Bleacher Report - Articles by Patrick Generose

New Orleans Saints Vanquish Doubt After Patriot Rout

Patrick Generose — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 01:16:22 -0500

As I wrote following the game against the Miami Dolphins, I've been freed of fearing the worst when it comes to hoping the best for the Saints.

Though I must admit, with the Patriots in town for Monday Night Football , the idea of the Saints stumbling over their untied cleats while once again failing to catch a gliding Randy Moss as he easily wafted into the end zone for his third touchdown had penetrated its way into my head.

But the closer I moved to the Superdome, the more my chest puffed out—so much so that my brain quivered in fear at the sight of it, instantly giving way to the emotional pull of my heart and my gut.

Besides, what they had to say was waaaay more appealing that what my brain was unsuccessfully pleading me to understand.

And as someone who never does what his brain tells him to, I fully embraced the truth that the Saints were, without a doubt, going to beat the Patriots.

I'd like to say that what happened in the Superdome Monday night I saw coming, but that can't be true because nobody did.

Even Nostradamus must have turned in his grave a little at the sight of Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and Wes Welker kicking it on the sideline while the rest of the Patriots offense reluctantly took the field with a half the fourth quarter left play.

Or maybe he shifted slightly in his coffin when Mike McKenzie picked off a Moss-intended pass in the first quarter to set up the Saints' first touchdown.

There's no telling at what point in the game the 16th century seer started rolling around, but rest assured, it was the most activity any dead person has seen in a long time.

Admittedly, most of the shock came as a result of how off the Patriots were on offense as opposed how hot the Saints were everywhere else.

Credit that to Gregg Williams.

With a couple of hand-me-downs (pretty good ones, at that) in McKenzie and Chris McAlister manning the corners for a depleted Saints secondary, Brady should have looked as good as Drew Brees did.

But an early turnover helped put the Saints up early and an unrelenting Sean Payton took over from there, forcing Bill Belichick to deviate from his offensive game plan.

A healthy Sedrick Ellis helped the defensive line provide a consistent and confusing pass rush, complemented by some stingy run defense.

Brady never seemed comfortable all night and was consistently forced to throw to his third and fourth options.

Williams' game plan called for lots of man coverage on Moss and Welker, with Darren Sharper and Roman Harper providing constant double teams on each player, respectively.

Leaving it up to the front seven to win the battle in the trenches, Williams and the players put their trust in the scheme and executed it perfectly.

But that still doesn't explain why Belichick's defense was so flat all night.

Being nice, I'll give Belichick the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to Brees and Payton being that much better than he and his team.

Come to think of it, that’s exactly how Belichick himself summed it up in his postgame press conference.

Even dating back to his days when he wasn't a three-time Super Bowl winning defensive genius, Belichick has never seen an offense carve up his defense as bad as the Saints did his Patriots on Monday night.

Brees did anything and everything he wanted en route to a prefect quarterback rating of 158.3. He threw five touchdowns, each one going to a different Saint.

And how appropriate that the game was broadcast to a near record national television audience.

It's as if the football gods set this game up just so the minority of doubters out there would be ripped of any excuse they might use as to why they would dispute the Saints to be the best team in the NFL.

The Saints' undefeated record isn't the only reason why they're tops in the league. Being the best requires beating the best.

The Saints did that on Monday night.

Saints Dodge Friendly Fire, Beat Falcons in Primetime To Stay Perfect

Patrick Generose — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:26:54 -0500

The Saints are running out of ways to win...I think.

To open the season, the Saints crushed the Lions and Eagles with the pass. In the following weeks against the Bills and the Jets, they ran and ran some more.

Their first real defensive statement came against the Giants and the win against Miami showed the Saints can come from behind on the road.

On "Monday Night Football," a new challenge reared its head as the Saints were faced with the task of overcoming a myriad of turnovers throughout the game.

And overcome they did.

Self-inflicted wounds always cut the deepest. And the Saints certainly nicked themselves up enough to land themselves in intensive care.

Thankfully, (but not surprisingly) the defense showed up right on time with enough gauze to stop the bleeding by the time the fourth quarter ended.

Yes the turnovers were bad, but how many times are we going to see this team climb its way out of yet another new hole to come out with a win?

The game was actually over when Jabari Greer scored on his second interception of the season, giving the Saints a 28-14 lead right before halftime.

The Saints would score again in the second half but didn't have to as the Falcons would only score 13 more points by the end of the game.

Aside from the uncharacteristic turnovers from some of the more sure-handed ball handlers on offense, the Saints conducted business as usual in front of a national TV audience.

Creative passing mixed with some tough running; Gritty and timely defense; A costly turnover or two; Frustrating special teams play; More inventive offense; More timely defense.

As for Matt Ryan and the Falcons, they gave the Saints all they could handle.

This is where I say Ryan looked like a rookie at times during the game but that would an inaccurate representation his rookie campaign, which earned him Rookie of the Year honors in 2008.

Give him the benefit of the doubt though. His inopportune interceptions were more a reflection of Gregg Williams' scheming than Ryan's ineptitude.

But the most important thing the nation witnessed was something Saints fans have seen in every game this year.

A win.

A win that, by all accounts, has convinced those who have yet to pull their heads from the sand that the Saints are the best team in the NFL.

The Saints are best on offense, better than the Colts. And their defense is better than the Colts too.

Minnesota has an arguably better defense but Brett Favre isn't putting up Krewe of Drew numbers on his side of the ball.

The Saints are playing better on offense AND defense than any one team and that gives them the edge.

Regardless, with half the season gone and a three game lead in the NFC South, the Saints are all but guaranteed a playoff berth. The only question will be seeding.

As long as the Saints are healthy and at least competitive, they can afford a few "come back down to Earth" losses.

Some are touting the Saints next matchup against division foe Carolina as exactly that.

Even if that is the case, we've seen that the Saints won't succumb to mistakes they've made in the past.

That only lends itself the reality that the Saints are more than likely going to have to figure out yet another way to win.

Beating the Panthers at home, something they haven't done since 2001, is a good place to start.

New Orleans Saints Success Inspires More Than a Feeling

Patrick Generose — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:39:27 -0400

The feeling was different this time around.

As the Saints trailed the Dolphins 24-3 in the second quarter, Chad Henne went under center again trying to push his team to a few more points right before the half.

At this point a year ago, it would have been understood there would be no way the Saints would be able to come back from a deficit that big.

But the feeling was different.

Every member of the Who Dat nation knows “the feeling.”

It’s when the Saints trick us into believing they’ll actually turn a corner and surprise us all by coming through in the clutch, then blow the whole thing in dramatic fashion.

Thus, our doubts and and suspicions are reaffirmed, as they have been so many times in the past.

In this particular instance, the Saints have been turning corners and pleasantly surprising us through the first six games of the season.

On Sunday in Land Shark Stadium, they were in prime position to blow another opportunity yet again.

Now, I don’t know about the rest of the Saints fans out there, but for once—and hopefully for the last time in a long time—I never got “the feeling.”

