Bleacher Report - Articles by Randy Savoie

Drew Brees Finally Gets a Shot at Tom Brady: No Pressure, The World Is Watching

Randy Savoie — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 21:36:29 -0500

Thanksgiving Day 2009 (Panama City Beach, Florida)

It's twenty years later, and team owner Tom Benson no longer dances in the end zone. Yet Saints fans still dance Sunday nights away at the Famous Door on Bourbon Street.

A live wire, barely a beginner
But just watch that lady go
She's on fire, 'cause dancin' gets her higher than-uh
Anything else she knows

Dance (Dance) the night away
Oh-oh-oh (Ah) Come on g-girl, dance the night away

Yeah, there's no shortage of hysteria in New Orleans these days. It's Mardi Gras in November in The City That Care Forgot.

Just ask no less an authority than the city's best artisan of fine cuisine—Chef Emeril.

They're the best. They're the best. Absolutely the best. What do you guys think? Are they the best or wwwwwwhat?

As tasty as the good Chef's finest dish, the Saints' Cat 10 offense is as smooth and pleasurable as the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra or one of those French Quarter Jazz bands.

And it's such a night, it's such a night
Sweet confusion under the moonlight
It's such a night, such a night
To steal away, the time is right

It's amazing what can happen under a voodoo moon in New Orleans.

These Saints are off to a 10-0 start: best in franchise history.

Some would say they have taken the road less traveled.

New Orleans has thrown the knockout punch from a variety of angles.

Drew Brees is tossing TD passes with ease. One week it's Reggie Bush. The next week it's Mike Bell. The defense has scored seven times. Two weeks ago, they got a kickoff return for six. Last week, it was former first-round draft pick Robert Meachem, once labeled a bust, with two touchdown catches.

Brees from the shotgun, play action, rolls to his right, pumps, throws into the end zone......caught by Meachem for the TD!!!!!!!!

Meachem says he's just learning to chill in this laid-back town, havin' fun:

"As a first-round draft pick, people were saying, 'He's not out there. Why did we draft him? He's a bust.' So, I just learned to try to use that as a positive, and I replayed that in my head, "HE'S A BUST," and it makes me go out there and play better."

Many in the national media believe in their most private moments that New Orleans is more bust than boom.

ESPN's Mike Greenberg said this week the Saints have to be the most unheralded 10-0 team in NFL history. On Monday mornings, the national media gives an obligatory mention of the Saints' latest win before quickly shifting gears to Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings or Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

Even the lowly Cleveland Browns and New York Jets garnered more talk time on a recent edition of ESPN's Mike & Mike.

Rarely is the immortal Brees—the man who came within one mid-range completion of breaking Dan' Marino's single season passing yardage record one year ago—mentioned in the discussion of the NFL's greatest quarterback.

That topic is reserved for Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

Alas, sometimes Cinderella is late. Better late than never.

Finally, Brees gets his chance to silence the experts on Monday Night Football as the entire nation watches what is easily the best matchup of the NFL season down in New Orleans.

Brees says he relishes the chance to face Brady.

"I'm excited for the opportunity because you like to share the field with guys like that—guys that are considered the best—and get an opportunity to compete. "

Hey, my offense is trying to score more points than your offense, pretty boy!

Although his goal is to score 40 points every game, Brees realizes that this week less may be better:

"Everytime we touch the ball our goal is to get points, but you understand in a game like this, going up against a quality opponent, that at times you may have to play the field position game a little bit."

Brady sounds confident as he returns to the Superdome for the first time since winning Super Bowl XXXVI, over the St. Louis Rams—the original Greatest Show on Turf.

"It's always good this part of the year for a quarterback and a head coach, when you can evaluate another team based on 10 games and over 500 or 600 plays, can evaluate their players and their coaching, what makes their team go, and how to eliminate some of their strengths," says Brady.

One strength the Patriots will have to eliminate is the Saints' absolute mastery of the fourth quarter this season. New Orleans has scored 338 fourth quarter points through ten games—best in the NFL in 2009.

New Orleans radio commentator Bobby Hebert was the first quarterback to lead the Saints to a winning season back in 1987 when the owner was still doing something called the Benson Boogie, and head coach Jim Mora was ranting, "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda."

Hebert says that given the Saints penchant for creating turnovers and scoring points in bunches in the fourth quarter, it may not take a hex from one of those Bourbon Street witch doctors to beat the Patriots.

"It's going to be a battle from kickoff to the last whistle. If we (the Saints) win the fourth quarter like we've been winning it this year, we're going to beat the Patriots."

Exuding confidence, Brady told Sports Illustrated in a June 1, 2009 cover story, "I've done everything I could do to push myself, sometimes too hard. Right now, I'm doing everything. THERE'S NOTHING I CAN'T DO."

Only time will tell. We'll have the answer before the clock strikes midninght at the Famous Door on Bourbon Street.

Usama Keeping Sharper Young: Saints' Safety Impressive Against Rams

Randy Savoie — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:18:40 -0500

Brightness. Toughness. Ability.Versatility.

The four virtues brand new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said he admired most during OTA's back in May.

Usama Young has all four. So, in retrospect, he had little to fear when New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton asked him to switch from cornerback to free safety during the offseason.

Usually, a position switch is the proverbial kiss of death, but Young heard Williams say, "I like versatile players. Corners have to play safety. Safeties have to play corner," and then he went out and seized the day.

Carpe Diem! Carpe Diem! Carpe Diem, I tell ya!

It's the dead of Summer at Saints training camp and Young lines up with the first-string offense. He breaks up a long pass intended for Robert Meachem and a few plays later forces Devery Henderson to fumble, drawing rave reviews from Williams and his teammates as the oppressive New Orleans sun beats down.

Way to go U!!!! Way to go baby!!!! Impressive, my man....Impressive, dude.....

Young is nothing if not versatile and the third-year veteran wins a heated battle to backup All-Everything Darren Sharper. At 34, Sharper has discovered the Fountain of Youth somewhere on the outer edges of the French Quarter. He's playing like he's 25 again as he leads the NFC in interceptions with seven.

Sharper was the Saints' defense preeminent player as New Orleans reeled off eight consecutive victories to start the season and it appeared Young would spend 2009 mostly observing the master.

Then, Sharper was injured in a victory against Carolina and Young's number was up.

Instead of wilting under the pressure, Young awoke the giant within—intercepting a Mark Bulger pass in the Saints' end zone—as he made a seamless transition from backup to temporary starter. New Orleans would march 78 yards for a touchdown to capitalize on Young's heroics.

Yeah, he did his best impression of Sharper all right.

Usama Young has come along way since his days as a hot dog vendor at Redskins games during his high school years in Washington, D.C.

Hot Dogs! Get your hot dogs! They're red hot! Get them while they're hot!.

(Involves more skill and intelligence then,say, being a cheerleader and a lot harder work.)

Yuk, Yuk, Yuk, Yuk.....ha ha ha ha.....

At the tender age of 24, he is arguably the best-known backup defensive back in America, following his appearance on a popular Super Bowl commercial last year with his father in which he dreams of playing in "the Big Game."

"Me and my father, we went out to Cali (California) and had a good time shooting the commercial," Young told ESPN Radio Wednesday night. "During the filming, it was said at the end- one of the moments- I said, 'hey, I'm in the Super Bowl and pop said,'it's just a commercial,' but then I said 'wait 'til next year but they cut that part out."

"So, hopefully, they'll run that (the commercial) again. You know later on down the line," the likeable Sharper says with a laugh. "God willing we can get in this thing."

Could Young have possibly had a premonition of things to come this season for his surprising Saints?

Regarding a possible Super Bowl appearance, he says,"That will be crazy. It will be another fun experience."

As Young handles the national media with the aplomb of a seasoned veteran, you sense his stellar play against the St. Louis Rams was a surprise to everyone but him. In his humility, he credits the veteran Sharper for making him a better player.

"Being behind him in practice, you get to learn a lot from him," Young told ESPN radio's Freddie Coleman. "Just watching him in the games, you see him make plays and I constantly think where would I have been on the play."

"So, I try to envision myself in the same position that he's in when he's scoring the touchdowns, catching his interceptions ( Sharper leads the NFL in career interceptions among active players) and doing his thing. It's just great being behind a future hall-of-famer."

Sharper and Young have become fast friends. Perhaps, it is their shared small college pedigree. Sharper from William & Mary. Young out of Kent State.

Anything you want to take from Sharper, Mr. Young?

"Hopefully in years to come, I develop those same skills, where he see routes before the receivers run them because he has a great sense of route recognition and it comes from instincts and football knowledge."

Brightness. Toughness. Ability. Versatility.

"Just seeing him (Sharper) break on different routes, I always ask him ' hold on man! What did you just see? What made you stop in your pedal so early?, Young told ESPN. "He lets me know where his eyes were and what the quarterbacks options may have been."

Sharper is likely to play Sunday against Tampa Bay but Young knows odds are he will be called upon again before season's end.

"You try to prepare week in and week out for that. Even though you don't want your players to get hurt. You don't want your teammates to go down, it's part of the game. It's a violent game."

"I go in and say, just in case I get some reps, just in case he goes down, I want to be able to perform at a high level. I want to play like a professional."

Usama Young passed his first first test last Sunday in St. Louis.

To Hate Like This Is To Be Happy Forever: Saints, Falcons Bitter Rivalry

Randy Savoie — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:10:06 -0400

Hatred strikes me as one of the few signs of life remaining in the world. This is another thing about the world which is upside-down: all the friendly and likable people seem dead to me; only the haters seem alive.
Walker Percy

Any Saints fan 40-plus remembers when they became a Falcon hater like it was yesterday.

It was Nov. 12, 1978, when New Orleans Saints fans discovered the kind of true happiness that only the hatred of a bitter rival can produce.

With the Saints still in playoff contention on that fall afternoon 31 years ago, Archie Manning and a stubborn defense held the Steve Bartkowski-led Atlanta Falcons at bay for 59 minutes.

The Falcons had closed the gap to 17-13 on a Hascal Stanback touchdown run with 57 seconds to go. Then, the Saints took over presumably to run out the clock.

Legendary Saints radio Voice Wayne Mack , a Chicago native, had the call:

"With this big win, the fans will be dancing on the tables at Pat O'Brien's."

A melancholy Mack would say later, "I should have learned from the Chicago Tribune headline that proclaimed, incorrectly, the victory of Tom Dewey over Harry Truman in the presidential election of 1948."

On fourth and two, Saints coach Dick Nolan decided to run Chuck Muncie. The Falcons defense held. Then, Big Ben, and we're not talking Roethlisberger here, reared his ugly head.

With 19 seconds remaining, Atlanta QB Steve Bartkowski lined up in what came to be known as the Big Ben formation: three wide receivers on his right. At the snap, the receivers started flying toward the New Orleans end zone with seven defensive backs in hot pursuit.

Bartkowski launched a missile to the goal line and then everything seemed to move in slooooowwwwww motion.

Ten bodies collided around the ten yard line, like tourists at Mardi Gras fighting for a pair of beads flung from a Bourbon Street balcony.The ball seem to hang in the air forever.

It was then that diminuitive Falcons receiver Alfred Jenkins attained his moment of glory.

Jenkins caught his only pass of the afternoon emerging from the sea of bodies and darting into the end zone.

An eerie silence followed in the jam-packed Superdome. Kind of like one of those spooky New Orleans Victorian mansions on Halloween night.

The crowd sat in stunned silence enduring sheer agony no sports fans should ever have to endure but ultimately does.

Atlanta had won 20-17, cruelly dashing the Saints' playoff hopes.

A local radio talk show host printed up a batch of "I Hate the Falcons" t-shirts." The batch sold out in three days. Three decades later, mine still hangs in my locker. I sneer every time I look at it.

Two weeks later, the Saints traveled to Atlanta for a rematch.

Different city. Same creepy results.

With 53 seconds left and the Saints leading again 17-13, New Orleans went into the infamous, dreaded prevent defense. Bartkowski marched the Falcons to the Saints' 23 with 16 seconds remaining.

Deja vu all over again Rocky....ugggghhhhh.....Deja vu all over again....

Bartkowski fired to the end zone. Saints defensive back Ralph McGill intercepted.

Flag on the play!!! Oh My Sweet Jesus, you gotta be kidding me!!!!!

Referee Grover Klemmer called interference on New Orleans DB Maurice Spencer. Falcons receiver Dennis Pearson would admit later he didn't feel a thing. Two weeks later the league office informed the Saints that Klemmer blew the call.

Same spooky final score: Falcons 20 Saints 17.

New Orleans States-Item sports editor Bob Roesler began campaigning for instant replay, a revolutionary idea in those days.

The following year, the two teams would meet again in the season opener.

"I'm tellin ya' Charlie....I'm a nervous wreck....this game is the greatest moment of our lives. There's never been a game like this."

Revenge was on everyone's mind when the Falcons came to New Orleans in September 1979.

Do you remember the 21st night of September?

Our hearts were ringing
In the key that our souls were singing
As we danced in the night,
Remember how the stars stole the night away

Ba de ya - say that you remember
Ba de ya - dancing in September
Ba de ya - never was a cloudy day

Yeah, it was Earth, Wind and Fire for the Saints in the Superdome that day. Alas, mostly fire.

