my observations from last night....
 

drew brees, once he stopped worrying about the shoulder, was impressive... looked quick on his feet, elusive in the pocket, and has great touch on his throws, unlike our past qb..
reggie bush will be the nfc r.o.y.-- the man is amazing and tough, glad to see him in a saints uniform
our lines (defensive and offensive) are garbage... maybe not enough experience? brown looked lost on the left side, and the only impressive offensive lineman was strief, who i predict will be starting by game 5 or 6 of the reg. season....
we still have a lot of learning to do, with too many dumb penalties committed...
devery henderson needs to be cut immediately... he will never be productive... even if he runs a 3.0 forty time, if he can run that with the football it don't matter...
our de's are good (esp. will smith), but our inept dt's are not allowing them to rush up the field and our run defense is a joke...
jones, hass, and colston better make the team... the caught everything but hiv last night....
we drafted some very good "football players" not just combine stars.... bush, hass, colston, strief, all good football players....
why is hilton not starting and fighting for the 3rd te spot with billy miller? if i were payton, hilton, campbell, and miller would be my te's....
i was totally wrong about anwar phillips... i am a moron... the guy is good against the run but couldn't cover his own shadow....
bouman looked good.... against the 3rd string defense of a 4-12 team... cut him and pick up pinegar or keep a. mcpherson...

RE: my observations from last night....
 

chris i missed all the dumb penalties last night but i didn't get to watch the game yet. it comes on in full in a little over an hour. we had a lot of dumb penalties again

RE: my observations from last night....
 

none of our linebackers really asserted themselves last night... i expected this too change...
omar stoutmire has a good nose for finding the football... when he was on the field he consistently was involved in the play...
i was not impressed with jamie martin as some of you were... i think he'd definitely be a liability against a first team defense... let's hope drew doesn't go down at all or we'll be in really big trouble....
vince young will be really good... if his receivers quit dropping the balls he throws them.... roydell had a sure 6 if he holds on to that one toss...
all in all, its the same song, different season with the saints.... we have tons of work to do...
side note on martin, i really admire how the guy could even concentrate on anything other than his wife at this point... i could only imagine if any one of us were in his position and how we'd handle it... kudos to him and i wish him, his wife/family well...

RE: my observations from last night....
 

i should say avoidable penalties that hopefully will be absolved by the time the reg. season gets here.... normal stuff like encroachment a couple of times, couple of holding calls that were absolutely unnecessary considering they were on the other side/ away from the play.... granted it is the first preseason game, but it also is not the first time these guys put on pads and play the game of football...

RE: my observations from last night....
 

i was impressed, however, with sean payton's leaping ability....
oh yeah, our special teams... holy christ, they are horrible.... big returns by the titans on almost every kickoff.... and i think carney will be here at least one more season, unfortunately... the guy is money from about 35 yds in, but after that he's shotty at best.... age has just taken his leg away, which is normal, but i really don't expect to many td's this year, so we need automatic fg's in our corner, no matter how far they are.... should have gone after vanderjagt....

RE: my observations from last night....
 

i was just happy it wasn't the same stuff we had under haz. i will see it soon so i will post again then.

RE: my observations from last night....
 

As far as penalties, they weren't there, atleast not with the first string, where it counts. So I don't really know what you are talking about here. Yeah, Devery dropped an easy pass, but apparently he is impressing the coaches in practice. I know the thing that really matters is how they produce during the game, but the coaches see something, so I can't count him out yet. You are right that both the DL and OL are horrible, but it takes time for OLs to gel, and hopefully they do it soon. Stichcomb didn't play to bad at RT, and it might take a few games for Brown to get used to playing LT.

RE: my observations from last night....
 

well it is a work in progress but i thought the team looked a lot better then they did under haz. i mean shoot they did put up 400 yards. we have work and i think we were all aware of that but i was impressed. not superbowl or playoff impressed but we are headed in the right direction. i like martin as our number 2. i like some of the young guys we have. i like where we are headed.

