Right now CB Jason David is a New Orleans Saint but that all can change come Saturday afternoon when the team must make it's final roster cuts and get down to the league mandated 53 man roster. Since coming over to the Saints via free agency from Indianapolis David hasn't lived up to expectations. He's been the blame from Saints fans for much of last years secondary woes. So far this preseason it doesn't look as though he has progressed one bit from last year.

Tonight the Saints take on the Miami Dolphins in their final preseason game. It will be Davids last chance to show the coaches that he can be a contributer to this squad. However he'll have to fight off veterans Jason Craft and Aaron Glenn, which so far he hasn't done a good job of. Craft is someone who has been with the Saints for a few years now and knows what coach payton wants from him. Glenn is a long time veteran in this league and has played in every type of defensive scheme there is. Jason David however has shown unless he is in a zone cover defense, he'll get torched every time he's on the field.

In camp David shows flashes of what the coaches were hoping to get when he joined the team in 2007. In games he seems confused and often is nowhere near the receiver when he catch is made. He's been the most inconsistant CB so far this preseason and that doesn't bode well for him. There are to many CB's on the roster for him to play so bad and make this team.

If cut the Saints will have to take a cap hit of around 3 million but the Saints say that the money doesn't factor in when they make the decision. As for my opinion I say cut him. With second year CB Usama Young and newly aquired Randall #### looking better keeping him would be more of a liability than anything. Sometimes in the game of football you have to cut your losses no matter how big it may be.

For Saints RB Reggie Bush last years woeful season was a humbling experience. Thrust into the role of an every down back by coaches after McAllister went down early in the season, he seemed to never really get on track. Which is a far cry from the very good rookie season he had in 2006. With four games left in the regular season Bush missed them with a knee injury of his own.

 The word "bust" has been thrown around by Bush's harshest critics, who suggest his speed has been neutralized by NFL defenses and that he can't be an every-down back. But Bush said he isn't fazed by such talk, and he's not even interested in using it as motivation

"No, because I know I'm not a bust. I know I'm far from it, " said Bush, who gained 998 yards from scrimmage in 12 games last season, but did it without the highlight-reel flair that he flashed in college and as a rookie.

I tend to agree with him. Think about this, is it his fault that he's not a 6'1 230 lbs powerback? No it isn't, in fact if anyone is at fault for Reggies' less than productive second season it's the Saints coaching staff.

They should have known Reggie never was an every down back and in fact he's kind of light in the #### to be doing that. I would imagine the only time Reggie has been an every down back was playing in high school. In college at USC he had LenDale White to carry the heavy load, much like Deuce did for the 2006 season. Coach Shaun Payton gambled with Bush in that role and failed miserably. Knowing all along there was a RB on the roster named Pierre Thomas who could have shouldered that load.

Reggie knows and understands that there are high expectations for players drafted in the first round.

"Any time you're a rookie coming into this league and you're a first-round draft pick, you have a lot of pressure on your shoulders. So it's not easy. It's not an easy job, " said Bush.

I'm probably one of the few people and even Saints fans who believe Bush will still do some great things in the NFL. Far to many people are fair weather fans but I guess that's just the way it is with sports.

I remember a certain QB named Peyton Manning who is widely considerd the best in the game today throwing plenty of interceptions his first couple of seasons. I also don't remember anyone labeling him a bust either. So why should we label Bush in that way?

He's only going into his third season and anyone who thought he would be an every down back doesn't really know football. What he does well is make people miss tackles. Get him the ball in open space and he'll make just about every defensive player in the NFL look silly grabbing for air.

Besides he's still learning which is what 90% or more of the players coming from college do in their first few seasons.

 "This is a totally different level from college. You start from rock bottom once you get in the league, and some people are able to come into this league and have great careers right off the bat. Some people really have to learn. Everybody's different.