"We had the biggest meeting in the the history of the fan club Tuesday night, Joey!!!!! I haven't been able to sleep: I hope the players aren't as nervous as I am."

Turns out one player was suffering from extreme anxiety that day, punter Russell Erxleben. The Saints spent a number one draft pick on Erxleben in hopes that the former Texas Longhorn could handle both the kicking and punting.

Incumbent Saints placekicker Rich Szaro of Poland ribbed Erxleben mercessly in training camp.

" He's a punta, not a keecker......ha ha ha ha.....he will not kick in this league," said Szaro in his Polish accent.

Turns out he was neither a kicker nor a punter. More head case than anything else.

This time it took four quarters plus about 8 1/2 of overtime for the Dirty Birds to traumatize the City of New Orleans again. John Watson snapped the ball over punter Erxleben's head.

A mad dashed ensued. Erxleben recovered it at the goal line and under heavy pressure threw it into the waiting arms of Atlanta's James Mayberry who raced into the end zone for a 40-34 Falcons win.

Three fluky wins in a row by the hated Atlanta Falcons.

True happiness is hating this much!

So for all us Saints fans who remember the days before ESPN, the seeds of hatred for the Dirty Birds were sown over 30 years ago.

As one of those Greek philosophers said, (I think it was Aeschylus), "Before the old wound is healed, there is fresh blood flowing."

I'm sure the Falcons will receive a warm Southern welcome Monday night. The kind of a Halloween weekend welcome you receive only in New Orleans.

Darkness falls across the land
The midnight hour is close at hand
Creatures crawl in search of blood
To terrorize y'alls neighborhood

The foulest stench is in the air
The funk of forty thousand years
And grizzly ghouls from every tomb
Are closing in to seal your doom

A former Saints All-Pro told me Friday morning that Atlanta rockstar QB Matt Ryan has never seen anything like he's gonna see from Gregg Williams' defense Monday night in the Dome.

Surely, a much better defense than the one that suffered those Shakespearean losses back in the late 70's.

Said New Orleans safety Ralph McGill all those years ago, "We got nothin' but buzzard luck. They did to us what buzzards do to you when they die."

Yeah, losing like that three times in a row....well, it was just a damned shame. A hell of a thing. A real damned f****** shame.

Those kind of memories they cut deep ya know. Cut real deep.

They say the first cut is the deepest, but the second and third aren't much fun either.

Puts you in the mood for some more sweet revenge, Nawlins style.

Well, who the hell knows.

ESPN'S Mike Greenberg Sidelined Indefinitely With Case of the Sniffles (At-Choo)

Randy Savoie — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:34:22 -0400

One week after publicly ridiculing Las Vegas oddsmakers for installing the New Orleans Saints as three-point favorites over the New York Giants, Mike Greenberg, co-host of ESPN's Mike & Mike , phoned in sick late Monday night claiming that he was suffering from a case of the sniffles. The Saints defeated the Giants Sunday in a 48-27 rout causing Greenberg to grudgingly admit, "I was wrong on that one."

Co-host Mike Golic said early Tuesday morning that following Monday's program, and just before the start of ESPN's evening sportscenter, "Greenie started whining like a three-year-old about feeling like he was catching a cold."

Golic added, "Knowing Greenie's history of dealing with minor illnesses and his lack of mental toughness, we probably won't be seeing him around here for a month."

Greenberg had not returned phone calls as of early Tuesday morning, and has issued no public statement regarding his case of the sniffles.

The ESPN morning show host and sports anchor is a notorious whiner and complainer who has been known to bellyache when he has a bad hair day.

One ESPN insider said off the record, "While you and I and most of the country would 'suck it up' and go to work with a stuffy nose, generally Greenberg doesn't handle these minor maldies well. It may be days or even weeks before we see him again in the studio."

Anyone wishing to send Greenberg a get well card should address to C/O Mike Greenberg, ESPN, Bristol, CT.

ESPN's Mike and Mike Have Good Laugh at New Orleans Saints' Expense

Randy Savoie — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:39:42 -0400

Mike Greenberg, the poor man's Bob Costas, and his sidekick Mike Golic, yukked it up pretty good at the undefeated New Orleans Saints' expense this week:

"The New Orleans Saints a three-point favorite over the Giants this week in New Orleans...ha ha ha ha...that's going to be one of my stone-cold lead pipe locks this week big guy...yuk yuk yuk yuk...thanks for beating me to it Greenie...ha ha ha ha."

Stevie Wonder can see these two have their laps firmly planted on the hindquarters of the Giants and Jets and anything East Coast. Greenberg's ignorance of college football and hatred of the Southeastern Conference was on full display when he wondered aloud if an undefeated Cincinnati team should play for a national championship.

"LOL...maybe all that cold weather in Bristol is freezing his brain...LOL...ought to come down South and thaw out sometime Greenie...ha ha ha ha."

Of course, I am quite sure not many in New Orleans heard Greenberg's condescending remarks about the Saints given the show's decade-long interminably low ratings in New Orleans.

They have bounced from station-to-station in New Orleans over the years posting a 1 share in the Arbitron's compared to city's top-rated morning show, Walton & Johnson, with an 18 share.

In football, the equivalent of that would be getting beat 55 to 3.

"It's time for our stone-cold lead pipe locks Golic...I'm starting with the Saints and the Giants big guy...The Saints are a three-point favorite...yuk yuk yuk...the Giants are 5-0...I'm taking the Giants to win straight-up Golic...ha ha ha ha...and ground the high-flying Saints...After all, Eli Manning's numbers on the deep ball are much better than Drew Brees..."

"I agree with you on that pick Greenie...ha ha ha ha...you beat me to it...yuk yuk yuk yuk..."

According to Mike and Mike, the Saints haven't beaten a real team all year. They've always got some damned excuse:

"The Jets had an off day offensively...McNabb was injured...The sun was shining...Sanchez had birdshit in his eye..."

Always some excuse for the Saints beating the hell out of their beloved East Coast darlings.

Nevertheless, Greenie the Weenie, an affectionate term used by some of his ardent fans, prides himself on his unparalleled work ethic and diligent preparation and never fails to remind us of his painstaking attention to detail and yada yada yada.

For a guy who studies so much it seems strange he failed to mention that the Giants haven't beaten anyone this year.

Their five victories came against teams with a combined 5-20 record. Three of their five victories came against winless Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Oakland. They beat a Washington Redskin team in utter disarray and an average-at-best Dallas Cowboys.

"Have any of you heard this? G--damnit! I'm sick and tired of what the New York media elite is saying about us! The papers, television, fans, Ike and Ike on ESPN—everybody out there is trying to make us look like some Bourbon Street, Pat O'Brien's Hurricane drinking pushovers; we're back to being a laughing stock."

"They're ridiculing us and who we are, all that we've accomplished this season, making jokes about us and I'm sick of it. I can't take this. I just can't take this shit anymore."

"I had to tell you this, fellas; I had to tell you because you've got to put a stop to it; you've got to help me get this control of this thing. It's absolutely unforgivable that this organization is being mocked! Will you help me? Can you shut up that Bob Costas-wanna-be Mike Greenberg?

Can you stop this crap from continuing any longer? Can you stuff it down their g--damn throats??

Yeah, Greenie and Golic had a good laugh at New Orleans expense this week and I'm sure if the Saints win on Sunday...

"Well, poor Eli's foot was bothering him again Golic...yeah that's it big guy...and the Giants were banged up on defense...well, I guess this proves the Minnesota Vikings are the team to beat now in the NFC..."

Word has it these Giants are hurting on defense: Boley, Canty, Ross, Brown, and Kehl. This may not bode well for the visitors especially when you're getting ready to take on the league's most lethal offense—Brees,Thomas, Bell, Colston, Henderson, Shockey, and well, the list goes on and on and you get the picture.

It may not be a fair fight Sunday afternoon in the Superdome.

Kind of like when five foxes and two chickens are voting on what to have for dinner.

Is Cool Brees Another Joe Cool? Will Saints Prove Media Elite Wrong?

Randy Savoie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:21:42 -0400

Super Bowl titles be damned. Drew Brees ranks among the best to play the game.

Trent Dilfer won a damned Super Bowl and he sure in the hell isn't headed for Canton unless he buys a plane ticket. Dilfer won a Super Bowl. Guess those football Gods have a sense of humor afterall. Ha ha ha!

Rev. Bob Harrington, the late Chaplain of Bourbon Street, after having one-too-many threw the Good Book further and more accurately than Dilfer threw a football. I'm telling ya'. Yuk, yuk. yuk!

It should come as no surprise that Joe Montana is the name that pops up most frequently at some of New Orleans' favorite bars and Houses of Ill Repute, they tell me,when talk turns toward who Drew Brees compares to most favorably among NFL legends.

Let me tell ya' Jack had Brees played for Walsh and the Niners during those days, he would have a few Super Bowl rings too. Yeah, Walsh would have loved Brees, Jack. I'm telling ya' he would have.

Enough football. You wanna lap dance or you want Rocky to throw your ass out in the middle of Bourbon Street sir?

In "The Score Takes Care of Itself," an excellent new book about San Francisco coach Bill Walsh, the late Walsh remembers fondly a determined Montana in the final year of his remarkable career.

"Joe Montana, perhaps the greatest quarterback in NFL history, in his last season as a professional, when he was playing for Kansas City, would spend two hours a day every day at the same little practice field at Menlo College near San Francisco," remembers Walsh.

"I would work with him on basic fundamentals that would bore a high schooler to death. Joe had four Super Bowl rings. How did he get them? Why was on he on that little practice field? Joe understood what mastery means."

"You never stop learning, perfecting, refining-molding your skills. You never stop depending on the fundamentals - sustaining, maintaining, and improving. Jerry (Rice) and Joe, maybe the best ever at their positions, at the last stages of their careers were still working very hard on the fundamental things that most high school kids won't do because it's too damned dull."

"It wasn't dull to Jerry and Joe, because they understood the absolute and direct connection between intelligently directed hard work and achieving your potential. We all do; I do. Everybody who's a serious player knows what it takes. The difference is how much you're willing to give to give to get there."

Like Montana, Brees is slight of stature as quarterbacks go and neither one has ever been accused of having a rocket arm. However the combination of dedication, attention to detail and applied intelligence are unparalled. Montana had the necessary RPM to make all the throws and so does Brees.

That damned Brees. I can't beat him to Saints Drive in the morning. Ever man! Ever. I get there at 6:10 and he's been there at 6:00! Maybe I need to get a place closer to the office. Damn that Brees! ha ha ha ha.

Now it appears the Saints may be on the same page....that Gregg Williams and Darren Sharper are to the defense what Payton and Brees are to the league's best offense.

But they haven't played anybody Kenny. Two of their wins came against Detroit and Buffalo and they beat the Eagles without McNabb and the Jets with a rookie quarterback and blah, blah, blah.......

On ESPN's Mike and Mike Friday morning, the ex-jock and the little metrosexual argued over who is the NFC's best team- The Giants or Vikings. Never held a watch to it but they spent a lot more time talking about the recently disposed Jets than the Saints this week. Kind words about the Saints seemed almost obligatory rather than heartfelt.

Those Vikings are amazing big guy. All of the offseason questions I had about them have been answered. Yada. Yada. Yada.

And the Jets have Braylon Edwards now! Yada. Yada. Yada. Will make Sanchez even better.Yada.Yada.Yada. And those Giants about to be 5-0. Maybe an all New York Super Bowl.

And what about Cutler and the Bears? He makes them a legit Super Bowl contender,Greenie.

And the Saints, well the Saints, no doubt Brees is great but the Jets "D" made him look ordinary Greenie and, well, you have to wonder if their defense is for real and will the week off hurt their momentum and blah, blah, blah.

As Bill Walsh and the Niners were blazing new trails, they faced similar snubs from the eastern media elite who were loathe to admit that a power shift was occurring away form New Yawk to the wrong coast. This same media elite will never admit the Saints are the real deal even if Brees and company win the Super Bowl.

To the media's credit, many who picked the Saints to go all the way the past two years were burned, but those predictions pre-dated the arrival of Gregg Williams and the failure of the national press to acknowledge Williams' contribution to the Saints resurgence seems either intentional or uninformed.

Well, hell, time will tell.

We'll see how Eli and the Giants do against those 90,000 screaming fans in the Dome and the Saints new "D" Jack. Yeah we'll see how Archie's boy holds up against all that noise and Gregg Williams' NO-NAME "D."

Montana and Brees. Rice and Colston. Sharper and Lott.

Well, who the hell knows.

Will Sanchez Make His Mark Against Saints? Donkey or Thoroughbred?

Randy Savoie — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:20:49 -0400

They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. They say there's always magic in the air.

"We're going to win Sunday. I guarantee you."

It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.

By late Sunday afternoon on Jan. 12th, 1969, Joe Namath's bold prediction became reality as the sun set on South Beach. The charismatic kid from Alabama with nimble feet and a laser arm, nicknamed "Broadway Joe," had backed up his boast.

The New York Jets upset the Baltimore Colts to win Super Bowl III. Forty years later, it is still considered the greatest upset in football history.

