Saints Gab

This game turned out to be everything we thought it would be–two powerhouse offenses slugging it out until the finish. But it was the electric offense of the Saints that stole the show.

Mounting up over 552 yards of total offense, New Orleans picked up right where it left off, effectively mixing up passes and runs to keep the Chargers off balance. And it was Drew Brees who set the tone. Playing into the 3rd quarter, he exploited the Chargers’ defense, completing 18 of 24 passes for 240 yards and 2 TDs. His first touchdown pass was a 46-yard strike to Devery Henderson, who miraculously hauled it in off a deflection of  Antoine Cason’s helmet tying the game up at 7. But that wouldn’t be the last bomb Brees threw this evening. In the 2nd quarter, he zipped a 15-yarder in to Robert Meachem (victimizing Cason yet again) to put the Saints ahead 14-7. They never looked back.

As expected, Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas both contributed with some impressive hard runs and screens during their limited playing time. Once again, Bush exhibited both speed and toughness when he powered a backhanded flip from Brees down the field for a 38-yard gain. He had seven catches for 70 yards.  Marques Colston had four catches for 55 yards. 

But it was the performance of undrafted rookie sensation, Chris Ivory, that dazzled the 70,000+ who were in attendance. From a simple swing pass, he totally embarrassed the Chargers’ defenders as he meandered his way down the field, breaking tackles and stiff-arming to take it in for a 76-yard score. He also rushed for 45 yards in this one.

I must tell you, this kid gets more impressive by the week. Once a long-shot to make the team’s roster, it would be hard at this point not to imagine him being a Saint by the time the regular season starts on September 9th. He has played solid in all three preseason games, and from what I heard of him prior to that, he wowed coaches and spectators all during training camp. He is a tough, exciting player who has, in my opinion, set himself comfortably apart from the other running backs competing for a roster spot.

The Chargers’ offense wasn’t bad either, just a bit inconsistent. At times, they took it right to the Saints’ secondary, capitalizing on miscues that are proving to be problematic for New Orleans. Rivers and company’s opening drive was perhaps their most impressive. Utilizing a perfect balance of passes and runs, the first-team offense struck quickly when the capable quarterback led them 82 yards for the game’s first score, a tough, grinding 6-yard touchdown punch by a stream-lined Jacob Hester (who, by the way, showed a lot of athleticism on the score). In the 12-play drive, Rivers was 5 of 6 for 44 yards, while Ryan Mathews gained 32 yards on five carries, breaking one for an impressive 16-yd run. Rivers’ other touchdown pass was a 9-yard toss to Malcolm Floyd. Leaving the game in the middle of the 3rd quarter, he finished with 16 of 27 for 167 yards. Antonio Gates had 5 catches for 66 yards.

The Saints defense had a solid performance overall despite a rocky start in which it gave up a touchdown.  Jabari Greer was true to form as he darted back and forth batting down passes and disrupting plays.  Characteristic of  its new improved reputation, the unit recorded two interceptions–one by Usama Young and the other by Leigh Torrence who ran it back 87 yards for a touchdown in the waning seconds to end the game on a high note.

What I saw in terms of Saint performances was that there are still some serious issues on special teams coverage, though it was somewhat better than in the previous two games.  Dropped passes were also a problem that killed otherwise productive drives.  And there were way too many penalties.  Players are going to have to stay focused and disciplined in order to avoid flags that only hurt the team.  I don’t know about this new rule concerning having to wait until the officials get into position before the ball can be snapped either.  Judging from this game alone, it just looks like a lot of confusion to me. Neither the coaches nor the players appear to be in favor of it.  It’s going to be interesting to see how it affects teams as the regular season cranks on.

Of special note,  MLB Jonathan Vilma went down with what’s being reported as a right groin injury early in the 3rd quarter.  Although he left the field under his own power, we don’t know the severity of the injury.  Vilma had been playing extremely well, making his presence felt all over the field.   Zack Strief also had to leave the game with an injury–I’ve heard ankle and knee so I’m exactly sure which.   We can only hope and pray that their injuries are not serious so they can be back in action soon.

