New Orleans Saints Have Questions That Need Answers

The Saints third preseason game is this Saturday, against the Cincinnati Bengals. This should be a good test for the Saints, since Carson Palmer is one of the top QBs in the NFL today.

The Bengals will, however, be without Chad Johnson, and Houshmandzadeh may be limited as well. This is good and bad for the Saints' secondary. Johnson and Houshmandzadeh are two of the best in the game today; they could have provided a great benchmark for the Saints' coaches to gauge the improvement of the secondary.

On the other hand with Johnson out, and Houshmandzadeh limited, if the secondary performs poorly against the second-team receivers, that will not be good for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Somebody needs to step up and show that they want the starting job. It's a stretch, but Porter just might be that guy, even though he is a rookie and has missed practice time due to injury.

Going into Saturday's game, the secondary is not the only issue to worry about. The linebacking corps has to show improvement as well. Jonathan Vilma got his feet wet last week and should show more of what he can do this week.

He will be limited, but I will be expecting to see more of the leadership qualities come out. Can he motivate the others to play at a higher level?

The defensive front four also has to make some changes in their game and provide more pressure up front. I will be looking for at least two sacks on Carson Palmer and a handful of hurries to prove that they are getting better.

Orien Harris has really stood out so far and is second in tackles with 10 solos and a sack. This is good news, since Hollis Thomas is out a minimum of two months with a torn triceps muscle. I also expect to see some plays from first-round pick Sedrick Ellis. He, in my eyes, has not stepped up and proven he is a force that can make plays.

I want to see some more blitz packages and cover schemes from Gary Gibbs. He does not have to show everything, but he needs to mix it up and get the defense going.

As far as the offense is concerned, I don't want to see anyone get hurt. We know what they can do and only small improvements with timing and execution are needed.

Jeremy Shockey is supposed to make his first appearance this weekend. Jeremy does not need to show off, make a few catches, and be happy. His time will come in two weeks.

The offensive line needs to get more push up front and open the run game up. We cannot afford to be one-dimensional. "Push guys, push!!"

I don't see much improvement coming from the running backs—what you see is what you get. With the offensive line making better holes, the guys in the backfield all have their special skill, and Coach Payton will use them accordingly.

Looking at the receivers, I am waiting for someone to step up as the No. 3 guy. Robert Meachem looked great in game one, but Lance Moore looked good in game two. David Patten is just making plays like he always does, so I expect him to be lining up opposite of Colston on Sept. 7.

Saturday's game will be the biggest test so far, and the Saints' defense is going to have to step up their game and show everyone they are a better unit than they were last year.