Guess those media smartasses won't be laughing at us anymore! 55-0 my ass!

Fast forward to 2009 and Jets fans are saying rookie Mark Sanchez is Joe Namath reincarnate. The USC rookie has New York off to a surprising 3-0 start in grand style and has Jets partisans dreaming about that magical afternoon in Florida so many years ago.

As I spent last week in Washington, D.C. witnessing the local media excoriate Redskins coach Jim Zorn, an old man sitting on the bank of the Potomac River explained to me that the NFL can be divided into two groups-thoroughbreds and donkeys.

He concluded that only a jackass gets mad at a donkey. I pondered the comment while finishing a beer. He uttered the words with much conviction and I, myself, believe this to be so.

The old man said it explains why Zorn never seems overly upset with his team. He has come to accept that these Redskins are donkeys and, like Zorn or not, he is no jackass in my view.

I take a last swallow of beer and notice that the Washington Post sports page, as good as sports pages get these days, has the New Orleans Saints ranked No. 1 in their NFL power rankings.

Seems the D.C. media is taking notice. Admiring these Saints from far and away.

Have no doubt that Rex Ryan is transforming the New York Jets into thoroughbreds this season. Most observers regarded Eric Mangini and the 2008 Jets as donkeys and it would be difficult to argue with that opinion.

The last time Sean Payton matched wits with Ryan came in 2006 at the Superdome and unfortunately Payton came out looking like the donkey and Ryan the thoroughbred. At the time, Ryan was Baltimore's defensive coordinator. The Ravens drubbed the Saints 35-22 on Halloween weekend.

Drew Brees had his worst game in a Saints uniform, throwing three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) and never looked comfortable against Ryan's attacking defense.

The Saints managed only 35 yards net rushing. Prized rookie Reggie Bush had 16 yards on 5 carries before leaving with a sprained ankle.

"Welcome to the NFL, rookie! We mean business, baby!

Said Payton that afternoon three years ago: "We have to evaluate what we did, because it wasn't good. That one is on me. I have got to do a better job getting these guys to play."

"You just look at the stats. The most telling stat of a game every time around is turnovers and takeaway ratio," said Brees. "Obviously, we had five turnovers. I could tell you already, your chances are not very good."

Yeah, Rex Ryan and his vicious, take-no-prisoners Ravens defense made life miserable for the Saints that fall day in '06.

Nevertheless, times have changed.

The Saints parted ways with some of the donkeys on that team (Josh Bullocks comes to mind), and, this off-season, replaced a donkey defensive coordinator with a thoroughbred, Gregg Williams.

As a result, "Broadway Joe" Sanchez is likely to face a lot more heat than he has the previous three weeks, and I have yet to see a quarterback look good when he is getting knocked on his arse every other play.

Remember Brady against the Giants two years ago. Brady. Poor bastard.

If Will Smith and Charles Grant repeat their performances of a week ago in Buffalo, bringing the heat from every conceivable angle, those lights on Broadway may dim a bit by Sunday night. You can bet Williams will show the rookie rockstar QB looks he's never ever seen.

The stink eye! Welcome to the NFL, rook! How do you do!

The old man on the Potomac was right. At the end of the day in this league, you are either a thoroughbred or a donkey.

If Sanchez loses his first game as an NFL starter Sunday in the Superdome, my guess is Rex Ryan won't be too upset with his first-year QB "Broadway Joe" Sanchez.

After all, he wouldn't be the first rookie signal caller that defensive coordinator Williams made to look like a donkey.

Remember, only jackasses get mad at donkeys, and whoever accused the revered Ryan family of being jackasses?

California Gold Rush: New Orleans Saints Bring Heat in 45-7 Win Over Oakland

Randy Savoie — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 16:09:31 -0400

As Saturday night faded away into Sunday morning on Bourbon Street, shouts of Praise the Lord and pass the Hurricanes filled the air at Pat O'Brien's.

Amen and Amen, brother!

The Saints are 3-0 and all is right with the world on this 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

You know New Orleans. Any good excuse to party.

Just hours earlier, the Saints laid a 45-7 whooping on former LSU star JaMarcus Russell and the Raiders at Oakland Coliseum.

It was the most dominant preseason performance in franchise history.

Whatever happened to the Raiders Commitment to Excellence? Well, who the hell knows.

Raiders head coach Tom Cable–a man not known for pulling punches–told reporters, "Obviously, I'm embarrassed by that effort. It was not very good in terms of the third preseason game. It just seemed like early in the game we could not make a play on either side of the ball."

A born again Saints rushing attack–minus Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas–shredded Oakland's defense for 232 yards on the ground.

Lynell Hamilton and P.J. Hill, vying for a possible fourth running back slot behind Thomas, Bush, and Mike Bell, combined for 178 rushing yards.

The Saints passing attack was equally as efficient as Drew Brees directed scoring drives of 80, 67 and 78 yards in passing for 179 yards and two touchdowns before leaving in the second quarter.

Yeah, it was an whipping alright.

A Saints 2-1 Time of Possession advantage.
First Downs: Saints 31 to Raiders 9.
A 75 percent third-down conversion rate in the first-half. When is the last time you remember the Saints accomplishing that?
A 536-289 advantage in total yards.

This morning, Father Tony, over at Our Lady of Hopeless Cases in the French Quarter, preached that the last shall be first.

THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST BROTHER! THE LAST SHALL BE FIRST! Amen and Amen!

And which time, I awoke from a light sleep and sat up and shouted PRAISE THE LORD!, immediately assuming he was talking about the NFC South where last to first has become an annual tradition.

New Orleans was an unusual and unlikely last place finisher one year ago with a great offense featuring creme-de-la-creme QB Brees throwing for over 5,000 yards as he mounted a serious challenge to Dan Marino's all-time passing record.

By contrast, the running game and defense were terrible.

Gregg Williams was brought in as the new Saints defensive coordinator to raise the unit to acceptable level.

Yesterday afternoon, they looked as opportunistic as they have since day one of training camp–continuing a trend of flying to the ball and forcing turnovers and proving that the Good Lord can raise the dead.

Paul Spicer, Jonathan Vilma, and Chris Reis recovered fumbles. Randall Gay and Osama Young dropped near interceptions and Tracy Porter recovered a fumble that was ruled an incomplete pass.

The aggressive play of the defense had Gregg William's philosophy stamped all over it from beginning to end.

Alpha and Omega! As those Bourbon Street preachers say. Alpha and Omega!

"We're just flying to the ball," rejuvenated Saints FS Roman Harper said. " I don't think we did anything extra or special, we're just trying to run as fast as we can."

After the Saints attempt to draft Ohio State power back Chris "Beanie" Wells in this year's draft proved futile, Payton remarked that the running backs he needed may already be in the building.

Cynics dismissed the comment as wishful thinking.

Following Bell's breakout game against the Texans last week and Hamilton and Hill's performances last night in Oakland, Payton's statement may have been more than idle chatter.

With Tampa Bay rebuilding, Carolina banged up with little depth, and question marks abounding about the lack of leadership on Atlanta's defense, it is entirely possible that once again this year in the NFC South the Last Shall be First.

The Last Shall be First! The Last Shall be First!

Amen and Amen!

Praise the Lord and pass the hurricanes in New Orleans.

As Bush Comes to Shove: Reggie Primed To Silence Critics in 2009

Randy Savoie — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:38:15 -0400

Wikipedia describes the burning bush as an object from the Book of Exodus located on Mount Horeb. The bush was on fire but was not consumed by the flames, hence the name.

In 2006, Reggie Bush was on fire when he entered the NFL as arguably the best college running back ever. And he fell in the Saints lap when those foolish Texans selected a defensive end named Mario Williams.

In his rookie year, he introduced himself to New Orleans in dramatic fashion with over 1,500 total yards as the Saints made a deep playoff run that ended with a loss in the NFC Championship game to the Chicago Bears.

Saints partisans assumed it was a sign of things to come.

However, the next two years were not nearly as productive. Bush battled injuries and life without his running mate/mentor Deuce McAllister- and Bush quickly found himself in the line of enemy fire.

The media sharks wasted little time questioning his legitimacy as the overall second pick in the 2006 draft. They said he is a complimentary back and always will be. They said he lacked toughness and durability and a lack of focus that they attributed to Kim Kardashian, I think.

However, if 2009 training camp is any indication, Reggie Bush is determined that he'll never be consumed by the flames.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas says Bush is hitting the hole with the kind of explosion never before season in his four-year NFL career. He says Bush has looked outstanding from day one this preseason.

Last Saturday night, those Bourbon Street preachers were shouting from the rooftops that," steel is strengthened in the fire! In the fire!" And when is the last time one of those guys was ever wrong about anything? Although, on occasion, a few of them eventually succumb to the temptations the street has to offer.

If those preachers are right, Bush should be pretty damned strong at this point.

In 2007, Bush lost his mentor and partner-in-crime McAllister to a torn ACL against the Titans and never appeared comfortable as the Saints featured back, averaging only 3.6 yards per carry and missing the final four games with a torn knee ligament.

One year later, he got off to a fast start with a combined 163 rushing/receiving yards and a dynamic 42 yard catch-and-run for a touchdown against Tampa Bay. He followed that with a two-touchdown effort against Denver and a spectacular game against Minnesota, returning two punts for touchdowns and tying an NFL record for punt returns for TDs in a game.

The injury bug struck again as he hurt his left knee in an Oct. 19 game against division rival Carolina and Bush missed six games one season ago.He felt the wrath of critics and fans on talk radio and barbs of the network guys.

Publicly, Bush said all the right things.

He took personal responsibility for his lack of productivity. He said he wasted precious time trying to be a finesse back. He said he needs to be more explosive. Hit the hole faster. He said he learned his lesson. He said to hell with all that flash-n-dash stuff.

I'll be one of those damned north-south runners! No more tip-toeing and jitterbugging and stutter-stepping for me! I admit I have a problem! Like AA! From now on, I'll run the way every other back in the league runs! I'll be happy with the three-yard gain!

Privately, Bush tells friends all that media criticism cuts deep, burns and just downright pisses him off...says he wants to shut up all those media bastards once and for all. Says he's planning a dramatic comeback.

They just don't understand me! I'm not conventional! Asking me to run north/south...Oh my God, man, that's like asking Michael Vick to be a drop-back conventional pocket passer!

What the hell are they thinkin'!

Way? No way! No ******way!

Ain't my game man! Ain't my game and never will be!

Don't buy all that stuff about Reggie's juking and jivin' days are over. That he is forsaking his unconventional ways this year and going straight. Ain't gonna happen. It wouldn't be Reggie. He'll make his dramatic comeback this year and he'll do it his way.

The Three Musketeers said as much on local talk radio this morning.

They said Reggie is a wingback who excels when you throw the him the ball in space or hand it to him and let him explode outside.

And they see that when healthy he is very, very effective. Damned effective. A lethal weapon.

No free agent linebacker, cornerback, safety...whoever the hell they are, is bringing me down in the open-field jack! Try it! Try it! See what Happens.

Speed kills, baby!

The Musketeers say he is a terrific receiver and occasionally a terrific running back and his dazzling speed holds every defensive player accountable every time he's on the field.

Oh yeah, speed kills, baby!

They say he is a solid and completely different type of player who will never be a between the tackles runner but, nevertheless, can be very efficient in this Saints offense.

They say he's a tiny dancer who will always be jukin' and jivin' and giving up yards to gain yards like a drunk stumblin' out of Pat O'Briens on a Saturday night out onto Bourbon Street.

Always kickin' it outside. Cutting back. Lookin' for the outside.

Kickin'. Cuttin'. Lookin'.

And they say it with all the seriousness of your neighborhood mortician, and I for one believe them and nod my head in vigorous agreement as I drive the car down I-10 with the same kinda speed Bush displays on the football field.

"If I'm healthy 100 percent throughout the season, then I should be able to do what I expect myself to do. All I can do is control what I can control. I can't control what people say (damned media smartasses). I can control what I do on the field. I understand where the criticism comes from. I hear it, and I just use it as motivation."

Have no doubt, when bush comes to shove, Reggie will make his dramatic comeback and he will do it,as the late Howard Cosell would say, in his own inimitable way.

NFL Guard or Security Guard?

Randy Savoie — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:41:06 -0400

"You don't know. You just don't know. You may think you know, but you don't know and you never will know," once said former New Orleans Saints Head Coach Jim Mora.

They both toil in relative obscurity.

Little glory; Little adulation; Little notoriety. No one pays much attention really. A thankless task until something goes terribly wrong and then all hell breaks loose.

Of course, I speak of security guards and NFL offensive guards.

One chases shoeshine sharks with a scooter. An artisan of mall security if you will. The other protects rock star NFL quarterbacks from bodily injury. A mistake by either man can be disastrous.

So you think you know football?

Maybe you write your own blog. Maybe you're a local beat reporter on The Sports Beast. Maybe you live in Philly and are a political professional/crazy Eagles fan who can recite Vince Papale's bio word for word. Then, again, maybe you think you know but you don't know and never will.

I have taken it upon myself to gather the names of some of New Orleans Finest in the Security field.

