Fleur-re-port from the Superdome - 08/17/10; quotes from Payton and Ladell Betts (slideshow)
 

Tuesday morning's practice for the New Orleans Saints saw a change of venue as the team packed up everything and headed to the Louisiana Superdome.

Hey, why not practice in the place that sent you to the Super Bowl right?

Coach Sean Payton kept a very spirited atmosphere going after taking Monday afternoon off so the team could take in a movie together. Today's practice focused a lot on special teams again, especially kickoff coverage, and also welcomed the newest addition to the team. Running back Ladell Betts came to terms with the Saints yesterday and was already at practice today. He was not in pads, but did catch a few passes here and there. Still recovering from an ACL injury, Betts is not expected to play in Saturday's game against the Houston Texans.

Betts is very happy to be a part of the defending Super Bowl champions.

"I'm honored. I have a lot of respect for this organization. As you guys know very well, they won last year. When they asked me to be a part of it, it was a no-brainer."

Roster Note: To make way for Betts, the Saints waived wide receiver Larry Beavers. Yes, he did have the big kickoff return against the Patriots, but other mistakes cost him.

On a good note though, the injury list was much shorter today than it has been in about a week. Darren Sharper and Clint Ingram remain on the Active PUP list so their absence is no surprise.

Jimmy Graham, Stanley Arnoux, and Marcus Mailei all continued to sit out as well.

read the rest here

It's a relief to hear that the practices are more physical and no one is coming up injured. I'm a little nervous about Betts. I kind of remember him but nothing stands out. The fact that he can't practice yet doesn't help. I wonder which of the two young running backs that Payton likes the most. They both seem to get an even number of carries. Ivory has looked good but has had issues fumbling the ball and being stripped by the defense. I feel like the FO may still get a more reliable running back through a trade. It's just a hunch. They are probably going to wait for the cuts and hope to get a Patriot reject.:rolleyes:

Betts is a rough runner ,meaning hes a straight ahead runner which is what we really want. Someone who can pound out a yard or two on third and 1 plus. He should have no problem going through tackles and gaining those. Ivory is a young fresh kid off the farm with alot of potential. I like to see him put on about 6-9 pounds more and learn to run through tackles. The saints will probably keep him on the roster and in case Betts doesnt work out.

Betts can pickup the blitzes...very important for repete