has a segment where they line up various players and have an open chat forum with the fans. Well PT was yesterday. I assume that they do questions in order or sort out duplicates as my question wasn't asked (i asked about Deuce's impact oh him and how he felt the extra size he put on is helping/hindering his performance). However it seems that both of my questions were touched on by others. So if you want to know PT's various thoughts from the fans i have included the Q&A courtesy of NFL Live Chat (my vote for most ridiculous question goes to the fellow who asked the first question):

NFL.com

Pierre Thomas will be with us shortly. Thanks for sending in all your questions.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Let's go. I'm ready for your questions.

Frank D., New Orleans, LA

03:10 PM ET
How much do you think you rating is going to go up in Madden '10?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

I really don't know about that one. Hopefully, my breaking tackles rating will be up to 90. I don't know, that's a good question. Hopefully they'll rank me as a 90.

Ben B., Rochester,Ny

03:10 PM ET
What other team do you fear most in the South?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

I really don't fear any one of them. I don't fear them at all. The one I think that gives us the most competition is a tie between Carolina and Tampa. Sometimes Carolina gives us a good battle and I know Tampa, we go at it a lot. They are both tough teams.

Ross, New Orleans

03:11 PM ET
Who Dat Pierre! Its an honor to have the opportunity to chat with Deuce Jr haha. The family and I are pulling for you 100% buddy. I know it's only June, but has Gregg Williams been earning his money with the defense so far?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Oh yes, definitely. He's definitely earned his money with the defense. He's put in a lot of work, he's got these guys running around, attacking the ball. The things they are doing now is unbelievable, they are flying around, coming after us. It seems like they are looking for blood. That's their main goal is to go after everybody.

Buster, H-Town

03:12 PM ET
who the fastest offensive player on the Saints team?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

That might be a toss-up between Reggie Bush and Devery Henderson. Devery has some good speed, but Reggie has speed and quickness. I think Reggie might beat Devery. His first step is real quick. Robert Meacham is right behind them. I know Devery is one of the fastest guys on the team if we are running long distance. He's always got that deep ball.

Rhodri Jones, Tredegar, Wales

03:14 PM ET
Hi Pierre. As an undrafted player what is the biggest thing you have learned about yourself on getting to this point in your career ? Thanks and good luck.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

The biggest thing I've learned about myself is that I'm capable of doing anything. I'm capable of learning anything you put on me, to go out there and apply and accomplish it. I'm not afraid to try and go out there and give it a shot. The sky's the limit and I'm going to go and do whatever it takes to be successful.

Cody V, New Iberia, Louisiana

03:15 PM ET
We have one heck of a schedule this year, playing all teams in the NFC East and the AFC East. Is there any team that you look forward to matching up against?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

One team I'm really looking forward to playing is the Cowboys. You hear about the Cowboys, the history, the record, all the legends who have played on the Cowboys. I always wanted to play against them, plus I have a college buddy who plays for them now (CB Alan Ball). I don't know what it is about Dallas, but I want to go after them and test them out. That's probably the biggest team I want to play.

John B., Houston, TX

03:17 PM ET
Who were your favorite NFL players to watch when you were just a young kid?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

When I was really young, I didn't know too much about it. But as I got older, I learned about Walter Payton. As a kid, just playing in the backyard with some of my friends, they called me little Barry. I hung around with an older crowd, because I was really shifty on my feet, and they didn't even call me by my name, they called me "little Barry, we want Little Barry on our team". I really followed him. His leg power, that's what really drove him. Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis also had big legs. That's what you need, those big legs, so you can drive and get that extra yardage. That's what motivated me to work out and get that leg strength. Barry Sanders had to be my role model growing up.

Ken, NJ

03:19 PM ET
What's your relationship like with Reggie Bush? How do you feel about splitting carries with him?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Off the field, we hang out. We've traveled together before. Reggie is a cool guy. I look at him as one of those guys you have to get to know. Don't judge a book by his cover. I've heard some people say he might not seem like a nice guy and he's quiet, but once you get to know him, he's a really nice guy. We go out, we like to go bowling. We like to talk smack and have fun. On the field it's the same. We talk and communicate out there and help each other. It's a competition, but it's a friendship. When all is said and done, you are going to remember that friendship and the experiences you have with guys. You are going to remember games, too, but you are going to remember the friendships.