So let's give the young man a break...or not. However when he's helping the Saints get back into the playoffs just remember what you thought of him. Well that and crow may taste better in a Gumbo.

There is a lot of speculation of whether Saints RB Deuce McAllister can comeback from two seperate knee injuries in three years. Saints fans, haters and overall NFL football fans have their opinions. I have mine as well and let's just say it doesn't fall in line with the majority.

I've been in a similar situation as Deuce once in my life after being run over by a car on interstate 10 here in New Orleans. With injuries to both my legs and knees I also know the hard work you have to put in to get back to where you were before. And though history may not be on McAllisters side, it doesn't mean it's impossible...I'm proof of that.

The difference between us is that unlike me Deuce had his knee repaired by reknowned Dr. James Andrews, widely considered one of the foremost surgeons in the United States for knee, elbow, and shoulder injuries. He's also fourtunate to have the best rehab staff money can buy. That alone though will not do it and get you back on the field of play.

I was givien a 50/50 chance that I'd ever walk again. However I was also told by my Doctor that my will and determination would raise that percentage. From that day on I never looked back and continued to push forward. I'm happy to say after lots of hard work I am able to walk and do everything I want to do in life. The same can hold true for McAllister.

Deuce has worked hard and is coming along just fine in camp. He's lost weight which will help take the strain off his knees. He looks quick when hitting the holes made by his offensive line in drills which is encouraging.

There are those who doubt and with good reason. Not many RB's if any at all have comeback from two very serious knee surgery's and been successful. There is a saying though that goes " You can't measure the heart of a champion" and in the eyes of this Saints fan, McAllister is a true champion.

So go ahead doubt all you like that Deuce will not be able to be the RB that he was just two seasons ago. I know I had those that doubted me and to this day with every step I take it's a reminder to them that anything is possible, so long as you will it to be.

Well now that the first week of the NFL preseason has come and gone let's take a look at some players from each NFC South team who stood out amongst their teamates.

Atlanta Falcons : QB Matt Ryan looked good starting his first game in the NFL.  In his limited time behind center he passed for 113 yds and a touchdown while going 9-of-15 passing. Not bad for a rookie and a team without much hopes of making any noise at all this season.

His lone touchdown pass was a 25-yard strike to Roddy White with 10:55 remaining in the first half. White slipped behind the defense on the play and caught the pass as he worked his way into the endzone. 

The First team defense also played pretty well considering they started a rookie former LSU CB Chevis Jackson and three second year players Brent Grimes, Tony Taylor and Jamaal Anderson.

Carolina Panthers : DeAngelo williams stood out the most to me on the offensive side of the ball scoreing twice on the ground. He looked to be healthy and pretty quick when running the ball. He's a player the Panthers will rely upon this season to help take the load off QB Jake delhomme. He finished the night with 55 yards on nine carries for the night for an impressive 6.1-yard average.

Big props to the offensive line as well during these runs. The holes they created were huge enough that the worst RB in the league might have been able to look impressive going through.

The defensive line looked really impressive especially Juluis Peppers who forced a fumble and on another play his pressure caused an errant pass which turned into an interception. Peppers is looking to rebound after a mediocre 2007 season.

Tampa Bay : I wasn't all that impressed with the Buc's offense against a very weak Miami defense. Although they were without starting QB Jeff Garcia none of the other QB's showed me that if Garcia goes down they'd be able to carry this team to the playoffs. RB Michael Bennet had a very nice game. He  finished the game with 74 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries plus a game-high four receptions for 16 yards.

The defense on the other hand looked like the same Tampa defense we've come to know and expect. CB Ronde Barber had the Bucs' first sack, forced a fumble and tied for the team lead with three tackles.

The defense didn't allow a play longer than 21 yards, not bad for just a half days work. The Buccaneers' starters on defense made an impressive debut in the opening quarter. Miami's first drive was a quick three-and-out — two running plays that went nowhere and an incompletion that was momentarily ruled a fumble.

