SB Nation User Blog: Saintsational

Saints News: 7.06.08

Saintsational — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 04:39:02 -0000

Forte tears it up for the Wave. (Photo Source)

The Times-Pic had a nice article on my man Matt Forte. The story discusses the fact that Forte has a good chance to become the number one running back on this team and make an immediate impact simply because he is really the only choice.

"I wasn't really paying too much attention to the situation. A lot of people say, 'Now, your role is more expanded since he's gone,' and all that stuff. But in my mind, it's really kind of the same. Coach Lovie (Smith) took me in, and he was like, 'Don't feel like you have a lot of pressure on you.' My mind-set, when I first got there, was I was going to go in and compete and try to get playing time anyway."

Here is what he had to say about the Cedric Benson situation.

"Of course (I feel sorry for him)," Forte said. "You don't want anything bad like that to happen to anybody, especially in the situation he's in. I think having him would have been a lot better for our team. You need at least two or three running backs in the NFL now -- everybody runs with two, or even three.

"I think he really would have helped us out, and it's a shame, because he's a really good guy. I spent a lot of time with him during (offseason training activities) when I was there, and it was just a shame to see what happened.

"You can't harp on it or stay stuck on it. You have to look forward, just like any other obstacle in life."

And here are some more quotes from Forte.

"It's a great task," he said. "I'm just happy to be in that situation. It's a big dream, and we always dream big. So just to be in these shoes right now is a blessing. I'm just ready to prove myself and hopefully, have a career where I can eventually be mentioned among those names.

"I think I've been placed in the perfect situation, with the history of the running backs for the Bears and also the city of Chicago, which is all about Bears football. So I don't think there's any better situation that I could have been in."

"That's just the way God made me," he said. "I'm very relaxed and calm in certain situations. I think that actually helps me in football, during the game, being calm and relaxed.

"I don't get nervous, and it helps me focus. A lot of the game is physical, but I think a lot more is mental ability. My ability to focus is what helps me."

Colston should get paid!(Photo Source)

The Times-Pic also had another article, this one about the contract situations of Marques Colston and Jahri Evans. Their feelings on the situation...

Don't panic, though, Saints fans. I'll be shocked if they don't work out deals with both players at some point, this year or next.

It then goes on to say how valuable both players are, particularly Colston. Evans happens to be underrated because he plays a low profile position. Trying to gauge their value is difficult however, because they have not been in the league very long. Read the entire article for more of Mike Triplett's reasoning.

Check out this video of Reggie's Free Flo Do workout. They keep saying it looks hard but it doesn't look that hard to me. Not saying I could do it, but it looks kinda fun.

If you were wondering what Reggie did for his Fourth of July, we need only to check Kim Kardashian's official blog. The Bush and Kardashian families spent the day together at Reggie's house. There was much Rock Band to be played and even an American flag cake. By the end of the day, everyone wound up in the pool.

This doesn't really look safe and the risk for injury in this situation is high.

Saints News: 7.05.08

Saintsational — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:55:33 -0000

Mike Triplett has an article in the Times-Pic today covering a topic everyone is curious about: McAllister and McKenzie's recovery progress.

I am reposting a good chunk of this article because I think everyone might be interested in this.

Both of them are at similar stages in their recovery, though, because McAllister had more extensive surgery. In addition to the left ACL repair, he also underwent microfacture surgery on his right knee to repair cartilage from a previous injury.

Both players said they are optimistic about the recovery process so far, and they both expect to be on the field for the season opener Sept. 7 against Tampa Bay at the Superdome.

"I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)," said McAllister, who was practicing in a limited fashion with his teammates last month and taking part in the individual position drills. "I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to.

"As far as getting out there and doing something I haven't done already up to this point, that would just be playing the game."

McAllister said he has been able to stay in good shape, but he admitted that his conditioning isn't quite up to "football strength" just yet. That only comes with the rigors of daily practices.

McKenzie said he has done most of his conditioning work on the treadmill. But he said he's just trying to be safe and smart with his timetable, and the only milestone that matters is the first regular-season game.

"That's the schedule I want to stay on. I don't want to do anything to jeopardize being ready for Week 1," said McKenzie, who estimated his current health at about 85 percent. "At the same time, I do have to push it. So I'm looking forward to those preseason games being a real test."

Smith isn't coming off of an injury, but he is eager to bounce back after a season in which he failed to play up to his lofty standards. He said the entire defense feels a responsibility to play better this season.

"(Saints defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs) had a talk with the defense as a unit, and he told us, 'Hey, we didn't do what we were supposed to last year,'¤" said Smith, who also was celebrating his 27th birthday Friday. "Everybody clearly understands that, and everybody's been working hard to get better this year."