Following are a list of 20 names- some security guards and some NFL offensive guards. In your reply, list the corresponding numbers of the ones you believe to be security guards.

OK, here goes.

Justin Smiley
George Varnado
Rich Seubert
Oscar Harris
Darryl Waker
Brandon Moore
Joseph Corona
Brandon Albert
Daryn Colledge
John Eitmann
Travelle Wharton
Leonard Davis
Jahri Evans
Mike Dalmado
Aaron Sears
Derrick Dockery
Turner Barran
Byron Young
Vince Manuwai
Cary Robinson

Next time you run into a security guard or an NFL offensive guard, tell him or her how much you appreciate their efforts. It will make their day.

Saints "D" Looks Sharp(er) In 17-7 Win Over Bengals

Randy Savoie — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:29:54 -0400

In Cincinnati today they are saying you can win for losing.

They say all they wanted to see was their first team offense in high gear and their fragile, rockstar QB Carson Palmer leave New Orleans in one piece.

They got both, as the Bengals first team offense amassed 170 yards of total offense, although there was a brief scare on the Cincinnati sideline when Carson Palmer suffered a mild ankle sprain.

"We did some things we wanted to do. We got a good look at a lot of guys tonight, which, I think, was the fun of it." Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters following the New Orleans Saints 17-7 win in the exhibition opener for both teams. "We know what we have to improve upon. We were sloppy with our hands in a lot of different areas. We can't turn the football over."

But turnover the football they did early and often against a Gregg Williams newly revamped Saints defense.

One of the reasons the high-profile Williams was brought in was to the teach the art of thievery to a defense that rarely stripped the ball from opponents one year ago. Unfortunately for Saints partisans, all the stripping in 2008 took place at those Houses of Ill Repute on Bourbon Street.

You see Williams was a defensive coordinator in Washington, DC and good Lord knows he couldn't help but learn a thing or two about theft, coaching in that town.

Hopefully last night was a forerunner of things to come.

Williams' opportunistic unit created three turnovers, noteworthy for a team that has suffered from a dearth of playmakers the past two years. Defensive end Bobby McCray, with six quarterback sacks, was the only significant playmaker last season.

Early in the first quarter, New Orleans new free safety Darren Sharper, an off-season free agent acquisition, showed he still has some game at 33 when he stripped Bengals running back Cedric Benson of the football. Middle linebacker extraordinaire Jonathan Vilma recovered the free ball and rambled 47 yards to the Cincinnati 6-yard line.

Said Sharper: "The turnovers we created with the defense was the most positive thing because that can change games. Your chances of winning become a lot higher when you cause turnovers. We're going to keep doing that. On thing about Coach Williams is he has a big playbook and a lot of different schemes. You best believe we have some things in our back pocket that we're going to pull out."

Like any good poker player, Williams is not going to tip his hand this early in the season. This high-stakes NFL competition is too rich for some coaches' blood but Williams has never been one to be easily intimidated.

Vilma said he tried to score but got a little tired. This life of crime can be a tough job.

Stripping. Swiping. Forcing Fumbles. Interceptions in mid-air. All in a day's work for Williams' new gang of small time crooks.

After Cincinnati's second possession stalled, Vilma got caught engaging in some more highway robbery. He intercepted a Palmer pass intended for Andre Caldwell and returned it 65 yards to the Saints 4 yard line before Caldwell stripped Vilma from behind and the Bengals Andrew Whitworth recovered.

While neither turnover resulted in a score, Saints Head Coach Sean Payton gave his new defense some style points.

"I was pleased with how we played defense and created turnovers," said Payton.

And while it wouldn't be the Saints if they didn't get goughed for big yardage time and again, early returns seem to indicate the Gregg Williams aggressive, attack style, take-no-prisoners approach may be at its genesis in New Orleans.

Just last Sunday, Fr.Tony over at Our Lady of Hopeless Cases, on the edge of the French Quarter, qouted St. Francis of Assisi, "preach often, if necessary use words." Then, he put down the mic and returned to his chair and I joined in the cheering- whooping and hollering and even shouted Praise The Lord!

On Friday night, veterans Vilma and Sharper let their play speak volumes and in the process may have ushered in a entirely new way of doing things, a sassy new style of defense on the Bayou that will drive opponents crazy.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen Says Saints' Intensity Impressive

Randy Savoie — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:54:12 -0400

On July 1, 1967, New Orleans Saints rookies and quarterbacks reported to the organization's first training camp—Fears' concentration camp as it was called, referring to the first coach in team history, Tom Fears. It was on the Cal Western campus in San Diego.

Some of the veterans said it was the most difficult camp they ever attended.

The Saints and Chargers scrimmaged twice—physical scrimmages by all accounts.

Ugggghhhhhhh. Booooooom. Baaaaaammmmmm. A thousand little car wrecks out there.

The Saints administered a lot of punishment to those San Diego Chargers, convincing players, owners, and reporters that this new NFL entry had a bright future.

Forty years later and we see the old adage "the more things change the more they stay the same" still applies today.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen called Saints training camp, "The most physical I've seen on my NFL tour and probably one of the most physical I will see."

Mortenson told WWL's Bobby Hebert Monday night something we have all known for quite some time now. This 2009 Saints training camp is all about a rockstar defensive coordinator named Gregg Williams, and Mortensen says the difference in the intensity level is noticeable from the start.

Williams is probably not a whole lot of fun to be around when that sweltering New Orleans August sun is beating down on you in sheets and he is screaming in your ear about what you didn't do right. Williams is more concerned about winning games than popularity contests. He says matter-of-factly that he is "job interviewing" for every position.

No assistant coach in team history has garnered this much attention. As ESPN's Mortensen pointed out, Williams carries the burden of changing the culture of this Saints defense.

No way he will be intimidated. He is a proven winner having elevated defenses wherever he has been.

Williams is a swashbuckler. A risk-taker. Sort of what Greg Norman was to golf in the '90s.

"Gregg would blitz from the sidelines if it wasn't against the rules."

Intensity. Accountability. Attitude.

Defensive line coach Bill Johnson mirrors Williams' burning intensity. Mortenson cited Johnson's great reputation around the league. The Saints were one of the beneficiaries of the ongoing disaster in Denver these days when they snatched Johnson following Mike Shanahan's dismissal.

Johnson's predecessor Ed Orgeron was OK if you're into cornpone and bullshit.

Williams and Johnson aren't cornpone and bullshit kind of guys.

On Dec. 29, 2008, following the Saints' last game of a second straight disappointing season, defensive end Bobby McCray was polite and diplomatic when addressing the issue of embattled defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, a reserved man whose defenses reflected his reserved personality.

McCray said of Gibbs and his style, "We had a good scheme this year. I would rather see if we could give them some new looks, just mix it up a little bit, kind of confuse the offense a little bit, just do some different things at times."

Eight months later, McCray is downright ecstatic about the change from Gibbs to Williams.

Said McCray this week: "The defense is completely different. He (Williams) has given us a completely different mentality and swagger right now. We're going to come at a lot of offenses this year attacking at different angles...You're going to sleep blitzes left, right, up the middle. He'd probably do it from the sideline if he could. Gregg would probably blitz himself if he thought he could."

Williams, himself, says he is a sinner not a savior. Just a part of the puzzle.

"I'm not into individual football. I'm so sick and tired of me, me, me; the me generation. Look at me, look at me, look at me. It's look at us. This is not about me. It's about the Saints defense."

T.O. Campaigns For Vick, Herm Edwards Says Saints "Best Fit"

Randy Savoie — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:19:29 -0400

It should come as no surprise that Terrell Owens felt compelled to weigh in on the NFL's hottest topic as the Buffalo Bills opened training camp this weekend.

As ESPN reported that Michael Vick is likely to receive a conditional reinstatement from the NFL that will include between a two and six-week suspension to start the season, T.O., a man who is no stranger to controversy himself, spoke freely with reporters about the ongoing Vick saga that has sports talk radio and Internet chat boards buzzing.

Asked about the possibility of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell imposing an additional suspension on the former Atlanta Falcon quarterback, Owens said, "I think it's unfortunate. I think the way the commissioner has handled it, I think is unfair to Michael Vick. I think he's done the time for what he's done. I don't think it's really fair for him to be suspended four more games. That's almost like kicking a dead horse on the ground."

"I think a lot of guys around the league need to speak up. I think the players union needs to step in. The guy's already suffered so much. To add a four-game suspension on a two-year prison sentence, I mean that's ridiculous."

Owens adds he is confident that Vick will get a second chance. "There is a number of guys around the league that have done far more worse things than that (including T.O. himself) and got second chances. Michael Vick is a guy who really hasn't had any character issues besides (the one) that he got the prison sentence for, so why not?"

Former Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Herman Edwards told ESPN Radio this morning that he believes that the two best fits for Vick are Jacksonville and New Orleans.

He believes that the time Vick has spent recently with former Indianapolis Head Coach Tony Dungy will have make an indelible mark on Vick's character. Edwards added that Vick will never be the "conventional type."

"As a coach, he's likely to have you yelling No! No! No! then Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! when he turns a broken play into a remarkable one with his powerful arm and dazzling feet."

And so the time has come for the Saints front office to move.

Later in the week, the team should call a press conference at the Louisiana SPCA to announce the signing of Vick. He should don a Saints cap presented to him by Tom Benson, graciously smile, shake hands with the Executive Directors of SPCA and PETA, sign the contract, read from a carefully prepared statement written by the Saints PR Department, drop back, scramble forward, fire a beautiful 50-yard tight spiral on the run to Rover who makes a leaping catch in mid-air, high-five the animal, present him with a ceremonial treat, and officially adopt him in front of admiring reporters.

If Vick lacked ability, I, myself, would write a thoughtful, visceral piece on why Vick's crimes should preclude him from ever playing in the league again.

"Melvin the Janitor would never get a second chance!" I would say.

"How dare they give this reprobate another opportunity! How dare they!"

However, because I am a man of little or no conviction these days and recognize the Saints desperate need for a legitimate backup QB, I join T.O. in saying "Enough Already!"

The time has come for Michael Vick to return.

Preferably in a black-n-gold uniform.

Why the Saints Need Michael Vick

Randy Savoie — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:07:21 -0400

As I drove back home from Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Hopeless Cases, I saw a guy holding up a sign under the Claiborne St. overpass that read: "Homeless, hungry, just lost the CBS sportswriter competition, will work for food," and it scared the living hell out of me to the point where I dialed up my shrink who is vacationing with his 23 year-old Iranian girlfriend in the Virgin Islands.

He told me life is indeed not fair and then we lost the connection.

I, myself, admit that I struck my computer monitor hard several times after I found out I was not a CBS choice, but now I am about as gracious a loser as you will ever hope to find and vow to read every word of the new Saints correspondent's articles with avid interest and great enthusiasm.

The opening of training camp is less than two weeks away, and while I considered writing a piece relating Tom Watson's dramatic performance at the British Open to the New Orleans Saints in the profound way of all profound sportswriters, I realized that I am not that profound and lack the skill to write a column of that nature in a way that anyway would give a s*** about.

As far as Stewart Cink, I don't feel any animosity. The Golf Gods mandate that guys like Stew play at levels they will never play at again in order to ruin historic moments so the game can remain as utterly boring as possible.

One guy I have felt animosity towards over the years is Michael Vick.

In November 2006, I wrote these words about Vick after a Saints win over Atlanta:

"As for Michael "I am sick of people trying to tell me how to play my game" Vick, he has to feel like Aretha Franklin these days—all he wants is a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Vick is a $130 million quarterback with dollar-store ability as a passer. He gashed the Saints defense for 166 yards rushing but those yards seem to come as a by-product of every other facet of the Falcons offense breaking down."

"Teams welcome him running for 166 yards, especially when the result is a meager 13 points at game's end. Watching Vick attempt to mount a passing attack is like watching Sisyphus push his burden up the hill. Excruciating, in a word."

'Inconsistent. Inaccurate. Uncomfortable in his own skin. But definitely ambidextrous. Vick managed to flip off Falcons fans with two hands at once. Now, that's talent."

Obviously, I was an angry young man when I wrote those words three years ago and disliked Michael Vick with the kind of intensity that feels good. As the great French novelist/philosopher Albert Camus once wrote, "only the haters seem alive to me."

However after hours of cognitive therapy and many of Father Tony's sermons on forgiveness at Our Lady of Hopeless Cases, I no longer despise Michael Vick or anyone else for that matter and would be as happy as a clam if the Saints signed him as Drew Brees' backup. The Saints have expressed no interest and Vick has yet to receive the green light from Commissioner Roger Goodell to return.

However, league experts say there is nothing stopping him from signing with a team today.

In spite of his character flaws and travails, the consensus is that Vick was always a model teammate.

Former Atlanta Falcons safety Keion Carpenter told Sports Illustrated in July 2005, "This man is one of the most unselfish teammates you'll ever see, because he truly doesn't care about his numbers. As long as I've known him, every time someone says he can't do something or sets up barriers, he leaps over them."

Former Saint Morten Andersen has echoed similar sentiments about his days as a teammate of Vick in Atlanta.

