saintz08

Whispers:

Although Saints DT Johnathan Sullivan has slimmed down a bit to the 325-pound range, we’re told he hasn’t looked all that good in workouts and might not be all that helpful to the team this season.


New Orleans is thrilled with the play of QB Aaron Brooks in workouts, but the same can’t be said of backups Todd Bouman, Adrian McPherson and Kliff Kingsbury. Bouman has been shaky at best, and McPherson and Kingsbury seem to be in over their heads in their battle for the No. 3 QB spot.

New Orleans

CB Mike McKenzie, who signed a new five-year, $22 million deal with the Saints last weekend, is known as being a surly guy, but the newfound riches seem to have changed his attitude. McKenzie has been laughing and joking with the fans in workouts recently, and he has been performing at a high level in practices. We hear the Saints’ coaching staff is counting on him to be a vocal leader in the secondary, an idea that he has taken to heart. McKenzie has never been a quiet guy, but he has been particularly active in encouraging teammates and leading by example. His presence should allow the Saints’ secondary to take a step forward. Head coach Jim Haslett has been very impressed with McKenzie’s play so far, and it appears the team will be building the defense around him. Sources say the team is excited that both the secondary and the defensive line can become strengths this season because the team has enjoyed some stability on “D,� returning 10 of 11 starters from last year.