Other Notes:  Patrick Ramsey was 10 of 18 for 191 yards and 1 TD–impressive!  Adrian Arrington also continued to shine by pulling down rather difficult catches, although I don’t get him back there returning kicks.  Courtney Roby and Montez Billings both showed moments of brilliance.  Garret Hartley was reliable once again, nailing FGs of 27 , 35 and 40 yards.

The last time these two teams met was during October 2008 in London’s Wembley Stadium. The game had been billed (and rightfully so) as one of the most anticipated of the season with the two high-flying offenses squaring off in the International Series before a record crowd.

It would not disappoint, as the playmakers stepped up and did their thing. Drew Brees finished the game with 339 yards and 3 TDs ; Philip Rivers threw for 341 yards and 3 TDs; Ladanian Tomlinson rushed for 105 yards while Deuce McAllister and Pierre Thomas combined for 83 yards and a TD. When the smoke cleared and the clock read zero, the Saints had held on to defeat the Chargers 37-32.

The real difference in that game turned out to be the outstanding play of the Saints offensive line, which did not give up a sack, and a heads-up play on defense in which Jonathan Vilma intercepted Rivers to end an impressive drive down the field.

A lot has changed for both teams since then. McAllister is now retired and Tomlinson is a Jet. Many players have come and gone and I’m sure both QBs would love to have all of their playmakers healthy and ready to play. But one thing that remains the same is that this matchup is being billed as another high-scoring affair in which both offenses will be expected to post monster numbers.

In fact, some are even proclaiming (very prematurely I might add), that this game could amount to being a very early look at Superbowl XLV. I believe that once again, the Saints’ offensive line and aggressive defense are going to be the difference in this one when it’s all said and done.

Offensively, the two teams are very similar. Both QBs have an arsenal of weapons to utilize through the air and on the ground and neither are afraid to use them. And because it’s going to be the third game of the preseason, I look for many of the starters to see a bit more action than they have in the previous two. With that said, this is how I see things shaping up.

Since Rivers will be without his big target, Vincent Jackson, I look for TE Antonio Gates to get most of the throws and RB Ryan Mathews to handle most of the load on the ground with Michael Tolbert backing him up. As for the Saints, we all know about their woes as of late at the running back position. Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush are going to both see some, but limited, playing time I think.

I expect to see more of Chris Ivory as well as the debut of Ladell Betts and DeShawn Wynn as they try to fight for a spot on the roster. I also expect (and look forward) to seeing more of the development of young WR Adrian Arrington, not behind the arm of Chase Daniel this time, but Patrick Ramsey.

The key for the Saints is going to be protecting whoever is playing quarterback (most likely Ramsey). With Chargers DB Antonio Cromartie no longer with the team, their defense is just that much less effective. If the Saints QB performance is on spot, then this should be another pleaser for the sold-out home crowd.

Like their many fans around the country, members of the New Orleans Saints are anxious to put last week’s disappointing loss behind them. Even though it was only a preseason game with no real bearings on postseason aspirations, the defeat has left a bitter taste for the defending Superbowl champions to swallow, leaving many players ready to just get back out on the field in search of redemption.

On Tuesday, Jonathan Vilma shared with his thousands of Facebook friends that he is “hype” about the upcoming matchup against the Texans this Saturday. Dubbed the “QB Killa” by many of his adoring fans, the ProBowl linebacker makes no secret about his work ethic which is fueled by his intense determination to make the Saints defense better and stronger.

In an interview with WWL.com after Tuesday’s scrimmage, #51 was forthcoming as he discussed everything from his take on the state of the defense to the team’s visit to the White House. When asked if he has seen any improvement (in the defense), he replied,

“Yes, today we saw that improvement. Aside from the first drive that we scored on, I thought we did a very good job defensively. We flew around pretty well. We made plays on the ball. That was the biggest thing. A lot of those things are reminiscent of what we did last year, of getting to the ball and making plays. I was excited with what I saw.”

But Vilma isn’t the only Saint who saw positive aspects from this week’s practices. RB Reggie Bush also felt that the team’s scrimmage against the Texans on Wednesday was beneficial to the team’s development. In an interview with NewOrleansSaints.com, Bush was candid as he discussed his take on the way the joint practices had gone. He told the site,

“I think it gave us a chance to see different looks and a different defense for us. (Texans’ defense) is solid every year. Every time we play against them they are solid. They do a great job at stopping the run. All in all, it gives us a chance to compete against a different team. It gives us some different looks and gives guys a chance to compete who are trying to make the team.”

