Saints Coach Sean Payton Talks about Fine
September 29, 2008
Sean Payton said he did not expect to get fined when he pointed out what he thought was an officiating error a day after the New Orleans Saints’ 34-32 loss at Denver in Week 3 of the season.
http://www.topix.com/nfl/new-orleans-saint…
Week 4 Preview: San Francisco at New Orleans
September 29, 2008
Who would have thought that after three weeks the San Francisco 49′ers would have a better record than the New Orleans Saints? That is the case as the two teams do battle Sunday at the SuperDome in New Orleans.
http://www.topix.com/nfl/new-orleans-saint…
Saints 49ers Preview
September 27, 2008
New Orleans SAINTS vs San Francisco 49ERS Deke Bellavia reporting 9-25-08 Sunday September 28, 2008 Louisiana Superdome 9AM First Take / Noon Kickoff on WWL 870 AM / FM 105.3 Series Record: 49ers lead series …
http://www.topix.com/nfl/new-orleans-saint…
New Orleans Saints Sept. 26 practice report
September 26, 2008
New Orleans Saints Sept. 26 practice report – New Orleans Saints Beat – Times-Picayune – NOLA.com
Posted by Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune September 26, 2008 1:28PM
Categories: SaintsAlthough the Saints’ official injury report is overflowing with various ailments, only four players have been officially ruled out of Sunday’s game against San Francisco – fullback Mike Karney (ankle), cornerback Aaron Glenn (ankle), receiver Marques Colston (thumb) and tight end Jeremy Shockey (sports hernia).
Linebacker Scott Fujita (knee) and left tackle Jammal Brown (hip) both look good to go after practicing fully on Friday. They’re listed as probable. And nobody else has been ruled out – not even center Jonathan Goodwin, who missed practice for the second straight day with a hamstring injury.
Goodwin, who might be able to play with a hamstring injury more easily than someone who relies more on open-field speed, will be a game-day decision. So will receiver David Patten, who increased his involvement a bit in Friday’s practice while trying to return from a groin injury.
Also listed as questionable after participating on a limited basis Friday were tight end Mark Campbell (hamstring), receiver Terrance Copper (hamstring), tailback Aaron Stecker (hamstring), cornerback Randall Gay (hamstring), defensive tackle Antwan Lake (groin) and linebacker Troy Evans (ankle).
The Saints will activate fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin to replace Karney on their active roster. Saints Coach Sean Payton did not announce which player will be released to make room for the undrafted rookie from Portland State.
“I like the player,” Payton said of Sobomehin, who is a smaller, more athletic fullback who played in a one-back system in college. “He’s pretty explosive. I have other worries in the game more than I’m worried about the fullback.”
…
Payton said he’s hopeful that Shockey could be back as early as the Saints’ home game against Oakland in two weeks after positive reports from Shockey’s hernia surgery earlier this week. The damage to Shockey’s ligaments wasn’t as extensive as some sports hernias can be, so the recovery time should be in the three-week range.
Payton said Shockey feels more comfortable already and said he is excited to see Shockey when he’s no longer limited by the nagging injury.
“Although he played well last week, you guys haven’t seen what I know (he’s capable of),” Payton said.
…
Kicker Martin Gramatica spoke for the first time after missing the potential go-ahead 43-yard field goal at Denver last Sunday. He said he will remain confident and focused and continue to believe that he’s going to make every kick from now on. But he admitted that it’s never easy to get over misses like that.
“It’s not easy, especially because you let your teammates down,” Gramatica said. “Those kind of kicks, you don’t ever forget them. I missed some big kicks during my years in Tampa that I still haven’t forgotten.
“But you have to move on. I’ve been doing it for a long time. I’ve had some big kicks that I’ve made, and you have to move on from those too.”