RE: my observations from last night....
 

as far as the wr's go... horn, stallworth, m. lewis, hass, colston, and jones is who i would go with and the reason is simple... they catch the ball... well, lewis is the special teams guy so he gets a pass, but this is season 3 for devery and he has yet to consistently prove in the game (not at practice) that he can catch the football... i'm not questioning his speed, physical attributes, etc.... but i don't matter how fast or big he is if he cannot catch the ball and run fast WITH the football.... true, about the penalties, they didn't come too many times with 1st team... i don't want to hear anything about "gelling" offensive lines.... do your job.... it ain't about how much rapport you have with the guy next to you... you have a big sweaty defensive lineman in front of you and have one objective in mind: don't let him past you... "gelling" has nothing to do with it....

RE: my observations from last night....
 

Gelling has everything to do with it. It's like a QB and his receiver, if they don't have good timing and rythm, then they won't work good together. the OL is the same way, they need to understand the limits of the guy on the side of thems ability, so that they can compliment each other. I understand the point you are trying to make about "Just do your job", but IMO, I disagree, it's a team game and all players have to work together, this is especially true with lineman.

RE: my observations from last night....
 

the focus of any lineman is keep the guy in front of me off the guys behind me... that is paramount to anything else.... you don't concern yourself with the other guy and his "battle in the trenches" with the only exception being when you double a twist or rip scheme of a 2 or 3 gap defensive lineman... it is so asininely different than the relationship between the qb and a wr, it is rediculous that you mention it in the same sentence.... this is besides the main point i was making, considering that even if they do "gel" they still will be inadequate amongst the carolina panthers, atlanta falcons, and tampa bay bucs of the world... we just don't have a good offensive line.... i love reggie bush, but it sure would be nice to see ferguson in a saints uniform also.... same could be said about hawk...

RE: my observations from last night....
 

Well, it's just my opinion, so don't be so defensive.

RE: my observations from last night....
 

i'm sorry if you thought my banter is defensive... it wasn't meant to be...

RE: my observations from last night....
 

Its cool.

The one thing most of you ,I think, are missing is that 2 of the 5 starters didn't even dress out. Don't be so doom and gloom. We were without so many starters in this game it's not even funny. If you saw what I see everyday you may think differently. We were missing a bunch of starters on offense and defense. Chill out. It's the first pre-season game.

even with the starters out, my concerns are the same.... mckenzie will help, but not much.... all of our d-line was there and i think most of the offensive line as well.... those are my main concerns.... we aren't going to go 0-16, but we ain't making the playoffs either... think we are about 5 quality players away from being considered playoff threats...

This is just plain wrong. Holland and Mayberry were both out. On defense, Whitehead and Leisle who are projected(at least here at training camp) as starters.

at least in training camp?... tsk tsk, joe sam.... i really expected you to have more of your own opinion on things than that... even if holland and mayberry were there the offensive line would be sub par.... that's just the reality of our current situation.... jamaal brown is the only one i would say has a guaranteed spot, even though he should be on the right side of the line..... are you really holding out hope for leisle and/or whitehead improving our porous run defense? wow...

All i'm saying is it's way to early in camp to be all doom and gloom. Let everyone have some light . It's not all bad. Give the guys some time. I too don't think we'll make the Super Bowl but I do think we're a whole lot better and or different than in years past. Maybe I just choose to not believe that the sky is falling just yet.


P.S. and yes, I am here in Jackson, I have been for almost two weeks. Been to all the practices and all! :D

who's all doom and gloom? i'm stating my opinions based upon observed facts... i agree with everything you said, but as i originally posted, these were my observations.... no one said the sky is falling... i'm pointing out what i noticed to be seemingly enough problem areas on our team... i wish i wouldn't have anything to comment on or write about, but i do so i did.... don't take it as anyone burying their head in the sand, but i'm not going to be one that says "this is the year" when it is blatantly obvious to anyone with eyes that it won't be.... a first impression is usually a correct one, and i got my first impression of this team last night... improved but not quite there yet.... attitude and work ethic/ discipline abound, but lack of talent on the offensive and defensive lines and constant neglect of the linebacker and cornerback positions will be the downfall of this team....

