SBNation.com User Blog: Jon Banks

Day After Rants: Dirty Birds

Jon Banks — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 07:42:57 -0000

These rants almost didn't happen thanks to a massive consumption of the alcohol known as Jack Daniels and Bacardi. But alas, I drank enough to not be able to sleep, so I was able to write these.

This week was a big win, sort of like last week except the Saints have now done everything but clinch the division. I'll go into that further when I start my ranting, but this game was awesome. It was almost like the inverse of the 2010 Falcons-Saints match up. Saints winning on an OT FG after a "WOW" moment by the opposing team. That just seems familiar.

So anyway, make the jump to see more rants, pro Brees arguments, and another play breakdown.

These rants almost didn't happen thanks to a massive consumption of the alcohol known as Jack Daniels and Bacardi. But alas, I drank enough to not be able to sleep, so I was able to write these.

So anyway, make the jump to see more rants, pro Brees arguments, and another play breakdown.

Do You Realize How Much This Win Mattered?

The New Orleans Saints are now 7-3 and the Falcons are 5-4. If the Saints had lost, the Saints would be 6-4 and the Falcons would be 6-3. The Falcons would be in first place and in control of their own destiny by a game. By winning, the Saints are in first place, get to relax this week, are in control of their own destiny (by two games currently) and have the #3 seed if the playoffs started tomorrow.

This was a huge game and it's great that the Saints won.

How About that Curse?

Saints are now 2-0 when wearing throwbacks and 2-0 when wearing black pants and white jerseys. Polar opposite from what happened last year. Who was that idiot saying the black pants were at fault for the Saints losses? He should be drawn and quartered! Look over there! (runs away).

In Which I Piss Off Coldpizza and Start Another Argument When I'm Actually Being Kinda Sarcastic.

Saints lost TOP 36:32 to 30:03.

Saints lost offensive balance by having a pass run percentage of 73: 27 compared to the Falcons 63:37.

Scott Shanle had the game changing interception.

/avoids comments for fear of flame war

Awesome Pic of The Week

Payton first down

In which I defend Mike Smith Even if It Makes My Ulcer Flare Up

Ok, going for it on 4th down, I agree with that call. Don't look at the results, look at the game. Your offense just put a 3 and out on the field. Your team is tired, there's little momentum, the fans are nervous, and Drew Brees is salivating at the chance to march down the field.

If the Falcons make that down, the Falcons have stunned the Saints, have the ball back, are in control of this game, and their defense gets to rest a little bit longer. Most of all, you put the thought in everyone's head that you want to win this game.

That I agree with completely. However, running Turner up the gut in a play which everyone and their mom knew was coming...was mind boggling. You spread the Saints out by going 4 wide and have a draw play, that's shocking. You go play action from an I-formation, that's shocking. Running Turner in an I-form...isn't shocking.

It just seems like to me Smith put his balls to the wall with that call, and then made a play call that was anything but. So let's break it down, shall we?

Breakdown of the Week: Stuffed on 4th Down

Here is the play in question. Falcons have decided to go for it on 4th and inches in overtime. As you can see from the following image, the Falcons are in the I with a 2 Tight end, 2 back set with Roddy White out wide. Saints are anticipating run.

Stuffed 1

Ryan sends White out in motion, revealing the Saints are going to blitz as Jabari Greer is in man coverage with Roddy White. If Ryan were in a play action pass, the Falcons likely get this down and I may be writing this post through tears and Jack Daniels. Instead of just tears of Jack Daniels.

Stuffed 2

Here's where I would be screaming for play action. Saints have 10 guys at the line. 10!! If Matt Ryan fakes to Turner and throws to Roddy White (a supposed premier wideout in the league) he gets this first down very easily. Yet it's a running play. Pity for them.

Stuffed 3

Now, take a look at what Turner has to deal with. His only shot is to start running North-South and hoping that the Saints defenders watching him all can't tackle him...which is something that was very likely to happen knowing how "well" they tackled in this game. Still, anything up the gut is a guaranteed stuff, and he needs to go the outside immediately.

Stuffed 4

Turner decides that up the gut is the way to go. The Saints laugh and proceed to tackle him.

Stuffed 5

Turner gets stuffed behind the line of scrimmage for a 2 yard loss and a turnover on downs for the Falcons.

Stuffed 6

Finally, the reaction of who dat nation.

Marino Watch

Brees Yards: 3326

Marino's record: 5084

Yards to go: 1758

Games left: 6

Passing yards per game needed to tie passing record: 293

Brees current yards per game average: 332.6

Weekly "Why Brees is Awesome" Rant

Brees has the most completions of any NFL QB by 61 completions. Now, Brees also has the most attempts in the league with 422, good for 60 most over any QB. However, Brees 70.9 completion rate is good for an NFL record and is only 2nd to Aaron Rodgers 72.5%. Brees threw for a total of 3,004 yards over 9 games, the first QB in NFL history to do so. Tom Brady became the 2nd QB to do that today with 3,032. Brees currently leads the league with 3,326 yards. However, Brees ranks 8th in terms of YPA. He isn't making tons of deep throws, but is starting to take what the defense is giving him, and still getting these numbers.

Brees is 2nd in terms of yards per game. That distinction goes to Brady who has 4.3 yards per game more. Drew Brees is tied for 2nd in the league for total passing touchdowns with 23. His interceptions is tied for 4th most in the league, however, is over the "2:1 TD: INT" ratio. Brees is tied with Mike Vick and Rex Grossman, with Cam Newton and Tom Brady having 10 interceptions. Drew Brees has the most passing first downs with 170, which gives him the 5th highest 1st down percentage with 40.3%. Drew Brees is also tied for the 4th most 20 yard plays or more, while also being tied for 7th in 40 yard plays or more. He has 38 and 6 respectively. Drew Brees has taken 19 sacks, Jay Cutler has gone down 23 times and Big Ben has been downed 31 times. Good for 16th, 5th, and 1st respectively. Finally, Drew Brees has the 3rd highest QB rating with 101.3. Brady is 2nd with 102.0 and Aaron Rodgers is first with 129.0.

Awesome Dog Pic of the Week:

via i1216.photobucket.com

Winning Streak

The Saints are two more wins away from having their 3rd straight winning season. If they make the playoffs, this will be their third straight winning season and third straight playoff appearance. If this team can get another Lombardi, I don't know how you can say this team isn't a dynasty.

Official Mancrush list copyright: Jon Banks

Jabari Greer

Payton said LB Jonathan Vilma is OUT for Sunday RB Chris Ivory, WR Lance Moore & CB Patrick...

Jon Banks — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 19:49:06 -0000

Payton said LB Jonathan Vilma is OUT for Sunday
RB Chris Ivory, WR Lance Moore & CB Patrick Robinson are questionable for Sunday
TE John Gilmore, RB Mark Ingram & CB Tracy Porter are probable for Sunday

Saints Official Twitter

CSC Lagniappe #4: Four Times the Fun!

Jon Banks — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:18:36 -0000

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

What's a Perpetually Open Thread? I'll tell you! This is a thread dedicated to all off topic conversations. If there's something that you want to talk about that isn't really relevant to Saints football, can be discussed here. Think about this as a bar/hangout place for people who just want to have some fun with other Saints/football fans.

The whole reason for this thread is to help bring people together and help them get to know other fans on a more personal basis. If this turns out to be a popular activity, we hope to continue this concept as long as possible. However, there are some rules/constraints we have to put on some conversations in order to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

If you have any troubles with anything going on with this thread, feel free to email me with any concerns about these threads. So long as you come with a mentality of having a good time, and plan on being friendly, we can have all have fun and not have to have mods come in and clean up.

Have fun!

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Day After Rants: Dreamsicles

Jon Banks — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:44:02 -0000

So I was up late bored and procrastinating from the kajillions of things I need to do. I decided I wanted to write something that kinda summed up my thoughts that people would like to read and find enjoyable. Well, I did try to sum up my thoughts. If you find this enjoyable, you may have a sick mind that only I would enjoy.

I also plan to use some stats ahead, so if you're one of those who hate stats, here's your warning. I don't plan to be all "STATS PROVE EVERYTHING!" on you, I mostly just want to point out some stats about how awesome players are.

Some more warnings, if you think Drew Brees is in decline, you won't like what I have to say. There, I've covered everything that I think can get me flamed.

Run Run Sproles

Forgetting that horrible play call on 3rd and 3 (Seriously, what the hell kinda play call was that?), Sproles had another day that made me happy in places I shouldn't be. Sproles had what was probably his best overall performance yesterday against the Buccaneers. Sproles ran for a nice 42 yards on 4 carries for a sweet 10.5 YPC. That is the 4th 10.0+ YPC performance by Sproles, however, this was also the 2nd most carries he had of those 10.0+ YPC games.

Sproles also had 57 receiving yards on 5 catches for a total of 10 offensive touches for 99 yards and a touchdown. However, he has a total of 1,499 total yards for the Saints this year. The Saints have a total of 4,719 total yards on the year making Sproles contributions 31.8% to the total Saints yards. That's unreal and insane. It makes sense for an elite QB to account for 75% of it's total offensive yards (Drew has 3004 passing yards out of a total of 4006 offensive yards), but for one running back to account for so much of the Saints yardage is unreal. He should be an All-Pro player, and getting him at ~$4 mil feels like Mickey Loomis got a discount.

No Respect: The Pierre Thomas Story

After spending 30 minutes searching the internet, I am unable to find any stats to calculate how many yards running backs have after first contact. The stat geeks working on that are likely too intimidated by how much Pierre Thomas they'd have to watch. In my mind, Pierre Thomas is an underrated back. He is the most complete back on the Saints roster, who can run the ball well, have a good burst down the field, can catch the ball and make plays after the catch, and most importantly break tackles and not go down at first contact.

I don't think I've ever seen one guy take down Pierre Thomas alone this season. I think last year's issue with Payton's doghouse either scared him or emboldened him to do better. And wow was he up to the challenge. With Pierre, stats don't tell the whole story. Sure, 8 carries for 66 yards for a 8.3 yards is phenomenal especially with 4 catches for 25 yards. But there were so many plays in which Thomas had to make something happen to keep the play alive, and he did it. I'm so glad Payton didn't cut ties with him in the off season.

Breaking Down the Ronde Barber INT

Sadly, I am unable to embed a video for you guys to watch as I go through this play. So here's the link, I'll try to make screen shots to help keep you up.

Brees INT1

From this first shot, you can see 8 Bucs lined up on the line of Scrimmage. Ronde Barber is the 9th below the screen. On the top of the screen is a receiver lined up in man coverage with Aqib Talib. It's something to watch for with so many Bucs lined up in the middle. Notice Sproles lined up next to Drew's left and Thomas to Drew's right. If you remember the play, watch Sproles.