My true knee-jerk gut reaction at that moment before the end of the second quarter was if the Saints could score before halftime, they would still be in decent shape.

A Scott Shanle fumble recovery and a Drew Brees touchdown sneak a few plays later, the Saints were only down 14.

Knowing full well now the Saints were going to come back and beat the Dolphins, I sat and pondered this new feeling of euphoric optimism.

The game itself was mere background noise at this point.

The doubt, the dread, the pessimism, the distrust, the cynicism...Brees seemed to wipe it all away as he extended his arms over Miami’s goal line with no time left in the first half, football securely in hand.

And the funny thing is I knew it was real, that this new “feeling” was legit, because there was never a moment I doubted or thought twice about what the outcome of the game was going to be.

I knew it was real because every time I get “the (old) feeling,” I usually end up being right. The Saints blow it and I reluctantly tell myself, “I told you so,” before doing it over again the next week.

What I felt on Sunday wasn’t THE feeling, but it was certainly A feeling. A “new feeling,” if you will.

It was a feeling that told me even though the Saints were down and the game was two quarters away from over, the Saints were not going to lose.

Obviously, the first time the Saints suffer their first blowout loss, the naysayers and boo-birds will start chirping about how they knew the Saints were, in fact, mortal.

And that’s fine.

The difference is a loss like that is no longer enough to break a team that has seen its hopes and dreams broken so many times before. Because it’s no longer about wins and losses, or home-field advantages, or division records, or any of that stuff.

It’s about how the Saints, through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to each other, have expelled “the feeling” from our collective consciousness.

Losing is no longer an excuse to hang our heads. With this team, it’s a reason to get better and let the next team know that what happened the previous week won’t happen again.

That’s uncharted territory for Saints fans, but damn it, we deserve to finally feel like the folks in New England, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis for a change.

And all over “a feeling,” you say?

Yes, it may be a little premature, and for all I know the Saints may lose out (doubt it).

But it doesn’t change the fact that for at least this Saints fan, “the feeling” is gone from the pit of my stomach. And I know I’m not alone.

These aren’t your grandfather’s, or even your dad’s or your cousin’s Saints.

These are Saints of a new generation, a team whose shortcomings we can forgive and look past because we know there won’t be many of them.

And that’s a really good feeling.

On Second Thought...Saints Still The Best Four Days Later

Patrick Generose — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:43:01 -0400

From my seat in the upper terrace level of the Superdome, I can see the entire field and then some.

Sure, the players look a little smaller; and sure, every now and again I have to squint to make out numbers on the jerseys.

But it couldn't have been more obvious—even to those in the nosebleeds and beyond—the beating the Saints dealt the Giants on Sunday has them on top of the NFL ranks.

That was the knee-jerk reaction I had walking back to my car from the Superdome on Sunday.

After four days of taking in all the sports talk radio, Pardon The Interruption, Monday Morning Quarterback, Jim Rome and Sportscenter, I still can't find any reason why the Saints shouldn't be at the top of the NFL power rankings.

Assuming the Giants "are who we thought they were," the Saints man-handled, humiliated, pummeled, and demoralized one of the best teams in the NFL.

What was supposed to be a litmus test for the Saints turned out to be a lesson learned for Eli Manning and the Giants.

That lesson: Beware the Saints.

The Giants could never get into their game plan after trailing 21-3 early in the second quarter.

Manning was never comfortable in the pocket, his running game wasn't giving him a whole lot of help, and he didn't respond well to the blitz, turning the ball over twice.

It would have been three turnovers and another pick-6 for Darren Sharper if Jonathan Vilma hadn't been flagged for roughing the passer.

But hey, you can't blame desire.

The Saints weren't short on lesson plans as the Drew Crew schooled the Giants defense so effectively even Manning was taking notes from his sideline.

Beat up in the secondary as the Giants may have been, the most dominant defensive line in the NFL barely came within spitting distance of Drew Brees.

If the Giants ever do manage to catch Brees, the first thing they should do is thank him.

Brees and Gregg Williams' defense left the G-Men with a game film they'll be studying up until the playoffs, when the two teams are likely to meet again.

No team can get their butts whooped so badly that they can't study themselves and take away some valuable lessons.

The Giants no longer among them, there are three unbeaten teams (besides the Saints) that could make good cases for themselves as the best team in the NFL.

But I have to believe that right at this moment, the Saints are the most complete team from top to bottom.

Though they haven't lost either, the Colts, Vikings, and Broncos have had to play from behind at least once this season.

Last second wins against the Dolphins, 49ers, and Bengals, respectively, stand out the most.

By comparison, the Saints are the only team in the entire NFL who has yet to trail in a game.

Wow.

Looking ahead to the remaining schedule, the only real threats to the Saints come from Atlanta twice and the New England Patriots.

The Saints play two of those three games at home, on primetime TV.

New Orleans Saints Think Tank: Week Six

Patrick Generose — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:26:28 -0400

First Things First

The undefeated New York Giants come to New Orleans this week to face the undefeated Saints, who are fresh off a bye week.

History tells us the Saints will lose this one but it has nothing to do with the competition.

The Saints haven't won a game following a bye since 2003. Granted, the Giants could beat anybody, in any week.

Instead, the stat that's most interesting is Sean Payton's record following the bye week since becoming the Saints head coach.

The Saints under Payton are barely above the .500 mark following the bye week, compiling a 16-15 record since he became their coach in 2006.

That's a pretty ominous sign for a team that plays 6 of their final 10 games in NFC South Division.

But the Saints have never been 4-0 in that span and the NFC South certainly isn't what it used to be.

Then again, these ARE the Saints we're talking about. Nothing would surprise me.

Less Is More

There's a long-standing debate as to which methods are best when it comes to building a team: free agency or the draft?

There is no definitive answer, but as far the 2009 Saints are concerned, they'll take experience over youth as long as it continues to win them games.

New Orleans only had four draft picks in 2009, one of which was placed on IR before the season.

The result: Four wins and no losses.

Of the three remaining healthy rookies, two - punter, Thomas Morstead and defensive back, Malcolm Jenkins - could end up being special teams Pro Bowlers if their spectacular play continues.

The only other team with less picks in the 2009 draft than the Saints was the New York Jets, with three. They're 3-2, and on top of the AFC East.

The Minnesota Vikings, who only had five picks, are 5-0.

By sharp contrast, the Lions, Titans, and Cowboys had 10, 11, and 12 picks, respectively.

They've combined for a dismal 4-11 record.

So does a lack of draft picks translate directly to quicker success? Of course not.

Simple math tells us that the more draft picks you have, the more chances you have of potentially improving your team.

But so far this year, half the teams who are leading their divisions are doing so with only six draft choices or less (49ers had seven, but only recently signed their first overall pick, Michael Crabtree).

MV-Please

Saints fans don't want much. That is to say they just want what everyone else wants: winners.

But for the higher-profile teams such as the Steelers, the Patriots, and the Giants to name a few, winning is expected.