Wayne Ellis, Letchworth, UK

03:21 PM ET
Did you enjoy the experience of playing at Wembley last season and do you think the NFL should continue to host games overseas?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

It was a wonderful experience. Especially going to London and seeing a different culture. I never thought I would go overseas, especially to a place like London. But going over there and learning their culture, and getting to know them, was great. Come to find out there are a lot of Saints fans out there. It made me feel comfortable. I had a great time. The experience out there was unbelievable. It reminded me of playing at the Supderdome. The crowd was loud. Words can't express how wonderful it was. It was so beautiful.

J.Till , New Orleans

03:23 PM ET
What do you love most about New Orleans? Would you like to finish your career as a Saint?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

It has to be the food. The food here is unbelievable. It's so good. And the people here are so friendly. That's what I tell a lot of people. Die-hard fans. The best fans any team could ask for. They support you 100 percent. If you on a losing streak, they are still there to support you. Even if we do lose, they are going to have a bad week, but they'll have your back and that next Sunday they'll be right there to support you and cheer you. You hear about Gumbo, the city is like that, you never know what you are going to get.

Michael S., San Diego

03:25 PM ET
You say you don't fear Atlanta. Man don't cash checks you can't pay
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

I'm not saying Atlanta isn't tough, but they are a rival. So I think it's more of a fun, exciting game. Really fun to play those games. They do give us tough games, though. But I just think the past couple years, Tampa and Carolina have given us the hardest games. I put the Atlanta game No. 1 on the schedule in terms of my interest, because that's a fun rivalry game, it gets me pumped up.

Kris, MA

03:26 PM ET
If you could have any Quarterback handing you the ball, past or present, who would it be?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

That's a tough one. I'd say it's a toss-up between my QB now, Drew Brees, and Joe Montana. Drew is an unbelievable quarterback. I could see him making the Hall of Fame. He's exciting, he's fun to be around. And Joe Montana, seeing the things he did in San Francisco is unbelievable. He's one of the best and Drew is on his way to being one of the best. I gotta stay with my boy Drew, but that's a tough one.

John, New Orleans

03:28 PM ET
Who's the one defender you'd love to hit straight up and let them feel what its like for a change?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

I love competition. One of the defenders is Brian Dawkins. I heard some stories that he can come down and really deliver a blow. I've seen him hit some people before and it was like Whoa! I wonder if I could get him. Instead of him getting me, I would like to see if I could get him. That's one defender I'd like to go against.

Tyler, Missouri

03:30 PM ET
Who's the most cocky player you've ever played against?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

That's kind of a tough one. I never really listen to those guys. I block everything out. I hear them talking, but I don't listen to them. We never really get to cocky on the field. It's more cracking jokes. But if I'm watching tv, it looks like Ray Lewis is the one who seems to talk a lot. But when I'm out there playing, I just play, I don't listen to that.

DJC, North Carolina

03:33 PM ET
You appear to be very grounded. Who is or was your inspiration while growing up?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

My mother. She took care of me and my sister. She taught me everything I know. She taught me how to go out there, play hard and never give up. When I was little, I never wanted to go to practice and work hard, but she told me I needed to go out there and work hard and give it my best and have fun. That's the most important thing. She always drove me to be my best. There's really nothing else I could ask for, she's been everything to me. She's had my back since I was little and I first started. She was my biggest inspiration. She worked so hard day-in, day-out, to provide me and my sister what we needed.

kelly klarkson, baton rouge LA

03:35 PM ET
heyy...ma and my friend have arguements all the time over which is better f-ball or b-ball, whats your opnion
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Aww, common. You know football is better. Football is No. 1.