New Orleans : WR Robert Meachem was the best player for the Saints who opened their preseason on thurs. night in Arizona.  He had two highlight catches on the night. A short run brought up a third-and-10 and Brunell fired a 49-yard pass to a diving Meachem at the Cardinals’ 3 yard-line. However his TD catch and run was the most impressive. He caught a pass across the middle of the field and broke three tackles en route to a 60-yard TD that gave the Saints a 24-10 lead in the fourth quarter.

 QB Drew Brees went six-for-seven passing on the first drive for 35 yards, including a perfectly thrown pass on third-and-goal from the Cardinals’ 7 yard-line to WR David Patten for a score.

The defense didn't look all that good to me and even though they gave up no huge plays and kept everything in front of them, they still allowed Arizona to make those catches pretty much uncontested. The Saints still have plenty kinks to work out and hopefully look better in the next game when most of the starting defense will get a chance to play a few downs.

For Saints WR yesterdays preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals was a night he'd been anxiously waiting for. It was a chance to prove to all the nay sayers from the "Who Dat" nation that he is no bust. With Marques Colston and Devery Henderson sitting this one out, hed have plenty of oppertunity to do so. He'd not disappoint.

Meachem had a few real nice catches but it was the touchdown catch that showed Saints fans what they had hoped to get from the first round pick last season. One that was mired by various injuries which kept him from suiting up the in the regular season.

He caught a short pass over the middle from quarterback Tyler Palko on third-and-6, then broke two tackles and sidestepped at least four others before reaching the pay dirt.

"It's a dream come true. I waited a whole year for that," said Meachem, who caught four passes for 129 yards, including a spectacular 60-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Afterward, the Saints erupted on the sideline and took turns congratulating Meachem. Coach Sean Payton greeted him with a hug. Meachem also made a terrific play in the second quarter, extending his arms to make a diving catch of a 49-yard pass from quarterback Mark Brunell. He beat safety Aaron Francisco down the left side of the field and held onto the ball as he hit the turf at the Cardinals' 3-yard line.
All of Meachem's heroics, however, came after Brees had already set the tone for the Saints' offense on the game's opening drive.

"When your head coach does that, it is special. The support means a lot to me, it really does," said Meachem, the Saints' first-round pick in 2007 who didn't play a down last season, thanks mostly to a nagging knee injury. "This was a great night for me, but it's just the start for me.

My coaches told me to just keep working hard and not be satisfied with this and to use it as a building block."

Although just as Meachem said it's only the beggining of a long road to winning the Saints fans hearts and becoming a house hold name in the "Big Easy." It's a great start though and with some plays like that during the regular season he'll be well on his way.

Meachem is a lock to make the team so all he needs to do is concentrate on producing and becoming the best WR he possibly can. Which last night showed me he is working hard at doing just that. He far outshined any other reciever with TE Mark Campbell who made some tough catches a close second.

One game down and a seasons worth to go. The road to redemption has begun for Meachem and he's accepted the challenge. It's only the beggining hopefully it ends, at least this season with a Super Bowl victory.

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?

There are a number of ex- NFL players who belong in the "Hall of Fame." However for this fan there is just one name that comes to mind...Rickey Jackson. How this name has escaped the people who vote for these guys is beyond me. I mean sure he wasn't no Lawrence Taylor but then again who has been? He didn't play for some big market team like N.Y. but can you explain to me why is it that his sustained excellence over 15 seasons, that a level of play that puts him 10th on the NFL's all-time sacks list and second all-time in fumbles recovered, that six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams and one Super Bowl ring, is not enough to earn enshrinement for the player who arguably is the best in Saints history?

Take for instance this weekends enshrinement of Andre Tippett, the former pass-rushing specialist who helped New England reach its first AFC championship game in the 1985 season. His two-year sack total of 35, in 1984-85, remains a league record for linebackers.