In the 2000 Sugar Bowl, Vick burst onto the national scene in New Orleans, dazzling us with an electrifying performance in defeat against Florida State back when the Noles were among college football's elite. In just his fourth NFL season, he led the Falcons to within one game of the Super Bowl and, then, clearly bothered by criticism of his unconventional style, he tried to alter his game to pocket passer with disastrous results.

In October, 2006, Vick told The Sporting News, "I don't know what the hell I was thinking to be honest. It was something I wanted to do. I mean, I knew people were saying that the only way you are going to be perceived as a great quarterback is by staying in the pocket. I run a 4.2 a 4.3 40. Why would I need to do that."

It was and never will never be a normal passing game with Vick but as Jim Mora, his coach at the time, pointed out, there are various styles that can produce success in the NFL.

Said Mora three years ago: "Change is hard for people to accept. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, they are prototypical quarterbacks, and that is how it is supposed to be done. But that doesn't mean it can't be done another way. There always will be be criticism of Michael because he is different, and it won't stop until he wins a Super Bowl. That will validate who he is and what he does."

Vick told Sports Illustrated on July 4, 2005, "The commentators can say all they want but tell them to ask any defensive coordinator in the league this question: "Do you game-plan for Michael Vick in the passing game? I guarantee you 31 coordinators will say, 'You're damned right we do.' I don't care what my numbers say; that's a quarterback."

That is a quarterback, Michael.

So how does all of this factor into the Saints situation?

Let's look at at what a war hero has to say about preparing for disasters.

Hurricane Katrina hero Lt. Gen Russell Honore, a John Wayne kind of dude, said in his new book "Survival" that any military strategist will tell you always prepare for worst-case scenarios and the worst-case scenario for New Orleans is for Drew Brees to suffer the same fate as Tom Brady did one year ago.

Some will say that Vick would serve as a distraction and upset the delicate chemistry balance in the Saints locker room, perhaps even alienating Brees- most quarterbacks have fragile egos. However, Brees is a pretty secure, confident guy and unlike the T.O.'s of the world, Vick has never been a locker room distraction in the past.

Is has become fashionable to talk about healthy "peer pressure" in NFL and NBA locker rooms. Peer pressure- meaning the presence of strong veteran leaders to keep the free-spirits in line. And, there is something to be said for this concept. The New England Patriots managed to transform renegade Randy Moss into a solid citizen and that is saying something.

And with QBs falling at an alarming rate every year, it all comes down to this.

Who would you rather take your Super Bowl chances with Saints' fans if Drew Brees should suffer the same fate as Tom Brady did one year ago—Mark Brunell, Joey Harrington, or a young, hungry Michael Vick with something to prove?

NFL: "I Bet I Know Where You Got Those Shoes"

Randy Savoie — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:29:43 -0400

Now more than ever, the NFL has evolved into a "I bet I know where you got those shoes" league.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, you are probably the kind of person who has asked the question at some point in your life: "What's Jazz?"

Like they say, "If you have to ask the question, you're never gonna' know."

Osgood and Brantley know what I'm talking about. Ask Joffrion to comment on it during his podcast.

Yeah, it has become a league full of million dollar, Escalade drivin', diamond ring wearin' shoeshine hustlers.

Hey, I've got nothing against someone trying to make an honest living and if you want to shine shoes for a living that's a beautiful thing. I just don't want this hustle to infiltrate the National Football League. It's bad enough I have to put up with it in the French Quarter.

The art of shoeshine hustling can be traced back to 19th century Istanbul, Turkey when one villager reportedly said to another, "Et ala betya sandelia," which translates in English to the equivalent of, "I bet I know where you got those shoes."

If you have been to New Orleans, you know the scam.

The shoe shine shark will ask you if you want a shine. If you say, "No thanks", he says "Betcha five dollars I can tell you where you got your shoes." You say, "Sorry, no thanks." Then, he persists, saying that he can not only tell you where you got those shoes but he can tell you what street you got them on.

The unsuspecting tourist takes the bet because he is certain there is no way the hustler can know such personal information.

Then the shoeshine hustler answers, "You got your shoes on your feet. And your feet are on Bourbon Street." He hassles you for the five bucks until some mall cop chases him off.

This con is getting really very old and I, for one, never dreamed it would find its way onto NFL football fields. It is a cheap hustle that has no business in the world's most elite sports league.

Any sideline reporter has witnessed it.

You ever wonder what players are saying to each other at the line of scrimmage?

Wide receivers and cornerbacks exchanging menacing stares and yelling at each other, "I bet I know where you got your shoes."

Urlacher and Lewis challenging Brady and Manning, "I bet I know where you got those shoes, pretty boy."

We should have known one day it would come to this.

Fashionable footwear in the NFL dates all the way back to Johnny Unitas and his high-top black shoes. Peyton Manning ordered four pairs of those shoes and planned to wear them in a game as a tribute to Unitas until the NFL threatened him with a $25,000 fine at which point he relented.

Nevertheless, men were men and football players were football players in ole Johnny U's day. And you can be damned sure it never occurred to some linebacker to yell over the line of scrimmage, "Hey Johnny U, I bet you I know where you got those shoes."

That player would have been tossed from the arena post haste, and rightly so if you ask me. He would have been labeled a pariah for the remainder of his playing days.

The great Joe Namath continued the trend in the late 60s and early 70s as he brashly stood out from the rest of his New York Jets teammates by wearing white shoes rather than the traditional black.

This was quite the ultimate fashion statement in those days. Yet, football historians who have done considerable research on the subject, conducting hundreds of interviews and reading thousands of articles, can uncover not a single shred of evidence that an opposing player ever had the audacity to scream at Namath, "I bet I know where you got those shoes, Broadway Joe."

In the early 80s, New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor remembers "standing on the sidelines for our preseason finale against the Steelers when Mean Joe Greene came running out in his gold shoes, I thought, 'Man, I'm in the big time now.'"

LT readily admits it never would have occurred to him to say," 'Mean Joe', "I bet you I know where you got those shoes." He knows full well what the ramifications would have been if he had.

Billy Johnson was one of the most electrifying performers in pro football. He did wild end zone dances after thrilling touchdown catches and his fashionable cleats earned him the moniker "White Shoes".

Although he enjoyed drawing attention to himself, no foe on the other side of the ball ever looked Billy "White Shoes" Johnson in the eye and declared, "I bet I know where you got those shoes, Billy Johnson."

And my guess is that if someone had, "White Shoes" would have knocked him flat on his a**.

Today it is a common occurrence.

Maybe it's a sign of the times, and today's narcissistic, ego-driven athlete.

You can bet T.O. has been involved in the shoeshine hustle with defensive backs more than a time or two.

Commissioner Goodell, put an end to this utter nonsense before it's too late.

NFL shoeshine hustlers, find a new scam or get out of the league now.

A 2009 New Orleans Saints Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook

Randy Savoie — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:35:04 -0400

In spite of reading thousands of pages of self-help literature on inspiration and positive thinking at a local bookstore built on the grounds of a former funeral home, I have not been feeling very inspired lately.

It just occured to me the other day that Aunt Mary's casket once laid on the very spot where today I read books like Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling and The Power of Positive Intention with a cup of Seattle's Best in my hand, and I find this a bit unsettling although I continue to return in search of that one book that will change my life forever.

I realize the last time I felt truly inspired was when an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous blonde, a former TV anchor, ran for Congress. She talked a lot. And when she talked, she talked about really important things like honesty and integrity and our responsibility to future generations and I felt so inspired that I climbed to the top of The Circle Bar in New Orleans and hung a huge campaign sign from the balcony in an effort to boost her candidacy.

She lost to a man who admitted to stashing millions of dollars in his freezer and the man who stashed millions of dollars in his freezer then lost to a short Vietnamese man who was not nearly as inspiring as the beautiful blonde.

However, my shrink says that there is hope for me. We both share a passion for football and he believes that once training camp opens at the end of July, I will snap out of my doldrums and regain that "spring in my step" as he phrases it.

As sports talk radio drones on endlessly about whether or not Roger Federer is the greatest tennis player of all-time—a subject I truly do not give a s*** about and am bored out of my skull by, I drive to the funeral home/bookstore and a book catches my eye right around the spot where I paid my last respects to Uncle Murphy—The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook.

My thoughts turn toward the New Orleans Saints and worst case scenarios for 2009 and why there is reason for hope that the beleagured franchise may be able to survive and even thrive if any one of these scenarios occur.

Worst Case Scenario No 1: Drew Brees is lost for the year after being hit in the knee by a relative unknown Detroit Lions cornerback trying to make a name for himself in Week One.

So far Brees has avoided injury as a Saint while passing for over 13,000 yards in three seasons. His backup is Mark Brunell who is now as old as Methuselah. Nevertheless, take heart Saints fans. Remember Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson both guided teams to Super Bowl titles and I will take Brunell over those two any day of the week.

Worst Case Scenario No. 2: Reggie Bush pulls a hamstring or blows out a knee.

Even my shrink finds this scenario depressing. Bush has been injury prone in his first few years with the team and is a potential game-breaker—remember his two punt returns for TDs last year against the Vikings. However, this is a team that is replete with firepower—Brees, Colston, Moore, Henderson, Meachem, and Shockey and will light up the scoreboard with or without Reggie.

Worst Case Scenario No. 3: The Saints' offense drops from first in the NFL to 20th.

With such a deep and talented group it is hard to imagine that this is even remotely possible. Yeah, you're right. This is not even remotely possible. Forgive me for bringing it up.

Worst Case Scenario No. 4: Will Smith and Charles Grant miss the first four games of the NFL season due to suspension.

This is likely going to happen and Gregg Williams' defense is predicated on pressure from the defensive ends. The good news is that two of the Saints first four opponents are the Lions and the Bills, and it is conceivable that the Saints could win those games with Tulane University's starting defensive ends.

Worst Case Scenario No. 5: Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams has lost his mojo as a defensive coordinator and the Saints rank among the league's worst defenses for the third consecutive year.

The way the defense responded to William's aggressive style in mini-camp and OTAs suggest that the defense is primed to step up to the next level.Despite their lack of success the last two years, there is no shortage of talent among this group: Smith, Grant, Jonathan Vilma, Sedrick Ellis, Bobby McCray, Scott Fujita, Darren Sharper, and Roman Harper.

A University of Oregon psychologist told Time magazine a couple years back that worst-case scenarios seldom materialize. He said something like 90 percent of what we fear never happens.

Then again, he is all the way over in Eugene eating granola bars and probably whitewater rafting with a girl young enough to be his daughter and in all probability has never followed a Saints season from start to agonizing finish.

Show and Tell: Sean Payton Speakseasy in New Orleans

Randy Savoie — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:31:44 -0400

As we battle through the dog days of Summer, engaging sports topics are few and far between: memorable sports deaths, famous second bananas, is Federer the best of all time?....blah, blah, blah.

I, myself, having been rendered delirious by the searing New Orleans heat that reached 104 degrees yesterday, engaged a homeless man in conversation about the death of Michael Jackson.

We both agreed that that the King of Pop's invention of words such as shabooty and shamon are one of the things that made him such a special man in so many special ways.

Then, he asked if I could spare a few bucks for a Caramel Frappuccino. I politely refused and he uttered a phrase not suitable for publication, but he said it with such pure contempt that you could not help but admire him - if only NFL coaches spoke with such passion and conviction.

Speaking of coach and player speak, let's look back at Sean Payton's season-ending press conference on Dec. 29, 2008 and see what he said and what actually transpired.Then, analyze defensive end Bobby Mc Cray's remarks following the last game of '08.

After a second straight year of missing the playoffs, Payton did not indicate that any major changes were forthcoming at the final press conference and defended embattled defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs without giving him a vote of confidence and he was non-committal on the future of running back Deuce McAllister.

Payton on Dec. 29: "I'm not going to answer the question right now (on Gibbs' future with the team) because I think the day after the season ends, it's like 'What's Deuce (McAllister's) future? Are you keeping Gary Gibbs? We're not answering those questions."

It's unfair. It's unfair to Gary. It's unfair to point out specific players and coaches."

Result: Payton fired Gibbs one week later after the Saints finished the season ranked 23rd in total defense and replaced him with high-profile Jacksonville Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams who is known for his aggressive 4-3 schemes.

Gibbs had the Saints defense ranked 11th during the playoff season of 2006. However, they fell to 26th in 2007 and continued a downward slide last year. Williams gained notoriety for building top-ranked defenses in Tennessee, Buffalo and Washington as he spent his formative years under defensive guru Buddy Ryan.

Deuce McAllister, the Saints all-time leading rusher, was released by the club on Feb. 17 following a series of knee injuries that curtailed his effectiveness.

Translation: If the coach tells the media it's unfair to evaluate your performance the day after the season, you may or may not survive but it is probably a good idea to polish your resume and contact your agent.

Payton: "It would be easy to say, with where we finished offensively, we're going to point to defense. Some of that might be true.But there are some things that we have to be better at offensively."

"We had the opportunity to really put the game away at Washington (in Week Two) and we were unable to run the ball in a key situation. We were unable to get that key yard in Denver (in Week Three) So this doesn't all just shift to one side or the other, (even though) it's easy to do that."