The championships, Pro Bowls, and MVP awards are the cherries on top.

Drew Brees' name has been tossed around sports radio and TV shows as an MVP candidate for the past several years but the award consistently eludes him.

The knock on him is that he has the numbers, but not the wins.

With the help of a better surrounding cast this year, Brees may finally have both. The problem is he picked exactly the wrong time to do it.

Peyton Manning is also undefeated, but boasts better stats in most passing categories while throwing for at least 300 yards in his first five games of the season - something he's never done in his career.

And he's already won three MVPs.

The good news is the Saints have another MVP candidate ready to throw his hat into the race.

Though he plays on the other side of the ball, Darren Sharper is a legit pick to walk away with the hardware himself, and I'm not just talking about the defensive variety.

Not since Lawrence Taylor in 1986 has a defensive player been named the overall MVP of the NFL.

That's not likely to happen this year, but I wouldn't be surprised if Sharper finished in the top three of voting, especially if he continues his high level of play.

Playing Manning to Sharper's Brees is the Vikings' Jared Allen.

But ask yourself this question: "If the season ended today, which defender would have a better shot at winning the overall MVP award? Sharper or Allen?"

If your answer is Sharper, then it goes without saying that he's also the frontrunner for the defensive MVP also.

The title of MVP has so many interpretations but mine goes as follows: The MVP should be awarded to the player who is most valuable to HIS team.

Now obviously by that criteria, Manning would win the award every year by definition. That’s why you have to look at each case season by season.

For example, Tom Brady was lost for all of 2008 and the Patriots still won 11 games without him (which, by the way, cements my argument that Randy Moss should have been the MVP of '07).

The point is this: the Saints are one of only two teams in the NFL that can boast at least two potential MVP candidates, one for each side of the ball. That’s got to count for something.

The Vikings - who have Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson, and Jared Allen - are the other.

For a Saints franchise whose crowning achievement is an appearance in one NFC championship game, their fans have learned not to expect too much.

Just some wins...and maybe a couple MVPs.

New Orleans Saints First Quarter Report Card

Patrick Generose — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:12:03 -0400

Where to begin? Let's see...

Darren Sharper, defense, Drew Brees, Gregg Williams, Darren Sharper, special teams, Pierre Thomas, Who Dat, Marques Colston, Darren Sharper, running game, Mike Bell...

By the way, did I mention Darren Sharper?

You can see where I'm trying to go, but I'm still not sure where to start.

It's so much easier to analyze a team when they're losing. That's probably why I'm having such a hard time getting my thoughts in order.

Saints writers aren't used to writing from ahead—it really is a funny feeling.

For all their efforts and improvements, the Saints get an all-around and well-deserved A. I can't imagine anyone can dispute that.

Offensively, the Saints picked up right where they left off last season, as Drew Brees had nine touchdown passes through the first two games.

Brees hasn't thrown any since then, but he hasn't had to.

For the first time since 2006, Brees has had the luxury or relying on a dominant running game—one that ranks second in the NFL going into week five, no less.

Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas have lived up to and even exceeded expectations, something Reggie Bush could (but hasn't seemed to) learn from.

Regardless, the Saints have finally found what they've been looking for on offense for so long: balance.

For at least this four-game stretch, Brees may not be the offensive MVP of the team, and that's not a bad thing.

All of this is being done, by the way, without Pro Bowl left tackle Jamaal Brown.

And speaking of balance, enough cannot be said about the job that new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has done.

It was said all offseason—and really for the better part of two years—that if the Saints could just be average on defense, they would have a good shot at making the playoffs.

Well, not only is the defense above average, they're actually winning football games.

What was once a liability is now a vital asset.

Because of that, a team that was expected to be fighting for a wild-card spot is now a team that has found themselves in the middle of a Super Bowl debate.

We're used to giving all the credit to Sean Payton and Brees for the team's success, but the Williams/ Sharper pairing is quickly becoming the preferred coach/player duo in New Orleans.

Much like Payton and Brees, it's hard to know where one ends and the other begins.

Besides being arguably the best free-agent pick-up in Saints history besides Brees himself, Sharper is making his case for defensive MVP of the league.

The Saints are tops in the NFL with ten interceptions, lead by Sharper's five—two of which were returned for touchdowns.

To be perfectly frank, though, the turnaround is probably more Williams than Sharper. Especially considering the Saints have yet to trail in a game all season.

At least for once there's more praise being passed this time around instead of blame (sorry Jason David...but not really).

Even special teams have been getting their share of the love. The best part is it's mostly come on the shoulders of two rookies.

Defensive back Malcolm Jenkins was singlehandedly responsible for two forced turnovers on kickoffs that led to touchdowns.

And punter Thomas Morstead has been more than serviceable since taking over kickoff and punting duties.

Morstead has been pivotal in winning the oft-overlooked field position game by averaging almost 44 yards a punt.

The Saints look to raise their GPA against another undefeated New York foe when the Giants come to town on Sunday.

The last time these two teams faced off, the Saints pummeled the G-Men 30-7 at the Meadowlands in 2006.

This game marks the first time that Eli Manning has played football on any level in the Superdome.

Who Will Play Sinners to New Orleans Saints in 2009?

Patrick Generose — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 01:19:10 -0400

At last, football season has arrived.

And with it comes the Odd Couple-esque marriage of elation and frustration that so many fans know all too well.

Anything less and it just wouldn't be football.

New Orleanians have been especailly discouraged as they've watched their talent-laden Saints get in the way of their own success time and time again.

Seventeen players on the injured reserve list, six games lost by five points or less, a flip-flopping kicking game, a defense that could only get off the field when scored on...

And that was just last season.

To their credit, the Saints' front office has been meticulously active in the offseason, shoring up literally every problem area the team was faced with last year.

If everything we've seen in the preseason is at least a tiny indicator of what's to come, then maybe, just maybe, the Saints' worst enemy will be standing on an opposing sideline, instead of in the mirror.

The team in the NFC South that presents the least amount of competition to the Saints is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The team (really, the entire organization) went to great lengths to make sure they regressed as much as possible toward the end of last season, when they knocked themselves out of the playoffs by finishing 0-4.

Super Bowl winning head coach Jon Gruden was replaced replaced with rookie Raheem Morris.

Jeff Garcia, who gave the Saints fits was replaced with washed-up journeyman, Byron Leftwich.

Monte Kiffin took his vaunted Tampa 2 defense to the University of Tennessee. And the best outside linebacker of all time, Derrick Brooks, was released.

The Buccaneers offer nothing in terms of competition to anyone in the NFC South, let alone the Saints.

With the Bucs out of the way, the Atlanta Falcons remain as a serious foe in the South.

The Saints split the series with them last year but Atlanta has improved on offense and should put up better numbers than last year.

On paper, Atlanta's offense is about as good as any in the NFL.

Assuming Matt Ryan builds upon his success as the Rookie of the Year, the Falcons could be giving the Saints defense more headaches this year.

Speaking of defense, the Falcons...well...the Falcons, quite simply, have none to speak of outside of John Abraham.

