New Orleans Saints: It's a Team Thing

There is a renewed spirit in and around the city of New Orleans on this fourth Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Once again there is a gleam in the eyes of her inhabitants.
As the regular season gets closer and closer, there is that resounding feeling of, "we're all in this together."
The city has been clicking along getting back to full strength but her charm has always been here.

It has been said by more than one sports analyst that NO ONE could have beaten the Saints that dramatic first night back in the Dome after Katrina hit.

I can honestly say the feeling of optimism felt in the city right now rivals the lead up to that magical night.

Drew Brees has even more weapons this year than last year. This preseason Jeremy Shockey has shown the fans why Sean Payton signed him.

Even though Reggie has yet to play more than a few downs both in a game and during practice, the offense is still moving right along.

Lance Moore, Mike Bell, Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Devery Henderson and Lynell Hamilton have made it difficult for local favorite Skylar Green to make this year’s roster. It is not due to his talent, for he has plenty; however, the Saints are loaded this year.

Unfortunately Green is the smallest of the group and may be moving on.

The defense is living up to the hype. Gregg Williams may just be the one to fill in the missing pieces of the past few years.

The Saints first round draft pick, Malcom Jenkins, may have been a hold out for a significant part of training camp, but by his play in the last two games, you would never know.

With the acquisition of Randall Gay and Darren Sharper, the secondary has upped its game. Usama Young making the switch from corner back to safety shows the commitment from Coach Williams' players to do whatever it takes to win.

Coach Payton was asked this week, “If talks were still ongoing with Derrik Brooks and Derek Smith?" He was quick to say that the staff is looking at the current guys on the team to fill in for Will Smith and Charles Grant during their four game suspensions.

What a vote of confidence to his entire defensive unit!

Three Saints players will miss the first four games of the regular season.

Kicker Jarrett Hartley will join Smith and Grant on the suspended list. Not to worry; John Carney, who holds the Saints single-season scoring record, has been signed to a one-year deal to help fill the void.

Several players and coaches took Tom Benson up on an offer they could not refuse—his personal jet. These gentlemen flew to Drew Brees's side for his mother's funeral, in a show of solidarity.

It is that Team mentality that is infused in everyday life in this post-Katrina city. The resilience of the team, the city, and the fans that will make this year even sweeter than the 2006 season.

This time our fans are HOME!