Brees INT2

As the play is going on, what looked like a blitz, was only a 3 man rush. 2 Bucs are playing zone in the middle of the field. The receiver at the top in coverage is still being covered by the corner with the Bucs holding good coverage at this point. Again, watch Sproles at the bottom. (Side note: Saints kept Pierre in as a blocker. Likely the Bucs were able to confuse Brees into thinking this was a blitz when this was a coverage play. My belief that the Bucs confused Brees will come into play on this next screen).

Brees INT3

Now, look at this play from Drew's eyes. We can all see Lance Moore open behind the linebackers, but Brees has to throw the perfect pass in order to avoid getting tipped by the linebackers, getting tipped/intercepted by the corner closing in on Moore, and then finally putting it to where Moore can catch it before the safety behind him (which you'll see in the next screen) can come up and knock the ball out.

Since it's 3rd and 2, Brees has to make a completion for positive yardage here. Everybody is covered and the only one open is Sproles who currently has 4 yards of space between him and Ronde Barber. He makes a (usually correct) decision to dump the pass off to Sproles.

Brees INT4

You may not be able to see it, but the ball is in mid-air here. It's heading towards Sproles and Ronde Barber is zooming in to get the ball. Notice the safety by Lance Moore now that the play has developed.

Brees INT5

Finally, Barber is now neck and neck with Sproles who hasn't moved at all since the ball was thrown. Barber didn't have his eyes on Sproles, he had his eyes on Brees. It was a perfect storm created by the Bucs to let this play come to fruition. Brees thought blitz, the Bucs went into coverage which gave Brees one less person to throw to (Pierre Thomas). The Bucs had perfect coverage on the receivers and the only open receiver was Sproles. Of course, the corner covering Sproles was the veteran Barber who was watching Brees instead of Sproles. If Brees did a pump fake towards the middle first, it may have broke Barber's gaze on Brees, but he didn't.

Brees mistake was just a bad read on the defense. Dumping off to Sproles wasn't a poor decision, nor was it a poor throw as all of that happened over the course of three seconds. The defense had the perfect play called against the play the Saints were planning to run. Sproles didn't move though and knew Barber was coming at full speed. The interception isn't his fault though, but this was more of a good designed play by the defense combined with veteran eyes, mind, and hands.

Marino Watch

Brees Yards: 3004

Marino's record: 5084

Yards to go: 2080

Games left: 7

Passing yards per game needed to tie passing record: 297.14

Brees current yards per game average: 333.78

Weekly "Why Brees is Awesome" Rant

Currently, Brees has 21 touchdowns on the year. That's good for 2nd in the league behind only Aaron Rodgers. Brees also has 3,004 yards which is good for best in the league and makes it Brees 8th straight 3,000+ yard season. Now for the really good, Brees has the 2nd best QB rating in the league with 100.6, 2nd only to Aaron Rodgers. Brees ranks first in the nation in first downs with 154 first downs by pass, which is 20 passes over Tom Brady.

Finally, what I find phenomenal, Brees is currently more accurate than his amazing 2009 season. Brees is currently 269/379 good for 71% completion percentage, 2nd only to....Aaron Rodgers with a 72.5% rate. What's the most amazing thing (it keeps getting amazing) is that Brees has the most attempts per game with 42 attempts per game. The QB statlines for those who have more than 37 attempts per game are below:

(Apologies for the table's skewness)

Rk	Player	Team	Pos	Comp	Att	Pct	Att/G	Yds	Avg	Yds/G	TD	Int	1st	1st%	Lng	20+	40+	Sck	Rate
1	Drew Brees	NO	QB	269	379	71.0	42.1	3,004	7.9	333.8	21	11	154	40.6	79T	33	6	19	100.6
2	Tom Brady	NE	QB	212	321	66.0	40.1	2,703	8.4	337.9	20	10	134	41.7	99T	38	4	16	100.0
3	Sam Bradford	STL	QB	127	232	54.7	38.7	1,432	6.2	238.7	3	3	71	30.6	68	15	2	25	72.3
4	Joe Flacco	BAL	QB	169	309	54.7	38.6	2,051	6.6	256.4	9	6	103	33.3	74T	26	5	19	76.9
5	Colt McCoy	CLE	QB	177	308	57.5	38.5	1,764	5.7	220.5	10	6	98	31.8	56	13	2	20	76.5
6	Josh Freeman	TB	QB	193	307	62.9	38.4	2,004	6.5	250.5	8	10	95	30.9	65T	15	4	10	76.8
7	Philip Rivers	SD	QB	193	305	63.3	38.1	2,469	8.1	308.6	11	14	128	42.0	55T	38	4	19	81.4
8	Matthew Stafford	DET	QB	183	299	61.2	37.4	2,179	7.3	272.4	19	4	101	33.8	73T	27	8	16	99.1

Awesome Dog Pic of the Week:

via i1216.photobucket.com

How about that Curse?

Saints are 2-0 in the throwback uniforms. However, the Saints are also 0-2 when the throwback Saints show up. So I call it a draw.

Buccaneers 3 @ Saints 17: Saints Running The Ball And Running It Well

Jon Banks — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:23:18 -0000

A week after the performance at St. Louis, the Saints have come out trying to prove they are still an elite team. The Saints have run the ball very well and Brees has been accurate, as usual.

The defense has been doing good in terms of points, but are giving up yards. They need to tighten up a little bit or else the yards could turn into points if they aren't careful. The defense has been focused on the run and even stopped a critical 4th down play by the Bucs.

The offense has to be the story though. A week after a near refusal to run the ball, the Saints have been focused on the run with great results. Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, and of course Darren Sproles have all gotten touches in this game and have all wanted more. The only worry is that Pierre hobbled off the field after running the ball towards the end of the 2nd quarter.

Let's hope the Saints continue their performance for a much needed division win and the lead in the NFC South. Make the jump to see some stats from the first half, and for you second half open thread.

	TB	NO
First Downs	5	15
Total Yards	174	288
Passing Yards	133	185
Rushing Yards	41	103
Penalties (Yds)	4(30)	3(15)
Turnovers	0	0
Punts (AVG)	3(28)	1(42)
Time of Pos.	14:29	15:31

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
J. Freeman	10/14	133	0	0
Rushing	CAR	YDS	TD	LG
L. Blount	8	35	0	15
K. Lumpkin	1	4	0	4
Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
P. Parker	2	41	0	36
A. Benn	2	22	0	16
M. Williams	2	12	0	6

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
D. Brees	17/23	185	2	0
Rushing	CAR	YDS	TD	LG
P. Thomas	3	41	0	33
C. Ivory	6	32	0	12
Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
J. Graham	5	63	0	23
D. Sproles	3	47	1	21T
M. Colston	4	43	0	20

#Saints will wear throwback uniforms once again this week. Black jerseys, mustard-gold pants.

Jon Banks — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:12:00 -0000

#Saints will wear throwback uniforms once again this week. Black jerseys, mustard-gold pants.

WWL Twitter account

Sam Bradford ruled out in Saints Matchup

Jon Banks — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:27:02 -0000

Sam Bradford ruled out in Saints Matchup

SBNation

CSC Lagniappe #3: Everything Always Comes in Threes

Jon Banks — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 01:08:35 -0000

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Colts 7 @ Saints 62: Saints Score Franchise Record in Win Over Indianapolis

Jon Banks — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 03:04:40 -0000

Even if the score doesn't show it, this game wasn't even close. From the very beginning, the Saints just dominated this game and proved themselves as a dominant team in the NFC. Drew Brees had a performance that no one will ever forget. The running game was dominant. The defense got stops and turnovers. While Special Teams got tackles and made decent returns.

This was a game that goes down as a classic like the 2009 MNF Patriots game. It won't be a good game for 31 NFL fanbases, but for Saints fans, this was a wonderful game that will be remember forever. If you want more proof that the football "gods" are back on the Saints bandwagon like in 2009, here it is. Just like in the Patriots game, the Saints did everything right, and very little wrong.

However, to be the "turd in the punch bowl" so to speak, this is a poor Colts team. It will likely compete with the Miami Dolphins for the #1 overall pick. So to draw too much conclusions from this, would be unwise. However, if you would allow me, I will draw the conclusion that this is still a good Saints team especially on offense, led by one of the best quarterbacks of this generation.

Enjoy this win Whodats! As well, the Saints are back in first place, so enjoy that too. Make the jump for your post game thread, and some post game stats.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
C. Painter	9/17	67	0	1
D. Orlovsky	3/5	35	0	0
Rushing	CAR	YDS	TD	LG
J. Addai	2	8	0	7
C. Painter	2	11	0	11
D. Carter	10	89	1	42
D. Brown	8	37	0	24
Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
P. Garcon	3	31	0	15
J. Addai	2	11	0	8
B. Eldridge	2	12	0	8
R. Wayne	3	36	0	19
A. Collie	2	12	0	12
Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC	YDS
C. Painter	1	1	0	0
D. Carter	1	1	0	0
Kicking	FG	LG	XP	PTS
A. Vinatieri	0/0	0	1/1	1
Punting	NO	AVG	I20	LG
P. McAfee	6	42	2	56
Kickoff Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
J. Lefeged	1	18	0	18
Punt Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
B. White	1	13	0	13
Defense	T-A	SCK	INT	FF
D. Muir	2-0	0	0	0

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
D. Brees	31/35	325	5	0
Rushing	CAR	YDS	TD	LG
P. Thomas	10	57	0	11
M. Ingram	14	91	0	20
D. Sproles	12	88	1	16T
J. Collins	1	1	1	1T
R. Meachem	1	-1	0	-1
Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
M. Colston	7	98	2	39
P. Thomas	5	68	0	57
D. Sproles	6	19	1	9
L. Moore	3	44	0	26
D. Henderson	1	9	0	9
R. Meachem	2	27	0	18
J. Graham	6	54	2	16
M. Ingram	1	6	0	6
Fumbles	FUM	LOST	REC	YDS
J. Vilma	0	0	1	0
C. Jordan	0	0	1	0
Kicking	FG	LG	XP	PTS
J. Kasay	2/2	47	8/8	14
Punting	NO	AVG	I20	LG
T. Morstead	1	40	0	53
Kickoff Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
D. Sproles	2	28	0	29
Punt Returns	NO	AVG	TD	LG
D. Sproles	4	6	0	16
Defense	T-A	SCK	INT	FF
J. Amaya	1-0	0	0	0

Colts 7 @ Saints 34: First Half Recap and Second Half Open Thread

Jon Banks — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:57:43 -0000

So uh, I enjoyed that half. The Saints didn't have a third down until mid way through the 3rd quarter, and converted it. This was a hell of a quarter by all three units of the Saints. The offense was productive, the defense was able to get turnovers and were able to stop the Colts when it counted, the special teams got their job done. It's the first time I can easily say the Saints proved, on all facets of the sport, that they are a contending team.

If you have any complaints, it's because the Colts didn't bring their A game in this half. However, the Saints have to keep on their toes to make sure the Colts don't come roaring back in the second half. This isn't a team that usually falls asleep at the wheel, but it has to be emphasized to play until the game is over.