I gotta agree with thib82 on the gelling. An offensivle line HAS to gel. They are a unit, regardless. I dont care how good a left tackle is, there are still four other guys as well. Its not one on one all the time there. Guys have to know when to double team or pick up a blitz or force guys to a different area or into another lineman. The offensive line is a team within a team. They all have to feel each other out and know and anticipate what the other will do, just like a running back has to learn how and when they open a hole. Its just about comfort and knowing the guy next to you and how they do their job, so collectively, as a whole, the offensive line can do THEIR job.

i'm not saying that they don't have to "gel"... i'm saying that the primary focus is not what the guy on the side of you is doing, but what the guy in front of you is doing or is going to do.... notice i never said they don't have to work collectively or "gel" but even if they do "gel" but can't block anyone, what good is it? that's my point, which every single one of you is missing... ya'll are hung up on the "gelling" thing, but if the line is subpar to begin with, who gives a care if they "gel"?

It's not me that's crazy.....it's all the rest of you! Just kidding of course but doesn't it sound the same? No offense meant.

yea, the line is subpar, we know that, i dont think any of them are dramitically gunna improve and be pro bowlers with only 4 preseason games under their belt. But if they play as a unit, not 5 guys individually trying to stop the other team, i think our chances are alot better. It doesnt matter how many big money stars you have, if they dont play like a team, yer not gunna win the superbowl. Look at the Redskins, theyve spent so much money on superstars and no title recently. Im not saying on their O-line, just their team in general. I dont rememeber the patriots having tons of big money guys when they had their superbowls runs. All im saying is, the only way this line will improve is by gelling. hehe, they aint gunna be superstars overnite. The only ones i have hope for are Brown and Faine being a serviceable guy like Fontenot was.

i noticed that jason craft keeps getting beat over and over again....
hass and colston look GREAT!

Here's my reactions from the game:

Coaching-wise, I imeediately saw differences from last year. The defense played in tighter and played more man-2-man. They didn't blitz very often, but hey it's pre-season. The offense and the playcalling really developed nicely. Joe Horn seemed to wake up the passing game when he made those two 20-yard catches. The receivers (even Henderson) ran much better routes than in previous years and the Saints QBs and receivers, with few exceptions, seemed to be on the same page. I attribute a lot of this to the coaching. The Saints now have a passing game that is designed to spread the ball around and exploit defensive coverages. I like the pass to set up the run philosophy. I think we'd be at our best using Reggie and the passing game for the most of the drive and then, when their D shows signs of fatigure, bring in Deuce to finish 'em off. I think had Deuce played last night, we would have had one more TD.

Our glaring weakness is definitely stopping the run. We need a good young, if not yet great, DT like Tenn has in Haynesworth. Also our LB's can't seem to get off their blocks and our secondary has to make too many tackles. There is still a big void at MLB, we've gotta hope someone steps up there, or maybe Nate Wayne has something left. Colby actually looked like the best LB out there again, but that was more by default than anything special he did. Well at least our defense should naturally be a little better this year if the offense can move the ball and keep them rested a little more.

Our special teams had a horrible night on the coverage and return units. That's OK as long as they get things fixed now. Maybe it will get better as the roster get peared down and we find out which special teams aces will make the team.

Something I found a little humorous during the game. Even with all the hype and excitement Reggie brings, there were a few times, especially between plays, when I'd watch the Saints players and see #25 I had to keep telling myself it wasn't Fred McAfee. Hey it's pre-season for us too right :-) ? I always see #'s and identify the players that way, more than I realize. What's up with Billy Miller wearing #48 and all the WR's wearing 10-something numbers?

For what it's worth, outside of that last pass attempt, I thought Vince Young looked good. He looked so composed out there - maybe a little more relaxed and sure of himself because he doesn't have to carry the offense and make so many of the plays like he did w/ Texas. He didn't look ltoo bad taking the snap from center. A lot of Titans dropped balls on him. His height and build remind me of AB sometimes, but his poise and playing style look like McNabb.

Agreed JoeSam. I like the fact that we got to see alot of the new guys out there for a large amount of time. It makes the cuts much clear later on. man some of these cuts are going to be tuff.
I like what I saw out of the three new guys we signed. thought Nanton and Williams showed some flashes out there.
Our CB looked to be playing catch up all game. here is a bigger weakness than the LB's IMO. Thought the safeties were over adjusting on the WRs. Getting Mike back is not enough to correct this. If the CB can be trusted more the Safties can worry more about plugging the lanes against the running game.
I am concerned about the Strong side of the D as a unit. Whitehead, Smith, Fujita and Fincher got hammered time and time again against the run.
Brown does not seem to have the foot speed needed to play LT. Maybe it is more tech than speed. seemed to stop shallow on his drops on passing downs. Now Ben looked good. sure second teamers were in but he moved better. maybe he should be our LT. like to see the saints play him with the first team next game and move Brown back to the right just to see if Ben can handle it. at least for a quarter.
WR may come down to making cap room. they all played well. except henderson. funny one drop in this group and you standout. this is a good thing.