But Tippett's 100 career sacks are 28 short of tying Rickey. His 17 fumbles recovered are 11 short of Jackson's total. He missed five games because of injury in 1986; Rickey missed four because of injury in his career. One has to wonder what he has done to earn it that Jackson hasn't?

If the reason Jackson hasn't made it is because of his after playing issues then why are Michael Irving and LT there? Both these ex players after playing issues were well documented. Rickey is considerd the state of Louisianas' biggest dead beat dad. He owes roughly about $177,781.33 which is probably about equivelant to what LT and Irving spent a year on drugs.

What that makes Rickey -- if true -- is a horrible parent. But it doesn't mean he's a lesser player than he was, and off-field smudges certainly seem to have not been factors in determining a player's Hall-worthiness. The numbers he put up, the time he put in and the accolades he won haven't been received as favorably as they should have by the committee.

Each passing year I keep asking myself... why?

Any mention of one teams offense and it has to start with the QB. For the New Orleans Saints that man is Drew Brees. Brees has the most passing yards and completions of anyone in the league the past two seasons. The Saints' passing offenses have ranked first and third in the NFL. Although last season is one both Saints fans and Drew Brees would like to forget. He did finish the season strong with career highs in attempts (652), completions (440), completion percentage (67.5), passing yards (4,423) and passing touchdowns (28). He also threw a career-high 18 interceptions, including nine in the first four games. That can't happen if the Saints are to be successful this season. Backup QB Vet. Mark Brunell is a serious upgrade from Jamie  

When you get to the WR position after Marques Colston there isn't much to talk about. Colston in my opinion has the best hands of any receiver in this league. I think I've seen him drop maybe 4 balls in his two year career. Not to mention the numbers he put up over the two years is better than anyone whoever played in the NFL.

 Devery Henderson had a bad case of the droppsies last year. 2007 first round pick Robert Meachem never played a down in the regular season because of an injury. Lance Moor and Terrance Copper were inconsistant and had trouble just getting open. This year there is a new face fighting for a starting position at WR. seventh round pick Adrian Arrington and so far in camp he's been real impressive.

David Patten is a veteran who is probably a lock and brings great leadership ability to this team. In fact Robert Meachem has done very well in camp and looks poised to take the #2 receiver spot all thanks to Patten who worked with him during the off season. If I had to say any player at this position who might be on the chopping block, it would be Henderson.

The RB position is very interesting and somewhat scary to say the least. Deuce is returning from another knee surgery but has looked good in camp. He's also lost a little weight which has helped out as well. If he can comeback and make it through the season, then this position is in good hands. Reggie Bush is someone who makes you scratch your head. Last season he seemed to kind of fear running between the tackles, always wanting to bounce every run outside.  Note to Reggie, this is the NFL and even big 300lbs lineman can be fast.

Pierre Thomas should be the man if Deuce can't go or make it through the season. The young man has both speed and some power with him. Saints fans have been waiting for him to get a real chance to play. Last season he became the first Saint to rush for over 100 yds and receive as much as well in one game. Not to mention he led the team in all purpose yds as well. Throw in veteran Aaron Stecker and I think the Saints are still good in this department even without Deuce. However I could see them bringing in someone else if Deuce goes down.

With the addition of Shockey and a now healthy Mark Campbell the Saints TE position is much better off than it was a year ago at this time. Shockey when healthy is a threat in the passing game. There are mixed reactions as to how well he is in the running game. Mark Campbell however is considerd one of the best blocking TE in the league. He can catch balls to and has shown that so far in camp. With Billy Miller showing up a few times last season he will probably see some playing time as well.

Which leads me to the offensive line. Sure the Saints lost center Jeff Fain who is now sleeping with the enemy, but Jonathan Goodwin has filled in quite well. He also did a great job last season when Fain was hurt. All in all the line has been very good the past two seasons. Brees is one of the least sacked QB's since coming here. OT Jamal Brown is top 3 in this league and Jahri Evans from Bloomsburgh college came out of nowhere as a rookie in 2006 and it carried right over to last season. I expect nothing to change with this group and in fact it became deeper with the addition of Carl Nicks, a 6'5 341 pound rookie from Nebraska who has impressed coach Shaun Payton so far.