Jamaal Anderson so far is a bust and newly acquired middle linebacker Mike Peterson might be all but washed up.

Though unproven, Mike Smith is hoping his young pair of cornerbacks, Chris Houston and Chevis Jackson, can be bright spots in the secondary.

If the Falcons can't get at least a little help from the eight draftees they picked in April (eight of which were defensive players) they could be going the way of the 2008 Saints: All O and no D.

The only team to sweep New Orleans last year, the Carolina Panthers, will once again offer the biggest competition in the Saints' quest for a division title.

I struggled between the Panthers and the Falcons as to who would present the biggest challenge, but in the end Carolina's coaching and defense proves more problematic.

Julius Peppers reluctantly returns to anchor the defense alongside Jon Beason after a lengthy contract dispute this offseason.

Carolina isn't as deep in the secondary as they used to be but their front seven will have the defensive backs playing above their potential.

The Saints offense is good enough to overcome what any defense throws at them, but the real test will come when Carolina's offense hits the ground running.

DeAngelo Williams had his breakout season last year while Johnathan Stewart filled in well in a complementary role.

As long as Steve Smith is making defenders stay true to the passing game, the Panthers rushing attack could be even more potent this year.

By the time the Saints play their first game against Carolina in week eight, we should already have an idea of what the Saints' new look defense is capable of.

The hope is that the Saints can at least show up on that side of that ball against division foes, if against no other team.

When watching NFC South matchups this year—and not only the games the Saints are in—keep an eye on the play of the tight ends.

In the past two years, three teams from the NFC South have acquired Pro Bowl tight ends: Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow Jr., and Tony Gonzalez, with the Saints, Buccaneers, and Falcons, respectively.

It will be interesting to see how teams in the division will game plan for these players, both in the run and pass game.

Gonzalez might be the final missing cog to helping Matt Ryan come full circle as a quarterback.

Winslow may very well be the best offensive player on the Bucs.

Meanwhile, Saints fans are holding their collective breath in anticipation of what should be Shockey's coming out party as a Who Dat.

The 2009 season should be a good one for the Saints.

Their offseason moves and preseason performance show that they might finally be ready to take the next step to reasserting themselves as Super Bowl contenders.

I have New Orleans finishing in the ballpark of 10-6, 4-2 in the division

Ten Saints Who Will Never See Canton's Pearly Gates

Patrick Generose — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 08:06:58 -0400

There's not a single Saints player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But there will be. Rickey Jackson has been eligible for several years now, but hasn't been elected. Willie Roaf and Morten Andersen aren't eligible yet, but are almost first ballot locks to be inducted when they are. How is it, you may wonder, that in over 40 years of existence this franchise has only produced potentially only two or three Hall of Famers? The answer to that is hard to pinpoint. I blame Bourbon Street. The only extended success the Saints ever really enjoyed was under the tenure of Jim Mora in the 80s and 90s. But there is a silver lining to the years of mediocrity and failure: At least there aren't many eligible players to choose from when making the list of top 10 Saints that will never make the Hall of Fame. I think I'm depresed now.

Begin Slideshow

UFC 100: Henderson, Lesnar Give Fans Their Money's Worth

Patrick Generose — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:35:05 -0400

I'm going to step out of my comfort zone for this one and write about something besides the NFL.

If I try to find a single word appropriate enough to describe the events of UFC 100, I fear I could be at my desk for the next several hours.

Besides, the words I keep coming back to are the ones I think ring truer than any other: "Worth the money."

And that is exactly what UFC 100 was.

I'm not exactly what one would call "well versed" when it comes to the sport of mixed martial arts. But I certainly know enough that when I saw the fight card, I knew it would mark the first time that I would spend a cent on a Pay-Per-View event.

Though there were several fights that took place during the event, there are only three worth mentioning (as is usually the case).

Frankly, if an MMA fight goes to a decision, the fight has automatically not lived up to the hype. People will cite Griffin v. Bonner as one exception, and they would be absolutely right.

But you can't tell me that it wouldn't have been more fun to see one of them finally get knocked out toward the end of that match.

Having said that, the grudge match between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping was anything but a let down.

Henderson seemed to give Bisping every chance to correct his mistake of circling to Henderson's right hand, because Bisping actually made it to the second round while moving in that direction since the start of the match.

Henderson was through playing nice guy midway through the second when that same right hand found Bisping's chin.

It was pretty obvious—even to Henderson, I think—that Bisping was out before he hit the mat.

But that still didn't stop Henderson from delivering what can be best described as a flying Superman Punch to an already semi-comatose Bisping.

The knockout itself was good, but the unnecessary haymaker that followed is what will have people talking at the water cooler on Monday.

Henderson commented that the final blow was to get Bisping to think twice about running his mouth, something he did a lot when the two fighters coached against each other in the most recent season of "The Ultimate Fighter."

But I don't expect that would be anytime soon.

Henderson rocked Bisping so violently that there may still be tiny shards of his jaw scattered around the octagon.

George St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves followed the Henderson/ Bisping fight, and unfortunately much was left to be desired.

The fight is worth mentioning, though, because St. Pierre continued to show why he is, pound-for-pound, one of the best fighters in the world.

With no formal wrestling training to speak of, St. Pierre managed to take down Alves at least 10 times throughout his five-round Welterweight title defense, even after pulling his groin in the third round.

Alves was touted as younger, stronger, and the toughest challenge of St. Pierre's career.

Well, two out of three ain't bad.

Lesnar vs. Mir wasn't the last fight of the evening, but it was definitely the showstopper.

Before the bell even rang, the tone was set by Lesnar when he simply turned and walked back to his corner after referee Herb Dean had asked the fighters to "touch gloves and come out fighting."

Mir escaped the first round with a swollen left cheek, though it was probably the worst swollen left cheek I've ever seen.

At one point in the second round, Mir connected with a flying knee to Lesnar's chin. But that was all Mir would have to hang his hat on.

Lesnar fell on top of Mir after the knee strike, regained his composure, and forced Mir against the cage. With his victim cornered, Lesnar unleashed a barrage of right hands that left Mir's face so swollen that he resembled a cabbage patch doll after the fight.

Here's where it gets juicy.

While Mir was still staggering to his feet, Lesnar got in his face and started talking smack.

This prompted boos from the sellout crowd, which Lesnar responded to by flipping off the fans as Joe Rogan entered the ring for the post-fight interview.

"I love it," Lesnar said into the mic.

"Keep it coming!"

Lesnar continued his unsportsmanlike tirade all the way through the interview, never actually answering a single question that Rogan asked.

"Frank Mir had a horseshoe up his ass last time, and I told him that," Lesnar continued.

"Tonight, I pulled that sum-bitch out and beat him over the head with it!"

Dana White had to be secretly loving every second of this, knowing that even though Lesnar was making himself the most hated man in the sport (and maybe all of sports), people would be chomping at the bit to see his next fight in hopes he would get knocked out.

But the sound of the cash register in White's head was drowned out by the damage control siren that Lesnar's next words set off.