Saints 49ers Preview
September 26, 2008
WWL – AM870 • FM105.3 | News • Talk • Sports – Saints 49ers Preview
Deke Bellavia Reporting
New Orleans SAINTS (1-2) vs San Francisco 49ERS (2-1)
Deke Bellavia reporting 9-25-08
Sunday September 28, 2008 Louisiana Superdome
9AM First Take / Noon Kickoff on WWL 870 AM / FM 105.3
Series Record: 49ers lead series 45-22-2
Last Meeting: October 28th, 2007 Saints 31 – 49ers 10
Last weeks Results: Denver beat New Orleans 34-32 and San Francisco beat Detroit 31-13
The Line: New Orleans minus -5 ½ and 48THE 49ERS BREAKDOWN
Conference: NFC
Division: NFC West
Head Coach: Mike Nolan (4th Season)
2007 Record: 5-11
The 49ers come into their game with the Saints with a lot of confidence riding a two game win streak with victories over Seattle and Detroit. San Francisco shook off a poor outing in week one of the season as they lost at home 23-13 to divisional foe Arizona.Since then the 49ers Offense has found their groove, scoring over thirty points in each of their last two games. Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz has been using his weapons wisely the last two games.
Journeymen QB, J.T. O’Sullivan and RB Frank Gore have been shouldering the load for the 49ers and both have been playing well. Martz has had an equal balance on offense the last two weeks rushing and throwing the football.
Sullivan has completed 50-of-75 pass attempts for 705-yards with three TD’s to just 1 interception, and Gore averages 20 carries per game and 4.8-yards per rush with three TD’s to his credit.
O’Sullivan completed passes to eight different receivers last week and he has gotten into a comfort zone with veteran WR Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson. TE Vernon Davis is more involved in the offense and the O-Line hasn’t been bad either.Look for Martz to try and establish Frank Gore early in the game against the Saints Defense. Although Gore is one of the top RB’s in the NFC, he has not been a factor in the last two meetings between the Saint and 49ers.
In 2006 Gore rushed for 40-yards on 13 carries for an average of 3.1-yards per attempt, and last year Gore had 41-yards on 12 carries for 3.4-yards per pop. With that said that does not mean that Martz will not try and establish his primary ball carrier in the early stages of the game.One key to look for as far as offensive success is concerned for San Francisco is field position. The 49ers have one of the most dangerous kick returners in the NFL in Allen Rossum. Rossum averages 26.5 yards per return, which is third in the NFC. If Rossum has a nice day, it could lead to very short fields that the 49ers Offense has to work with.
The 49ers Defense is better and look for LB Patrick Willis and CB’s Nate Clements and Walt Harris to present some match-up problems for the Saints Offense.THE SAINTS BREAKDOWN
Conference: NFC
Division: NFC South
Head Coach: Sean Payton (3rd Year 19-18 overall)
2007 Record: 7-9The Saints need this one bad. Is it a must win? Probably not, but wins in this league are like those “golden tickets” you need to get into Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Without wins you can’t get to the playoffs.
The Saints Offense found its groove last week as far as the passing game is concerned, but New Orleans must find some balance on offense if they want to be in the hunt for the playoffs. New Orleans is averaging just 81.3-yards rushing per game, which is 28th in the NFL.The Saints have passed the ball 122 times and rushed it 69 times in their first three games, so Coach Payton and his Offense need to continue to work on rushing the ball with consistency. The Saints continue to be plagued by the injury bug’ this week they found out that TE Jeremy Shockey is out for about a month and starting Offensive Guard, Jamar Nesbit has been suspended by the league.
The late great Bill Walsh said that you don’t have to run the ball to be successful on offense. He used the short passing game to set up his West Coast Offense, but Walsh always had a commitment to the run. If the Saints are going to be a playoff caliber team, they need to be able to move the ball on the ground.
Reggie Bush has been on fire and he is happy with his start to the 2008 season. “I feel like Coach Payton is definitely doing a great job of putting me in situations and positions to score with mismatches with defenders to give me the best chance possible to make plays. I feel like the offense is going pretty well and we’re getting better and better every game,” Bush said.
