New Orleans Saints Preseason Update: Coming to an End

The 2010 NFL preseason is starting to come to an end and the Saints still have a lot of work to do before the season starts.  Granted, they looked very good in their game against the San Diego Chargers this past Friday night but there were some issues that were exposed in the game, almost exclusively on defense and these are things that they will have to work on in order to have success this coming season.

Ivory Impresses

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Chris Ivory #48 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

In the Saints game against the Chargers on Friday night, the Saints coaching staff and their fans were treated to one of the biggest and best highlights of the preseason.  Running back Chris Ivory took a pass 76 yards for a touchdown but it wasn’t just the fact that he scored that was impressive it was the way he scored.  Ivory weaved his way through tacklers on a course towards the end zone and what is even more impressive is that he may have solidified a roster spot with that run.

Cutting Down

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NEW ORLEANS - AUGUST 21: Sean Canfield #4 of the New Orleans Saints warms up during pregame before playing the Houston Texans at the Louisiana Superdome on August 21, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

NFL teams were required to cut their rosters down to 75 players on Wednesday, August 31st and the Saints got their roster trimmed by waiving wide receiver Andy Tanner and quarterback Sean Canfield.

Vilma In or Out?

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Pierre Garcon #85 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball after a catch against Jonathan Vilma #51 of the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (

After suffering a groin injury in the game against the Chargers, Jonathan Vilma’s status for the opening game (against the Vikings) has been said to be somewhat up in the air.  However, if you talk to Vilma he’s telling anyone and everyone that he will be ready to play when they play that game.  Head Coach Sean Payton isn’t saying anything either way.  Look for Vilma to be ready for their first game of the season.

Defensively Speaking

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Defensive coordinator Greg Williams of the New Orleans Saints looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 31-28

While the Saints have been hot on offense this preseason, their defense has left a lot to chance and clearly hasn’t looked that good so far this preseason.  The rush defense had a hard time containing San Diego Chargers rookie running back Ryan Matthews on some occasions.  The pass rush had its problems as well and clearly didn’t get enough pressure on Phillip Rivers.  Hopefully the Saints can remedy these issues in time for the regular season and a tough first game match-up against the Vikings.

Shaper In or Out?

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts is hit by Darren Sharper #42 of the New Orleans Saints during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Imag

As final cuts approach, a whisper has gone around the NFL saying that it’s possible that safety Darren Sharper could end up being one of the final cuts coming down the line this Saturday, September 4.  Sharper has missed all of training camp and the preseason while recovering from knee surgery and has fallen far behind the rest of the defense.  He is still an inspirational leader and a valued part of the defense but if he’s unable to be on the field then New Orleans may have to go a different direction.