Thursday's preseason opener for the New Orleans Saints isn't going to be what fans have waited for. You will not get your first look of all the injured players from last year that the Saints are banking on this season. No glimpse of what Shockey might bring to the table. As a matter of fact you'll see a number of starters and backups who'll be sitting out this one. Here's the list of guys not playing in tomorrows game.
Running back Deuce McAllister, cornerback Mike McKenzie, safety Josh Bullocks, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, receiver Marques Colston, tight end Jeremy Shockey, receiver Devery Henderson, cornerback Tracy Porter and defensive tackle Brian Young will all miss the game.
Not to worry though because it's all just a precautionary move by coach Shaun Payton. He expects each of these players to continue training camp in Jackson, Ms following this game.
What we will see and I'm excited about is first round pick Sedrick Ellis in action. Since arriving late to camp Ellis has picked up the defensive scheme real fast. Yesterday and even during the scrimmage game Saturday he's shown just how fast and strong he is. Callaborating on a few occassions with DE's Bobby McCray and Will Smith to stop runners behind the line and putting serious pressure on QB Drew Brees. It's safe to say this young man is highly impressive and will be very good for a long time to come.
During this whole offseason and training camp the main focus has been revamping the defense. Second year CB Usama Young has stood out big time during camp. Also CB Randall #### whom the Saints aquired via free agency has been very impressive also. #### will start along with Jason David but when the Saints move into the nickel defense you'll see #### slide over and Young to pull the duty of covering the wideout.
With a few starters sitting this one out, we'll get a good look at some other players who need to step it up during the last weeks of camp and these preseason games. WR/ST player Skyler Green needs to have a good game if he hopes to make this team. With Lance Moore ahead of him on the depth chart the only way he makes this team is by becoming a special teams player.
The battle for the WR spot is one to watch for in this game. Long time vet. David Patten isn't showing any signs of giving up his spot at all. His work ethic and veteran savvy have both contributed to this. However the battle for that #3 spot is what to look for. The play of second year WR and last years first round pick Robert Meachem and the young man from Michigan picked in the seventh round Adrian Arrington should be real interesting. Both should get plenty of playing time to show the coaches they want to be part of this team.
There are some other players to watch also. Like RB Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker. One of these guys needs to step it up because if Deuce can't make it through the season we'll need them to be that pounding runner to compliment Reggie Bush. Bush is another player to keep your eye on as he has high expectations for himself this season. His ultimate goal for himself is to have 1,000 yds receiving and 1,000 yds rushing. That's a tall task but there are only a few players in this league who can accomplish that and Bush certainly has the talent to do so. It'll be interesting to see how he adjust now that he should have a very good grasp of the offense.
So come thursday evening on ESPN we'll get our first look at the hopefully new and improved Saints. One that certainly needs to rebound from a very dismal season in 2007. I have faith in this team and believe that a lot of holes have been filled. Now let's see how it all transpires on the field of play this season. I'm praying for another miracle season...how 'bout you?
gambitxxx
What makes you so sure that ESPN'll cover the game ? Afterall they've got to devote as much time as they'd possible to the ongoing
saga that is Brett Favre.
In all reality though this should've give us all a look at a team that has pretensions as to being one of the top teams in the NFC this season. If things should fall into place then there's no reason to believe that they won't be one of the credible teams in all of the league.
I know that the Bucs' fans are counting that with the introduction of Favre. Things'll be back in their corner as such. But I'm not entirely sold that Favre'll be the savior that the Bucs and their fans are seeking.
Yo Gambit I made a purchase the other day that may make you a bit envious...I bought an authentic Drew Brees Pro Bowl Jersey from 2007...and I got it for $25!!!!! Dude I went to a flea market in Tampa and this dude was selling a bunch of authentic sewn in jerseys for 25-45 bucks...I get there he's like "anything from this section is 25 bucks and that section is 45 bucks" I lied about what section I found it and VOILA! Those jerseys had to have been stolen, or he has a crazy hook-up.