Result: Saints' brass, clearly concerned about the running game, made a concerted effort to trade down in the first-round of the draft to acquire Ohio State tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells. However, talks with New England fell through -as if you needed another reason to despise Belichick

GM Mickey Loomis says the Saints are not interested in aging star Edgerrin James, released by Arizona in the off-season. It looks as though the team may take its chances with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush spelled by former Denver Bronco Mike Bell. Bell fell into Shanahan's doghouse in Denver but shined in OTA's.

Translation: Payton knows Bush will never be an every-down back and he has his doubts about Pierre Thomas carrying the load but with Drew Brees and a cast of talented receivers, Payton will take his chances with the current stable of running backs.

Payton: "This is an important part of the year, because this is where a mistake made can set you back, or the right decision can set you forward. So we take it very seriously."

Result: The Saints parted company with defensive coordinator Gibbs in favor of Williams, released McAllister and Mike McKenzie, arguably the best cornerback in team history. Age, salary and injury factored in the decision to part ways with McKenzie who could return at some point down the road.

The Saints also released FB Mike Karney and replaced him with former Patriot Heath Evans—a more nimble version of Karney. Veteran free safety Darren Sharper was added in free agency along with veterans Jabari Greer and Pierson Prioleau to strengthen a battered secondary.

Translation: Payton and GM Loomis were under the gun to make major changes on defense- particularly to the coaching staff and defensive backfield. If Sharper is just a shadow of his former self, he will be a vast upgrade over former safeties Kevin Kaesviharn and Josh Bullocks.

New defensive line coach Bill Johnson excels at teaching the game which will benefit rising stars such as former USC star Sedrick Ellis and DE Bobby McCray.

Defensive End Bobby McCray: "We had a good scheme this year. I would rather see if we could just give them some new looks, just mix it up a little bit, kind of confuse the offense a little bit, just do some different things at times. Other than that Gary Gibbs did a good job calling plays. We've just got to execute our assignments."

Result: Gibbs fired. Gregg Williams hired.

Translation: Obviously, McCray felt Gibbs' defense was too "Vanilla", too predictable. Williams is known for his exotic looks and formations. He believes in attacking from every conceivable angle.

In OTAs, McCray, a former Florida star, seemed to be benefiting from Williams' unconventional style as he produced what would have been four sacks in live action. Williams transformed another Florida star, Jevon Kearse, into an all-pro.

Can he do the same for McCray who appears on the verge of beating out veteran Charles Grant?

Alas, it's all coach speak and player speak and as long as it is said with a lot of passion and conviction who cares whether it is true or not.

Brad Pitt As Mayor of New Orleans: Will He Help Brees Age Backwards?

Randy Savoie — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:38:17 -0400

Brad Pitt as Mayor of New Orleans?

Don't laugh. The prospect may not as far-fetched as you think.

Tulane professor Thomas Bayer hatched the idea as a gag. A local businessman printed a batch of "Brad Pitt for Mayor" T-shirts and it turned into an international story. The rumor continued to pick up steam when the local newspaper, The Times-Picayune, featured it as a Cover Story in Sunday's Lifestyle section.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie moved to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina as part of their off-screen devotion to humanitarian causes, hoping to focus national attention on the hurricane-ravaged Gulf Coast.

Pitt immediately pledged $3.5 million to construct eco-friendly houses for the homeless—including many former radio announcers—in the city's Ninth Ward. The first six of the 150 homes planned opened this year.

Pitt said, "You have no idea what a high it is for me to see the delight on these people's faces when they see how these homes work."

If Pitt's intention is to run for the city's highest office, so far he is doing and saying a lot of the right things: building houses, kissing babies, petting dogs, cheering on the New Orleans Saints and walking little old ladies across the city's decaying streets

One New Orleans elected official speaking on the condition of anonymity - he went as far as wearing one of those old Saints' bagheads for the interview- said, "I think Brad and his celebrity power could give New Orleans the national attention it needs for both the film industry, global business and a step away from the stain of ( current New Orleans Mayor Ray) Nagin.

All indications are the city's professional football franchise would would have a friend in City Hall if Pitt is elected. He has been spotted frequently cheering on the team at local bars.

One fan who shared a beer with Pitt said, "Brad told us he's really committed to helping rebuild our city. He was really kind and posed for tons of photos. People loved it- especially because he was rooting for the Saints."

In The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, filmed in 2008 in New Orleans, Pitt plays an octogenarian who ages backward. Political insiders say this phenomenon may be a part of Pitt's platform—a promise to reverse the aging process of key Saints players such as Drew Brees, Reggie Bush, Jeremy Shockey, and Marques Colston.

Pitt would take office in 2010 and, theoretically, Brees would revert back to his 2008 season when he passed for over 5,000 yards and came within one long completion of Dan Marino's record of passing yards in a season.

Bush would regain the game-breaking form he displayed at USC while on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy and Shockey would produce the prolific numbers he posted as an All-Pro in New York.

One local political insider observed that given Pitt's commitment to an eco-friendly environment, the new Mayor of New Orleans could obtain a deal with Saints' ownership to transform the Louisiana Superdome into the world's largest greenhouse in the offseason. Proceeds from cash crops could be used to fund the construction of a lavish new environmentally friendly riverfront stadium.

Would Pitt be able to maintain the lofty standards set by the Ray Nagin administration?

Would he be willing to trade his Hollywood lifestyle for the drudgery of City Council meetings?

Would he maintain the commitment needed to curtail the city's alarming murder rate? Could he fix the city's crumbling infrastructure?

Is he prepared to have intimate e-mails exchanges between himself and Angelina revealed to the world if local civil rights attorney Tracie Washington gets in one of her vindictive moods again?

Environmentalists say that Louisiana's coastline is being swallowed up at the rate of one football field every ten minutes. If that is true, the Superdome may be floating away in the Gulf of Mexico before the next mayor's race and this discussion will be irrelevant.

No comment so far from the Pitt camp. Stay tuned.

When Greed Still Mattered

Randy Savoie — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:48:11 -0400

The population of the New Orleans Saints front office is larger than some third world nations. Honestly, I lost count somewhere after 75.

Actually, it takes four guys over in New Orleans to write press releases and schmooze the media.

Once, I worked for a nationwide organization and one guy handled PR for two states and did a damned good job of it too I might add. He was held in high esteem by his co-workers who often invited him to lunch at local "gentlemen's clubs," and was also held in high-esteem by the membership of his country club and the congregation of his church.

One person is not enough to handle Public Relations for the New Orleans Saints though and, in an odd way, I am somewhat proud that one person is not enough.It makes me feel as though I am a small part of something really big and important.

The Saints PR department consists of a Vice President of Communications, a Senior Director of New Media (Is there a junior director of New Media? Is there a Senior Director of Old Media?), a Director of Communications, and a Media and Public Relations Manager?

The lowest paid of all of these guys probably makes at least $75,000 a year. Lombardi may not have made as much coaching the legendary Green Bay Packers.

All these communication types but nobody is communicating. They never invite me to their parties or return my calls or send me a Christmas card or remember my birthday.

Yet, I must say, to a man, all of these NFL PR guys are solid and upstanding citizens who wave enthusiastically at their neighbors, pay their taxes, volunteer at church, generously tip exotic dancers, hold open doors for little old ladies, laugh loudly and slap me hard on the back when they see me, and never fail to inquire about how I am doing.

Now, I have spent several months analyzing what all these guys do but I still can't figure it out, but it does not really matter does it? The new law in the National Football League is survival of the fittest. You either to do it right or you become the Detroit Lions.

As Gordon Gekko so eloquently stated in Wall Street, the point is ladies and gentleman, that greed, for lack of a better word, is good.

Greed is good.

Greed is right.

Greed works.

Greed illuminates, dissects, and captures the essence of the NFL spirit.

Greed in all its forms—greed for Super Bowl rings, lavish stadiums with corporate suites, billion dollar television deals, shiny new jets on the tarmac, dinner at Commander's Palace, million dollar signing bonuses—has marked the meteoric rise of the National Football League.

Greed built all the great dynasties- the Steelers of the 70's, the 49ers, the Cowboys of the 90's and the Patriots of the new millennium.As the that great Bradshaw Steeler dynasty was fading, the team's oldest player Sam Davis told Inside Sports he was "greedy" for one more Super Bowl ring.

Greed will produce the first 10,000 passing yard season by a quarterback. Sorry Marino.

Greed will propel the first player to score 50 touchdowns in a season. Sorry LT

Greed will result in the first defensive end to get 50 sacks in a season. Sorry Strahan.

Greed will produce the first running back to rush for 5,000 yards in a season. Move over Dickerson.

And greed, you mark my words, will not only save the New Orleans Saints, but that other malfunctioning corporation called the United States of America.

The Latest From Saints Camp: No Running Game? No Problem

Randy Savoie — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:20:56 -0400

As the Saints prepare to wrap up OTA's this Thursday, the dog days of Summer are here—the time between now and the start of training camp in July.

Let's take a thumbnail look at New Orleans position-by-position:

Quarterback: Drew Brees has passed for over 13,000 yards in his first three seasons with the Saints and is regarded as one of the top five players in the NFL. At 30, he is younger than Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. As long as Brees is healthy and in his prime, the Saints will have one of the top offenses in football, running game or no running game.

Running Back: Pittsburgh and Arizona reached the Super Bowl with rushing attacks that ranked in the bottom-half of the league. Sean Payton may be right when he says the running backs he needs "may already be in the building."

It has never been more of a passing league with offensive coordinators spreading defenses out with three and four WR sets. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are expected to alternate as the featured backs with Mike Bell, who has been very impressive in practice so far, backing up Thomas and Bush. Questions about his durability abound, but Bush is lethal in space—two punt returns for TD's last year against the Vikings.

Tight End: Jeremy Shockey is a controversial figure no doubt, but the organization loves his work ethic. He has been staying late after practice to work on his timing with Brees. Shockey needs to improve upon his production to justify the steep price the Saints paid for him. In OTA's, Billy Miller looks more like an All-Pro than Shockey. Miller is catching everything. Shockey and Miller will both see extensive playing time as the Saints employ two tight end sets.

Offensive Line: Left tackle Jammal Brown is the keystone—two Pro Bowl appearances protecting Brees' blindside. Jon Stinchcomb is underrated at right tackle and is equally adept at both run blocking and pass blocking. Jahri Evans and Carl Nicks will form an excellent guard combination for years to come. Some feel Evans is the best offensive lineman on the team. Jonathan Goodwin is no Jeff Faine but he gets the job done.

Wide Receiver: This will be the toughest cut. Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meachem will open camp as the top four. With Colston and Moore limited from injuries, Henderson and Meachem have stepped to the fore and are the Saints best deep threats. Adrian Arrington, Courtney Roby, Skyler Green, and Paris Warren will battle it out for the fifth spot. No lack of talent or shortage of depth here.

Defensive Line: This unit appears to be benefiting from the coaching changes. They harassed Brees on more than a few occasions during OTA's. DE Bobby McCray had what would have been four sacks in game action. McCray may secure a starting position regardless of Will Smith and Charles Grant's legal problems.

DT Sedrick Ellis, last year's number one pick out of USC, admits he is learning a lot from new defensive line coach Bill Johnson. Look for Ellis to shine in defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme.

Linebackers: Jonathan Vilma lived up to expectations after arriving from the New York Jets one year ago. He uses his slashing speed to make plays sideline-to-sideline. Starting SLB Scott Fujita is athletic, under-rated and under-appreciated. Scott Shanle, Mark Simoneau, and Jo-Lonn Dunbar will compete on the weak-side. Look for Dunbar to steal the job from veterans Shanle and Simoneau.

Cornerbacks: Jabari Greer is the hottest. Randall Gay is the most consistent. Tracy Porter displayed potential before a season-ending injury one year ago. First-round pick Malcolm Jenkins will start in nickel and dime packages. Porter and Greer are the fastest of the group, Gay and Jenkins are the most physical. Veteran Jason David has been a favorite target of Saints' talk radio, but shows a nose for the ball in mini-camp and OTA's.

Safeties: Sean Payton singled out Usama Young for his smooth transition so far from CB to Free Safety this week. At 33, veteran Darren Sharper will open the season as the starter, but Young and rookie Chip Vaughn should learn much from Sharper. Veteran Pierson Priloeau is currently backing up Sharper. SS Roman Harper will fit right in with William's style of defense. Harper is physical and will be lining up next to LB's and DL's as much as DB's. Chris Reis has been impressive in OTA's.

Roman-A'-Clef: Harper Making Impression at Saints Camp

Randy Savoie — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:20:05 -0400

Roman Harper stole the show at New Orleans Saints mini-camp on Tuesday. The veteran strong safety had two interceptions and one sack.

Many players will benefit from new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' take-no-prisoners style, but perhaps none more than Harper. The scheme plays to his strengths: Harper is smart, tough and physical.

In the new Saints' scheme, Harper will be spending more time lining up next to defensive lineman and linebackers and less time in the backfield. Harper struggled last year in pass coverage, drawing the media and fan's wrath.

Alas, this is a new year with a new boss, and the new boss is not the same as the old boss.