Knowing full well that Bud Light was the main sponsor for the entire event, Lesnar, when asked what his future plans were, responded, "I'm gonna go home and drink a Coors Light, yeah, a Coors Light since Bud Light won't pay me anything..."

Reports say that White pulled Lesnar aside backstage and gave him a lashing littered with enough curse words to fill a George Carlin standup.

It must have worked because when Lesnar was interviewed again in his dressing room he was humbled and apologetic to the sponsors, and even to Mir.

Despite the apology, Lesnar showed his true colors during and immediately following the fight, and they couldn't have shone any brighter...or darker, depending on your opinion of the tattooed monster.

The bottom line is that I wanted more the second he threw the mic down and left the octagon: More Lesnar, more blood, more everything.

UFC 100 was a rousing success because of the talent that was on display that evening, but it was memorable because of Lesnar (Henderson too, that punch was nasty).

Either way, as a first time buyer of a UFC Pay-Per-View, I can guarantee that Dana White will be pocketing my money again the next time he hosts an event.

If Lesnar doesn't fight, I hope he at least shows up.

More Than a Team: The 2006 New Orleans Saints

Patrick Generose — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:15:53 -0400

After calling most of my friends to tell them to tune into our local sports radio station, I paced my backyard waiting for the DJ to put me on the air.

The line finally clicked over and a voice spoke, revealing the reason that I called in that evening.

"Patrick from Metairie," spoke the faceless voice. "Who should the Saints target at QB, following Aaron Brooks' forgettable 2005 campaign?"

Now, in Brooks' defense, not a single person that called New Orleans home in 2005 had much to cheer about. Hurricane Katrina made sure that not even the Saints were spared in the rebuilding effort that was to come.

"Drew Brees," I responded to the personality on the other end of the phone, knowing that even in the unlikely event that we signed him, it would surely not be enough to overhaul a team that now had so much in common with the city it represented.

I honestly liked Jim Haslett during his time in New Orleans. But when Katrina hit, whether we all knew it or not, letting him and most of his players and staff walk was necessary.

Nobody wanted to be reminded of Katrina in any capacity, and at the time the Saints were nothing but that.

The good thing about being at your lowest, though, is that you have no choice but to look up.

I'm not saying that my suggestion on that January evening led directly to Brees becoming a Saint. No, we can thank the San Diego Chargers for that.

What I'm saying is that as terrible as the Saints were at that point, they couldn't be any worse off than any of their fans.

The Saints, their faithful followers...all we could do was look up.

Hand in hand, the city that love forgot and the team they loved so dearly began to pick up the pieces. After signing Brees, it didn't seem to matter who else would be donning black and gold in 2006.

Every step was one in the right direction: new QB, new first-round pick, new head coach, new defense. We weren't very familiar with many of them but we didn't care.

We were going to root for these guys no matter what because they were literally all that we had to cling to.

With nothing else to lose, it seemed, our new-look Saints won their first two games on the road to set up an unforgettable rebirth in the return to the Superdome on Monday Night Football.

I cannot begin to piece together the words to describe the feeling that came over the crowd the moment that first punt was blocked for a score.

Put it this way: I was dating a girl for a few months and I took her to this game. It was her first Saints game. We have been together ever since.

On the Saints trudged en route to a division title, the first for them since Jim Haslett and Aaron Brooks stole our hearts in 2000.

But this love was a new one. It was pure and it was real.

That complete strangers like Brees, Sean Payton, Reggie Bush, Scott Fujita, and Marques Colston were rescuing a community out of the deep end spoke volumes about what they meant to us, and us to them.

Our Saints weren't just playing football anymore. They were giving us a reason to hope and smile.

And there was absolutely no doubt that they were ours. Ours and no one else's.

The Saints took us further that year than we have ever been before, within one game of a Super Bowl berth. But the season was hardly a failure.

The 2006 Saints connected with its fans that year in a way that perhaps no other sports team has in recent history.

Fleur-de-lis are common in New Orleans, but if we could have all gotten them tattooed on our hearts we certainly would have.

That's why the 2006 New Orleans Saints are and always will be my favorite team of all time.

NFL Fantasy Football Forecast 2009

Patrick Generose — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:39:31 -0400

Any time is a good time to consider which stud RB you want to take in the first round of your fantasy draft. In fact, if that wasn't the first thing you thought of at the conclusion of week 17 last season, you should feel downright ashamed. How dare you call yourself a fantasy footballer! With training camps fast approaching, both professional and fantasy GMs alike are getting a good idea of what their teams and players have in store for the 2009 season. Let's take an unnecessarily early look at 2009's fantasy rankings:

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Crystal Balling: NFC South

Patrick Generose — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:59:35 -0400

If the Carolina Panthers had any kind of grip on history and weren’t so concerned with winning (especially when it didn’t even matter), then they would have realized that letting the Saints win the final regular season game in 2008 would have marked the first time in NFL history that all four teams in a single division would have finished a season with winning records. But I think we all knew the Panthers weren’t history majors anyway, seeing as they helped Drew Brees fall a measly 16 yards short of breaking Dan Marino’s single season passing record. Do I sound bitter? Well I’m not……..anymore. Thanks, Arizona Cardinals! Forgetting the Saints’ defensive woes and the late season collapse of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFC South was probably the strongest division in the NFL last year. The Falcons won’t sneak up on anyone again and the Buccaneers took a huge step back. That leaves the Saints and Panthers to duke it out for 2009’s division crown. But let’s take a closer look anyway.

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Five New Orleans Saints Position Battles To Monitor This Summer

Patrick Generose — Sat, 23 May 2009 07:22:14 -0400

Competition brings out the best in athletes. Nothing says “expendable” quite like the next guy’s resume which, in the NFL, is on display every day on the practice field and in the film room. When fostered properly, though, competition can blossom into a harmonious coupling of cooperation and sharing, capable of producing immediate results (see Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister, version 2006). The Saints have spent the offseason adding needed depth at some of the biggest holes on defense, while making sure the offense didn’t lose too much of a step. Here are five positions on the Saints depth chart that could be up for grabs this summer:

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New Orleans Saints: Get To Know Your Coaches

Patrick Generose — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:25:14 -0400

What would Sean Payton's number be if he had one? I would have to guess 9 1/2, or maybe 9.1. The cerebral link that connects Payton to his signal caller, Drew Brees, is so unique that it makes you wonder if the two finish each other's sentences. When Brees has a nightmare, does Payton wake up in cold sweats? If Payton eats bad seafood gumbo, will Brees be paying for it the next day? It sure is fun to think so. Even it it were true, pulling teeth would be easier than getting the enigmaticlly efficient pair to admit to such a strange connection. Fortunately, there is enough concrete information on Payton to suggest that maybe he's just that good at what he does. Let's take a look at Payton and the rest of the Saints coaching staff:

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Saint Searching: Aiming To Know the Real Drew Brees

Patrick Generose — Sat, 16 May 2009 05:39:55 -0400

I was fortunate enough to work for the Saints in the summer of 2008. Getting to watch pros like Drew Brees every day was a blessing for a fan of my caliber.