The Saints offense should be every bit of what it's been these past two seasons, very high powered. With all the additions added to the defensive side of the ball, I expect a great season from New Orleans. One that'll take us to the one place we've never been...and that's the Super Bowl.  

 One biggest questions for coach Shaun Payton during the off season was...how was he going to fix a defense that gave up big play after big play last season. With most of the damage being done thru the air, one would first think upgrading the CB position would be a good place to start. However if one would also look in the recent past, they'd see that the Giants won a Super Bowl based on how well it's defensive line played.

Enter Sedrick Ellis from Southern California. Arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft this off season. Ellis is not only big and strong but has some quick moves that will give offenses nightmares. He'll demand a double team which will free up the defensive ends to do what they are payed to do...and that's get to the QB. Will Smith and Charles Grant seen double teams consistantly last season because nobody feared the rest of the D-line. With Ellis teams will no longer have that luxury. Add in pass rushing specialist DE Bobby McCray and the Saints line is pretty solid for the most part. With McCRay the Saints will have the option of putting Grant at a DT position with Ellis which will put added pressure on offenses. We all know that a good pass rush can make just about any CB's look good.

In the second round of the draft the Saints did indeed look to add a player on defense with skills at the CB position. Tracy Porter from Indiana will be the kid trying to earn him a roster spot. Porter has very good instincts and a nose for the ball. Coach Payton has described him as a very smart and skilled player from just what he's seen at mini camp. Porter will have to work hard though with all the competition at that spot. The Saints brought in former LSU and New England Patriot CB Randall #### via free agency. I'm expecting him to start opposite Mike McKenzie come the regular season. Jason David may be relegated to the third CB and 2nd year man Usama Young is having the best camp of all these guys. No doubt Porter has his work cut out for him.

 The Saints haven't had a LB to compliment Scott Fujita in the two (going on three) years Payton has been here. So in a trade with the Jets, New Orleans took a gamble and aquired LB Jonathan Vilma. Vilma who was a first round pick of the Jets was the DROY in 2006. When coach Eric Mangini arrived he implimented the 3-4 defense coupled with injuries, Vilma just wasn't the same. Now however Vilma is healthy and back in a 4-3 defensive scheme he should return to form this season. He'll help anchor the Saints defense in the middle with his ability to cover RB's coming out the backfield.

 I may be very optomistic about this defense but make no mistake about it, they have lots to prove. After a stellar 2006 season the defense (even offense somewhat) looked like a shell of itself in 2007. With these additions though the Saints and it's wonderful fans should have a very exciting season. One that can't start soon enough.

Am I missing something here? Didn't the K.C. Chiefs just sign there top draft pick Glenn Dorsey two days ago? Wasn't he a higher pick at the same position than Saints 1st round draft pick Sedrick Ellis? Then can you also tell me why it has taken the team this long to sign Ellis and get him into camp?

There is no excuse for him not to have signed on the dotted line already. Players drafted in front and behind him have been signed by their respective teams. I'm baffled as to why the Saints haven't gotten this done already. I do however know from the look on coach Sean Paytons face every press conference when asked questions about Ellis status, he's not happy about it.

Ellis is expected to be a starter on a defensive line that was good against the run but struggled to ever put any pressure on opposing QB's. That's what they drafted Ellis for. He's strong and explosive throught the middle. He'll demand double teams at times which could free up DE's Will Smith,Charles Grant and new comer Bobby McRay.

The longer he misses camp the more the Saints are at fault for any and all mistakes he makes this season. They're dragging their feet in the mud and there is simply no justification as to why. I know he'll get signed my question is only why has it already taken two days going into the third that they've not gotten him under contract.