Chris, New Jersey

03:36 PM ET
Hey Pierre, my grandpa passed away recently and he was a huge saints fan, i would love to see you guys do well this season, from your point of view how do you think you guys as of now?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

I believe that if we stick to what we are being taught right now on offense and defense, we can go out there and do exactly what we need to do to get to the playoffs and work extra hard to get to the Super Bowl. Right now we are on the right track, learning the plays and assignments. We have to go out there and accomplish everything set in front of us. We can only beat ourselves and that's what we have to eliminate. Correct all the mistakes we made last year. If we do that, we'll be a tough team to beat.

Cody, Tennessee

03:37 PM ET
If you could play any other position, which one would it be and why?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Well, I've always played defense, but I never got the chance to. The position I really wanted to try was defensive line. But I'm a little guy, so I knew that would never happen. So in reality, linebacker, maybe outside linebacker. The reason why is because I'd get a chance to sneak in and maybe get on a blitz and sack the quarterback, or attack the running back. Or I might be able to pick off a pass and maybe take it to the house. The linebacker position seems like the most fun.

Mason, Maine

03:39 PM ET
Do you feel that football is best played in the elements or in a dome?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

I think both have their good points. It's a toss-up. There are times where I think playing outside is a lot of fun. Sometimes playing in the snow can be fun, being cold is the bad part about it, but it can bring excitement. Playing in the rain can also being fun, too. I always like playing in the rain, because I feel I can cut better in the rain and can make players slip and fall. But playing for the Saints at the Superdome, it's so exciting. Everything is so locked in. When that crowd gets loud, you can hardly hear anything. It turns up the intensity level inside, I don't know what it is, but it makes you want to play harder, run faster. When you hear the crowd it's unbelievable.

Charles, Champaign Ill

03:42 PM ET
Hey pierre..How bad do you wanna come back to Champaign and run the table with Juice.
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Haha. Juice is a great guy, I think he has a lot of potential to be a great player and it would be nice to go another round with him as my quarterback, but no hard feelings to Juice or Illinois, but I feel comfortable with the Saints. I need to be here with the Saints.

Erin Rodriguez, new orleans

03:43 PM ET
how is the rookie malcom jenkins looking to you?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

He's coming along. He's looking pretty good out there. He's learning the program well and picking it up. There's not a whole lot you can look at until training camp starts, but he seems like he's doing very well and understanding what's going on. I really can't say until they put the pads on, though.

Bobby, Slidell

03:44 PM ET
Has the extra weight you put on affected your speed and agility?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

No, not at all. I don't know if I'm going to carry this weight into camp or not. I'm still trying to get the coaches to be more lenient and let me work with it, but they haven't let me know yet if it will be ok for me to come to camp at this weight. Hopefully we can get to that agreement. I feel the extra weight would come in handy. But what they want, I'll do. As to your question, I haven't lost any agility and my speed is still there.

Wayne Ellis, Letchworth, UK

03:46 PM ET
Although his departure obviously means more playing time for you, how hard was it to see a Saints legend like Deuce McAllister move on?
Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

It was very hard. My thought was, what was the reason? Why? Most people said, mabye because they want to see me. But in my eyes I say we could still use him. He's a smart guy, he'd been in the league for a while. Everybody loved him and he brought a lot to this team. He was one of my teachers. I loved watching him, loved his vision. I feel I could get a better grasp if he was still around and I could still see him running. Seeing him go was really hard, but it's a tough business. He wished me the best of luck, he's praying for me and anything I need don't be afraid to call him. I told him I appreciate everything he's done for me. He's a great guy. I'm definitely going to ask him a lot of questions as we get closer to the season.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Thanks for all your great questions. A lot of them were really good, tough questions. And thanks for all the support. I'm going to try to do big things this season and hopefully I'll get to talk to a lot of you next year.

In case you are interested in reading the transcripts of other Q&A's i was able to find one for Darren Sharper and another for Sean Payton. Enjoy.

