jjasso007

1. Nick Toon - he's been great at practice, but that's just it, practice. Needs to be a gamer also. He'll have Brees throwing him the ball tonight, so this will be his best opportunity to step his game up. if he doesn't, he may have worked himself off the roster

2. Champ Bailey / Patrick Robinson - they are both battling to be the #2 CB behind Keenan Lewis. Robinson hasn't played in a game in over a year and Bailey seems to have been out most of TC. With live competition on the field, we'll see where they both are and the winner of the opposite starting corner spot may come down to tonight

3. Tim Lelito - he'll be snapping to Brees tonight for the first time (provided he starts). He's young blood and coaches have had no problem giving the young guys the opportunity should they earn it. He has the size and strength to man the position, so if he displays the technique, helps solidify the middle of the pocket, gets push in the run game, and makes the proper calls on the line, he has a good chance to be the opening day starter

4. Jarius Byrd - it's his first game since last season and his first real, live hitting situation (in practice they were in a helmets and shells), so we'll get the opportunity to see what he can bring. We'll also see how well he, Vaccaro and Bush work together since he hasn't had much on field time with them to get used to their tendencies, strengths, weaknesses and vice versa. Hopefully the acclimate quickly

5. Brandin Cooks - provided he plays tonight after his stomach virus, he'll have Brees throwing to him as well so we will have the opportunity to see the timing the two have together and what Cooks is able to do with one of the most elite QB's getting him the ball

6. Front four - Hicks, Bunkley, Jordan and Gallette, always good to see the type of pressure these four can generate all by themselves. A good pass rush, and we have a VERY good pass rush, helps out the defensive backfield and can help generate turnovers, something we're trying to improve in this year