Also, so much for the curse of the black pants eh? Make the jump for the stats from the first half and your second half open thread.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
C. Painter	8/13	67	0	0
Rushing	CAR	YDS	TD	LG
J. Addai	2	8	0	7
C. Painter	1	0	0	0
D. Carter	6	76	1	42
D. Brown	3	9	0	8
Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
P. Garcon	3	31	0	15
J. Addai	2	11	0	8
B. Eldridge	1	8	0	8
R. Wayne	2	17	0	9

Passing	CP/AT	YDS	TD	INT
D. Brees	21/25	260	3	0
Rushing	CAR	YDS	TD	LG
P. Thomas	4	23	0	10
M. Ingram	6	26	0	6
D. Sproles	5	33	0	16
J. Collins	1	1	1	1T
R. Meachem	1	-1	0	-1
Receiving	REC	YDS	TD	LG
M. Colston	5	73	2	39
P. Thomas	2	61	0	57
D. Sproles	6	19	1	9
L. Moore	2	36	0	26
D. Henderson	1	9	0	9
R. Meachem	2	27	0	18
J. Graham	3	35	0	16

Prior to leaving the team center Olin Kreutz was shopped around the league by the #Saints, no team...

Jon Banks — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:07:29 -0000

Prior to leaving the team center Olin Kreutz was shopped around the league by the #Saints, no team was interested.

Twitter
@NFL_RealUpdates
Dov Kleiman

Fleur-de-Links: October 21, 2011

Jon Banks — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 19:23:16 -0000

TWEETS:

camjordan94 cameron jordan

Gotta love all the #rookielove

camjordan94 cameron jordan

Coach: u kno where your supposed to be Me:my bad coach Coach: o I kno it is... Now had me a sandwich rook

camjordan94 cameron jordan

Coach: idc what round we drafted u!.. Do u own a watch cuz mine says 7:33 Me: coach, had to pick up breakfast it's fri shop opens at 7

hakimdropsball Held Over

Wait, wasn't "Kruetz" the word Johnny Steel used for those porcupine monsters in the movie "Critters"? #solongolinkruetz

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints INJ: Out - Herring , Strief, D Thomas (concussion) limited and out.

kspainTP Kevin Spain

Will Herring, Zach Strief and Dave Thomas are the three guys who will be out for Saints this week

kspainTP Kevin Spain

Thomas practiced, but they're holidng him out one more week

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints: Questionable - Ellis, limited; mcBride, limited. Probable - Vilma, limited; Graham, limited; Gilmore, limited

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

SeanPayton said David Thomas is out for Sunday's game. Jimmy Graham is probable.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on Kreutz: I don’t have a term to give you right now. Very shortly whether officially he becomes waived.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton said Olin Kreutz met with him & Mickey Loomis earlier in the week. "I don't have a term to give you right now, whether he's waived."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said what was discussed in the meeting with himself, Kreutz and Loomis will stay between them.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton: Kreutz is "a HofF center...The challenge for all us when the train begins to slow down...There's a lot of emotions involved in that"

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: ""It probably manifested itself later as the season went along. It was something we had a chance to discuss later on."

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Payton said he was a little surprised by Kreutz's decision to leave team but said team was better for having worked with him.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: ""I think more than anything else it’s hard to do what these guys do and it’s hard to do it 4 years let alone 14 years."

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton said "I don't think that would fair to say" that Kreutz was not playing up to expecations.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton said Brian de la Puente would start at center vs. Indy on Sunday night.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

RT @BradBiggs: If Olin Kreutz walked away from NFL for good, he'll go down as the most honest and dedicated players I've seen in 11 seasons.

kspainTP Kevin Spain

sean payton on a new pair of crutches that he said someone sent him

hakimdropsball Held Over

#KreutzQuitBecause he'd rather be blocking for Tony Romo - a real QB. Sincerely, @realskipbayless

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

#Saints OC Pete Carmichael Jr. said Sean Payton was texted in his game-plan thoughts as early as 5 am. Monday, up to an hour before surgery.

garlandgillen Garland Gillen

According to @RJinVegas, #Saints 14 point favorites two other times:2009 Week 16 hosting Bucs; 1993 Week 15 hosting Rams. 2 TD favorites Sun

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

VIDEO: @iWillSmith talks about facing the Colts bit.ly/WS1020

LINKS:

Drew Brees' passing game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graphic - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
A look at Drew Brees' passing accuracy during the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's 26-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints' last Sunday.

New Orleans Saints can still get off to one of their best starts: First and 10 - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Jeff Duncan's weekly Saints observations

Wrapping up at Saints lockerroom, just talked to Brian de la Puente - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

Payton to take trip to Superdome press box Friday to scope out his new spot | wwltv.com New Orleans
Sean Payton said changes to his game plan include not going on the field for pre-game warmups and no visit to the locker room at halftime.

Colts Writer: Team misses consistency Manning brings | wwltv.com New Orleans
When New Orleans hosts Indianapolis on Sunday night, you’ve likely read as much about the Saints as you possibly can.

Saints C Kreutz leaving team after losing passion for football | wwltv.com New Orleans
Veteran center Olin Kreutz has left the Saints after coming to the conclusion that he wasn’t feeling the passion for the game anymore, his agent said Friday.

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - NFL News Story - NFL Preview Capsule: Colts at Saints

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Payton's (and Peyton's) Presence Makes Difference, Fans Say

Saints-Colts Injury Reports (Friday, Oct. 21)
SportsNOLA.com provides news on all New Orleans sports including the Saints, Hornets, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, High School Sports and everything in between.

What is the reason New Orleans Saints RB Chris Ivory hasn't been activated?
New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory hasn't been taken off the Physicaly Unable to Perform list and leaves fans to question what is happening.

New Orleans Saints injury report: Looking good for Graham, Vilma, Ellis, McBride - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Four injured players return to practice on limited basis Friday

Experts like Bucs, Saints and Panthers - NFC South Blog - ESPN
ESPN’s panel of predictors is pretty divided on two games involving NFC South teams Sunday. The split is the closest on the game in London betw

Agent: Saints center Kreutz walks away from team - New Orleans Saints - SunHerald.com
Center Olin Kreutz has informed the New Orleans Saints that he is leaving the team after losing his passion for football.

Metro - Saints centre Kreutz walks away from team
METAIRIE, La. - Centre Olin Kreutz has informed the New Orleans Saints that he is leaving the team after losing his passion for football.

The Sports Network - National Football League
[The] Sports Network - Real-time coverage of sports, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA football & basketball, int'l soccer, tennis, golf, auto racing, scores, stats, odds, standings, news, previews, match-ups, injuries, weather.

VIDEOS:

Fleur-de-Links: October 20, 2011

Jon Banks — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 20:52:51 -0000

TWEETS:

JohnnyPatrick32 Johnny Patrick

We had another great day of practice..... Make sure u are there Sunday night....

dmcallister26 deuce mcallister

Sometimes u got to lose the battle to win the war. Understand that u are just a piece to the puzzle not The Puzzle. #BigPicture

thomasmorstead Thomas Morstead

"@Big_Bob83: @thomasmorstead #leg. Haven't seen many tweets from ya today. You out fighting crime AGAIN?!?" just putting in work for #colts

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

Jimmy Graham did walk briefly into locker room, saw media, walked back into training room. Didn't speak about injury. He did walk at least.

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Payton thinks playcalling from the booth will be smooth bit.ly/pznC5N

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

RT @CBSSportsNFLNO: #saints Seven Saints miss Thursday's practice bit.ly/nCPaNZ

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

They're moving the chair back to its normal spot. Payton will still be speaking. Just from behind a desk/curtain.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on the podium. pic.twitter.com/kskLhGzB

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints INJ: DNP: Strief (rt knee), Herring (lt hamstring), Vilma (lt knee), Ellis (rt ankle), McBride (rt shoulder), Graham (rt ankle),

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints INJ: Limited: D Thomas (concussion), Gilmore (neck/shoulder)

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said Graham was held because he had some soreness in his ankle after yesterday's practice.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Payton - "It was good for me to get back and see everyone and to work through the logistics."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said they have a joke around the facility that involves a china doll, an object that's fragile and often breaks.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said he got to the facility on Wed night and found a lot of notes and well wishes.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said, "A lot of cookies & balloons and a lot of cool stuff. There was a china doll on my desk w/ a note that said return to sender."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: ""Don’t think for a second it wasn’t coincidental that I waited for you guys to leave before I got out there."

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

Also out ofr #Saints: LB Will Herring, OT Zach Strief, C Olin Kreutz (for non-football personal reasons).TEs D.Thomas and J.Gilmore limited.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Payton said he was there for walk through at practice, stayed back from individual & stretch periods and came back for team drills."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: It's times like this when you recognize you have a good stafff.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: "The football stuff is what you miss right away.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton says he'll make use of the iPad to stay abreast of film and game-planning.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on situation: "You go from having a lot of control to all of a sudden sitting in a hospital bed to where you have very little."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on run game: "We think it’s an important element to winning."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton says what will help in play-calling is that Drew Brees knows the calls already & knows what he wants when it's halfway out of mouth.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on prax today: ""I went out three different times with my foot elevated on the golf cart"

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: ""Tomorrow there’ll be a point where Mickey and I go over and we’ll look at the logistics of the seating area"

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton: ""I think it’s much more challenging for the every day person who has a job 9-to-5 and then travel to a rehab facility."

FletcherMackel Fletcher Mackel

Payton says he will not go up and down from booth at halftime. He will remain in booth from start to stop.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on empathy w/ players now: "A little bit. There’s a lot of little steps in the process. It’s very detailed oriented. "

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on Vilma's absence: "Payton on Vilma: ""Typical. We’re hoping that the arrow beings to move upwards.""

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on Vitt's experience: Joe clearly understands what has been our M.O. the past couple of years.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton leaves the news conference. pic.twitter.com/ijmXFTCb

jvarneyTP James Varney

Saints LB Jon Vilma still nursing a knee banged up against Houston in week 3. Sean Payton says no setbacks, but team hoping "arrow starts up

jvarneyTP James Varney

Saints C Sean Payton seems to think poor rush attack v T.B. was a one-off; largely attributable to "snap count"

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

#Saints CB Tracy Porter got revenge on behalf of the players against Coach Sean Payton. Apparently Payton has passed around a china doll ...

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

... to injured players for years. Porter still had it from training camp and put it back on his desk marked "Return to Sender."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said he found the china doll on his desk that he hands out to players occasionally. That player who put it on his desk, marking ....

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

...it "return to sender" -- CB @T_Porter22, who said Payton passed him in the building and said only, "Touche."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton had given Porter the china doll in the preseason when Porter missed time with injury.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Jabari Greer said facing the #Colts w/out Manning allows the DBs to focus on the Indy offense, the routes, the scheme. In Super Bowl XLIV...