In 2009, look for Harper to do a lot of blitzing off the edge through the "A" gap. Also, Harper will be attacking the line of scrimmage frequently in run support: a job he is well-suited for, given his physicality.

Harper loves nothing better than hitting people. He is a linebacker trapped in a safety's body. Has that linebacker's mentality. Probably learned it during his days at Alabama.

Says Harper: "I'm just trying to play fast and reckless. We're going to be fast and physical this year and we're going to let it all hang loose."

Four-time Pro Bowler Darren Sharper, the starter at free safety, likes what he sees.

"Roman Harper has Pro-Bowl level talent," says Sharper.

Speaking of Sharper, his best days are behind him as he will turn 34 in November. However, he is an instant upgrade over last year's amateur hour: Kevin Kaesviharn and Josh Bullocks.

Sharper was a step late on some pass plays last year but he still has the ability to produce in the clutch. At Tuesay's practice, Williams' shouted praise in Sharper's direction after the veteran executed a defensive call to perfection.

"I knew you saw it! I knew you saw it!" Oh, baby, you still got what it takes! Atta boy!"

Other observations from Tuesday's practices.

Reggie Bush looks back to 100 percent following off-season knee surgery as he sprinted 15 yards on a draw play.

Bush says Williams' new defense is "tough and physical " and says it will make him a better running back. Maybe he is telling the truth or maybe he has a future in politics.

Jabari Greer is making a strong challenge for a starting cornerback position. Greer had two interceptions and one sack. Greer has good instincts, sound technique and excellent ball skills. Along with Porter, he is the fastest of the group at CB.

DeMario Pressley, last year's fifth-round draft pick, had a sack from his defensive tackle position. Pressley missed the entire 2008 season following a foot injury. He is competing for the starting defensive tackle spot next to Sedrick Ellis.

Although Sean Payton says Joey Harrington is competing for the backup quarterback position with Mark Brunell, it is apparent he is not on the same talent level as Brunell. Harrington is prone to slow and poor decision making and has a tendency to put Shockey in a bad mood.

A sign that the Saints are a .500 team: On third down-and-ten, the defense jumped offsides. However, the offense failed to take advantage as Robert Meachem dropped a touchdown pass in the end zone.

"Long foul ball!" shouted Williams. However as former Saints quarterback Bobby Hebert astutely pointed out, in an actual game the defense would have still been faced with having to stop the offense on a third-and-five.

The Saints defense is making plays, flying to the ball, talking smack to the offense: a dramatic change from the passive Saints defenses of year's past. Williams will keep the defense "Vanilla" in the pre-season then attack rookie Matthew Stafford from every direction in Game One.

Defensive end Bobby McCray is outperforming starters Will Smith and Charles Grant early in mini-camp. McCray has what would have been four sacks in live-game action: good news considering the looming four-game suspensions of Smith and Grant.

The Saints chances of winning the NFC South will increase exponentially for every week Payton is able to Shockey away from those Las Vegas Rehab pool parties.

Saints' New D Shines at Weekend Mini-Camp

Randy Savoie — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:22:59 -0400

A few random observations on this weekend's mini-camp:

The Saints' level of defensive intensity is much higher under new coordinator Gregg Williams. The difference is evident: pressuring the QB from all angles, batting down passes, defensive backs stripping balls from receivers and running backs (and you thought the only stripping in New Orleans took place at those houses of ill repute on Bourbon Street)—all signatures of a Gregg Williams defense.

Robert Meachem is looking like a first-round wide receiver. Drew Brees was quick to single out Meachem's performance.

"Meachem continues to get better, not only physically," Brees said. "He's a big, strong guy who will get the ball for you. I see the confidence level starting to come out. He's giving me that look for me to believe in him, trust him, and that he can make plays, and I'm liking that."

Devery Henderson is catching everything thrown his way. Henderson averaged 24.8 yards a catch one year ago. He continues to show improved technique along with soft hands and precise route-running ability. Brees' confidence in the former LSU star has never been higher.

Mike Bell is emerging as a leading candidate to assume the role of power back. He gained 677 yards as a rookie for Denver a few years back before falling into Mike Shanahan's doghouse. Bell is playing at about 228 lbs.—about 10 pounds heavier than last year. He looks fast and light on his feet.Bell and Lynell Hamilton have the definite edge over former Wisconsin star P.J. Hill and Herb Donaldson.

First-round CB Malcolm Jenkins got off to a shaky start, getting burned twice in one-on-one drills then recovered with an interception.

There is a lot to like about the former Ohio State star. He has long arms that will serve him well when jamming receivers in press coverage. Jenkins displays good technique with a smooth back-pedal. His attitude is excellent. Although not required by Saints' brass, he took his exams at Ohio State early so he could attend the mini-camp.

The cornerback battle is wide open. Projected starter Tracy Porter needs to show more consistency. Devery Henderson beat Porter by seven yards on a bomb from Mark Brunell, reminiscent of a play Porter surrendered last year against the Redskins. Also, Porter dropped a sure interception. Veteran Randall Gay looks like the most consistent of the group. Jabari Greer had an interception and will upgrade the position.

Rookie punter Thomas Morstead was kicking the ball 60 yards with hang time. Maybe drafting a punter was not such a bad idea after all. Incumbent Glenn Pakulak has a battle on his hands. Pakulak was not as consistent although he has an edge on Morstead in directional punting- knocking the ball out inside the ten.

If Will Smith and Charles Grant's suspensions are upheld, Bobby McCray, Paul Spicer, and Anthony Hargrove will have to pick up the slack because a strong pass rush is everything on a Gregg Williams defense. McCray is off to a fast start with several sacks.

Drew Brees needs to stay healthy. The Saints are fortunate to have a veteran like Mark Brunell advising Brees, but his age is a factor. Joey Harrington played poorly this weekend and may be on his last stop in the NFL. He overthrew and underthrew Jeremy Shockey, almost causing the controversial tight end to fly back to Las Vegas for another Rehab pool party.

Saints Fans: 10 Things To Be Miserable About

Randy Savoie — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:40:16 -0400

On November 1st 1970, the New Orleans Saints celebrated their fourth birthday with a half-time reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans. One of the cannons backfired, seriously injuring four participants. One of the actor-soldiers lost three fingers.

Later that year, Charlton Heston broke three ribs while filming the movie Number One, the story of an aging Saints quarterback who could not bring himself to quit. Heston found driving a chariot in Ben Hur was easier than quarterbacking the Saints in a movie.

Unfortunately, it was a harbinger of things to come.

An astronaut with no football experience as GM/Vice President. Hall of Famers past their primes. Squandered first round draft picks. Players arrested on Bourbon Street in those early years while defying New Orleans' finest in front of those Houses of Ill Repute.

"Come on...no gun can kill me."

Two playoff wins in 40 years. One of only five teams never to play in a Super Bowl.

Fr. Tony, pastor at Our Lady of Hopeless Cases, a small chapel on the edge of the French Quarter, said the other day that God often gives the biggest share of his Cross to his friends.

Saints' fans wish he wasn't so chummy with them.

Top 10 Reasons To Be Miserable if You Are a Saints' Fan

1) Some of those glossy preseason preview magazines are hitting store shelves saying things like, "the Saints appear to be poised for a great year." This is always a bad sign and a reason to lapse into major depression. When are those magazines ever right?

2) Jeremy Shockey passed out by the pool in Las Vegas last week. Shockey was not on the receiving end of any of Brees' 34 TD passes last year. There have been rumblings that his teammates don't like him very much. The Saints gave up two draft choices for a TE that the New York Giants managed to win a Super Bowl without.

3) Reggie Bush is overrated. The second selection overall in the 2006 NFL draft may not be the best running back on the Saints roster. He can't run between the tackles. He's injury prone. Bush will never be what Deuce McAllister was in his prime.

4) New coordinator Gregg Williams' defense places a premium on a heavy pass rush by the defensive ends. Starters Will Smith and Charles Grant will miss the first four games after being suspended by the league.

5) The team wasted two All-Pro seasons by Drew Brees by failing to make the playoffs in 2007 and 2008. Brees passed for more than 5,000 yards last season, and the Saints were home for the holidays. Life just isn't fair.

6) Robert Meachem, a No. 1 pick three years ago, is still not one of the team's two best receivers. He ranks fourth behind Marques Colston, Lance Moore (a free agent) and Devery Henderson.

7) If Brees gets injured, the alternatives are AARP member Mark Brunell and Detroit Lions' reject Joey Harrington.

8) Wake Forest star and fourth-round draft pick LB Stanley Arnoux was lost for the season in his first workout with the team at a position where the Saints are badly in need of an infusion of youth.

9) The team used one of only four draft choices on a punter, Thomas Morstead (Who does that?). The move was especially perplexing considering everyone is general agreement that Glenn Pakulak significantly upgraded the position one year ago. Well, who the hell knows?

10) SI.com predicts that the Saints will be one of six new playoff teams. Again, another kiss of death and another reason for misery and depression.

Welcome to my misery.

The Second Battle of New Orleans: Running Game a Concern For Saints

Randy Savoie — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:47:58 -0400

The Dread Factor (according to a Time cover story on worry from a few years back): the more we dread something, the more anxious we get, and the more anxious we get, the less precisely we calculate the odds of the thing actually happening.

Although Sean Payton dismisses the notion that he is worried about the New Orleans Saints running game, on an offense that ranked at the top of the league two of the past three seasons, no doubt it is a major concern he shares with General Manager Mickey Loomis heading into the 2009 season.

Publicly, Payton demurs at suggestions that his current stable of running backs may not be up to the task.

Says Payton: "A lot has been made of us potentially taking a runner in the draft. I know that a lot has been written about that, but those players, I think, have a good chance of being in the building."

However at the season-ending press conference in December, Payton admitted that the running game may have been a contributing factor in the Saints' failure to make the playoffs for a second straight year.

"There are some things that we have to be better at offensively," conceded Payton. "We had an opportunity to really put the game away at Washington (in Week Two) and were unable to run the football in a key situation. We were unable to get that key yard in Denver (in Week Three)."

Payton and Loomis made a concerted effort to draft Ohio State star Chris "Beanie" Wells but failed to pull off a deal to acquire the New England Patriots' first-round pick. Wells ended up in Arizona. The rich get richer.

Wells is large and powerful of stature at 6'1", 237 lbs and has drawn comparisons to the legendary Jim Brown. The Saints' attempt to acquire him on Draft Day says in a voice stentorian that the Saints covet a power back who can convert on third-and-short.

Loomis has not denied interest in free agent Edgerrin James—although the move seems unlikely, as James is past his prime, and Arizona turned to Tim Hightower to pick up the tough yardage during its Super Bowl season one year ago.

Provided the Saints do not acquire another back before the start of the season, veteran Pierre Thomas appears to be the favorite to supplant Deuce McAllister as the team's new "power back." McAllister, arguably the best running back in Saints' history, rewrote the team's record book. He was released in February after battling major knee injuries over the past few years.

Thomas burst on the scene in 2007 as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois, when he beat out former Ohio State star and fourth-round pick Antonio Pittman for a roster spot. In his first career start, he dazzled with 226 total yards against the Chicago Bears and has been a fan favorite ever since.

Although he lacks McAllister's size, Thomas bulked up to 225 pounds in the off-season. He is a fiery competitor who plays with a lot of passion. He averaged 4.8 yards a carry in 2008 as he gained over 600 yards. Thomas is deceptively strong. A leg-churner. Explosive. Burst and quickness in the open field.

However, Payton gives off vibes that he still may not be sold on Thomas as the answer. Thomas cost the Saints an early-season win in Denver a year ago when D.J. Williams nailed him on 3rd-and-1 in the final two minutes resulting in a 34-32 loss. In December, Payton cited that play as one of the reasons the team failed to advance to the playoffs in 2008.

Thomas is determined to hang on to the power back position, and he says all the "Beanie" Wells and Edgerrin James talk just serves as motivation for him.

"I'm going to fight to stay here. I'm going to fight to be the back they want. I'm going to try to show them that they don't need to bring anybody else in. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything. It's not going to be easy," Thomas told The Times-Picayune.

Reggie Bush remains the most lethal weapon in the New Orleans' backfield. Although, at 6'0", 203 lbs., he does not have the size or durability to assume the role once occupied by McAllister.

Bush is a hybrid—a runner-receiver-return man—who is at his most dangerous when he lines up in both the backfield and at several different receiver positions. He underwent minor off-season knee surgery but worked on a limited basis in last week's OTAs and is expected to be ready for June's mini-camp.

Bush became only the 12th player in NFL history to return two punt returns for TDs in a game against the Minnesota Vikings last year. If he stays healthy, he still has the potential to take his place among the league's elite.

Other candidates competing for playing time in the Saints' backfield include veteran Mike Bell, who played for Mike Shanahan in Denver for two seasons where scouts described him as "capable" and a "hard charger."

Lynell Hamilton, who spent last year on the practice squad, has the best size of the group at 6'0", 235, and he stood out in last week's OTA's, when he delivered a forearm shiver into rookie safety Chip Vaughn after catching a swing pass. Welcome to the NFL, rook!