Ye Olde Fantasy Master Ross Devonport with the Times-Pic had a Loser's Day (Apparently, thats what British people call July 4th) fantasy football update. He has some info from around the league but here is what he had to say about Saints players.

- Taking a look at where the Saints' Fantasy studs are being taken in CBSSports.com drafts: Drew Brees is going with the 21st pick on average, which makes him the fourth-highest QB; Reggie Bush is being taken with the 39th pick on average, and is the 19th most popular RB; Deuce McAllister is being taken at the 89th spot on average, which makes him the 34th running back; and Marques Colston is going at No. 24 on average, and is the seventh most popular wide receiver.

Seventh most popular!? Please. He's the first receiver I would take. Am I biased?

"I'm not a UFO guy,"

That's all I am going to give you from this article from WWL that I missed the other day. It's all about Ricky Williams and his hopes and dreams and experiences. You know this one has got to be interesting. Check it out for yourself.

I have always liked Cris Carter because of his work on Inside the NFL. I like all those guys actually. Yes, even Bob Costas. Here is a video of an inspirational speech Carter gave at the recent NFL rookie symposium. It's pretty good, I suggest checking it out. Also, I really do think its a great idea that the NFL does this every year.

Getting to Know: YOU!! - Patriotic Edition

Saintsational — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:01:07 -0000

Mrs. Frumplesworth says "Be careful when handling fireworks this weekend!"

Sorry to those of you who were hoping to see the Saints MNF game against Tennessee as part of 2007: Redux (Just for you Hollywoo!). We now return to your regularly scheduled Friday afternoon post.

You are fighting in the Revolutionary War in 1776. Which current Saint would you want fighting by your side? Extra points if you describe what he's wearing.
If Drew was one of our forefathers, which one would he be?
What four all-time Saints players would be on the Saints version of Mt. Rushmore?
What do you think Reggie is doing this 4th of July? Kim Kardashian is not an acceptable answer.
What will you be doing this 4th of July weekend?

Have a great Fourth of July weekend!!

Saints News: 7.04.08

Saintsational — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:03:21 -0000

Happy 4th of July!!

Not much today. Sorry.

I actually missed this one yesterday. It's from the Star Herald in Mississippi and it's about the Saints returning to Millsaps for training camp.

“We look forward to the excitement that always comes with having the New Orleans Saints on campus,” said Millsaps College President Frances Lucas. “This is a great opportunity for fans to come see a professional football team and see the Millsaps campus.”

“I have always been a proponent of holding training camp away, and Millsaps has done a wonderful job in hosting us,” said Coach Sean Payton. “It is close enough for our fans in New Orleans to drive to Jackson and see us practice, and the people of Jackson have been tremendously supportive. We look forward to starting up again soon.”

I am really going to try and make it out there one weekend and bring back a report for you guys.

The Saints and Hornets will be gettin' paid! Per The Advocate, Bobby Jindal has signed the bill that includes state payments to the two teams.

House Bill 1287, which uses money left over from the financial year that ended Monday for a wide range of expenses. That list includes state payments to the New Orleans Saints football team, New Orleans Hornets basketball team, and various projects in legislators’ districts.

2007 Redux: Saints 16, Bucs 13

Saintsational — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 18:29:45 -0000

Week two is already upon us in our Second Season. This week the Saints play their quasi-rivals Tampa Bay in the first divisional match-up of the season. Saints fans will like the outcome this time around as the Second Season is already looking better than the actual 2007 campaign.

Last season the Saints were put away by Tampa Bay, largely in part to Saint killer Joey Galloway. It was another disappointment and the first sign that the Saints were not as great as everyone thought.

This time around the tables are turned and the Saints come away with a win...barely. Galloway only gets one TD in this one and Olindo Mare (unbelievably) makes an OT field goal to give the Saints the edge in this contest. This one was a close defensive battle and the Saints came up with some big turnovers, including two interceptions, one by...oh my god...Jason David. Deuce had another decent day with 98 yards and Colston was back to his old form with 6 receptions for 83 yards. Eric Johnson wound up being Drew's favorite receiver on the day as he hauled in 7 catches. Saints now lead the NFC South and look to be on track.