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

... Greer said the focus was more on Manning and how he runs the Indy offense.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

About turnovers, Scott Shanle said 1 of the problems is when they begin over-thinking that they're not getting turnovers.

LINKS:

New Orleans Saints injuries: Tight end Jimmy Graham joins lenghty list - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

Brees: "Sunday Night Football vs the Colts. This is What it’s All About."

Forecast: Next two weeks key for Saints defense | wwltv.com New Orleans
In two weeks we’ll know if the Saints can’t win the Super Bowl. The Saints next two opponents are the winless Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams.

Brees continues record-setting career | wwltv.com New Orleans
For New Orleans (4-2), Sunday presents an opportunity they couldn’t have scripted before the season

Saints TE Graham misses practice with sore ankle | wwltv.com New Orleans
METAIRIE, La. – Tight end Jimmy Graham was a no-go for practice Thursday, the first session he has missed all season.

The second-year standout, who leads the team in receptions and receiving yards, had a sore right ankle after Wednesday’s practice and the coaching staff wanted to rest him to make sure he didn’t injure it any furter.

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Saints Taking Their Time With Ivory's Return

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Payton Doesn't Want To Be ''stubborn Or Foolish''

NFL.com Blogs " Blog Archive Data Points: Brees getting picked more often "
NFL Blogs on NFL.com is the only official NFL blog destination for the latest NFL news, NFL fantasy football news, NFL player news, NFL team news, and NFL breaking news.

Chapter 7: Saints vs. Colts…Memba Us?

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton returns to practice field - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Payton oversees portions of practice with leg elevated on golf cart

Sean Payton back to work - NFC South Blog - ESPN
New Orleans coach Sean Payton met with the media Thursday for the first time since having knee surgery Monday. Payton also was able to observe his te

NFL Videos: Week 7: Colts vs. Saints Preview
After a collision last week injured his knee and left leg, Sean Payton won't be on the sidelines for Sunday night's Super Bowl XLIV rematch, while Peyton Manning won't be on the field once again for the winless Colts.

New Orleans Saints: David Thomas, Chris Ivory, and Sean Payton
Thomas though finally made progress last week according to head coach Sean Payton, and today did return to practice in a limited capacity.

Colts to get reacquainted with Sproles - 13 WTHR
The Colts will face one of their greatest postseason tormentors Sunday night when they try to catch New Orleans Saints do-everything back Darren Sproles.

VIDEOS:

Fleur-de-Links: October 19, 2011

Jon Banks — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:27:49 -0000

TWEETS:

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints DNP: DNP Ellis, McBride, Vilma, Herring, Strief, Gilmore

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints Limited: TE D Thomas

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Saints asst. head coach Joe Vitt said Sean Payton was released form the hospital today and is expected to be at the facility later today.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt on Payton: "He texted and he gave Pete Carmichael some thoughts on 1st and 2nd down."

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Vitt said he expects Payton to return to the team facility tonight

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt said Payton had a computer in his hospital room to see some video last night.

kspainTP Kevin Spain

#saints sign andy tanner to practice squad & release Swanson miller

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Vitt said the Saints are not going to make a decision on RB Chris Ivory, who is on the PUP list. "That's not a pressing concern right now."

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Vitt said Payton is leaning toward coaching Sunday night's game vs. IND from the coaching booth but the plan is not finalized yet.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt: "When you have the type of team we have the core players we have on our team that have played at the highest level, it’s comforting."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt says Payton told him to tell the players that this situation is not an excuse to lose & that's not an excuse to not give 100 percent.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt on turnovers: ""We’ve got to make those things happen. We can’t have a ‘poor me complex.’ We’ve got to take the ball away."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints' Vitt: "I don’t think there’s a coach or player on our team right now that sees us in turmoil right now."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt says there are 31 other teams out there that are glad Payton was hurt and was in the hospital bc of his importance to the team.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Sedrick Ellis, by the way, was a right ankle while Turk McBride was a right shoulder. Those are the only new injuries.

moosedenied Grandmaster Wang

I'm not sure I can survive Joe Vitt being the voice of the #Saints for another 24 hours.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees: Sean will be calling it just like he always does, he just won't be on the sideline.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on Payton: "We’re still going to have communication throughout the week like we normally do."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees says he probably spent a little more time with the coaches Tuesday to help "streamline" the process w/out Payton.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Brees "right now it's business as usual and when adjustments need to be made we will make them."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on Manning-less Indy: ""If there’s any other guy I want to go up against, it better be a Purdue guy so in that case, we’re OK."

FletcherMackel Fletcher Mackel

Brees on Indy qb Curtis Painter (with a wink) "I haven't had too much luck against fellow purdue guys, not much luck against kyle orton."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on run game: ""I felt like we were running the ball effectively up until the last two weeks. The last two weeks it has fallen off."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees says they know they need to improve on the run game.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on being home: ""It feels like we’ve been on the road forever. It’ll be nice, it’ll be great to get in front of the home crowd."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on Payton finding a way to be on the sideline: "I'm envisioning some kind of hovercraft on the sideline."

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Brees on Payton "He will do whatever it takes to be here & be a head coach & focus on his rehab on the side."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on INTs: ""You just don’t like them. It’s a bad mark on your record. There’s a fine line."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on INTs: "I’m certainly not going to press."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees on Indy D: "They've got some game-changing guys on that side of the ball."

LINKS:

New Orleans Saints have been good against winless teams: links - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
News and notes on the New Orleans Saints

Can't say the effort was there in the New Orleans Saints loss to Tampa Bay: Film study - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Jeff Duncan's weekly breakdown of the Saints game

NFL Players Union asks league to hold off on blood testing: link - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The NFLPA has asked the NFL to hold off on drawing blood from players next Monday, according to an AP story out of New York. The samples would have been used to test for HGH, a step agreed to in principle in the latest collective bargaining agreement: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/10/19/hgh.ap/index.html?sct=nfl_t2_a6

Payton to miss practice Wednesday, expected at facility for meetings later | wwltv.com New Orleans
Saints coach Sean Payton wasn't at the team's practice Wednesday but should be at the facility later in the day for practice, a team official said.

Three to Read: Brees’ contract, Power Rankings & the Colts’ fortune | wwltv.com New Orleans
For months now, we’ve heard that the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees are in negotiations for a new contract.

Saints RB Ivory remains on PUP; Ellis, McBride, Vilma do not practice | wwltv.com New Orleans
Running back Chris Ivory, who was eligible to come off the physically unable to perform list beginning this past Monday, was not at practice Wednesday. But tight end David Thomas did return.

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Payton Leaves Hospital

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Big Chief's NFL Rankings Week #7

The Caldwell Minute: New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton released from hospital, not back to work yet - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Payton expected to come to practice facility tonight

NFC South allowing lots of YAC - NFC South Blog - ESPN
As shown by Sunday’s victory against the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay’s young defense is improving. But there’s still room for gro

New Orleans Saints Done In By One Broken Leg - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
From the Real Life vs. Sports analogy department – The New Orleans Saints stink up the place. Last weekend I drove from New Orleans to my second

Talks slow, but Drew Brees still hopeful
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees hopes to end his NFL career with the 2009 Super Bowl champions,

VIDEOS:

Fleur-de-Links: October 18, 2011

Jon Banks — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 19:10:36 -0000

TWEETS:

ChaseDaniel Chase Daniel

With the NFL trade deadline today, Im looking forward to seeing if there will be any "Blockbuster" trad sportsbuzz.com/buzz/26204

camjordan94 cameron jordan

Enjoy life it's an adventure... Joy of life as a journey

SedrickEllis1 Sedrick Ellis

I like that youngster..RT @camjordan94 Enjoy life it's an adventure... Joy of life as a journey

kspainTP Kevin Spain

He is, I agree. RT @LynnKupfer: @kspainTP - jabari greer is one cool, funny writer dude!

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

Regarding #Saints turnover ratio: The 11 giveaways are bad, especially 4 in last game. But 4 takeaways is stunning. Ranks 30th in NFL.

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

RT @TerriTroncaleTP: How come everybody's talking about #Saints D needing more takeaways, not the offense needing fewer giveaways? ...

LINKS:

moosedenied " Blog Archive " How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb
(Jon note: This Wang article is a high recommend even for those who don't like Wang. He shows his non homer side and decides that the only way the Saints are getting through this season, is if Drew is unstoppable.)

Record-setting New Orleans Saint Jimmy Graham now on foes' radar - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
He caught seven passes against Tampa on Sunday

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton still in hospital but still on the job - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
He's been breaking down game tapes from his hospital bed

Out Of Bounds by Jabari Greer: DJ for a day - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
His weekly column, exclusive for The Times-Picayune

NFL power rankings: Green Bay Packers remain No. 1; Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints drop; What are your rankings? - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The Times-Picayune's weekly picks of top NFL teams

Saints RB Ivory healthy, ready to come off of PUP list | wwltv.com New Orleans
Running back Chris Ivory doesn’t know exactly when he’ll return to the Saints active roster. But he is sure of one thing – he’ll be ready to go when that time comes.

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Payton Faces Long Recovery

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Superdome Gets New Permanent Light Show
WWL Homepage

WR Devery Henderson Locker Room Interview 10/17/11

NFC South Stock Watch - NFC South Blog - ESPN
FALLING 1. Cam Newton, quarterback, Panthers. His stock remains very high, but it’s dipping a bit. Newton’s put up fantastic numbers and

Maybe the New Orleans Saints will be hangry this week against Indianapolis | NOLA.com
Fantasy football look back after Week 6

NFL Power Rankings: Bucs on the rise - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally got a victory worthy of respect, at least according to the voters in the ESPN.com Power Rankings. Tampa Bay, which s

VIDEO:

Fleur-de-Links: October 17, 2011

Jon Banks — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:28:25 -0000

TWEETS:

thomasmorstead Thomas Morstead

Tough loss yesterday #whodatnation Bout to watch some film and make some corrections #bounceback #theleg

LanceMoore16 Lance Moore

Tough loss yesterday. Correcting our mistakes today and moving on. Gonna be better this wk.

GregBensel Greg Bensel

Coach Payton 3hrs of surgery to repair fractured tibia and miniscus tear, Dr. Deryk Jones said it went very well 3 to 6 months recovery

SedrickEllis1 Sedrick Ellis

Regroup ...and come harder next week ....#saintsnation

SedrickEllis1 Sedrick Ellis

I'm all good

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

.@jerrybrannon With some help from a good pal here's the answ: #Saints are 5-3 under Payton in games against winless teams (Game 1 excluded)

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

14 seconds in, #Bucs coach Raheem Morris shows why he's all class. #Saints #Payton Video - goo.gl/2Fo1u

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

Joe Vitt on having to fill in for Sean Payton at this morning's presser: "I’m having the time of my life." And I was actually nice today.

garlandgillen Garland Gillen

RT @ScottRabalais: Miles on Sean Payton: I don't know how you avoid that risk entirely. I will certainly be paying better attention. #LSU

garlandgillen Garland Gillen

Vitt: "I'm just a spoke in the wheel, we all have a part in preparation".