Well We Need Another LB

Grumps — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:55:05 -0000

It looks like Dan Morgan is already out for good. Ala Rotoworld:

The agent for LB Dan Morgan, Drew Rosenhaus, writes on his Twitter page that Morgan has informed the Saints he will retire again.
Morgan announced his first retirement in May 2008, citing a slow recovery from Achilles' surgery. Now 31 and still unable to stay healthy -- he strained his calf at New Orleans' June minicamp -- Morgan's latest retirement is probably for good. He will finish his career having never played more than 13 games in a season, although when healthy Morgan was one of the league's fiercest middle linebackers as a Panther in the early- to mid-2000s.

Is Ellis still available? Lets go get him.

From Rosehhaus's twitter page:

Dan Morgan has informed the Saints that he has decided to retire due continued injuries. Dan would like to thank the Saints for the chance to come back this year, but injuries would not let him continue his career. His decision is final and he will be moving on to focus on his restaurant business in Charlotte. Dan also wants to be able to spend more time with his wife and children.

Big Hole in the middle

Grumps — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:23:32 -0000

Well it looks like they have officially released the big man...from Rotoworld and boy is he steamed (see what i did there??? Heh):

Saints released DT Hollis Thomas.
The move saves money, and Thomas doesn't have much left in tank at age 35, but the Saints are now hurting for depth inside. Rod Coleman is returning after a year away from football, but he wouldn't fill Thomas' situational run-stopper role. While last year's fifth-rounder DeMario Pressley has the size, his talent is questionable.

Completely unrelated Saints post

Grumps — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:20:47 -0000

Good morning...

As i wait for my morning meetings, i figured i would share a few links with you that shows the current situation in the city i live in. Obviously this is not comparable to what New Orleans dealt with, but I live in a city where two rivers merge. Almost every year we have various flood issues. This year is fairly problematic, but would have been much worse if we hadnt expanded our floodway (basically a big ditch around the city).

Here are a few links to some photo archives from a local paper if you are bored and want to see Winnipeg and other areas just outside of the cityin its current state. The City for the most part is fine. But some of the smaller towns outside the perimeter are toast.

Archive pictures part 1

Archive pictures part 2

Gonzalez to the Durty Birds!!!

Grumps — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:51:22 -0000

Well it looks like those durty birds have another receiving threat...again from our good friends at Rotoworld:

Falcons acquired TE Tony Gonzalez from the Chiefs in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
KC got its asking price, but not for this year. Gonzo is 33, but coming off a 96-catch, 1,058-yard, 10-touchdown season. He obviously has a lot left, and going to a dome can't hurt. Atlanta relies on the run more the 2008 Chiefs did, though, and while Matt Ryan can only get better Gonzo's numbers will likely dip some. He'll steer some attention away from Roddy White, but could also cut into possession receiver Michael Jenkins' targets.

SB Nation User Blog: Grumps

Gay shut down?

Simoneau Out for Several Weeks

Simoneau Out for Several Weeks

Drew Brees Chat on NFL website

NFL.com

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

NFL.com

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

David Sailman, Philadelphia

04:08 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Ben, Bowling Green, OH

04:10 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Tyler, Florida

04:12 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Charles, Middleburg, FL

04:14 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Matt, Jersey

04:15 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

MAX, TENNESSEE

04:17 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Andrew W., KC, KS

04:18 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

darrion gray, arlington tx

04:21 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Bob, Frisco, TX

04:22 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Brent , Nashville, TN

04:23 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Jeff, New Orleans

04:24 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Clarence Ashe, Hamden, CT

04:25 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

RET, New Orleans, LA

04:27 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

conner entriken, orlando, florida

04:28 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Scott Terrio , Weisbaden, Germany (US Army)

04:29 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Dave Pellegrino, Philadelphia, Pa

04:31 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

josh, nashville

04:33 PM ET

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Former Saints Pro Bowl DT La'Roi Glover announced his retirement from football. A fifth-round...

Happy belated Fathers Day and a wedding coming up!

Should the Saints resign Deuce and move PT to LB???

NFL.com

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Frank D., New Orleans, LA

03:10 PM ET

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Ben B., Rochester,Ny

03:10 PM ET

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Ross, New Orleans

03:11 PM ET

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Buster, H-Town

03:12 PM ET

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints

Rhodri Jones, Tredegar, Wales

03:14 PM ET