New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - My thoughts on the key performers from the Bucs game...

Some of them are pretty obvious:

1. Malcolm Jenkins: had a great 1st start. He was all around the ball. A very nice line: 7 tackles, 2 passes defensed, and an INT.

2. Drew Brees: didn't have to do a lot today, but he did just enough. 3 TD's is Brees-like, but only 187 yards, and the reason why he didn't have that many yards is because...

3. The dynamic duo of PT23 and Mike "The Hitman" Bell (my own personal moniker I've given him, because he isn't afraid to drop his shoulder and hit someone in the mouth): combined for over 160 yards on the ground. They were running straight down Tampa's throat for the majority of the game.

4. Robert Mecheam: Only 2 catches for 10 yards, but they hit paydirt both times. His stock is rising every week with this offense. Brees' confidence in him has to be through the roof.

5. The offensive line: was outstanding in pass protection and run blocking. Strief played very well at LT, and the rest of the line bullyed the Bucs defensive line all day long creating nice holes for PT and Bell.

Players under the radar:

1. The entire secondary: To complement the great game by Jenkins was Sharper, Harper, and UY, Chris Reis, and Leigh Torrance holding the Bucs receivers in check. This game solidified my opinion that when Greer, McAlister, and Porter are all back on the field together, that the Saints have possibly the deepest, most talented secondary in the NFL.

2. Scott Fujita: was another player that seemed to be around the play consistently. He really hustled today and stepped up big. His first sack and forced fumble of the season were a huge lift for the defense.

3. Will Smith: was a beast again today, but quietly. Adding another sack, but he was also seemed to be collapsing the pocket quite a bit. He had a non-stop motor today, and the Bucs were lucky to contain him as much as they did. Three sacks wouldn't have surprised me.

4. Marques Colston: got his hands back. After a couple of suspect games with dropped passes and a fumble at the goal line, he came through clutch today with some big receptions. Again, he showed why he is the #1 receiver on the Saints.

5. David Thomas: had his best game as a Saint. What a steal this guy was! Only giving up a 7th rounder for a guy who could probably start if Shockey wasn't here. He's that good! He has great hands, very good blocker, and he makes moves on the field like a wide receiver. I am more impressed with him every week. 16.5 yards per reception and a score. Very nice game indeed.