Scoring Summary

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	OT	Final
Saints	3	0	7	3	3	16
Bucs	7	0	3	3	0	13

Game Stats

Stat	Saints	Bucs
Score	16	13
Total Offense	296	321
Rushing Yards	104	84
Passing Yards	192	237
First Downs	17	22
PR Yards	36	28
KR Yards	40	105
Possession	33:40	34:01
Turnovers	1	3
3rd Down Conv.	8/18	6/18
Red Zone Offense	33%	50%
Penalty Yards	80	100

Division Standings

Team	W	L	T	Pct.	PF	PA
New Orleans	1	1	0	.500	39	39
Tampa Bay	1	1	0	.500	46	43
Atlanta	1	1	0	.500	59	47
Carolina	1	1	0	.500	35	47

Individual Stats

Player	Yards	Comp.	Att.	Pct.	TD	Int.
Drew Brees	194	20	33	60.6%	0	0

Player	Yards	Attempts	Avg.	TD	Fumble
Deuce McAllister	98	32	3.1	0	0

Player	Rec.	Yards	Long	TD
Reggie Bush	2	29	26	0
Marques Colston	6	83	31	0
Devery Henderson	1	4	4	0
David Patten	2	33	27	0
Eric Johnson	7	38	11	0

Player	Tackles	Sacks	Int.
Roman Harper	7	0	0
Mark Simoneau	7	0	1
Hollis Thomas	4	1	0
Charles Grant	2	0	0
Jason David	0	0	1
Scott Fujita	5	0	0
Mike McKenzie	6	0	0

Player	Att.	Comp.	Long
Olindo Mare	3	3	39

Saints have a longer week than normal, playing their next game on Monday night in front of the entire country against the Titans. This is their first game at home they will try and make it two in a row and start their march to the Superbowl.

Saints News: 7.03.08

Saintsational — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:02:29 -0000

The Times-Pic has an update on the Charles Grant story.

Saints defensive end Charles Grant reportedly is facing a $5 million civil lawsuit in addition to legal charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a fight that led to the shooting death of a pregnant woman outside of a nightclub in Blakely, Ga., in February.

According to WGNO-TV, Grant's attorney, Edward Tolley, confirmed that the aunt of victim Korynda Reed filed the lawsuit. Tolley could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and details of the suit could not be confirmed.

The article also says that it is not known whether the family filed civil lawsuits against any of the other defendants. I'm sure none of them have as much money as Charles Grant either.

Houma Today had an article from Teddy Renois giving his all-time Saints team from 1970-1979. The older fans might enjoy this one.

One thing I learned from this one is that there was a Saints player named Happy Feller.

In a piece ESPN was writing about Rodney Harrison being a dirty player, we learn a little something about our very own Will Smith.

A review of data since 2001 shows Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson with a league-high 17 personal fouls. Harrison and New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith are tied for second with 14, followed by Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour (13), Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor (12), late Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor (12) and Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers (11).

I never really knew that about Big Willy Style.

Check out some new Fan Shots I put up from Kim Kardashian's official website. Feel free to go nuts with that section, its all yours. You can rec pictures you like so they go to the top of the list. Same applies for Fan Posts. Of course you can also comment on them as well.

If for some reason you were planning to bet on the Saints this season, I have found some advice for you. This comes from Covers.com.

Fred (St Louis) - Will the New Orleans Saints bounce back this year and make it into the playoffs? And are they a good bet at 11-10 to win there division or would it be even better to bet them to win the conference at 8-1?

Michael Perry: Let's say you had $500 to bet and were deciding which one to do. I would put $400 to win $440 to win division and $100 to win $800 on the NFC. Diversify your betting porfolio. That way you wont be yelling at yourself, "Why didnt I pull the trigger on the Saints?"

That is too funny. The things I find for you guys.

This one isn't really Saints related but I will be following Matt Forte very closely this year, and yesterday he was officially signed by the Bears. Per the Chicago Bears official website. The field is wide open at the running back spot in the windy city, so he could very well be starting in week one. Last I heard, the team was very impressed with him during OTAs and minicamp. Roll Wave!

Reggie and Kim on a date. Photo Source

Saintsational — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:21:42 -0000

Reggie and Kim on a date.

Photo Source

Oh yes, that is who you think it is. Mr. Belding!! I believe his real name is Dennis Haskins. Thi...

Saintsational — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:40:03 -0000

Oh yes, that is who you think it is. Mr. Belding!! I believe his real name is Dennis Haskins. This picture may trump the one of Drew and Carlton.

From Kim Kardashian's official website.

Isn't this adorable? He really is like a member of the Kardashians. From Kim Kardashian's o...

Saintsational — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:36:29 -0000

Isn't this adorable? He really is like a member of the Kardashians.

From Kim Kardashian's official website.

Maybe some of CP's magic will rub off on Reggie. Get a little closer. From Kim Kardashian's...

Saintsational — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:35:15 -0000

Maybe some of CP's magic will rub off on Reggie. Get a little closer.

From Kim Kardashian's official website.