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints Vitt: Payton wanted to be with team on flight home, wanted to be with players today.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Vitt on Payton coaching in the booth "He is going to adapt to the situation & people around him. That's what make him an elite coach."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints Vitt says what's impressive about Payton is his ability to go from HC to OC to knowing game scenario.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints Vitt: We're getting hands on balls, but it's not good enough to knock the ball down. We've got to take it away.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints Vitt: We still need to continue to take theball away. We didn't do that yesterday and that's a staple of our defense.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Vitt, #Saints asst HC, also said having Brees helps, as does a staff that has largely remained intact.

LINKS:

The going gets tougher for New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Graham says Tampa Bay Buccaneers were more aggressive against him than teams in past

New Orleans Saints receiver Robert Meachem was wide open, but not an option, on fourth-down play - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Quarterback Drew Brees said he didn't consider looking across the field for deep throw in final minutes against Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA is reportedly out of a job - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
He was in New Orleans two weeks ago for naming rights announcement

Statement on Coach Payton's Surgery

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - AUDIO: Payton Talks About His Injury

Forecast: Saints couldn't have done much more wrong yet still had chance to win | wwltv.com New Orleans
Watching the Saints misfire on offense as they did in the first half against Tampa is sort of like biting into a piece of pizza and then spitting it out. You just never expect a piece of pizza to be so bad you literally won’t eat it.

Payton has three-hour surgery; recovery time 3-6 months | wwltv.com New Orleans
Orthopedic surgeons spent three hours repairing the meniscus and a left tibial plateau of Saints coach Sean Payton on Monday morning, a procedure the operating physician said went well.

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Monday Morning Quarterback With Drew Brees
WWL Homepage

WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports - Payton Out Of Surgery, Saints Getting Ready For Colts

Freeman directs Bucs to upset of Saints - New Orleans Saints - SunHerald.com
TAMPA, Fla. -- A week after his team lost by 45 points, Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman showed he’s still very much a player to watch.

Vitt Recaps Bucs Game

Morris, Bucs Players Discuss 26-20 Win Over Saints-Pewter Report: Your source for inside and breaking news on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Saints' Payton undergoes surgery | Football | Sports | London Free Press
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton underwent successful surgery on Monday to repair a left tibial plateau fracture and lateral meniscal tear, the team announced.

Bucs following Saints' route to London - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport sometime this afternoon. The early arrival is a major change from when

New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Recap: NFC South Race Gets Tight at the Top, Plus Video of Sean Payton Injury | National Football Authority

VIDEOS:

So, Do We Still Got This?

Jon Banks — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:08:25 -0000

Something talked about all week long was the benefits of what would happen if the Saints won. Hammerlock on the division. 3 game lead over the Bucs, Falcons (if they lost) and 4 game lead over the Panthers (if they won). Something not talked about, was if the Saints lost. The Bucs would have a half game lead over the Saints pending the 2nd game of the season, the Falcons would be a game back of the Saints (if they won) while the Panthers would be irreverent(if they lost).

Sadly, everything went against the Saints tonight. The Saints lost, the Panthers lost, the Falcons won, and of course, the Bucs won. The Saints had been playing sloppy on defense, and to some extent, on offense. There were struggles in the redzone, struggles running the ball, defending against the run, and against big plays.

Which of course, leads to my question...do the Saints still have this?

A lengthy and long answer, which to sum up, depends. Got to hate that word, "depends". Depends on what? Well, do the Saints come out fired up, learn their mistakes and start tightening up all of those problems that people had been harping on for the past 6 weeks? Or do they just say the Bucs were fired up and there was no way the Saints were going to win that one? Their attitude is the main point of contention for the rest of the season.

Everyone knows the Saints have the talent. This is likely the most talented team in New Orleans Saints history, including their 2009 foray into relevance by winning the Super Bowl ever (which was awesome guys, don't get me wrong). However, it seems they have this attitude that this team is so talented they don't need to fix their problems. That Drew Brees can bail them out of any situation no matter how they screw it up. Guess what? Drew Brees is human after all.

Can he do it all himself? Of course not, 2008 proved that. He had a nearly record breaking year, but couldn't get the wins because of his defense. No quarterback can "pull a team back by himself". QBs don't play defense, they don't play special teams, and they don't play the other 10 positions on offense.

A loss can be good for a team, I mean the Saints did lose this game. Yes they lost in heartbreaking fashion after getting hopes high. Excuse me one second (pours glass of rum, chugs glass). Ahh, that's better. Where was I? Oh right. Losses can be good for a team. Longer term fans know this, they know that losing is inevitable. This loss just seemed to hurt more to me though. Of all the games so far, I was ok with losing to the Packers, I would have been fine losing to the Texans, I would have been fine losing to the Panthers. I wasn't as fine with losing to the Bucs.

Maybe that was just me. Maybe everyone else was expecting a loss and I'm the only one who thought the Saints should have dominated and played mistake free football. But who knows?

All I know, is that this was a loss. The Saints need to turn around and recuperate. Don't let this be the end of them because it was a loss that made them lose the divisional lead. They need to learn, get better, and come back strong, and hell, smell greatness if they want to prove that they learned why they lost. If they do that, then yes, I have no doubt this division belongs to the Saints. If not, then they never really belonged anyway, did they?

As for my feelings:

via cdn3.sbnation.com

Fleur-de-Links: October 14, 2011

Jon Banks — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:42:04 -0000

TWEETS:

Mark_Ingram28 Mark Ingram

S/O to my boy @GHartley5!! Big part of #WhoDatNation superbowl season! Y'all go show him some love

j_bushrod7475 Jermon Bushrod

Good morning!! Have a great day

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

More #Bucs INJ: Probable - CB Talib, T Lee.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Bucs INJ Report: Out - DT McCoy, TE Stocker, WR Stroughter. Doubtful - RB Blount. Questionable - LB Foster, LB Diles

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Saints-Buccaneers Final Injury Report - wp.me/pRac9-dZ

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Bucs DT Gerald McCoy, TE Luke Stocker & WR Sammie Stroughter are ruled out for Sunday. RB LaGarrette Blount is listed as doubtful

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Coach Payton's presser is about to start. He will give the final injury report for the week. Listen live via @WWLAMFM bit.ly/NOCshow

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints INJ report: DNP/Out: Strief, D Thomas, Herring

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Full/Probable: Henderson, Wilson, Gilmore

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Limited/Probable: Vilma

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

@wwltvsports One question? Greatest presser ever.

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Jenkins: No need to gamble to cause turnovers bit.ly/pz2qnD

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints S Jenkins: Lack of turnovers 'not up to (Saints') standards' bit.ly/oIhlrt

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints RB Ingram impressing in first season in New Orleans: bit.ly/obU5Nq

garlandgillen Garland Gillen

According to PFF, Reggie Bush is the worst rated tailback in the NFL of everyone who has played at least 25 percent of their snaps.

LINKS:

Thomas Morstead has been one of the top performers for the New Orleans Saints: First-and-10 - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Jeff Duncan's weekly team observations

Updates from New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton Friday press conference - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

New Orleans Saints have three out for Tampa Bay on final injury report - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Three Saints players will be out for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Coach Sean Payton said Friday, although none of them come as a surprise. Offensive tackle Zach Strief (knee), tight end David Thomas (concussion), and linebacker Will Herring (hamstring) did not practice Friday and will be scrubbed from the active roster Sunday, Payton said while releasing the team's...

Tampa Writers: Bucs QB Freeman has regressed | wwltv.com New Orleans
This week's View from the Other Side focuses on Tampa Bay, who will be missing several key parts to the team for Sunday's game.

Saints RB Ingram impressing in first season in New Orleans | wwltv.com New Orleans
Mark Ingram went from one loaded backfield at the University of Alabama to another loaded backfield in New Orleans.

Saints healthy heading into Tampa, only three listed as out | wwltv.com New Orleans
The Saints will head into Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay as healthy has they’ve been all season, with no player listed as questionable and three players who have not practiced listed as out.

New Orleans Saints Top NFC South; Showdown in Week 6
The NFC South will feature a match up between all four teams this Sunday as the New Orleans Saints battle to stay on top.

RB Mark Ingram Interview 10/13/11

Hakim Drops the Ball!: Chain Gang: Slow linebacker edition

Reviewing film of the NFC South chat - NFC South Blog - ESPN
As usual, we covered lots of ground in Friday’s NFC South chat. Let’s take a look at the highlights. Ryan (Hammond, La.): Hey Pat, What d

Saints TE Graham emerges as new threat | TBO.com
The New Orleans Saints entered this season with several obvious offensive options.

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Game preview (10-16-2011) - Detroit Sports | Examiner.com
After a blow out loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host their division rival New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Kick off: 4 p.m. Sp

VIDEOS:

Fleur-de-Links: October 13, 2011

Jon Banks — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:09:07 -0000

TWEETS:

GregRomeus91 Greg Romeus

Never ask for more than u work for

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

RT @CBSSportsNFLNO: #saints Ingram taking the majority of RB snaps bit.ly/pALSP3

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints @Mark_Ingram28 on rookie year: "Nothing has been frustrating. The transition has been real smooth."

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton: referees have hardest jobs on game days outside of the players playing "because of the speed of the game. They work their tails off"

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton said he doesn't forsee Saints being involved in any trades w/deadline approaching. "That's no certainty but that would be my take."

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton said the Saints staff saw intelligence & instincts in Mark Ingram early in training camp. "The first impression was, 'He's ready.'"

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

(1/2) Payton on Ingram: "He’s very smart and I think we’re just going to continue to see more and more good things from him. ..."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

(2/2) Payton contd: "...Really it’s just giving him those opp.. Sometimes I don’t give him enough b/c we’re in another personnel grouping."

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

cool outfits! RT @MaurielBrien: @Official_Saints Champions square for the Texans game! lockerz.com/s/146837160

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

RT @injuryexpert: Bucs confirm what I'd warned you about - Grade II MCL sprain for LaGarrette Blount, out more than just this week.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

RT @evansilva: Ron Jaworski on #Saints offense: "What jumps out is Jimmy Graham. He is an added dimension that no one has been able to stop"

LINKS:

Why can't Brees get paid? -- Gerry V | NOLA.com
The numbers don't lie

Only Thomas, Strief, Herring remain out on New Orleans Saints' shrinking injury report - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Vilma, Henderson practice fully

Saints center Olin Kreutz makes SI's 'Meanest Player' list - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

Brees: "We Expect Our Best Performance in the Fourth Quarter"

Saints owning third downs, leading the NFL | wwltv.com New Orleans
The first thing Drew Brees does when he’s handed the post-game statistical booklet is turn to page three where he searches for third-down conversions.