My most memorable moment from that summer came while we were at training camp at Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. While having dinner and watching Michael Phelps win his umpteenth gold medal in the player’s dorm, Brees grabbed the seat right next to mine.

Since it was the hot topic, we talked mostly about the Olympics and the time he spent in China one year.

As if the situation weren’t surreal enough, we both recognized out loud how much of a spectacular athlete Phelps is after watching replays of his most recent win.

“Wow,” I thought to myself. “How can a sportsman as great as Drew Brees be wowed by any other athlete on the face of this planet?”

This is just one of the questions I would ask if I had another chance to get to know Brees. Here are the rest:

Who were your favorite athletes when you were young?
How has that list changed as you’ve gotten older?
As a youngster, what career path did you see yourself following outside of sports?
What ventures would you like to pursue after you retire from the NFL?
What other sport do you think you could have excelled in professionally besides football?
What does your wife do for a living?
Do you want your kids to play sports?
Was Purdue your first choice of college to attend? Were you there on scholarship?
How many scholarships were you offered before deciding to enroll at Purdue?
If a university didn’t offer you a scholarship, would you have even considered attending?
Would you have rather played your college ball at a home state university?
What do you regret about your college career?
What are some of the charitable organizations you are affiliated with?
What has opening your own charitable organization done for you and your family personally?
Forgetting all things football, what do you think of Philip Rivers?
Do you hold any grudges against the San Diego Chargers for cutting you?
If you had to choose one NFL team to play for besides the Saints, which would it be? Why?
Not including the Chargers, which NFL team would you least like to play for?
Which NFL defenders do you fear the most?
Which NFL players do you like the least?
How do you feel about Terrell Suggs after he dislocated your elbow in the 2007 Pro Bowl?
Who do you wish was on the Saints roster?
If you could pick any coach, past or present, to coach you, who would it be and why?
Would you rather be successful on the gridiron or off it?
How old were you when you first tried illegal drugs?
When was the last time you used illegal drugs?
Have you ever been arrested? What for?
What religion do you follow, if any?
Democrat, Republican, or Independent?
When was the last time you spoke to your mother? What did you talk about?
What led to the rift that exists between the two of you?
How do your father and the rest of your family feel about the relationship you have with your mother?
Have you ever tried using anabolic steroids at any point in your athletic career?
If you won a Super Bowl, but then found out half of your teammates were on steroids, would you feel as though you didn’t deserve the victory?
Would you tell anyone that you knew about your teammates’ use?
Besides a Super Bowl victory, and membership in the NFL Hall of Fame, what do you hope to accomplish in the NFL?
What athlete, past or present, would you like to meet the most?
Who would make you star-struck if you met them?
Do you care what people think about you?
What do you want your legacy to be and what do you think it is now?

New Orleans Saints 2009 Season Expectations

Patrick Generose — Sun, 10 May 2009 05:17:44 -0400

The bad thing about being an optimist is that if you set the bar too high, you can blind yourself with hope en route to utter disappointment and despair. The skeptics give you the, “I told you so” speech.

The bad thing about being a skeptic is that you can never see the light at the end of the tunnel, but can still be pleasantly surprised. The optimists call you a bandwagoner.

Ignorant hopeful or cynical realist?

I think I fall under the latter category, but as many Saints fans may attest to, the title can change from week to week. Though for the first time in a long time, Saints fans have a legitimate reason to have high expectations for the 2009 season.

The last time Saints fans felt as hopeful about an upcoming season as they do now was after little known Aaron Brooks led the Who Dats to their first ever playoff victory—sans Ricky Williams and Joe Horn—against the defending world champion St. Louis Rams, no less.

What followed were five years of mediocrity which, coupled with Hurricane Katrina, led to the eventual purging of the staff and roster. Skepticism was at an all-time high until Saint Drew led the boys in black and gold to an NFC Conference Championship game in 2006.

So what’s to make of this mess? If we expect too much, we fail. If we don’t expect anything, we triumph.

Here are this hopeful realist’s expectations for the 2009 New Orleans Saints:

The Saints offense will look a little strange when it takes the field this year, as it will be without one of its most recognizable and beloved players, Deuce McAllister. The writing was on the wall long before last season ended. Sean Payton’s offense found little room for McAllister, while still ranking tops overall.

Without question, the offense goes through Drew Brees. Even with Marques Colston out for five games, or any semblance of a running game, Brees still managed to pass for over 5,000 yards while making guys like Lance Moore a household name. Expect more of the same from Brees.

The only major signing in the backfield (and really, the whole offense) this off-season was fullback Heath Evans. That leaves Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Mike Bell (along with a crop of recently signed free agents) as the only options at the running back position.

Even though the Saints struggled on short yardage downs last season, don’t expect Payton to mess with this group too much. He knows Brees can move the ball and is hoping a revamped defense will make up for the rare shortcomings of the offense.

Look for the Saints to run the ball later in games if and when they’re nursing a lead. Otherwise, the play calling is still pass first, and I can’t blame them – especially considering the entire offensive line, which ranked third last year in sacks allowed, returns intact.

If Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey can stay healthy, Payton could abandon the running game completely. The Saints bolster one of the deepest and talented receiving corps in the league, even without Robert Meachem and sophomore hopeful Adrian Arrington.

As long as the defense can be average, the Saints should remain the most feared offensive attack in the NFL.

For once, I’m excited to talk about what to expect from the much-maligned Saints defense. Gone are the days of bend but don’t break. Gone are the days of getting bailed out by the offense. Led by new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, the defense should be something the Saints can brag about.

Expect Williams to get the most out of his players and to put the playmakers into position to do what they do best.

Williams’ reputation of getting players to realize their full potential bodes well for the likes of Will Smith and Charles Grant, who seemed to disappear last season after becoming the highest paid pair of defensive ends in the league.

Even with possible suspensions still looming for Grant and Smith, don’t look for the Saints to lose too much of a step on the defensive line.

Bobby McCray became more comfortable as last season progressed and newly acquired Paul Spicer should fill in admirably in a limited role. “[Spicer] is a guy that can give us the best four games of his career if we need him to. He’s a tough, smart player,” said Williams. He would know, having coached Spicer in Jacksonville.

The Saints did a great job of stockpiling defenders up and down the depth chart through free agency and the draft. Jabari Greer, Darren Sharper, Rod Coleman, Dan Morgan, and Malcolm Jenkins will be joining Spicer as the newest Saints that could make an immediate impact.

The key departure was Mike McKenzie, but the team has added a lot to what is now a deep secondary, which many critics have blamed for the Saints’ failures over the past two seasons.

Additions to the defensive line, linebacking corps, and secondary have already made the Saints defense better than it was last year. With Williams calling the shots opposite Payton, expect the Saints defense to finish in the top 12 or 13 in the league this year.