It’s encouraging to see that defensively as well as offensively, the Saints are maintaining a positive outlook based on different things they’ve seen in practice. Positive attitudes breed positive results. The Saints will need a heavy dose of that if they are to repeat as World Champions.

Last year, the New Orleans Saints Defense shocked the football world. Not since the reign of the infamous Dome Patrol has there been anything close to resembling a valid defensive unit as a whole in New Orleans.

Teams literally dominated the black and gold’s D, torching the corners and bulldozing the defensive front at will. Needless to say, no offense in the NFL was concerned about the Saints even slowing them down let alone stopping them.

But all of that changed in 2009. For the first time in a very long time the Saints defense struck fear in the minds of opposing offenses, even when they weren’t competing against them on the field.

The pass rushers were getting adequate pressure on opposing QBs forcing them to make costly mistakes, ball hawking corners and safeties lined up in exotic blitzes that often disrupted and confused opposing offenses, and speedy linebackers capable of flying to the ball consistently laid the wood down–literally.

All of a sudden the finesse team was hitting hard, flattening quarterbacks where they stood and stopping running backs dead in their tracks. Though ranked 25th overall in 2009, the Saints’ aggressive methods under the coaching of defensive master, Gregg Williams paid off in the end.

Ranked number three in the league in interceptions with 26 (5 of which were returned for TDs) and tied for thirteenth in forced fumbles with 15, their opportunistic style set the standard for what a defense is supposed to accomplish if it is run correctly, proving once again that stats are often misleading. With all that in mind, the question is, can we expect the same outcome in 2010?

In order to answer this question, we must dissect the unit and analyze the key players in order to see what’s left underneath. Fortunately, the defense pretty much remained intact, losing most notably LB Scott Fujita and DE Charles Grant. But even more important is the retention of the entire coaching staff and the majority of the defensive leaders and all the extras they bring to the table.

Leading the pack is LB Jonathan Vilma, who I like to refer to as a one man wrecking crew. This guy does it all. He’s very smart, always staying alert to where other players are on the field as well as sniffing out trickery from the opposition.

Like a general, he makes sure that other players get into position so they won’t be caught sleeping. Couple his on-the-field intelligence with his speed and agility and you’ve got a complete player who can not only scan the field, but man it in a way that is unlike that exhibited at the skill level of the average linebacker.

Don’t be surprised to see him in the backfield defending a wide receiver, batting down passes like a corner or disrupting interceptions like a safety. He’s a proven talent whose versatility is quite an asset on the defense.

Then there is the return of Darren Sharper. A valuable addition last year, he made a career-high 9 interceptions, returning three of them for TDs.

The great thing about D Sharper is his ability to get to and make a play on the ball, making him one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL. Plus, he has the experience necessary to school the novices in the art of being a safety, which he has mastered so well.

His presence on the field automatically elevates those around him. With Roman Harper on the other side, I expect the dynamic duo to pick up where they left off. Better still, we also get back a healthy Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter which is an automatic shot in the arm to what has at times been a struggling secondary when those players were injured.

Look for Malcolm Jenkins to make some noise too at the safety position. From what I’ve heard, he’s making the transition from corner nicely and is developing into quite a force.

Finally, we have another ace in the hole in DE Will Smith. In my opinion, he’s one of the most underrated DEs in the league. He finished off 2009 with 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 49 tackles. Need I say more?

This guy is tough and fast enough to wreak havoc in any opposing team’s backfield. If Sedrick Ellis can stay healthy to help bulk up the middle against the run, I expect to see the defense perform even better than it did this past season–that is provided the key players can stay healthy.

Judging from the preseason game last week against New England, it’s evident that there are some kinks that need to be worked out. But the Saints’ unchanged coaching staff is more than capable of making the proper adjustments to ensure the team’s success.