Saints offense blistering the NFL | wwltv.com New Orleans
New Orleans’ game Sunday at Tampa Bay has what some kids would call ginormous ramifications.

Saints WR Henderson returns to practice | wwltv.com New Orleans
Bradley Handwerger / WWLTV.com Sports Reporter
METAIRIE, La. – Receiver Devery Henderson returned to practice on a full basis Thursday after sitting out Wednesday’s session.

Henderson originally injured his left calf on Oct.

Saints having problems taking the ball away | wwltv.com New Orleans
When the Saints jettisoned Gary Gibbs following the 2008 season, one of the reasons was clear to anyone watching New Orleans’ professional football team play defense.

Brees, Mannings Among Thirty-Nine NFF National Scholar-Athletes Playing in the NFL
SportsNOLA.com provides news on all New Orleans aports including the Saints, Hornets, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, High School Sports and everything in between.

Saints-Buccaneers Injury Reports (Thursday, Oct. 13)
SportsNOLA.com provides news on all New Orleans aports including the Saints, Hornets, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, High School Sports and everything in between.

Catching the Brees - New Orleans Saints - SunHerald.com
METAIRIE -- Saints players know by now that with Drew Brees at quarterback, one doesn’t have to play receiver to rack up a lot of receptions.

Week 6: Saints vs. Buccaneers Preview

Checking the injuries that matter most - NFC South Blog - ESPN
Let’s take a look at the latest news on the NFC South’s most significant injuries. Carolina added Charles Johnson to the injury report Th

Report: LeGarrette Blount to miss several weeks with MCL sprain | ProFootballTalk
The Bucs have kept a pretty tight lid on the status of running back LeGarrette Blount. And that approach is fully within the rules; all any team has to disclose about its players is injured whether and to what extent they practice on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (or Thursday, Friday, and Saturd...

Sunday's Tampa Bay Buccaneers-New Orleans Saints game will be blacked out - St. Petersburg Times
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one and done in the sellout department.

Saints’ Roman Harper fined $15,000 for hit on Panthers WR Steve Smith and has no regrets - The Washington Post
METAIRIE, La. — Saints safety Roman Harper says he does not regret a late hit on Carolina receiver Steve Smith that drew a $15,000 fine from the NFL this week.

VIDEOS:

CSC Lagniappe #2: If Hollywood Can Make Sequels Out of Everything, Why Can't We?

Jon Banks — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:57:58 -0000

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Fleur-de-Links: October 12, 2011

Jon Banks — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:24:21 -0000

TWEETS:

drewbrees Drew Brees

Another game week has begun. The day started early and will go late. Who Dat!

LanceMoore16 Lance Moore

Back on the grind this morning. Gotta get better. Hope everyone has a great day!

GregRomeus91 Greg Romeus

Crunch time

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Brees says he has seen the effect of Graham & Sproles in coverage. Says Graham gives him a target to throw the ball.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton said he considers both Patrick Robinson and Tracy Porter as starters. Starting spot determined by opponent, matchups, etc.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints Payton on CB rotation: "It’s the discussion w/ receiver, w/ runner. We’ve got all these guys that we feel confident in."

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

No surprise, but looks like Kreutz will inherit his starting center spot now that he's healthy. Brian de la Puente returns to reserve role.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Re: RB rotation, #Saints coach Payton says he has to make sure sometimes that he's not putting a different RB in on every play.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton said one of the big things about the past 2 weeks is it has given de la Puente game snaps & is now experienced as backup.

kspainTP Kevin Spain

Sounds like kreutz will start at center if he comes back this week ahead of de la puente who has been good 4 #saints

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton says the C job is Kreutz's still, but they'll pay attention to how the veteran feels coming off the knee injury.

kspainTP Kevin Spain

Andy tanner re-signed by #saints. Swanson miller cut

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Payton on #saints injury report: D.Henderson (calf), Z.Strief (knee), D.Thomas (concussion), DNP. Wilson, Kreutz returned to practice, full.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

.@DrewBrees has beennamed the U.S. Nat'l Ambassador Against Hunger for the UN World Food Programme, the team said Wednesday.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Bucs Morris: "What Jimmy Graham has been able 2 do this year is unbelievable. He has been physical. He has been fast. He has been violent."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Bucs Morris: "It’s a really good opponent for us to go & try to compare ourselves to in order to compete and be the best in the NFC South."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Bucs coach Raheem Morris on #Saints offense: "There’s not a person on that offense that you don’t know first name and last name. "

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

The #Saints are trying to accomplish a rare feat this week: Win three consecutive road games. Last time it happened: 1987, Weeks 7-9.

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

Drew Brees said he expects opponents to start game-planning more & more to try to stop TE Jimmy Graham w/scheme, personnel.

LINKS:

moosedenied " Blog Archive " We got two more minutes then we’re gonna cut to what you need…

Drew Brees makes NFL Players Poll: Nicest Player - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

New Orleans Saints scouting report: Young Bucs will be angry after blowout loss - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The Saints take on Tampa Bay Sunday at 3:15 p.m.

Dean Kleinschmidt again on hand to witness another team's rebirth in the NFL - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
He was once with the Saints, now with the Lions

Bucs coach Morris effusive in praise for Saints offense | wwltv.com New Orleans
You can check off Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris as another person impressed with New Orleans’ offense.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris and QB Josh Freeman Conference Call With New Orleans Media
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris and quarterback Josh Freeman answer questions from New Orleans media.

New Orleans Saints defense has room for improvement
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are off to a 4-1 start and are currently leading the NFC South division.

Week Six NFL power rankings, Green Bay Packers still on top
The top five teams heading into week six of the 2011 NFL season; Packers, Lions, Saints, Bills, Ravens.

Brees Named US National Ambassador Against Hunger for the United Nations World Food Programme

Bucs would miss Blount's force - NFC South Blog - ESPN
TAMPA, Fla. -- If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t use injured running back LeGarrette Blount in Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saint

New Orleans Saints injury report: Henderson, Thomas, Strief don't practice - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Saints getting healthier as they approach game with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New Orleans Saints: Top news and video clips
There was a time when I thought the NFC South title would come down to the Dec. 26 game between the Falcons and Saints. That still could happen, but it would require the Saints stumbling a bit and the Falcons suddenly finding themselves and go on a roll. If things continue going the way they are, the Saints will win the NFC South with ease.

Bucs can turn to 'What's his name?' - NFC South Blog - ESPN
TAMPA, Fla. -- Apparently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ready to take the "next man up’’ theory to a new level, even if they don&rsq

VIDEOS:

Fleur-de-Links: October 11, 2011

Jon Banks — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:27:39 -0000

TWEETS:

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

The Saints-Bucs game Sunday (3:15 pm CT) will be on FOX w/Ron Pitts (play-by-play), Jim L. Mora (color analyst) & @JenHale504 (sideline).

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy this year. Yes, NOLA next year! RT @THE_RyanRoger where is SB this year? And isn't it at the dome next year?

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

NFL announced Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 has been awarded to Arizona by vote of NFL clubs

LINKS:

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton says Sunday's win could be a building block, - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Saints head to Tampa Bay to try to keep the hot streak alive

Heralded New Orleans Saints offense boasts unsung heroes on the line - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
It's easy to get so caught up admiring a finished masterpiece that the guys standing over to the side, with the paint on their faces and under their fingernails, get overlooked. And maybe that's the way New Orleas Saints offensive linemen prefer it. Maybe relative anonymity on game days suits them, especially since most of the time it's a...

Detroit Lions jump New Orleans Saints in power rankings, what are yours? - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The T-P's weekly rankings of NFL teams; give us your list

Deke: Jimmy Graham’s Play Is Key In Saints 4-1 Start. - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Saints Like Where They Are After 4-1 Start - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Big Chief’s NFL Rankings Week #6 - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Saints' Jimmy Graham, Seahawks' Doug Baldwin making names for themselves - Peter King - SI.com
Detroit 24, Chicago 13: I don't remember seeing a game that featured the rising-star aspects of one team and exposed the faults of another so decisively.

A plea to the NFL: Stop the flops! - Shutdown Corner - NFL Blog - Yahoo! Sports
Comprehensive National Football League news, scores, standings, fantasy games, rumors, and more

Saints Worked Out TE’s Quinn and Patrick " Saints Gab
The Definitive New Orleans Saints Blog!

Drive of the Week: Saints go marching

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees passing at historic rate
It was a victory that came thanks in large part to Drew Brees and the Saints passing game

New Orleans Saints: Top news and video clips
The New Orleans Saints on Sunday will be playing their third consecutive road game and second straight division game.

NFL Power Rankings: Saints tumble? - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The latest ESPN.com Power Rankings are out and I’m more than a little shocked at some of the NFC South results. Let’s start with the New

NFL Week 5 Power Rankings | The Big Lead
The top stays the same this week, while the 49ers are on the rise.

VIDEOS:

CSC Lagniappe: Let's try this thing again, shall we?

Jon Banks — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:32:32 -0000

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Welcome to the CSC Perpetually Open Thread!

The other SBN and CSC rules still apply. No racist, sexist, or personal attacks on anyone. It's vulgar in other venues, it's still vulgar here.
As well, no politics or religion talk. Nothing good can come from it.
If you think something is Not Safe For Work, don't post it, link it instead.
Just because this is an Off-Topic thread, does not mean football talk is off limits! Just remember, keep arguments rational, and don't get personal. If you feel things are getting too heated, step away and take a breath.
No trolling. We don't want it, no need for it.
On that same vein as the previous rule, you may see some inside jokes. Don't assume you know what's what, make sure to find out what's going on before getting upset.
Please rec this thread to make sure this thread stays up until we are ready to dispose of it.
No swearing

Have fun!

Fleur-de-Links: October 10, 2011

Jon Banks — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:51:58 -0000

TWEETS:

Mark_Ingram28 Mark Ingram

Headed into the office to study the game film and start preparing for Tampa

camjordan94 cameron jordan

That sauna room fo stretching is def on that get right

GregRomeus91 Greg Romeus

Work hard, Play hard...

j_bushrod7475 Jermon Bushrod

Film corrections done Watched some film for next week Got a lift in... Bout to chill for a few before this massage!!

hakimdropsball Held Over

@moosedenied @blackenedout your forgot "shotgun spread to Jed Collins."

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Coach Payton's Monday Press Conference: Video - bit.ly/SPV1010 Quotes - bit.ly/SPQ1010

hakimdropsball Held Over

"@skooks: @saintsnola And after that he should bring us a shrubbery." and cut down the mightiest tree in the forest...with...A HERRING!

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

RT @CBSSportsNFLNO: #saints Payton not OK with Harper, Ingram committing personal fouls bit.ly/pBZwON

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

Just to re-interate. RT @CBSSportsNFLNO: #saints Harper on hit: Panthers' Smith 'had to pay' for prancing bit.ly/qY4Cf8

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

RT @CBSSportsNFLNO: #saints Harper expects to be fined for late hit on Panthers' Smith bit.ly/ojipIh

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

Roman Harper on his style of play: "Not going to apologize. I'm going to continue to fly around and like they say 'Honey Badger don't care'"

LHolderCBS Larry Holder

R. Harper on late hit on Steve Smith: "Didn't like the way he was prancing a little bit, showboating, so he had to pay for it a little bit."