Barring the occasional injury, there isn’t a whole lot that can stop the Saints offense. Even with the lack of a running game, Brees should find no problem throwing points on the board, literally. Though as we’ve seen in seasons past, Sean Payton sometimes has a tendency to outcoach himself.

Even though the front office has done a remarkable job of turning the defense around in a short period of time, the defense is still the Achilles Heel of the team. That perception won’t change until they’ve proved themselves on the field.

After sitting out of football all of last year for health issues, both Rod Coleman and Dan Morgan could end up not making it past training camp. If Morgan and Coleman can return to the forms that made them Pro Bowlers in 2004 and 2005, respectively, they could be penciled in as starters. If not, the Saints lose valuable depth and experience.

The last element working against the Saints this season is the schedule. In the Sean Payton era, the Saints are 9-9 in the NFC South and are 12-13 overall after the half-way point.

This season, six out of the last 10 games are against division opponents. If the Saints are going to make the playoffs, they’re going to have to finish the season with a winning division record.

My cynical side tells me that the Saints will screw everything up in typical Saints fashion, just like they do every year.

My optimistic side tells me that the 2009 off-season was wildly successful up to this point and that I have every reason to believe that this is the best Saints team assembled in a long time.

And quite frankly, it is. From top to bottom, from coach to player, this team is ready to make a legitimate Super Bowl push...just not this year.

Look for the Saints to finish in the ballpark of 10-6, but miss the playoffs. If the Saints were playing in a weaker division with a more accommodating schedule (bye week is in week five), they might have a better shot at the post-season. Couple that with a defense facing an uphill battle for success, and the Saints fall just short once again.

It breaks my heart to have to pick against my own team. I would love to pick the Saints as Super Bowl champions every year, but I know I’d only be fooling myself. And to say they’re just going to flop on their facemasks would give me no incentive to want to see them play.

That’s the bad thing about being a hopeful realist.

2009 NFL Draft: First-Round Recap, Notes, and Observations

Patrick Generose — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:48:59 -0400

Detroit and Oakland surprise no one, the Saints get it right for once, and some good value slips to the latter half of the first round. Here is your recap of the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft:

1. Lions - Matthew Stafford (QB) Georgia

No surprises here. The night before, the Lions signed the 21-year-old Stafford to a six-year deal with $41.7 million in guarantees. The franchise now has a much-needed face to distract fans from that horrible new logo.

2. St. Louis - Jason Smith (OT) Baylor

Kind of a no-brainer after getting rid of Orlando Pace. Though still lacking at receiver, the offensive line and backfield has been structured to cater to Steven Jackson. No doubt it's his team now.

3. Kansas City - Tyson Jackson (DE) LSU

Jackson will be rejoining former first round picks and LSU teammates Dwayne Bowe & Glenn Dorsey. I felt this pick was quite a stretch since Jackson wasn't even the best defensive end on the board. The Chiefs could have traded down for Jackson if they really wanted him.

4. Seattle - Aaron Curry (OLB) Wake Forest

I'm sure Seattle was seriously considering taking Mark Sanchez here, but Curry is more of a sure thing. He fills a void left by Julian Peterson. Curry should come in right away and make an impact.

5. New York (J) (from Browns) - Mark Sanchez (QB) USC

The Jets would have rather traded to a spot closer to No. 10 since the teams picking after No. 5 weren't in the market for a quarterback. But as this was likely the only spot in the top ten into which they could move, they had to do it to get Sanchez.

6. Cincinnati - Andre Smith (OT) Alabama

The Bengals land themselves another player with issues, albeit of the "character" variety and not the "law-breaking" variety. Smith is still probably the best offensive linemen in the draft but has to grow up in a hurry if the Bengals expect him to protect their franchise, Carson Palmer.

7. Oakland - Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR) Maryland

Total head scratcher here. Heyward-Bey isn't even the third or fourth best receiver in the draft. Nor will he sell nearly as many tickets as Michael Crabtree. Bey's 40 time at the combine? 4.33. Crabtree's 40 time at the combine? None, broken foot. The other teams in the AFC West should be thanking Al Davis.

8. Jacksonville - Eugene Monroe (OT) Virginia

A very safe, but smart pick. The Jags were devastated by injuries amongst their offensive linemen. Monroe will make his presence felt immediately.

9. Green Bay - B.J. Raji (DT) BC

The Packers added the most important puzzle piece missing from their new 3-4 defensive scheme: Nose Tackle. Raji is huge but athletic, the Packers get good value with this pick.

10. San Francisco - Michael Crabtree (WR) Texas Tech

The best player in the draft slipped all the way to the 49ers at No. 10. If they can solve their quarterback problems, San Francisco could have a very dangerous offense. Oakland will have to watch what they could have had from right across the bay. Tsk, tsk.

11. Buffalo - Aaron Maybin (DE) Penn State

I would have gone with Orakpo here, but the Bills obviously saw something in him that they liked. Orakpo is probably the sexier pick, but Maybin should fit in well.

12. Denver - Knowshon Moreno (RB) Georgia

The Broncos already had a crowded backfield, but the best way to help Kyle Orton is to establish a running game. Look for LaMont Jordan to be thunder to Moreno's lightning, with Correll Buckhalter filling a Darren Sproles type of role.

13. Washington - Brian Orakpo (DE) Texas

Really surprising to see arguably the best defensive end fall this far. Did you notice how fast Washington turned in the pick? They couldn't believe they were getting such great value either.

14. New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins (CB) Ohio State

The Saints did the right thing by taking Jenkins over Beanie Wells. They get depth and a player that can be consistently rotated around the secondary. I would have liked to see Brian Cushing in the black and gold but Saints fan can't complain.

15. Houston - Brian Cushing (OLB) USC

The key to winning the AFC South is stopping Peyton Manning, as Tennessee showed last year. Houston continues to improve their defense and are chomping at the bit to make some noise in the division.

16. San Diego - Larry English (DE) N. Illinois

Another hybrid defender for their 3-4 scheme, not a bad move. Plus I think the Chargers are looking for a little insurance in case Shawn Merriman doesn't hold up this year.

17. Tampa Bay (from Jets through Browns) - Josh Freeman (QB) Kansas St.

Worried that the Broncos could snatch up the best remaining quarterback, The Buccaneers jumped up two spots to land Freeman. The Bucs picked up Byron Leftwich in the offseason but the competition will be healthy for both of them.

18. Denver - Robert Ayers (DE) Tennessee

I thought the Broncos should have taken Orakpo at No. 12. But Ayers isn't too much of a dropoff from him and they still get Moreno. Good picks for the Broncos in the first round.

19. Philadelphia (from Bucs through Browns) - Jeremy Maclin (WR) Missouri

He's not Anquan Boldin, but he'll do. Pairing Maclin with DeSean Jackson also gives the Eagles a scary return game too.

20. Detroit - Brandon Pettigrew (TE) Oklahoma St.

The Lions did maybe the smartest thing they could have by getting Stafford a security blanket. Pettigrew is a complete tight end and will help Stafford mature as a quarterback throughout the season.

