New Orleans Saints: This Ain't Our Usual Saints!

The beginning of football season is always met with cautious excitement and anxiety.

This year just seems different.

Fans are able to attend practice in their home town, instead of making a trek across state lines or down to bayou country. Being able to watch Jeremy Shockey catch three TD passes in the red zone has even fair-weather fans smiling. 

That may play a part, but it’s more than that.

Seeing Reggie Bush leave practice then return with ice on his knee left more than a few uneasy, but watching him practice the same afternoon made more hearts jump a gleeful leap.

It's almost like the rumbling cadence of the high school bands heard in neighborhoods all over the Crescent City.  Although it is early and there may be a few missed notes or a beat or two out of place, somehow the overall sound is this driving, well-rounded tone that leaves you wanting more.

Sure, there is some disappointment that Malcolm Jenkins still has not signed; however, his role seems to be needed less and less.  Leave it to veteran journeymen such as Randall Gay and Darren Sharper to step up.

Maybe, just maybe, it is the new TEAM mentality.  The feeling that we are all in this together.  We feed off of the team’s work ethic and intensity; in return we need to bring the excitement when at a game.

The shift has definitely received some attention with visits from ESPN and even Coach Payton's friend, and former conference rival, Jon Gruden within the first week of camp.  Chris Mortensen grabbed a burger from Bud’s Broiler on his way to practice; are we sure he's not a local? 

The bottom line is this: once again Saints fans feel excited about the season ahead. Like the 2006 season, we are poised to do well.  Drew has even more weapons to call on, the depth and variety on offense is astounding. 

Now the defense is making its stand and what a stand it is shaping up to be.  Each practice they are attacking the ball.  These men seem to have what it takes and are using it to their advantage.

Gone are the days of being tight-lipped.  Coach Payton has even left the Twitter craze solely in the hands of his players only reminding them that it is "like a press release by anyone. Be mindful of what you put out there."

Now that seems like change I can get behind.