The Saints need to get him under contact and in camp a soon as possible. Hollis Thomas isn't starter material we need some speed through the middle. Ellis can provide that and I'm anxious to see him in camp and what he might be bringing to the team. There's no doubt in my mind he'll be a candidate for DROY this season. Which can mean only one thing for this Saints fan...I'm thinking "Black and Gold Super Bowl!"

Runningback Deuce McAllister did not practice this morning because of swelling to his surgicaly repaired knee. McAllister had his knee drained to relieve some discomfort and increase range so an MRI could be done. The Saints were looking for any structual damage to the joint. The MRI came back negative and he's been cleared to practice again on a limited basis.

Had their been some damage to the knees joint, this would have been terrible for them. Deuce is what makes the Saints offense tick. Reggie threatens no defense and for whatever reason I'm sure Payton would not start Pierre Thomas, even though I think he should. Hopefully Deuce's swelling goes down soon and he's able to get through the season healthy.

Word is Marques Colston has looked really good at yesterdays evening practice and it carried over to this mornings session. Brees and Colston has burned every combonation of DB's they threw at them during this mornings practices. You ever wonder how teams passed on this guy and let him slip to the seventh round? He's been nothing short of spectacular since his rookie season for the Saints. He posseses everything you could want from an NFL WR, Great hands, good speed, nice size and plays smart. Colstons had one of the best first two seasons of any wide receiver in history.

Robert Meachem continues to look impressive at camp also. He's caught a few big passes durring seven on seven drills. Rookie Adrian Arrington has also loked good and has had spectatos murmuring about his likeness (as far as football skills go) to that of Marques Colston. Nevermind the fact they both got selected in the seventh round.

CB Jason David recieved good praises from coaches this morning. He broke up two passes but also was staying with every WR he covered in one on one coverage drills. Randall #### has also done a good job and I think he'll end up the starter by the end of pre-season. Although rookie CB Tracey Porter could surprise everyone but as of now the nickel position is more likely.

With the Jets inking DE Vernon Gholston yesterday and K.C. signing their first round pick Glenn Dorsey this morning Saints fans might be able to expect Sedrick Ellis to sign in a matter of days. I fully expect him to win the DT position over Thomas so getting in camp as soon as possible is a big deal.

Jonathan Vilma looks healthy and up to speed so far and has had a very good first three days. He's a huge hole that was filled during the offseason by the Saints. He'll be vital to the defenses success this season and think he might be the comeback player of the year.

Saints camp has only been going on for three days now and so far the players look good. Let's just pray that a good and healthy training camp brings about a very great season.

After arriving today in Jackson Miss. for the start of training camp tomorrow the Saints have announced they've come into an agreement with it's star wide receiver Marques Colston on a three year agreement.

   Colston, a seventh-round pick in 2006, has far outplayed his rookie contract. In two seasons, he's caught 168 passes for 2,240 yardsand 19 touchdowns.

  Loomis said he can't remember ever signing a player to an extension after two years. "He's been a nice surprise for us," Loomis said. "We're excited to have Marques and to know that he's going to part of the New Orleans Saints through 2011."

With the edition of TE Jeremy Shockey in a trade yesterday with the Giants, The Saints are headed to training camp loaded on the offensive side of the ball. If you're Saints QB Drew Brees you've got to be excited about the possibility o####reat season.

If many players can stay relatively healthy this team can be the best ever assembled in franchise history.  One huge area to keep a watch on in camp is the battle at DT with first round pick Sedrick Ellis and Hollis Thomas. Thomas always comes into camp over weight so it'll be interesting to see if Eliss is worth the Saints trading down to pick.

    If he is able to be the disruptive force up the middle that the Saints hope he can be, It'll go a long way in helping out the still suspect CB's that the Saints have.

