What To Watch For In Tonight's Preseason Opener
 

-- staff writer Mike Triplett
Sunday, August 05, 2007

FIRST QUARTER

Saints Coach Sean Payton insists there is no such thing as picking up where you left off. But with all due respect to Payton, New Orleans' offense seems to be doing just that one week into training camp.

Quarterback Drew Brees, tailbacks Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, receiver Marques Colston and the entire offensive line have looked smooth, fluid and confident. That should be apparent tonight against the Pittsburgh Steelers, even though they won't dip too deeply into the playbook.

Pay particular attention to Colston, who has added about 10 pounds and shown no signs of a sophomore slump after his breakout rookie season in 2006.

SECOND QUARTER

Tonight will be your first chance to see the Saints' free-agent class in action.

So far, none of the defensive newcomers has taken over a starting job, but the competition will really heat up during the preseason games.

Cornerback Jason David, safety Kevin Kaesviharn, defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy and linebackers Brian Simmons and Dhani Jones could all climb the depth chart if they shine on the field.

Rookie receiver Robert Meachem and cornerback Usama Young probably won't compete for starting jobs right away, but it will be interesting to watch them develop over the course of the next month.

THIRD QUARTER

So far, the breakout player in Saints camp has been receiver Lance Moore, who spent most of the past two seasons on the practice squad.

Moore might not be this season's Colston, but Moore should be the most exciting player on the field once the starters call it a night.

Moore, 5 feet 9, 177 pounds, could become the team's top return specialist now that veteran Michael Lewis is gone -- and Payton has raved about Moore's work ethic while learning all three receiver positions.

FOURTH QUARTER

The battle for the No. 3 quarterback job will take center stage in the second half tonight.

Undrafted rookie Tyler Palko and second-year pro Jason Fife have had their share of highs and lows during practice, but both will have a chance to shine during "mop-up time" against the Steelers.

Re: What To Watch For In Tonight's Preseason Opener
 

Personally, I am happy Deuce probably won't play. I'd give Reggie 3 carries and get him out also. I hope we throw all night.

I think the O-line might go a little longer-the QB's will need time so that we can see what the WR's can do.

Re: What To Watch For In Tonight's Preseason Opener
 

It would be cool if Bush runs 70 yards from the line and scores a TD...
I know it's preseason but still would love to see it happen.

Re: What To Watch For In Tonight's Preseason Opener
 

i really wanna see our receivers and corners. REALLY wanna see who does what...so stoked.

Re: What To Watch For In Tonight's Preseason Opener
 

You might want to slow your roll tonight, big fella.

To quote Allen Iverson

You're going to be watching a nationally televised intersquad scrimmage. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is that no one gets injured.

The last couple of preseason games may give a better indication of how the team is doing. But the zeroeth preseason game? No chance in hell.

Here's looking forward to seeing practice today.

SFIAH

Re: What To Watch For In Tonight's Preseason Opener
 

I want Tomlin to get slaughtered, even if it IS a glorified practice. Perhaps a few injuries to his squad would be an order.