At the same time, there are enough veterans left in place to make sure the team has adequate depth and experience at key positions. Remember that at this point last year, nobody but us fans even pondered the idea of the Saints going to and winning the Superbowl.

They were counted out before they started. But with excellent coaching, staunch on-the-field leadership, and some very hard work, they did the unthinkable. They did what we knew they could all along–took their place in history as champions. And the new improved defense was paramount to that success. Because enough of the key elements are still in place, I believe they can do it again.

Linebackers Coleman and Maxwell are long shots to make the team. More than likely they will be lucky to make the practice squad. Pro-bowler Jonathan Vilma is the quarterback of the entire defense, so his middle linebacker spot is solid. Marvin Mitchell and Jo-Lonn Dunbar have been trading off as his backup. So it will probably be Shanle, Ingram, Arnoux, Casillas as the four OLB, with two of them starting and Vilma and either Mitchell or Dunbar as backups, maybe both. Where does that leave the rookies? Nowhere. X mark for both Coleman and Maxwell.

Junior Galette and Brandon Sharpe are long shots at DE, but not without possibilities. Will Smith is the starting right DE. There is no doubt. Charles Grant, who was the starting left DE, is gone. Grant was talented, but un-motivated and injury prone. Grant ended the season on IR and they released him after the season. Because of that, the Saints signed two veterans, Alex Brown and Jimmy Wilkerson in free agency, but let Bobby McCray go to save money.

You can pencil in Alex Brown as the starter. He was only let go by the Chicago Bears to make room for Julius Peppers, who was signed to a huge contract to be the starter there. That doesn’t mean that Brown, nor Wilkerson should not be worried about the rookies Brandon Sharpe and Junior Galette. Galette was singled out by Sean Payton in OTAs as showing promise.

The Saints will probably keep four pure defensive ends at most and may be more interested in speed DEs who can also stand up and play outside linebacker in the 3-4. Gregg Williams likes to mix up formations and played the 3-4 more often than most would have expected in 2009. With that in mind, Junior Galette (258 lbs) and Brandon Sharpe (254 lbs) could be more versatile in those schemes than Jeff Charleston (265 lbs) and Alex Brown (260 lbs). There’s not much difference, but a few pounds and some speed could be the difference between a covered TE or RB and a touchdown by an opponent.

Don’t be surprised if Galette makes the team and plays a lot of snaps. It’s pretty clear that Gregg Williams is looking to get leaner and faster at DE, so that they are able to stand them up for a 3-4. Expect Brown and Smith to make the team, and a free for all at the two or three (one makes it as a linebacker?) remaining spots. Going out on a limb here, check mark for Galette and X for Sharpe.

Clint Gresham will be competing with only Jason Kyle at long snapper. Long Snapper is not a position that teams play around with. Even though Kyle is 38, he could hang on for a few more years. Gresham does have a good shot if he is incredibly consistent and shines bright in camp and pre-season. The Saints will only keep one long snapper, so Gresham will either start or not make the team. If he shows promise but not enough, he’ll be put on the practice squad. The Saints didn’t really want Kyle, but had a debacle off the field with Kevin Houser and needed a trustworthy player in a pinch to carry them through 2009. Question mark for Gresham, with a chance to start.

Chris Ivory is at a position the Saints have shown an aptitude to develop undrafted players at. Last year the Saints rotated Pierre Thomas (originally an UDFA), Mike Bell and Reggie Bush as starting running backs. Lynell Hamilton (another UDFA originally) was the backup 4th RB on the roster. With Mike Bell gone to the Eagles, the Saints have an opening in the rotation. That spot will likely be filled by either Lynell Hamilton or PJ Hill (yet another developing UDFA). Chris Ivory’s best shot to make the team is probably as the backup to the rotation, mostly for short yardage situations. Hamilton is bigger than Ivory, but wasn’t that much more effective than Pierre Thomas on short yardage. If Ivory shows a nose for getting that tough extra yard, he’s got a shot. Unless Ivory blows the doors off though, expect him to end up on the practice squad. X mark for Ivory.