The Saints will be able to pass on the 49ers, and they should be able to run some too. Frisco allows 131.3-yards per game, which is one of the worst in the NFC. The Saints WR’s will have a tough match-up against the 49ers CB’s as Walt Harris and Nate Clements look more acclimated to Coach Mike Singtletary’s Defense this season.
The Saints Defense needs to be able to shut down Gore like they’ve done the last two times. That task may be more difficult this year with Mike Martz calling the shots for the Frisco Offense.
The Saints should be able to get some heat on J.T. O’Sullivan. The Black and Gold are lacking a little on sacks, but they have a total of 16 quarterback knockdowns, which is not far from the league best of 20.
Cornerbacks Tracey Porter and Mike McKenzie will be opposite sides and this tandem looks like it could develop into a pretty good one, but they need some help from the D-Line with pressure.Big Chief’s Final Analysis
The Saints have to win. I am not saying this is a must win, but if the Black and Gold want to accomplish some of their preseason goals, they need to come up big during this three game home stand.
The big buzz in town has been that of veteran RB Deuce McAllister and his absence. Deuce says he’s ready, so will he play this week against the 49ers? “He’s not on the injury report. He’s healthy. He’s off the injury report. He’s rehabbed. He just hasn’t played in a while,” Payton said.“The bottom line is he’s recovering from a significant knee injury, he’s working his way back in the lineup,” continued coach Payton. So I guess we’ll find out Sunday. The Saints need this one and they will get it.
This one won’t be as easy as the last two, but the Black and Gold find a way to pull it out.The Big Chief Says – New Orleans 31 San Francisco 24
Don’t miss WWL X-Treme Saints coverage. At 9am – FIRST TAKE with former Saints offensive lineman Steve Korte and Mark Chifici. At 10am – COUNTDOWN TO KICKOFF with the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert & Deke Bellavia. Noon is game time with Jim Henderson, Hokie Gajan & Gus Kattengell. Then, after the game join Bobby for THE POINT AFTER live from Deanie’s Seafood in the French Quarter, baby til 6pm – on WWL-AM-FM and worldwide at WWL.com.
Saints need Moore to step up again
September 26, 2008
By Bradley Handwerger / WWL-TV.com Sports WriterMETAIRIE — It seems like every year, Lance Moore is in a battle for a roster spot in New Orleans, fighting with a new receiver every year to stay with the Saints.
Against the Broncos, Moore more than proved his worth to the franchise, posting career highs in catches (seven) and yards receiving (78).
Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press
Saints wide receiver Lance Moore sprints recorded a career high in passes and receiving yards in New Orleans’ loss to Denver this past Sunday. The team will need him to step up this week with the club missing several offensive weapons because of injury.
What makes the game especially important for not just Moore but also the franchise was that he gave quarterback Drew Brees an option after losing Marques Colston and David Patten to injuries.
Colston is out for four-to-six weeks after having surgery on his thumb while Patten strained a groin in the first half against Denver.
“Lance, for the last few years, I’ve had all the confidence in the world in,” Brees said. “He hasn’t seemed to get some of the opportunities some of the other guys have until no. So, I’m happy for him. He deserves this.”
On Sunday, when the Saints (1-2) host the San Francisco 49ers (2-1) in a noon game at the Superdome, Moore will again be called upon to step up.
Again Colston will be out and Patten didn’t practice Wednesday or Thursday. Additionally, tight end Jeremy Shockey, who turned into a go-to guy for Brees against Denver, is out several weeks after having surgery to repair a sports hernia.
“He came up bit for us last week,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He’s consistent. I know the quarterback has a lot of confidence in him, as do we. He has real good hands and he has to factor in.”
The passing game likely will heavily involve running back Reggie Bush, who caught 11 passes against Denver. But Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson and Moore all will have to pull their weight.
Meachem will be suiting up for his third ever NFL game, though, and Henderson hasn’t been a featured receiver in the offense since Payton made his way to New Orleans.
Add to that tight end Billy Miller, who though consistent for the Saints, isn’t known as a pass catcher and the offense could be in a world of hurt.
But in steps Moore, who year after year has had to prove that he belongs.
