Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Saints LB Jonathan Vilma (knee surgery) expects to come off the PUP list
Tuesday and make his 2012 debut Sunday against the Bucs.

You may recall Vilma's year-long suspension was recently upheld by Commissioner Roger Goodell, but Vilma has filed yet another appeal, and it appears he'll be able to play through it. Vilma had a sub-par 2011, but his return should boost the Saints' No. 31 run defense. With Curtis Lofton entrenched at middle linebacker, it's unclear where Vilma may play.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Get out there Jon. We need ya.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Sam - Hawthrone
Mike - Vilma
Will - Lofton

Hey Yuccs .... bring it

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

This will be an emotional boost to the team. I hope it translates to the field.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Is it fair to say that anyone on our defense is 'entrenched'? Especially with respect to those responsible for stopping the run?

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

I'd rather Sam-Hawthrone
Mike-Lofton
Will- Vilma

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Anything is better than Shanle.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Thats probably the right combo. Vilma would get neutralized at SLB. He's a much better fit at WLB where he can free-lance more and doesn't have to engage a TE/OT combo as often. He's a better in space than fighting off blocks.

He might just be one badass WLB.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

There's a headline I didn't expect to see...

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

well lets see what he has left in the tank

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

That's great news. I hope they've had enough time to work out who will be playing at what position before the game. The defense has already spent the first 6 weeks of the season trying to figure out who goes where.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Have a feeling Spags had a plan for using the LB's with Vilma in/out the lineup.

If Vilma's knee holds up during practice it should be interesting to see if it improves the D - against the run and getting pressure on the QB.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Vilma 3rd down

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Hope Vilma gets the start at OLB, please don't move lofton from MLB hes leading the league in tackles and is the man there

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Are we 100% sure Berrigan is going to freeze the suspensions?

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Lofton has EARNED the spot at MLB, and he's proven he can shake a blocker. Vilma gets bogged down when blocked, but has a head for the game. He should call the play then take the weak side.

That would be a positive contribution.

Alaska

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

But no one stands still like Shanle.


For Halloween I think I am going to make a Shanle Crow for my front yard.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

NO MORE SHANLE!!!!!!! NO MORE SHANLE! NO MORE SHANLE! NO MORE SHANLE!!!!!

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

From what I've read, this isn't Berrigan, it's the process under the CBA. Goodell suspended them, they appealed and they'll get to play until the appeal is ruled on. I also read they won't act on the appeal till next Tuesday.
That means all 4 of them can play this week.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Since Vilma hasn't practiced with the team at all in 2012, do you think he'll be familiar enough with Spag's zone system to be the on field play caller?

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Ill guarantee he can match Shales familiarity.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Vilma not practicing at all so far, shouldn't matter. He should still know the playbook and when the play starts, just let the instincts take over...

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

So if Vilma can play so can Smith? Im not gettin my hopes up.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Guys - The NFL has until Oct 23rd to re-reissue the suspensions. And they will.

I don't expect to see much from Vilma at all unless the suspensions are overturned.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

I think they are safe until November... the appeal isn't scheduled until Oct 23...

Would have to release a decision after that. If I am not mistaken Vilma's atty. has Williams, Cerelo (sp?), and Der Kommisar scheduled for depositions on October 21st.

No matter how the appeal process comes out the court may still have something to release...

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

No spags already stated that Lofton is staying @ Mike and that they'll find a spot for him more than likely if Hawthorne is still injured and Vilma can go 100% he'll play his spot

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

THE VILDABEAST IS BACK!!!!

SUCK IT, MITT ROMNEY!

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

bogged down? vilma? vilma eats sh*t like that for breakfast!

vilma eats sh*t for breakfast!?

p.s.
remember kids:
jonathon vilma WILL KILL YOU!!!!

p.s.s...y?
vilma has a bounty out on all you haters! fear the vildabeast!

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

sorry about the nonsense, but, man, im pumped! everyone knows about my black and gold broner that i have for vilma.

ill be in the pirate-ship endzone w/ a bunch of drunk rednecks on sunday and i cant wait to throw on my number 51 jersey, get drunk and start a fight. (thats how we do it in fla)

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Thats so nuts its funny, nice :)

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

I think you have a restraining order in your future ;)

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

So the Ravens just lost Ray Lewis, could we trade Vilma to them?

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Everyone seems to forget Vilma has not been a "beast" since 2008. He started a decline in 2009 and has been down hill since.

"If" Vilma ever was a beast.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

I kinda see Vilma playing all three LB spots as a reserve, I just don't see him being penciled in as a starter in any spot. Maybe in a few weeks once he knocks the dust off he can beat out someone, but by then the suspension may really kick in. Who knows, I am just glad to have him back if for only a short while, to see if he really has anything left.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

If he's fully healthy, he shouldn't have an issue being a mainstay alongside Lofton. There's little to lose inserting him at OLB... at worst it's a lateral move and we go back to the drawing board. Should be a good motivational boost also.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Vilma maybe a step slower but he knows this D and it personnel and could put them position. Vilma is in that group which is only a handful that can match wits with a QB. I have not been that overly impressed with Lofton, yes he’s made/making tackles but he’s no Vilma. We know Vilma legs aren’t under him yet but it will; I’d like to see both on the field and even though Vilma wouldn’t mind sliding to the outside but healthy he needs to stay in the middle with Lofton on strong side and Casillas on the other side – SHANLE HAS TO GO

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

He knows 3/4 of the personnel and has yet to play a snap under Spags defense.

If Williams were here, yes.. Now.. no.

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

I understand why but I think he can pull this off esp if the Dline performs lol

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

A rusty Vilma, whether he fully grasps the scheme or not...is better than a Herring or Shanle IMHO. Now if Hawthorne or Casillas are starting @ OLBs then thats a different story...

Re: Vilma to make his debut against Bucs
 

Vilma hasn't played a snap in like.........forever.
I don't expect him to just step in and dominate against other NFL players.
He could have an impact if he can get around.