21. Cleveland (from Eagles) - Alex Mack (C) California

After trading down three times in the first round, Cleveland lays an egg by drafting a center, albeit the best one on the board. Mack can play guard too, but there were better players available that could produce faster and better results.

22. Minnesota - Percy Harvin (WR) Florida

After clearing out the garbage from the "party boat" incident, the Vikes draft another potential liability. However, considering he fell this far, getting Harvin here is terrific value. It will be interesting to see how he an Peterson will co-exist.

23. Baltimore (from Patriots) - Michael Oher (OT) Ole Miss

It's all about protecting the franchise (Joe Flacco) now in Baltimore. Another great value this late in the first round.

24. Atlanta - Peria Jerry (DT) Ole Miss

The Falcons needed help after losing Keith Brooking and Michael Boley. Any talent they can get on the defensive front is much-needed.

25. Miami - Vontae Davis (CB) Illinois

Davis fits the profile of a Parcells-esque DB: He hits hard, lots of upper body strength, and good overall and recovery speed.

26. Green Bay (from Ravens through Patriots) - Clay Matthews (OLB) USC

Lightning strikes twice for the Pack with this one. First B.J. Raji, and now a stud LB in Clay Matthews. Watch out for the Packers on defense this year. They'll be headhunting.

27. Indianapolis - Donald Brown (RB) UConn

I'm not sure what the Colts were thinking. There were several players taken after Brown—even in the second round—that were better than him. Either the Colts are playing copycat by trying to stockpile the backfield or they're worried about Joseph Addai's durability.

28. Buffalo (from Eagles) - Eric Wood (C) Louisville

After going defense earlier, the Bills needed to go offensive line after dealing Jason Peters to the Eagles. This was the best value given their needs.

29. New York (G) - Hakeem Nicks (WR) UNC

Nicks replaces law-breaking WR Plaxico Burress. Even though Nicks won't have the impact or garner the attention that Burress does on Sundays, this is a safe and reliable pick.

30. Tennessee - Kenny Britt (WR) Rutgers

The Titans get help at a position they've been trying to improve for a while (or have they?). I find it interesting that they didn't try harder to draft a No. 1 wideout until Kerry Collins took over at quarterback. Hmmmm...

31. Arizona - Chris Wells (RB) Ohio St.

Quite a shock to see one of the best running backs in the draft fall to the bottom of the first round. Maybe there is something more to his foot injury that we don't know. This all but ends Edgerrin James's career in Arizona, but it is still an improvement for the Cards.

32. Pittsburgh - Evander Hood (DT) Missouri

The Steelers could have went any direction with the last pick, and naturally they go defense. Hood is great pick this late. He'll fit in fine.

New Orleans Saints: Too Much of a Good Thing

Patrick Generose — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 22:25:55 -0400

Ask yourself this question: "If I have a Heisman Trophy-winning running back, a rarely-sacked quarterback who can throw for 5,000 yards a season, and an offensive attack that has ranked first in the NFL for two of the past three years, what more do I need?"

If you answered, "nothing" you were half-right. The rest of the answer can be found by posing another question: "What does the defensive side of the football have to hang its hat on?"

I think "nothing" just about sums it up now.

Since Sean Payton and Drew Brees arrived in New Orleans 2006, the Saints have built an identity as an offensive powerhouse not to be trifled with. Unfortunately, that identity doesn't seem to have rubbed off on the powers-that-be.

The idea that the Saints are once again in the market for an offensive skill position with their first round pick is all at once unnerving, ominous, and disappointing, especially when you consider that the Saints don't have another pick until the fourth round.

It has been rumored that Saints brass, namely Sean Payton, are enamored with Ohio State running back, Chris "Beanie" Wells.

What's the saying? Those who cannot remember the past...

One need only look back to the Saints' 2007 draft to understand why Wells is clearly the wrong option for the Saints at No. 14.

WR Robert Meachem was selected 27th overall that year, and was the only first-rounder of '07 to never see the field of play in his rookie season. Almost two years later, he has still not lived up to the billing of a first round pick.

Though, in all fairness, Wells is a much better running back than Meachem is a wide receiver. Wells won't have nearly as hard a time adjusting to the NFL as Meachem did, especially since he's regarded as the best running back in this year's draft.

That doesn't mean the Saints should make the same mistake and take him.

By drafting Wells, the Saints would only be creating more confusion and congestion on the field and in the locker room.

You mean to tell me that Reggie Bush (who is slated to make more money than anyone on the team in the final year of his contract) will be splitting carries with another overpaid first round pick?

I wonder how Drew Brees feels about this. And Pierre Thomas & Mike Bell for that matter. Add animosity to confusion and congestion.

If we're talking strictly Xs and Os, the thing that makes Reggie great is his versatility. Having Wells as an every-downer takes away Payton's ability to create mismatches with Bush.

Wells will force Bush into the slot (or worse, the bench) more often than not, and those linebackers and safeties that Bush has had so much fun burning will soon be replaced with much faster cornerbacks.

If it's third down conversions that Payton's really worried about, bruisers can be found after round four. Ask Brandon Jacobs.

If it wasn't for the hiring of defensive coordinator, Gregg Williams and the crew of free agents that the Saints have picked up this offseason, my skepticism level would still be at 10, instead of nine (remember folks, this is the Saints we're talking about).

Williams should do wonders for the Saints defense and it is encouraging to see him bring in players he is personally familiar with—DE Paul Spicer & S Pierson Prioleau—as well as ones he knows will fit into his scheme—S Darren Sharper & CB Jabari Greer.

It is very likely that the Saints will be without defensive ends Charles Grant and Will Smith for four games due to suspension. All the more reason the Saints—who have been looking for a defensive playmaker since cutting Sammy Knight in 2002—should pick defense with their first draft choice.

Wells' teammate Malcolm Jenkins, who can play safety and cornerback, would be a great understudy to Sharper. The Saints' secondary has often taken most of the blame for the defense's inability to stop opposing offenses in recent seasons.

But as the NFC South is a runner's division, The Saints might be better advised to shore up the front seven.

USC has a trio of linebackers that could all go in the first round. Brian Cushing would be a great complement to middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Having played defensive end as a sophomore, he has a nose for the quarterback—something that Williams cherishes in his defenders.

The wild card option in all of this is trading down. The Saints did it last year with the New England Patriots and it worked out well for both teams (DT Sedrick Ellis to the Saints and Defensive Rookie of the Year, LB Jerod Mayo, to the Patriots).

Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Sean Payton are close friends so don't be surprised if you see these teams trade again this year.

If Jenkins and Cushing are both available when the Saints are on the clock, this seems like the smartest move. Chances are at least one will still be available later in the first round and the Saints will end up getting an extra pick.

The Saints offense is good, no, it's great. It's extraordinary, exciting, and potent. A well-oiled machine. And it shouldn't be messed with.

The past three years has shown us that maybe there's just too much of it. Maybe Robert Meachem couldn't help the offense quite simply because it didn't need the help. The same can be said for Beanie Wells.

Happy drafting.