It’s a chip on his shoulder that helps him go through practice year after year.
“I’ve got to come to work every day,” Moore said. “It’s the NFL and the cameras are always on. You take one day off and that could be your last day. I have to be a professional about it and come out and make plays every day.”
So far this year, that’s exactly what he has done.
‘Brickhouse’ gets an early initiation
September 26, 2008
‘Brickhouse’ gets an early initiation- NOLA.com
Nicks has little time to prepare, as he takes over for Nesbit
Friday, September 26, 2008
By Mike TriplettOffensive tackle Jammal Brown took one look at rookie guard Carl Nicks when he joined the Saints this offseason and anointed him with the nickname, “Brickhouse.”
Obviously, Nicks’ massive size makes an immediate impression. Listed at 6-foot-5, 343 pounds, he’s the heaviest player on the Saints roster by 15 pounds.
“It’s rare to find a guy that big who can still
move and do some of the things that smaller linemen can do,
so he’s definitely a special talent,” Saints
center Jonathan Goodwin said. “He’s probably what,
340 pounds? And he’s not fat, so that’s amazing in
itself. Hopefully he can play to his full potential.”Nicks will have to be ready a little sooner than expected
Sunday against San Francisco, when he replaces veteran Jamar
Nesbit at left guard. Nesbit will be out for the next four
games, serving a suspension for violating the league’s
policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.The fifth-round draft pick out of Nebraska said it is
unfortunate that he got this opportunity at Nesbit’s
expense, but he said he plans to take advantage as best he
can.“My first start in the NFL, I’ve been dreaming
of this my whole life,” Nicks said. “I want to
show everybody why they should’ve gotten me.”He was once pegged as a second- or third-round draft
pick, but he was downgraded on draft boards because of
character concerns.The most significant incident occurred in March, when he
was arrested during a party at a friend’s house, at
which he was staying. Nicks was cited for being an inmate of
a disorderly house, then he was thrown into jail after
adding a citation for failure to disperse. Charges, though,
later were dropped.Even more damaging was new Nebraska Coach Bo
Pelini’s decision to ban Nicks from the school’s
pre-draft pro day as punishment. Nicks also had been benched
for the first quarter of a game as a senior for undisclosed
disciplinary reasons, and he had some academic issues that
forced him to bounce from New Mexico State to Hartnell
Junior College to Nebraska.But Saints Coach Sean Payton, who has a good relationship
with former Nebraska coach Bill Callahan, decided to take a
chance on Nicks after talking on the phone with him for
nearly 30 minutes before the Saints made their pick.That gamble appears to be paying off.
Goodwin said he doesn’t know where any character
concerns would have come from, because he’s “only
seen good things” from Nicks, who has meshed well with
the rest of the guys on the line.“When he got here, it’s just like everybody
else,” said Saints offensive coordinator/line coach
Doug Marrone, who described Nicks as more quiet than vocal,
but very attentive and willing to learn from coaches and
teammates. “It doesn’t matter where you’re
drafted, what round. It’s kind of this new clean start
for you. ‘Let’s see what you have.’“I’ve seen him developing those types of
characteristics to become a good pro, so I’m probably
as excited as Carl is about his opportunity to get in there
and play. I’m excited to see where he’s at.
I’m excited to see what we may have or may not have.
This is a critical time for him as a player. He can
establish himself right now as a guy who can play in this
league, or he can establish himself as someone that needs to
keep working, and we need to see more growth from.”Nicks said from the time he got to New Orleans, veteran
teammates like Jon Stinchcomb and Nesbit encouraged him to
put those draft issues behind him and to look forward to his
fresh start.He said Nesbit, in particular, has been a great mentor to
him, always answering questions, staying late to work with
him or just giving him an example to follow.“He helped me a lot even when he didn’t know he
was helping me,” said Nicks, who had to adjust to the
guard position after playing tackle in college.Nicks started games at left and right tackle for the
Cornhuskers, but the Saints pegged him as a better fit at
guard when they targeted him in the draft. He has the size
to be a run-blocker, as well as the athleticism to pass
protect.And despite what it says in his bio, Nicks is just 23
years old, like most rookies. The Saints list him at
25-years-old — a two-year bonus that has followed him
since he transferred to Nebraska.“I got there when I was 20, and everybody thought I
was 23 already; I don’t know where it came from,”
Nicks said. “But I’m 23. May 14, 1985.”The Saints would like to see the young guard emerge as
quickly as Jahri Evans did as a fourth-round pick out of
Bloomsburg in 2006. Evans, who also made the switch from
tackle to guard, developed into one of the best young
linemen in the league.“I just told him to play fast, play physical and
just get his hands on guys,” Evans said.
