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NEW ORLEANS – Rookie defensive end Junior Galette talked Friday night as if he had just squandered a Black and Gold-en opportunity to make the 2010 New Orleans Saints.

The undersized speed rusher with the high motor and big heart believed he failed to give Saints Coach Sean Payton, Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams and Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson sufficient reason to keep him on the 53-man roster.

The play-by-play from Friday night’s exhibition game against the San Diego Chargers at the Superdome confirmed Galette’s suspicions: no tackles, no sacks, not even a mention of his name in the final press box stats.

It was as if the undrafted free agent from Stillman College and Temple University hadn’t played.

“I’m really frustrated because my specialty is getting to the quarterback and I didn’t do that today,’’ Galette said after the Saints ran their exhibition record to 3-0 with a 36-21 win against a Chargers’ team that is favored to win the AFC West. “It’s real disappointing to me, but I’m thankful for the opportunity, so I got to stay positive.

“I know this was a crucial game for me. From where I stand, I feel like I could have done a lot more to contribute to the team. I feel like I wasn’t out there. If you can’t get the quarterback, what are you doing out there, you understand? We got the win, so it doesn’t matter. But, right now, I’m an undrafted free agent and you got to really stand out.’’

Galette said he sensed his performance Friday night could make or break his chances of making the roster.

“It was real crucial,’’ he said. “It’s life or death for me. Making the roster is basically life or death for me, you understand. It’s my livelihood. I can’t make a mistake. I got my family to take care of. It’s crucial. You either do it or you don’t, you understand. That’s the approach I’m taking. I’m just not losing. God is with me and I can do it this week.

“Right now, I’m taking it one step at a time. I’m happy we got this ‘W’ and I’m putting it behind me. It’s history. Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery. I’m already thinking about the Tennessee Titans.’’

Williams and Johnson obviously thought enough of Galette to give him a chance to play with the first defensive unit in a game that is generally considered to be the most important of the exhibition season.

Payton and Special Teams’ Coordinator Greg McMahon also must see the potential in Galette because he played some snaps with the special teams, too.

“We’ll have a chance to watch him on tape but I’ll bet he got at least 20 to 25 snaps tonight,’’ Payton said. “So that will give us a lot of tape to look at. And, he got some snaps against some of their good people.’’

I would assume that Galette will get a similar opportunity to strut his stuff on defense and special teams in Thursday night’s exhibition finale against the Titans in Nashville, Tenn.

“Today, it was just one of those days,’’ Galette said. “I don’t know what was going on out there. My goal is to try to become one of the better defensive ends in the league and there are a lot of things that I obviously need to still work on. I just want it so bad, you understand.’’

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Danno

He'll either be on someone's 53 or on our practice squad.

Maybe a year or two of NFL conditioning will add some meat to his frame without sacrificing quickness.

I'm about 50/50 on whether he'd clear waivers now. We may try to sneak him onto our practice squad. Its risky though.

SmashMouth

The article states that the Chargers actually game planned for him in light of his previous production. That's something there. He's got one more game to shine.

Danno

I see that now...

Galette said one of the Chargers’ tackles told him after the game that “they had seen me on film and he said they were ready for me, for my speed rushes and my moves. I was like, ‘Wow!’ They really do game plan for you and you have to be ready.’’

strato

He will be on our roster..too much talent ..he would never clear waivers..the quote above from the Chokers lineman proves that...i dont thin the front office takes that chance...JMO

Danno

I'm leaning that way, but I'm just not sure. I'm biased because I really like the kid, but he may get caught in a numbers game.

I'm thinking the front office thinks they can sneak him onto the PS. I'm hoping he's on the 53. We really only have one pass rush DL in Will Smith. Gallett fills a niche.

BTW: Have you heard if he has the build to put on some more weight/muscle without sacrificing any quickness??

dizzle88

Yo Junior, when a team has to gameplan to stop ya, ya definetly doing something good. Coach Payton will notice that, i think hes safe.

Pete

I'm pulling for Junior!he'll be a force to be reckoned with soon enough..I agree with Danno on the conditioning and strength factor..I'll be watching him against the titans.He was disruptive against the patriots!He's relentless.To be gameplanned for, now that's some definate encouragement and a hell of a gesture!Kick it up a notch Junior!!

jeanpierre

We have to have at least four (4) defensive ends:

91 Smith, Will
96 Brown, Alex
99 Wilkerson, Jimmy
93 McCray, Bobby
97 Charleston, Jeff
67 Galette, Junior

And you got Anthony Hargrove who can slide out to Defensive End...

It'll be interesting to see if we keep yet another undersized Defensive End...

DRsaints

I'm routing for Galette and he still has 1 more week to show what he can do. I think he can be very good, but the Saints might not have enough room on the roster for him. I hope they find a way to fit him though.