SN Saints Team Report
 

PERSONNEL ANALYSIS: The Saints made a low-risk investment in signing LB Dan Morgan, but it could potentially pay a huge reward. Back in 2005, Morgan was one of the NFL's best young linebackers. However, he was limited to four games the past two seasons because of serious concussion issues in 2006 and an Achilles' tendon injury in 2007. The Saints are giving Morgan, 29, a chance to prove he still has plenty left in the tank. After spending most of his career at middle linebacker, Morgan (6- 2, 245) will battle Scott Shanle for the starting weakside linebacker job. In his prime, Morgan was the type of tenacious, athletic playmaker the Saints' defense has lacked in recent years. If Morgan and new MLB Jonathan Vilma both pan out, the Saints' defense could make a remarkable transformation this season. ...

The team re-signed backup TE Billy Miller, who has been a nice fit on the field and in the locker room the past two years. Miller, who turns 31 next month, started six games in 2007 and had 27 catches for 328 yards and two touchdowns. He will compete for playing time with veteran Mark Campbell; the Saints may still sign another veteran at the position or re-sign Eric Johnson, last year's primary starter. Regardless of how many veterans are on the roster, look for the Saints to draft a tight end this year. Coach Sean Payton loves to use the tight end, and worked with the Giants' Jeremy Shockey and Cowboys' Jason Witten earlier in his career. QB Drew Brees also likes to keep the tight ends involved and loved throwing to Antonio Gates during his run with the Chargers. For the past two years, though, the Saints have been unable to find a go-to guy at the position. They reportedly inquired about making a trade for Shockey, but the Giants' asking price was too high.

SCOUTING REPORT: The only surprising thing WR David Patten's return is that a deal didn't get done sooner. The two sides didn't agree to terms on the two-year contract until a few days into free agency, but it's not like Patten, 33, was going anywhere. He didn't even consider visiting other teams. Patten and the Saints were a perfect match in 2007, when he signed a one-year deal with the team. He resurrected his career, catching 54 passes for 792 yards and three touchdowns, and gave the Saints a legitimate No. 2 threat alongside Marques Colston. Patten (5-10, 190) makes tough catches over the middle in traffic, and he also still shows the speed to be a deep threat. A relentless worker, Patten provides a great veteran presence for the team's young receiving corps. The Saints would love to see Devery Henderson or Robert Meachem emerge and push Patten this year, but if neither receiver is ready to step into the starting role, the team knows it has someone it can count on.

OFFSEASON CONDITIONING PROGRAM: March 17. With several new players in the fold, it will be interesting to see how the Saints' defenders push each other and come together -- particularly at defensive end. Bobby McCray, signed from Jacksonville, and incumbents Will Smith and Charles Grant all failed to perform up to expectations last year. Perhaps they will feed off each other, starting this spring.

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Re: SN Saints Team Report
 

that was a nice team write up

Re: SN Saints Team Report
 

Yeah that was very good. March 17, the ball starts rolling