“He’s a big guy, so if he gets his hands on guys,
he’ll do well. My first year, I just played fast and
listened to the line. We’ll make sure he doesn’t
get messed up, but he played at Nebraska, so he’s used
to good competition. He probably played against some of
these guys.”Nicks also got a taste of what he’ll be facing over
the past two weeks, lining up as a “tight end” in
the Saints’ jumbo package on the goal line. He figures
he got about eight snaps in that role at Washington and at
Denver, in addition to some special teams experience.“You get to feel the actual game speed; you get to
hit somebody,” Nicks said. “You get to realize,
‘Hey, I can play with these guys.’ ”But it was Nicks’ quickness and agility that made an even bigger impression on his new teammates once they saw him on the practice field.
New Orleans Tailgaters Invitation
September 25, 2008
All Family and Friends and Friends of Friends of the NEW ORLEANS TAILGATERS are invited. See the flyer for the menu for the NEW ORLEANS SAINTS vs SAN FRANCISCO 49ers game tailgating party on September 28, 2008. Any suggestions for future menu items are welcome.
New Orleans Saints Sept. 24 practice report, another injury
September 25, 2008
Posted by Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune September 24, 2008 3:33PM
Categories: Saints
Scott Threlkeld/The Times-PicayuneSaints fullback Mike Karney suffered an ankle injury in the game against Denver.Add fullback Mike Karney to the list of injured Saints players. He missed Wednesday’s practice with a sprained ankle that he suffered during that ill-fated third-and-1 attempt late in the fourth quarter at Denver. Karney is holding out hope that he might be able to play Sunday against San Francisco, and said he hopes he’s back by next week at the latest.
The Saints did, however, get some positive news on the injury front. Offensive tackle Jammal Brown and Scott Fujita were among a group of five players who returned to practice on a limited basis Wednesday.
There’s a good chance Brown will be able to play against the 49ers after he had to leave last Sunday’s game with a hip flexor. Fujita’s return is also possible after he missed the last two games with a knee bruise. Defensive tackle Antwan Lake (groin), tailback Aaron Stecker (hamstring) and receiver Terrance Copper (hamstring) were also back in practice on a limited basis.
Eight players did not participate Wednesday: cornerback Randall Gay (hamstring), cornerback Aaron Glenn (ankle), linebacker Troy Evans (ankle), receiver David Patten (groin), tight end Mark Campbell (hamstring), tight end Jeremy Shockey (sports hernia), receiver Marques Colston (thumb) and Karney.
…
Tailback Deuce McAllister had a good practice according to Saints Coach Sean Payton, who continued to say that he is close to full strength. But there’s no telling how involved McAllister will be in this week’s game plan. He might see some carries, or he might even be de-activated now that Stecker is on the mend. If Stecker hadn’t gone down with a hamstring injury before the season opener, it’s likely that McAllister would have been inactive for the first three games.
McAllister reiterated that he wants to play, but he’s staying patient. He said all the attention from fans and media about his situation has been flattering, but he doesn’t want it to become a distraction to the team – especially to tailback Pierre Thomas.
“I want my teammates to know I’m with them,” said McAllister, who admitted that like anyone else, he would like to believe he could have gained those valuable yards in key situations at Denver. “But at the same time, I have full confidence in Pierre as a player, as well as Reggie and the offensive line to get it done.”