So let’s look at that list again with our best guess at x and check marks:

Check 1st round:  Patrick Robinson – CB
Check 2nd round: Charles Brown – OT
Check 3rd round: Jimmy Graham – TE
? 4th round:  Al Woods – DT
Check 5th round:  Matt Tenant – C
6th round:  Sean Canfield – QB

UDFAs (in Alphebetical Order):

Montez Billings – WR
Brandon Carter – OG
Harry Coleman – LB
? Junior Galette – LB/DE
? Clint Gresham – LS
Chris Ivory – RB
Sam Maxwell – LB
? Jay Ross – DT
Brandon Sharpe – LB/DE
Andy Tanner – WR
Marcell Young – CB

That’s our summary, so bookmark your favorite camp news site, cue up your DVR for pre-season games and watch for these guys in the third and fourth quarters.  They may just surprise you!

(Note:  Since this article was written, Harry Coleman, Sam Maxwell, Brandon Sharpe and Marcell Young have all been waived.  Brandon Sharpe was replaced by Bobby McCray re-signing, making it even harder for Junior Galette.)

Saints Pro Bowl LB Jonathan Vilma would like you to help the rescue and relief efforts in his parent’s native country of Haiti. Vilma is sellling “Domeland Defense” T-shirts, with proceeds going to help victims of the recent Earthquakes in Haiti. You can purchase the shirts at www.domelandshirt.com

“It’s tragic to hear what happened, but the best thing I’ve seen or heard or read about it is everyone’s really trying to come and help,” said Vilma, who also filmed an NFL public service message that will be shown during the rest of the playoffs. “I’m very excited (by the outpouring), especially when I’m here and I’m so focused in on doing something that feels almost selfish, because I can’t be helping and I can’t help my family.”

Update: If you can’t wait for your shirt order to come in, they are available at New Orleans area Sports Avenue and some Walgreen’s stores.

The Saints return to practice Wednesday morning in preparation for Sunday’s NFC Championship game. Coach Sean Payton decided to give his players extra time to rest and recover from Saturday’s game, hoping the team will return fresher and energized going into Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.

Afterwards, catch the post practice press conference live on NFL Network as part of five hours of continuous coverage of Conference Championship Week. The Saints segment will start around 1:45 PM Central Time from the Saints’ practice facility in Metairie. Coach Payton, Drew Brees, Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith will be available to the media for interviews.

(For anyone interested, the Colts press conference starts at 11 AM CT, followed by the Vikings at 11:45 AM, then the Saints and finally the Jets at 2:45 PM)

The Saints are bringing back their top tackler from 2009, as they have re-signed linebacker Jonathan Vilma to a five-year contract. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Vilma, who came to the Saints last season from the Jets, became a free agent after his first season with the Saints. He led the Saints with 151 tackles and three forced fumbles and added a sack and an interception.

Vilma played his first four NFL seasons with the Jets before the Saints acquired him in a trade. The former University of Miami standout was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2004. A knee injury cost Vilma the last nine weeks of 2007, but he played all 16 games for the Saints last season.

Good news today for linebacker Jonathan Vilma, as prosecutors dropped charges of resisting arrest and other crimes today against him as the linebacker agreed to give money to charity and clear up outstanding tickets.

The former University of Miami player was arrested last month during a traffic stop and charged with felony resisting arrest with violence and misdemeanor counts of reckless driving and obstruction of justice.

Vilma will donate $1,000 to a hospital trauma center, said Ed Griffith, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office. The officer involved agreed with the decision not to press charges, Griffith said.

In a statement released by the Saints, Vilma thanked prosecutors for their decision.

“As I have indicated in the past, I would vigorously fight any charges filed against me surrounding the incident that occurred,” Vilma said. “I believe the State Attorney’s office did the just and right thing in this matter.”

Defense attorney Michael Tein said his client is relieved and is looking forward to focusing on football again.

Vilma will be a free agent this winter but has said he would prefer to stay in New Orleans. He led the Saints in tackles in his first season with New Orleans after spending his first four years with the New York Jets.

Looks like the Saints are going to get back MLB Jonathan Vilma. Today’s Biloxi Sun-Herald has a report that Vilma should be back. Here is the report:

The Saints’ biggest free agent question mark will be middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma. All signs point toward the two sides signing a new deal once free agency begins. Outside linebacker, while decent with Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle, could use an upgrade.