Hey gambitxxx, the Saints are sounding good. Aaron Stecker is a good man to have if you need him. He was with the Bucs for a while and we didn't miss a beat when he had to come into the game. Good luck, hope nobody gets hurt.
lol! you are probably right. I can see it now they'll cut away from the game a few times to update us on the happenings or better yet non happenings of the ongoing Favre drama.
Im waiting patiently to see a few of these players prove to me that they are ready for the NFL nad to help this team rebound.
SRM,
Damn you are lucky! I paid a poor mans fourtune for my Drew Brees pro bowl jersey. That dude has a fire hookup or like you said they are stolen...in which case who cares.
aero,
On paper they look scary, however we'll see how it all translates to the field of play. I like Stecker even when he played for your Buc's. He's versatile and although small plays hard. What's not to like about that. Good luck to your team as well and I wish the same for them. thx for stopping in.
Last edited by gambitxxx on August 6th at 2:23 PM.
Gambit- Do you have any University of Arizona alums on the Saints? That would be one way I could get behind them.! We had a great secondary defenseman, McAllister but was not Deuce.
Yeah Dorsey sure did sprain his knee but is expected to only miss a week. I'm happy with Ellis as our pick. somehow I see him being more productive than Dorsey at the pro level.
Kristen,
Sorry only player we have from Arizona is our starting fullback however he's from Arizona st. Although for the sake of being my friend and the fact I'm to cute to resist you could become a bandwagon alumnist. lol! thx for stopping in ma'chere.
ff3,
I sure hope so myself but have a feeling we'll all get what we are looking for from the D this season.
Gambitxx.- Thanks. Good to see a football post that's NOT about Brett Favre, or one of the 5000 Seattle Seahawks posts recently.
Even though the stars for most teams Never play the fisrt preseason games, its a good look at the young guys and new players, and a glimpse of what they might bring to the team. And its a good sign the real season is getting close.
New Awlins' one of the teams that intrigues me a bit this year. They didn't have a stellar draft, but they picked up players in other ways that should fit in well there. Deuce getting healthy again would help Reggie a lot, and Shockey should open things up on the outside for Colston and co.
The thing that will make or break their season is how much they can improve on defense.No question the offense should be a top 5 or 6 in the league if healthy. Now if they can learn to cover and pressure on Defense, they just might go pretty far this year.
I think Meachem will shine in the WR spot this year. I think the Saints will also see again this year just what a steal is was for them to get Marvin Mitchell in the seventh round of last year's draft. He's been putting in the time in the off-season and is looking for a break-out year now that the Saint's have added some help around him.
I agree sick of the whole Favre fiasco myself. I think everyone will be surprised by the Saints defense this season, here is why.
1) The Saints biggest defensive woe last season was they gave up to many big plays. That was due to lack of pressure up the middle. Which then allowed teams to double up on DE's Will Smith and Charles Grant. With Ellis in the middle that'll change. QB's had all day to throw the ball on the Saints. They've also brought in pass rush specialist Bobby McCray. When he's in the game you'll see Grant slided to the other tackle position. Giving the Saints added strength and speed inside and out. We know that any secondary looks good with a stellar pass rush.
thx for stopping in.
dashman,
Good to see you back around. Meachem has had a nice camp and I'm expecting to see good things from him. This years seventh round pick Adrian Arrington is another gem they've found (just like Colston) and Marvin Mithchell has been getting good marks and high praises by coach Payton.
Kristen,
LOL! If you wasn't already taken I'd fly over sweep you off your feet and bring you to the Big Easy so you can get a taste of the good life...and some great food also.
The perfect breakfast as I see it.
You’re sitting at the table and your son is on the cover of Wheaties, your mistress is on the cover of Playboy, and your wife is on the back of the milk carton.
Cool Myspace Comments
Cool Myspace Comments
Cool Myspace Comments
