CheramieIII

I am posting the article since you have to register to read it:
http://www.wwltv.com/sports/jimhend...s.458c262a.html

Henderson: Saints practices have been tough

05:29 PM CDT on Wednesday, August 4, 2004

Jim Henderson / WWL-TV Sports Anchor

The Saints practices that I’ve observed have been more physical than in the past four seasons under Jim Haslett. They have conducted more practices in pads in order to have this team get tougher.

I think that when a team conducts a practice in shorts and in sweats it is sort of perceived as a “day off� by the players. This year the coaching staff is gearing the team to come out of the gate fast.

I think you’ll see the starters go longer in preseason games and be more aggressive. I think the staff realizes this team wasn’t ready when the opening bell was run last year and they know that this year, they’d better be.

I love the enthusiasm of new coaching additions John Pease and Jimmy Robinson. I think they’ll be able to “coach up� those units and Robinson’s unit, the receivers, really need it.

Caught my eye

Defensive lineman Kenny Smith, who’s not likely to make the team. Receiver Talman Gardner, who I was not impressed with previously, has made some big catches and looks impressive this year. Boo Williams and Ernie Conwell are having good camps and Donte Stallworth looks great. I think maybe the light has gone on this year for him with the staff emphasizing how important he is to the offense and how badly they need him.