We will see about the WR situation...I like that there are going to be some tough cuts at WR...I wish the cuts on defense were going to be just as hard...I still think Donte is going to be traded and that is part of the reason why he was not played on Saturday, we will know this week...Make Haas impressed me...liked Colston and Moore...Liked Branch too...

Harper played very well, and Stout looked good to be an oldie...He was up in the air at the right ime deflecting passes and assisting on tackles...

On Phillips, I thought we were stupid at 1st for skipping em n the draft, but now I know why...He doesn't do stupid reads or anything, he just isn't physical or quick enough...Lay and Mason were laying it out, out there...Mason is always making ways to act on the ball, and Lay is never beat on routes and he is a very smart player on the ball...One more thing I'd like to see is J.Thomas get more development and play...

On ST, I'd like to see Kuale and McPherson stay...Other than that, they suck! A QB got more tackles than Gleason and our others, Kuale was blasting and we weren't making any penetration onto the ballcarrier for tackles...We really need to get a grip


I'd like to give some points to Minucci and Ninkovich, they may not have did the most but they looked good...Nink was getting so much preesure, he was the one who set up Smith's sack...He tackled the crap outta one guy, too...And Minucci did alot of stuffing with spedd and power on the run, he made some nice moves and plays, once he used pure strength and speed to deflect one of Youngs' passes

Colby played harder on D than ever...He was all over those RB's and recivers...He made some tough penetration to get those tackles, too...

I like what I saw out of Nink...I think he could be a good compliment to WS if Grant fails to step up his game this year...Hope out DT's can get better penetration on Bledsoe next week and beyond...Nink looked faster than I thought he would be...Disapointed in Fincher

I am not that concerned with the o-line yet - I think Mayberry & Holland will help there -- I am concerend with the depth though

Stopping the run is a big problem -- I thought the DT's did okay -- not spectacular -- but the linebackers looked weak. Its early but I am still hoping we end up with Edwards -- I think that would make a huge difference

I am enthralled at Bullocks -- the guy impressed me even more than last year. No wonder we got rid of smith

Its going to be a tough call on Wide receivers -- I would expect that some of the ones we cut will end up on other teams --

Brees & Bush are the real deal --

I think the only WR we get rid of that wont end up on another roster is Lewis...the knee is just too old to come back like he was...he signed a pretty hefty contract for a part time WR with a bum knee and Loomis may want that money for a LB like Edwards or whoever may end up coming to the team in a trade...They are looking hard to pick up someone on waivers but arent having much luck finding a LB that will ad depth or start...IMO I dont think they want Colby starting and that why they are still looking hard

I think the team did well. Brees looked a little nervous at first but slowly got into his groove. Reggie did great!. The recieving core did very well. I think Devery, however, dropped a few easy passes. Martin. thank God, showed he is a very capable backup, and the defense showed some promise.

The offensive line fielded Saturday night performed well when asked to do one thing for a short period of time. Extended plays saw major breakdowns. Long passes and change of direction runs were clearly problematic. Against the 1st team defense, the line never penetrated nor did they prevent a bull rush on Brees' backside.

The defense seems to still be looking for someone to make a tackle and are too easily pushed against the grain of the flow of the play. The Titans did more to stop themselves than the Saints . The score should have been 30-19 Titans.

As others have noted, special teams are just dismal. How hard is it to keep in a lane or move in front of the ball carrier to make him cut into the pursuit?

Overall, I'd give the coaching staff a B, the WR's an A++, the QB's a B, Branch an A, the lines a C- and the Secondary a C+. Everyone else gets an incomplete.

This is why I think Duece and Bush will get alot of receptions this season. Our biggest threats will be quick passes to the flats, and possibly screen plays. This will keep the line from having to block for more than a few seconds.