Eliss could help free up DE 's Will Smith and Charles Grant from being double teamed as they were most of last season. I think he'll make a huge impact this season for the defense. Possible DROY material.

Another good battle to watch will be the WR position. Colston is a lock but everything else is up for grabs. Last years 1st round pick Robert Meachem was praised by coaches during mini-camp and OTA's. So was rookie Adrian Arrington who is already being compared to Colston. Devery Henderson is sure to be in that mix as well.

I'll be watching carefully also on how the comeback of Jonathan Vilma goes in camp. The Saints aquired him from the Jets this off season. Vilma is a former DROY player but has been slowed by injury and a new defensive scheme in N.Y. that different fit a player with his skill level.

Vilma and Fujita have the makings o####reat pair of LB's. They'll compliment each other well.

The Saints defense will really need to step it up this season. I'm expecting some real fierce battles on that side of the ball during camp. With so many holes that need filling players should be working real hard to earn a roster spot.

Saints will be one of the top offenses this season. Now if the defense can keep teams from hanging 28 or more points on them they should win plenty of football games this season.

The New Orleans Saints have in my honest opinion became the top offense on paper in the NFC hands down today. New Orleans has aquired tightend Jeremy Shockey from the N.Y.Giants for a 2009 2nd and 5th round pick. Shockey has been disgruntled the past few years while in N.Y. with his lack of being part of the vertical game plan.

Shockey brings a dimension to the New Orleans Saints that was missing since Shaun Payton has taken over the team. Brees is sure to benifit well from this trade as he'll have an added safety valve for when nothings open downfield. Not to mention Shockey is also a complete tightend. He has great hands, speed and can run block as well. It's rare to get all those qualities from one man at that position.

Another player who will benifit well from this trade also is Reggie Bush. He's such a huge part of the passing game himself. When receiving the ball on swing passes he'll have a TE that can get out and block for him. With camp just a day away it'll be interesting to see how he meshes with the team.

One thing though the Saints TE position has just become real crowded. Eric Johnson, Mark Campbell and Billy Miller will all be battleing it out for a roster position. Miller will probably end up being the odd man out by the time the season begins.

One thing is apparent and that's the Saints are building a championship caliber team. Now we just have to wait and see it all come together. Can you say "Black and Gold Super Bowl!"

I've been a Saints fan for quite some time now. Let me tell you, many of those years were very disappointing to say the least. However there was a time as a young man that I remember a group of guys who played for New Orleans, that in my honest opinion were the best group to this day to ever play inthe NFL.

This group of LB's were better known as "The Dome Patrol" and believe me when I say that's exactly what they did. Ricky Jackson, Pat Swilling, Sam Mills and Vaughn Johnson, if there was or is at this time a better group, I've never seen nor heard of them.

Rickey Jackson: Arguably, the most prolific Saint of his time frame. The 6-time Pro-Bowler was acquired via the Chuck Muncie trade of 1980, Jackson was a second round pick. He played 13 seasons as a Saint and still holds the team career record of 123 sacks. He started 195 games in a Saint uniform. In his entire career, he missed only 2 games due to injury. And those were due to an auto accident he suffered in 1989. He played the greater part of that season with a wired jaw- and still recorded 7 1/2 sacks.

 As a rookie in 1981, he led the team in sacks with 8. He also recorded 125 tackles and  10 passes defensed. He either led, or shared the team lead in sacks 6 times as a Saint. A seven time Pro-Bowler, he had 2 different games with 4 sacks during his career. Against Atlanta in 1986, and Detroit in 1988. In 1987, he chalked up three sacks against Cincinnati.

During his first Pro-Bowl year, in 1983, he had 11 sacks on the year, with three different games with at least two sacks. In 1984, his second Pro-Bowl year, he led all NFL linebackers with 12 sacks, had at least 1 sack in 10 different games, 16 passes defensed on the year and 4 fumble recoveries. Against the Rams,he had 11 solo tackles.