Another back to keep an eye on is former Wisconsin star P.J. Hill, who led the Big Ten in rushing as a freshman in 2006. Last year as a senior, Hill averaged more than five yards a carry, but went undrafted after a DUI arrest two months before the draft. If Hill can correct his off-the-field problems, he could emerge in this crowded running back competition.

Fullback Heath Evans is also a part of the mix. Drew Brees likes the former New England Patriot.

"Heath Evans is one of those versatile FB/HB type players. He's a hybrid who can block linebackers and is a good runner and pass blocker. He's a smart guy. He can pick up the system, can catch the ball and can get you first downs," Brees said.

Thomas is the leader in the clubhouse, and has no plans to surrender without a fight.

"If they want to bring somebody in, bring 'em in. I'm just going to beat 'em out. That's how I've got to think about it: I've got to beat 'em out. If I don't beat 'em out, then it's on me."

The Second Battle of New Orleans is on.

Saints Defense Hopes to "Bear-Hug" Opponents with "46"

Randy Savoie — Tue, 26 May 2009 21:45:34 -0400

Attack will replace read and react in New Orleans.

Although, when was the last time a new defensive coordinator actually vowed, "attack less", be "less aggressive", and be "more passive and reactive" anyway?

Who the hell knows?

Anyway, no more "Vanilla" defense in The Big Easy. More like a double scoop of "Monster Mash" if the new coordinator Greg Williams, a disciple of the legendary Buddy Ryan, has his way.

It was 23 years ago Ryan's Chicago Bears "46" defense terrorized Raymond Berry's New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. Ironically, the Superdome was the scene of the crime. It was not a part of the city's crime statistics that year although it damned well should have been!

It was a mugging all the same right there on Poydras Street in broad daylight.

The Bears defense forced six Patriots' turnovers resulting in 24 Chicago points that day back in '85 and evoked much moaning, groaning and knashing of teeth on the New England sideline.

Chicago's "46" scared poor Pats' QB Tony Eason out of his wits. His knees turned to jelly. In the post-game conference, Eason's lips were moving but no sound was coming out.

"I looked into his eyes and he looked a little bit rattled," said legendary linebacker Mike Singletary after the game. "I saw him thinking, 'Man, I hope we're not in for one of those.'"

C-r-u-u-u-u-n-c-h.

Zero one....Zero two...Zero three...Zero Four...Kaboom!

"Oh my God! What the hell happened?"

Yeah, Eason was a basket case before halftime. He never completed a single pass in the face of all that havoc and his replacement Steve Grogan did not fare much better. Perhaps, they drowned their sorrows at one of those "Houses of Ill Repute" on Bourbon Street later that night. Although no documentation of that exists.

Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is determined to instill that same sort of brashness and swagger in the 2009 New Orleans Saints. Angry 300 pound defensive linemen flying in from all angles.

Creating turnovers. Making trouble. Wreaking havoc! Highway-to- Hell. Bad-to-the bone.

A defense that's soundtrack would consist of some old-fashioned kick ass Southern fried and southernized rock-n-roll.....Lynrd Skynrd. ZZ Top. Marshall Tucker. Allman Brothers. Definitely not Supertramp or Fleetwood Mac.

Pick up any of those guides to football and you will find that the "46" is named after Bears FS Doug Plank's jersey number. Plank often lined up as a linebacker on a defense that frequently utilized four DL's, four LB's, and three DB's in its rotation.

In layman's terms, three defensive lineman play over the center and two guards, preventing the guards from helping out the center, thus, making the center's job more miserable and unglamorous than it already is.

No defenders lineup directly over the OT's. The outside linebackers play on the same side of the line. The strong safety is so far up that he is practically a fourth linebacker.

At the snap of the ball, all of these maniacs make a mad dash in the direction of the quarterback.

Explode into the line! Hit and lift! Hit and lift! Bull your necks! Drive your legs! Never stop! Explode!

The "46" is an attacking man-to man style defense that's success is predicated on fast defensive ends who can attack the QB before he shred the secondary—a vulnerable secondary with the CB's in man-to-man coverage 90 percent of the time and only one safety to help him out.

Jason David must not be too happy about that part of it. Poor bastard.

The Chicago Bears had Dent.and Hampton.McMichael and "The Fridge. Singletary and Marshall. Conversely, the Saints have: Will Smith,Charles Grant, Bobby McCray, Sedrick Ellis and Jonathan Vilma.

On paper, the talent seems comparable. Smith is all-pro caliber. Grant is inconsistent but does not lack for ability. McCray excels at pass rushing.

Ellis, last year's No. 1 draft pick from USC, has the burst and strength to dominate up-the-middle in a "46" or a variation of that defense. Vilma is everything the Saints thought he would be—an aggressive, headhunter who slices his way to the ball carrier.

Th bad news: In a defense that places a premium on defensive ends, Will Smith and Charles Grant are suspended for the team's first four games after testing positive last summer for using a banned diuretic.

That will place a heavy burden on McCray and newcomer Paul Spicer—who started ten game for Gregg Williams in Jacksonville last year—to fill the void. McCray is up to the challenge having started eight games for the Saints last year with six sacks. Spicer is a reliable veteran who knows the system.

A Bourbon Street philosopher was overheard saying Saturday night outside of Pat O'Brien's that every man has a choice of surrendering to disappointments and wallowing in self-pity or beginning each new day with a renewed attitude and making the most of his daily circumstances.

He was holding a daiquiri in his hand when he said it. Most standing around him nodded in vigorous agreement.

One suspects Gregg Williams will not spend an inordinate amount of time wallowing in self-pity over the losses of Smith and Grant. It just is not part of his nature. Not one to be easily intimidated. Plays the cards dealt him and plays them well.

Saints observers feel for the new "46" D to be successful that Smith and Grant will need to total a combined 20 sacks and the team will need around 50 sacks overall. If the defense hangs up those numbers, the Saints offense is explosive enough to close the deal.

The ghosts of Buddy Ryan, "The Fridge", and Dent and Hampton and Marshall and Singletary still roam around the Superdome twenty three years later.

"I'm not familiar with all the defenses in the NFL," Buddy Ryan said that day 23 years ago in New Orleans, "but this is the best defense I've ever been with."

The Saints and new coordinator Gregg Williams are hoping to recreate some of that Bears "46" defensive magic in the City of Voodoo and Marie Laveau.

A Dramatic Comeback: The Super Bowl Returns To New Orleans

Randy Savoie — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:49:33 -0400

It's a sunny Tuesday morning in New Orleans. A street musician taps out "Down by the Riverside" on his trumpet in Jackson Square. An appreciative tourist drops a dollar in a bucket.

The musician says in a marked Southern accent, "Thank you, ma'am. Much obliged, I am. Much obliged, indeed."

Less than 24 hours earlier, the NFL announced that the Super Bowl is returning to New Orleans in 2013.

Now the city is in full party mode, not that it takes much of an excuse for a party to break out in the Big Easy.

Later in the day, Saints' owner Tom Benson tells a cheering crowd in Lafayette Square, "We plan on playing in a couple of Super Bowls before 2013!"

This is a not so subtle hint to GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton standing off in the wings.

Then, team Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc, who will take over the ownership duties when grandpa steps down, introduces Payton, and the former Eastern Illinois QB exclaims, "We're planning on playing in a couple of Super Bowls before we host the one in 2013!"

The jubilant crowd, feeling no pain at this point after a few cocktails, loves it.

And why not? Who would have ever dreamed this moment possible just four years earlier when the mother of all disasters, Katrina, cold-cocked the city, leaving the future of NFL football in New Orleans in serious doubt.

Senators and congressmen were questioning whether or not the city should be rebuilt after Katrina, much less serve as home to an NFL franchise.

More important things than football! Lives to rebuild! Cranes to dot the skylines! Politicians to be hold accountable, Mr. Speaker!

And that damned FEMA! What does FEMA stand for anyway?

Benson was vilified by the local media for entering into discussions with San Antonio officials about possible relocation.

"What do you want me to do? The whole damned city is in the Gulf of Mexico. I'm a businessman! Need to make a profit, ya know? Ya know."

Benson terminated the team VP for suggesting that the team should absolutely return to New Orleans. The team VP ran for Councilman-at-Large and won.

"This is my franchise! Don't tell me where to put it," yelled the old curmudgeon. "Ya' fired."

Alas, "When the Saints Go Marching In" just never sounded quite right at the Alamo Dome, and the team came "Walkin' back to N'awlins" to borrow a line from Fats.

The city is a natural at hosting world-class parties like the Super Bowl, replete with five-star French Quarter restaurants—Galatoire's, Antoine's, Stella, Bourbon House, and Bacco. It's compact. Charming. Romantic hotels within walking distance of everything.

"Food so damned good makes you wanna smack your mama," as some of the locals are fond of saying.

The music flows out of those smokey jazz clubs until sunrise, and those French Quarter psychics read your palm and tell you your future.

Everything is a discovery. A surprise around every corner. "The ghosts streak toward the light in New Orleans," said Bob Dylan. And, actually, the ghosts are very polite in New Orleans. Only a few are known for making smart remarks.

A lot of Super Bowl history is present. Like Hank Stram and the Kansas City Chiefs dominating the Vikings in 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers winning the first of four championships under Chuck Noll, Bradshaw, Franco, and Mean Joe, and Pete Rozelle handing Al Davis the Lombardi Trophy in '81. Poor bastard.

Montana, Favre, and Brady.

And now the Super Bowl is back, and one of the world's great cities is back.

In the words of one of football's all-time great philosophers, "Dandy" Don Meredith, "Who would have thunk it?"

Much obliged, ma'am. Much obliged, indeed.

New Orleans Saints 2009 Expectations: Defense Is The Key

Randy Savoie — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:51:03 -0400

One of those Buddhist magazines- the Shambhala Sun - says cease expecting and you have all things.

With all due respect to my Buddhist colleagues, my guess is that if a Buddhist takes ownership of an NFL franchise, his viewpoint will change and that his expectation level will be as high or higher than all the other owners in the league.

In all probability, Tom Benson and Sean Payton probably have not read the article on expectations in the Shambhala Sun. I doubt it would change their perspective on the subject.

"The NFL is an expectations league." "You are your record." "You're paid on results and not good intentions." Blah, blah, blah.

Suffice to say, expectations are high for new New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams. Benson felt Williams' price tag was pretty steep for an assistant coach. Payton offered to sacrifice some salary to snag the rockstar coordinator.

My guess is that it was the right move and in December it will be regarded as a stroke of genius as the Saints make a deep playoff run.

We can talk for days about Brees and Bush, and Shockey and Colston, and the high-octane offense but it all comes back to the fact that two years of Brees' prime have been wasted as a result of a horrific Saints defense. A defense that can not make a play on third down. Always putting its offense behind the proverbial eight ball.

"Our time is now with Brees," said Payton on Draft Day.

Brees is one of the game's elite quarterbacks- 5000 yards passing last year. He has led an offense that has ranked at the top of the NFL two of the past three years. Nevertheless, Brees is not getting any younger.

How much longer can he maintain his high level of play?

"You never know how many chances you have left. Eventually, you run out of next years," said Brees.

And, so, enter Gregg Williams, a man who learned his craft from Buddy Ryan. Williams assembled a Super Bowl defense at Tennessee. A top three defense in Washington. A top 10 defense in Buffalo.

He has attitude. You piss him off and you may find yourself playing defense in Detroit.

Williams will implement a variation of the "46" defense in New Orleans- a scheme that requires extreme pressure from the defensive ends.

Will Smith and Charles Grant are the incumbents at DE. Smith dropped to a career low in sacks in 2008 while battling a sports hernia. At full-strength, he is one of the league's best. Grant is less physically gifted but he is a skilled pass rusher. If Grant stumbles, Williams will not hesitate to turn to speedy Bobby McCray.

Last year's first-round pick Sedrick Ellis, a former USC star, is one of the game's rising stars and should continue to excel under the aggressive Williams.

Jonathan Vilma, an acquisition from the Jets last year, did not disappoint, leading the team in the tackles. Aggression in spades. Slicing through defenders to blow up ball-carriers. Vilma and Williams should get along just fine. Both of them have a nasty streak.

First-round pick Malcolm Jenkins, Tracy Porter, Randall Gay and Jabari Greer are the top four corners. Porter and Greer are fast Jenkins and Gay are physical. With the departure of Mike McKenzie, all four starting positions are up for grabs. Nevertheless, expect all of them to receive significant playing time. The "46" requires cornerbacks who can cover which means Jason David's days are numbered in New Orleans.

The Saints biggest problem are last year was safety. Look for Roman Harper to start at SS. In the "46", the strong safety plays far up with the option of blitzing or dropping off into coverage. Harper has shown flashes of brilliance but he is inconsistent and may be one of the veterans who benefits most from the presence of Williams.

Veteran Darren Sharper is the new free safety. He is long in the tooth but a definite upgrade over the departed Josh Bullocks and Kevin Kaesviharn. Sharper will be challenged by rookie Chip Vaughn and Usama Young, a third-year player converted from safety. Veteran Pierson Prioleau will also be in the mix.

Realistic expectations? In a defense where last-to-first has become an annual tradition, anything is possible. My guess is that Gregg Williams will change the defensive culture just enough to pave the way for a deep Saints playoff run in 2009.