One-fifth of Saints roster suffering with injuries
September 25, 2008
Posted by Teddy Kider, The Times-Picayune September 24, 2008 10:58PMThrough three games of the 2008 season, Saints Coach Sean Payton has faced an unfamiliar concern — injuries and unavailable players.
More than one-fifth of New Orleans’ 53-man roster was listed on the injury report Wednesday. Eight players missed practice, five were limited, and the Saints already had one player suspended and at least one possible key contributor on injured reserve.
That on a team that had been relatively fortunate with injuries in recent seasons.
“That streak’s broken,” right tackle Jon Stinchcomb said. “We’re facing a lot of adversity, and the adversity that’s coming right now is injuries and players that aren’t available to us. And if you want to be a championship team, you have to overcome these things.”
The defense could get good news before Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, after starting linebacker Scott Fujita (knee) and defensive tackle Antwan Lake (groin) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. However, linebacker Troy Evans (ankle), missed practice, and cornerbacks Randall Gay (hamstring) and Aaron Glenn (ankle) also were not able to participate, according to Payton.
The Saints’ offense has taken over as the side with the most missing players, specifically receivers.
Payton said tight end Jeremy Shockey, who is second on the Saints in receptions and receiving yards, had sports hernia surgery Tuesday and is expected to miss three to six weeks. The injury began as a problem with Shockey’s groin that did not go away, Payton said, and he had been playing with it for weeks.
The Saints’ leading receiver from last season, Marques Colston, is expected to miss at least several more weeks after thumb surgery, and receiver David Patten — who had the second-most receiving yards on the team last season — missed Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury.
The second option at tight end, Mark Campbell, missed practice Wednesday with a pulled hamstring, and receiver Terrance Copper was limited during practice, also with a hamstring injury.
“There’s some guys that haven’t gotten a whole lot of playing time in the past that are going to need to step up and contribute quite a bit or are going to get the opportunities, at least,” quarterback Drew Brees said about the receiving corps. “I have all the confidence in the world in that group, though.”
The only healthy receivers on the 53-man roster are Devery Henderson, Lance Moore and Robert Meachem. And the starting tight end for the 49ers is slated to be Billy Miller, 31, who said such opportunities are “kind of the story of my career.”
Miller said he has been released six times, including once this season by the Saints, before the game against the Washington Redskins.
“My son was like, ‘Daddy, how come the Saints are on TV and you’re at home?’¤” Miller said. “I just told him they didn’t need me this week. That part was a little weird.”
Mike Karney, the only fullback on the roster, missed practice with an ankle injury, and running back Aaron Stecker (hamstring) was limited. But the other main concern could be on the offensive line.
Starting left tackle Jammal Brown (hip) practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, perhaps a good sign, but starting left guard Jamar Nesbit is suspended for the next four games after violating the NFL’s policy on anabolic steroids and related substances.
“My understanding, without getting into all of the specifics, is a diuretic was involved,” Payton said Wednesday, addressing Nesbit’s suspension for the first time. “And the problem is, at the end of the day, the player is responsible for what he puts in his body. And the league is pretty clear about that. And when you get into some of these supplements, diuretics, it’s not necessarily always governed by the FDA. They’re not always approved. My understanding was it was a diuretic, not a steroid.”
Payton added: “There’s nothing we can do about it, so we go from there.”
Rookie Carl Nicks, a fifth-round draft pick from Nebraska, likely will replace Nesbit in the starting lineup.
With San Francisco (2-1) coming into the Superdome on Sunday, that is one of many decisions Payton will have to make this week. He said he spent an hour Tuesday night working solely on roster decisions.
Payton also explained Wednesday that his team has not panicked, even after losing to the Denver Broncos, falling to 1-2 and encountering so many injuries.
“Obviously, we’re all disappointed and frustrated and upset,” Payton said. “It was a tough loss, because we played well enough at times and certainly well enough to win the game. I think the approach of the team after the game was, hey, we’re going to be all right. This team’s going to be all right.”
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