In 1985, the year of his third Pro-Bowl, Jackson had 3 games with 2 sacks and 11 on the year, 107 tackles and 15 passes defensed. In 1986, he had 114 stops (11 in the same Atlanta game where he had 4 sacks), and 6 forced fumbles on the year. In 1989, following the accident, he was supposed to miss 4-6 weeks. He was out only 2. In the third game after his return, against the Jets, he recorded 7 tackles and 2 sacks. Against Detroit, in game 13, he had another 2 sacks.

Following the 1993 season, Rickey's contract expired in 1993 and he opted to sign on with the San Francisco 49ers. He became the starter for their 1994 Super Bowl Championship team.

Pat Swilling:  A 3rd round draft pick in 1986 from Georgia Tech, Pat Swilling had 15 sacks his senior season playing defensive end. His rookie season was uneventful as he played mostly on special teams.

By his second season, he earned the starting right outside linebacker spot, leading the team with 10.5 sacks. In 1988, he had a three-sack day and forced 2 fumbles against the Giants. In 1989 he made the Pro Bowl while setting a new team record of 16.5 sacks on the season. That year he had 2 consecutive 3 sack games, against the Rams and Falcons. In 1991 he led the league with 17 sacks and was named NFL Defensive player of the year.

After the 1992 season, Swilling was traded to Detroit. It was with that pick that Willie Roaf was drafted. After 2 seasons in Detroit, Swilling played 3 in Oakland before retiring in 1999 after 12 years in the NFL.

Sam Mills: Mills had been an All-American at Division II sized Montclair State when he tried out with the Cleveland Browns in 1981. After being cut by the Browns, he then tried to find a spot with the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts and failed to make the team with them. He was teaching high school in 1982 when he made the roster of Jim Mora's Philadelphia Stars of the USFL. The Stars made it to the league title game three times while winning the championship twice. Mills was the leading tackler in each of those three years. When Mora took over the Saints, Mills was immediately brought on board in 1986. By week 4, Mills was the starting linebacker and would hold that position until 1994.

At 5 foot, 9inches, Sam Mills was one of the smallest men to play linebacker in the NFL. Proving that big things can come in small packages, Mills was named to 5 Pro Bowls with the Saints. He led the team in tackles in 1989.

In 1995, Mills joined the expansion Carolina Panthers and intercepted the pass that set up the Panthers' first-ever win against the Jets. The teams leading tackler in 1995 and 1996, he made the Pro-Bowl in 1996.

After retiring after the 1996 season, he continued as a coach with the Panthers' organization and is currently the only member of the Panthers Hall of Fame.

In 2003, Sam was diagnosed with intestinal cancer and continued to coach for the Panthers until he passed away in April of 2005. R.I.P. and we will always love you in the "Big Easy."

Vaughn Johnson: Johnson played college ball at North Carolina state. Like teammate Sam Mills, Vaughn Johnson had a sensational career in the USFL, tallying 154 tackles in 1984 with the Jacksonville Bulls. Johnson was chosen number 1 by the Saints in the 1985 Supplemental Draft. By 1987 he had become one of the starting inside linebackers, leading the team with 87 tackles. In 1988 he had an 18-tackle game against the Redskins in route to leading the team in tackles again with 114, along with 2 sacks and an interception for the season, and he was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Pro team.

He was named All-Pro every year from 1989 to 1992, but he left the Saints after the 1993 season and had a brief stay with the Philadelphia Eagles.

There simply was none better as a unit than these men were. Rickey Jackson continues to be on the official ballot for the NFL hall of fame. Why he hasn't been elected yet is beyond me. This unit was so good that they all played in the 1992 Pro Bowl. They will forever live on in Saints lore. Though they had limited success during their time here, other than the 2006 Saints I can't think of a better time to be a Saints fan. They are the epitome of the "Who dat Nation" and I'm proud to be part of that myself.

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