LINKS:

Interesting numbers about the New Orleans Saints after five games - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Saints have second-ranked offense in the NFL

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton discusses the value of Sunday's comeback at Carolina - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Payton said wins like that can shape team's identity, though mistakes must be cleaned up

New Orleans Saints cornerback Tracy Porter says Tampa Bay's 48-3 loss to 49ers 'doesn't mean a thing' - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Saints say that Tampa Bay will be ready for them this week

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton praises Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Payton says Freeman is much further along in his development than Carolina rookie Cam Newton

Handwerger: Don't ever count out Drew Brees | wwltv.com New Orleans
This much we know about the Saints – don’t ever count them out. Not when Drew Brees is the quarterback. Not when all they need to do is go 89 yards in seven-plus minutes, needing more than a field goal. And not when, well, ever.

Payton: Tampa’s Freeman one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL | wwltv.com New Orleans
Saints coach Sean Payton watches film of Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman and realizes one thing very quickly – the third-year quarterback is not someone who should be overlooked.

Saints, Panthers rivalry deepening after New Orleans' 30-27 win | wwltv.com New Orleans
When Roman Harper turned around and saw Panthers receiver Steve Smith sprinting towards the end zone, the Saints safety felt he had only one option, especially once he perceived the Carolina player showboating.

Monday Morning QB With Drew Brees! - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Shockey Apologizes For Behavior At Saints Game - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports
Who believes him? -Jon

NFC South Recaps: Packers surge past Falcons; 49ers destroy Bucs
SportsNOLA.com IS New Orleans Sports and beyond. We cover the Saints, Hornets, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, High School Sports and everything in between.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Audibles at the Line: Week 5
Football Outsiders is the internet home for Innovative Statistics and Intelligent Analysis of professional and college football. Our writers, lead by Aaron Schatz, also write Pro Football Prospectus.

New Orleans Saints Are Marching - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
The 2011 New Orleans Saints may be a better team then the 2009 club that won the Super Bowl. The 09’ team had a "bend but don’t break" defense.

Saints broadcaster rips Jeremy Shockey | ProFootballTalk
Former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey got a crack at his old team on Sunday, months after the Saints cut him loose. And Shockey had a chip on his shoulder. With three catches for 21 yards in the game, we'd hate to see what his stat line would have been if he didn't have a chip on his shoulder.

Week 5 Quick Hits: Bills Up, Eagles Down - NYTimes.com
By the fourth quarter, the Eagles had the Bills figured out on both sides of the ball. It didn't matter.

Transcript from New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton's Monday press conference - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Payton looks back on Carolina Panthers game, looks ahead to Tampa Bay Buccaneers game

moosedenied " Blog Archive " How to Operate With a Blown Mind

Marino's yardage record in jeopardy | SignOnSanDiego.com
Dan Marino is both proud and a bit surprised that his single-season passing yardage record has stood the formidable tests of time and rules changes.

VIDEOS:

Ask CSC @ BN

Jon Banks — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:03:02 -0000

Ask CSC @ BN

I didn't forget to do it this time!

Ask CSC: I Didn't Forget This Time! Edition

Jon Banks — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:47:48 -0000

Hello Bucs Nation! Allow me to be your guide to your team facing the New Orleans Saints. I know you guys may be worried about this game, seeing as how the Saints have been rolling, while you guys just (sentence deleted due to painful responses it may bring up in Bucs fans). But don't worry! The Saints will find a way to make sure you guys are with us to the very end.

So please use this thread to bounce off any questions you have about the Saints, and I, or someone much smarter or more competent, will answer the question for you to the best of our ability. I'll list my list my current issues with the Saints below, in case any are interested in what a makes a Saints fan mad with his team.

*Please rec this post to keep it up till after gameday.

Offensive Tackles, they sure are offensive.
The "improved" d-line seems vaguely similar to the old D-line
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GET SOME TALENT IN THE LINEBACKERS
~~Can someone please cut Reggie Bush? It's not working out.~~ Issue Resolved!
We traded up in the first round for a bruising runner, can we, you know, actually use him?
This is the best team in between the 20s, why do we suck inside them?
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, GET SOME REFS WHO CAN SEE
Roman Harper. Everyone and their grandma knows he sucks in coverage...so let's leave him on an island with talented tight ends?
All together now, tackling is like a violent hug. You embrace around the person's torso or thighs, and teach them a law of physics.

Packers peeved about Dirty Birds Dirtiness

Jon Banks — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:13:57 -0000

Packers peeved about Dirty Birds Dirtiness

Yahoo! Sports

NFL Week 5 Preview & CSC Pick 'Em League Recap

Jon Banks — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:50:39 -0000

A quarter of the season is in the books. The Saints are currently a very respectable 3-1 as joint NFC South leader with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They would currently have the No. 2 seed in the NFC if the playoffs started today so they would get a bye, but would have to hope the Packers lose to make sure the road to the Super Bowl goes through New Orleans.

Still, we can worry about the seeding business later in the season, when the Saints are 15-1. So make the jump to check out the NFL Week 5 preview as well as a look at the CSC Pick 'Em League!

New Orleans Saints (3-1) @ Carolina Panthers (1-3) 12:00 PM CST

It's a trap! That seems to be everyone's motto going into this game. The Panthers hung around with the Packers and gave the Bears trouble. Clearly this is a good team that just can't close it. You want my player of the game? Malcolm Jenkins. When it comes to Cam Newton, he likes throwing it up for Steve Smith to just grab it and run. If I'm Gregg Williams, I'm double covering Smith on every play, even if it leads to other guys being open. In a pinch, Newton is going to want to throw to him, and he's going to be deep. With Jenkins as a second coverage man or even as the deep safety, it's going to be on him to keep Smith from being a factor, or even making those interceptions. On a side note, I'm currently 4-0 when it comes to picking the Saints wins and losses correctly.

WINNER- Saints

Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) @ Indianapolis Colts (0-4) 12:00 PM CST

#suckforluckbowl! I have no idea about this game. The Chiefs should lose because the Colts have more talent, and have actually been staying in games where Curtis Painter is the starter. Still, these are two teams that suck and I'm clueless.

WINNER- Colts

Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) @ Buffalo Bills (3-1) 12:00 PM CST

There's no way in hell it happens, but I'd love to see Buffalo win. The dream team's season coming to a likely end at the hands of Buffalo? Delicious sorrow would pour from Philadelphia.

WINNER- Eagles (Reverse Psychology)

Seattle Seahawks (1-3) @ New York Giants (3-1) 12:00 PM CST

The Giants and the Redskins are tied for the division. Which is funny, because everyone saw the Eagles and Cowboys competing for that division. Regardless, the Seahawks suck bad. They aren't good at home, and that's the only place they win now. On the road...?

WINNER- Giants

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) 12:00 PM CST

It's the Bengals. Which means that they are likely to follow up a nice upset over Buffalo with a loss to one of the worst teams in the NFL. Proving that the world is still in balance.

WINNER- Jaguars

Tennesse Titans (3-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) 12:00 PM CST

I wish I wrote it down somewhere, but I predicted this exact scenario happening to the Steelers. Old defense, poor offensive line and a liability at wide receiver now, this is a team in decline. On the flip side, the Titans 3-1 record is the most shocking thing in football to me. Considering I saw a six win season as their ceiling, a 3-1 start is phenomenal. Still, the Steelers are at home and the loss of Kenny Britt has to be hurting the Titans.

WINNER- Steelers

Oakland Raiders (2-2) @ Houston Texans (3-1) 12:00 PM CST

This has all the makings of a trap game for Houston. An underrated team coming to their stadium with strengths that match up well with the Texans weaknesses, the loss of Andre Johnson and new found optimism for the Texans fanbase. Still, the Raiders are the worst run defense team in the league and Arian Foster just ran for 150 yards against the Steelers. Expect the Texans to try and force Jason Campbell to be good...and then expect the Raiders to lose because of that.

WINNER- Texans

Arizona Cardinals (1-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (0-4) 12:00 PM CST

Ugh. Why can't I get another easy Packers/Broncos game to decide? So many sucky games that could go either way. Still, the Vikings suck bad and are headed downward. #suckforluck? #suckforluck

WINNER- Cardinals

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-1) 3:00 PM CST

Well how about this. The 49ers are winning again. Amazing what happens when good coaching happens. I'm probably being a bit homerish about this, but I really like the 49ers chances here. Frank Gore against a soft run defense will lead to good things for the Saints.

WINNER- 49ers

New York Jets (2-2) @ New England (3-1) 3:15 PM CST

Only the Jets can make me root for New England. Mark Sanchez is Jason David bad and Tom Brady is still Tom Brady.

WINNER- Patriots

San Diego Chargers (3-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-3) 3:15 PM CST

Interesting thing about the Chargers, they have a good record but they look like crap compared to last year. Philip Rivers looks a step behind what he did, and the Chargers keep shooting themselves in the foot. I wouldn't normally consider the Broncos to win, but this being a division game and given the Chargers propensity to hurt themselves, I'm going to have to go against them here.

WINNER-Broncos

Green Bay Packers (4-0) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-2) 7:20 PM CST

I have two questions: 1) How do the Falcons get to host the Packers two years in a row? I thought they flip flop? 2) Who should Saints fans root for? I mean, yeah, the Falcons need to lose. But the Falcons look weak this year, whereas the Packers look invincible and have a built in two game lead over the Saints.The Saints also control their own destiny versus the Falcons. It's very complicated if you ask me.

Anyway, the Packers are going to win. Shocking I know, but as a Falcons fan told me, "Aaron Rodgers is going to throw for 7,200 yards this weekend, and I’m only mostly joking…"

WINNER- Packers

Chicago Bears (2-2) @ Detroit Lions (4-0) 7:30 PM CST

FINALLY! A good MNF game! Enjoy it CSC, it's the last one you're going to get until Week 16. And boy does this one make up for the past couple of weeks.

Let me set this game up for you: the Lions are one of the most pathetic franchises in NFL history. They've never been to a Super Bowl and haven't had a winning season since the last millennium. They get to come home for the first time since their 48-3 smackdown on the Chiefs. They get to walk into their stadium as the division leading 4-0 Lions with a young quarterback, a scary defensive line and a very competent coaching staff who will face off against one of their biggest rivals in their history. Yeah, on pure adrenaline alone, they are going to beat the Bears.

WINNER- Lions

CSC Pick 'Em League Recap

So, do you guys remember when I made that impassioned plea to get you more active? Apparently, no one read it seeing as how 20+ people didn't pick this week. Get Yahoo! to send you an email reminder if you forget! That's what I do. Anyway, I'm going to put as much effort as you guys did into getting you to enter your picks.

Well, we had a couple of people tie for best record this past week, so the winner of the Drew Brees Award for Pinpoint Accuracy is also the winner of the Super Bowl Swagger award. So who is the winner of both of these awards? Why, it's AbitaSaint (128 points)! Congrats Abita!

Should've put money on it Award: Every picker in the CSC Pick 'Em League correctly predicted the New Orleans Saints beating the Jaguars. So many homers...

The "We're dumb" Award: All but four pickers incorrectly predicted the Buffalo Bills beating the Bengals.

Sippin' on the purple drank: AbitaSaint, canu2u, Stilljreming, cajuncommando58, Valmo, St. PJ's Two Dats, sea.of.white, thisiscnn22000, 9th Ward Boyz, Gridiron Nostradamus, jhenn2004, Alcoholic_Insight, WhoDat!WeDat!BelieveDat!, AZ Refugee, TEAM DEATH, Jimbo, LSU Saint, ingramania, Gomillion, jonny, Ingramania!, Hellspawn, Big Eazy, Saint4Life, PanheadCatahoula, GEO Ballers, Sean Payton's Brass Balls, KilnBill all put down the maximum 16 confidence points on the Saints beating the Jaguars. JaMarcus Russell is proud of all of you.

"Should be Ashamed of Yourselves" Award: Goes to no one! Everyone thought the Saints would win this past week!

Sean Payton's Brass Balls Award: Goes to Stilljreming for not only betting on the Bengals, but putting down 11 confidence points as well. That took balls.

Sean Payton "Obvious Playcall is Obvious" Award: Goes to GWUColonial for placing a bet on the Miami Dolphins. They're sucking for Luck, that's so obvious.

The "1970's New Orleans Saints" Award: Sorry to pick on you twice, but GWUColonial was the picker who scored the least this week. If it makes you feel better, I suck too.

Top 5 CSC Pick 'Em League

Rank	Pick Set Name	Total Pts	W-L
1	cowboys	433	46-18
2	Dan39465...	422	46-18
3	Gridiron Nostradamus	415	46-18
4	Valmo	414	44-20
5	northfan	414	44-20

Fleur-de-Links: October 7, 2011

Jon Banks — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 20:40:27 -0000

TWEETS:

HaitianSaint Stanley Arnoux

Time to make a grown up decision. #GettinOld

thomasmorstead Thomas Morstead

"@daybreaker: @thomasmorstead Think coach would ever let you try a 60+ yarder with like 3 secs left in a half?" I wish.... And I'm ready too

thomasmorstead Thomas Morstead

"@JazminGalaviz: @thomasmorstead so what happens if during kickoff you kick the ball through the field goal posts?" people cheer louder :)

thomasmorstead Thomas Morstead

"@JorDaNiZKiiNG: @thomasmorstead the #Saints punt coverage is #1 in the NFL! Keep up the awesome job. #ProBowlYear #TheLeg" #whodat

thomasmorstead Thomas Morstead

"@templeofamon: @thomasmorstead can you kick field goals?" ya but I'm not super accurate. I can hit em far though (Jon note: Interesting...)

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

#Saints injury report: WR Devery Henderson questionable after returning to practice on a limited basis Friday. LB Jon Vilma probable ...

miketripletttp Mike Triplett

#Saints injuries ct'd: LB Will Herring and C Olin Kreutz questionable. LB Martez Wilson doubtful. TE Dave Thomas and RT Zach Strief out.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Payton said the NFC South "is as competitive as it has ever been"

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

.@T_Porter22 chats with the media twitpic.com/6wkydx

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

.@j_bushrod7475 during media open locker room twitpic.com/6wl0u1

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

#Saints injury report for CAR: Zach Strief (knee), David Thomas (concussion), out; Martez Wilson (neck), doubtful... (contd.)

JeffDuncanTP Jeff Duncan

#Saints injury report for CAR: Devery Henderson (calf), Olin Kreutz (knee), Will Herring (hamstring) & Jon Vilma (knee), questionable.

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Be sure to wish @ChaseDaniel a happy birthday - he turns 25 today!

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Saints using LB Dunbar's versatility bit.ly/ote0Yk

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Saints run game could be key vs. Carolina bit.ly/qhN3yF

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Opponents attacking Saints more through the air bit.ly/ngHGuk

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Saints only have two healthy TEs bit.ly/qBGKWB

LINKS:

Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey expected to play Sunday vs. former team - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

Henderson: Panthers a whole new team with Newton and Rivera | wwltv.com New Orleans
When John Fox was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers you were quite certain what kind of game you'd be involved in.

Expect Cam Newton to put up big numbers against Saints | wwltv.com New Orleans
Bradley Handwerger got an insight on the Panthers from ESPN's Pat Yasinskas, a beat writer from ESPN and a former Panthers writer in Charlotte.

Shockey has 'bitter taste' over release by Saints | wwltv.com New Orleans
Jeremy Shockey doesn't plan to let a mild concussion keep him out of Sunday's game against New Orleans. Especially since he hasn't completely gotten over the Saints releasing him.

Saints struggling pass defense to get test against Cam Newton | wwltv.com New Orleans
Carolina rookie quarterback Cam Newton is breaking records this season for passing in his first season in the NFL.

Brees And Payton Talk About Cam Newton - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Saints TE Graham Making Fans Fast With Big Plays - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Kristian's Quick Hits: Saints Rushing To Carolina - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

QB To QB With Drew Brees! - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Saints-Panthers Final Injury Reports (Friday, Oct. 7)
SportsNOLA.com IS New Orleans Sports and beyond. We cover the Saints, Hornets, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, High School Sports and everything in between.

Good ball, Newton! Panthers QB Can Do
SportsNOLA.com IS New Orleans Sports and beyond. We cover the Saints, Hornets, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave, High School Sports and everything in between.

Shockey, Kasay face former teams

Reviewing film of the NFC South chat - NFC South Blog - ESPN
Lots of good stuff in our Friday NFC South chat. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights. Bill (Winston-Salem): Panther beat writer Steve Re

New Orleans Saints Issue Injury Report For Friday
The New Orleans Saints issued an injury report after Friday's practice.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton talks about former assistant Doug Marrone | syracuse.com
Marrone returns to New Orleans when his Orange football team takes on Tulane Saturday night.

CJohnson, Sproles, Hester among most explosive | SignOnSanDiego.com
They come in all shapes and sizes, those dynamic NFL players who can alter the course of a game with a single play.

New Orleans Saints have addressed and improved 2010 weaknesses: First and 10 - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan's weekly observations regarding the New Orleans Saints

VIDEOS:

Fleur-de-Links: October 6, 2011

Jon Banks — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:07:53 -0000

TWEETS:

drewbrees Drew Brees

Happy 2 be working with Vicks on MDF. Check out the video I made 4 it! Facebook.com/Nyquil Enter @: Facebook.com/NyQuil #VicksMDF #spon #fb

camjordan94 cameron jordan

Fist pumpin!!! RT @Athlete_Advisor: @camjordan94 I hope the windows were down n you pulled up at a light jammin, lol.

garlandgillen Garland Gillen

#Dolphins lose QB Chad Henne for the season and sign Sage Rosenfels!? Hello Andrew Luck.

kspainTP Kevin Spain

this week's #saints #blackandgold report, looking at #carolina: bit.ly/nQl8Ul #nola #whodat #panthers @miketripletttp @jeffduncantp

GregRomeus91 Greg Romeus

Steve Jobs was born out of wedlock, put up for adoption at birth, dropped out of college, then changed the world. What's your excuse?

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints INJ report: DNP: Strief,, D Thomas, Henderson.

jeffduncantp Jeff Duncan

SEan Payton: Strief, D. Thomas, D.Henderson (calf), did not practice; Herring, M.Wilson, V.Vilma, limited.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

#Saints INJ report: Limited - Limited: Wilson, Vilma, Kreutz,

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

.@jheap99 Re: Henderson. Calf. Injured in prax Wed. Payton says he's optimistic about him being fine.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

RT @greggrosenthal: At this stage, I think he's right. RT @FO_wordofmuth: Mark Ingram is the Saints 3rd best RB.

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Payton on Jo-Lonn Dunbar: "Jo-Lonn didn’t necessarily start at third base. He started at home plate and had to round all the bases."

wwltvsports WWL-TV Sports

Kreutz returns to practice for #Saints, Henderson a DNP | bit.ly/rhkhUL

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints Bushrod expecting different looking Panthers bit.ly/pSaPcP

CBSSportsNFLNO Saints RapidReports

#saints De la Puente fits in just fine, Bushrod says bit.ly/o5wNUN

Official_Saints New Orleans Saints

Saints-Panthers Thursday Injury Report wp.me/pRac9-ct

LINKS:

Saints tailback Mark Ingram pleads the fifth on Heisman trophy vote - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

New Orleans Saints' upgrades to special teams are paying off - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The Saints are tops in the league in punt coverage

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton says the number of carries the RBs get is just how the game unfolds - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
The New Orleans Saints had the biggest disparity in carries yet between tailbacks Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas on Sunday at Jacksonville, with Ingram carrying the ball 17 times for 55 yards and Thomas six times for 36 yards. Ingram has almost twice as many carries as Thomas (53 to 27), but Payton insisted that the rookie is not...

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton isn't used to losing - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
But he's put up big numbers in first four games

Saints injury report: Henderson, Thomas, Strief miss practice - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News
Get the latest New Orleans Saints football news, schedules, rumors, pictures and more. Comment on the news and join the Saints forum at NOLA.com.

Saints QB Daniel tasked with simulating Panthers’ Newton | wwltv.com New Orleans
Chase Daniel stands 6-feet tall, 225 pounds. Cam Newton registers in at 6-5, 244 pounds. And for the three days of practice the Saints will focus on Carolina, Daniel has the odd task of trying to emulate Newton.

Saints looking to change the turnover battle against Panthers | wwltv.com New Orleans
New Orleans’ game Sunday at Carolina could go a long way in determining the NFC South – Tampa Bay and the Saints are tied atop the division and Atlanta is a game back.

Kreutz returns to practice for Saints; Henderson a DNP | wwltv.com New Orleans
The Saints’ injury report largely remained unchanged Thursday save for one swap – center Olin Kreutz was limited while receiver Devery Henderson did not participate in team drills.

Timely Stops And Sacks Lifting Saints' Defense - WWL - AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports

Saints Nation: NFC South This Week | October

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Word of Muth: Cracking Heads
Football Outsiders is the internet home for Innovative Statistics and Intelligent Analysis of professional and college football. Our writers, lead by Aaron Schatz, also write Pro Football Prospectus.

Hank Williams Jr. and 'Monday Night Football' officially part ways - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com
Controversial comment on Fox News leads ESPN to pull singer's 'Monday Night Football' song.

QB Drew Brees' Press Conference 10/5/11

VIDEOS: