Saints Training Camp Reports

[Randall]

Did every Muslim in the 80's name their kid Usama? These guys named Usama are coming out of the woodwork

 

 

 

There may be a billion Muslim kids born in the 80's. There are a lot of Muslims worldwide, especially in Indonesia and the far east.

 

I haven't heard that many.

 

I do like Young though. He showed a lot of big play ability as a rookie.

[Randall]

myhousekey take the fifth on that one.

 

 

He did keep Mendenhall on the bench at Illinois.

[SLAYER]

He did keep Mendenhall on the bench at Illinois.

 

Which is one reason that I am scratching my head about Mendenhall being the Main back in Pit. this year.

[myhousekey]

Saturday 8/9 Wrap Up - Offense

 

It also marked the return to the field for offensive stars Deuce McAllister, Jeremy Shockey, Marques Colston and Devery Henderson. All four did not play in the game on Thursday, receiving treatment instead to be ready to return to practice.

 

Those guys did practice today but the story of the afternoon was Reggie Bush sitting out for the first time this entire training camp. Bush practiced in the morning but came out with a brace on the left knee for the second session. His prognosis: just swelling, no pain. Bush says the knee, the same one he injured late last season, just swelled up in between practices and he thought it best to just rest it. He says he doesn't know exactly what happened to cause the swelling but sitting out was just a precaution and he could practice again tomorrow.

 

There is some other injury news coming out of the Cardinals game. Rookie Adrian Arrington will miss the next few days because of turf toe. Offensive lineman Andy Alleman also sat out due to a right hip bruise.

 

Back to the guys who returned to practice, it was the first time we've seen Devery Henderson go since the first weekend of camp. Henderson is battling through a hamstring injury and says he was a little rusty today, especially coming in and out of his breaks. He tested the hammy a little bit during a few drills and it held up, so he says it felt good overall but he'll probably be sore in the morning. Henderson has been with the Saints four full seasons, so he doesn't feel too far behind after missing these two weeks of camp. He says he'll see how the hamstring feels this week and then determine if he'll play in the next pre-season game on the 16th.

 

We also spoke with the star receiver from Thursday, Robert Meachem. Meachem made it known the other night that he plans to make amends for a rookie season that saw him play in zero games. Meachem said he felt real good the other night, with that being the first game in a whole year that he's played in. He thinks he's the healthiest he's been since the first game of his junior year at Tennessee. Meachem said it's nice to finally be talking about something positive but that he can't get cocky and must continue to keep working and improving.

 

Coach Payton was impressed by Meachem's performance, saying he played well and that was encouraging. Payton was pretty happy with the team as a whole, saying the effort was there all night. When asked about the play of his offensive line, the only name that came up was Jonathan Goodwin. The new center graded out the best and that's a good sign since he's the most unproven of the big guys up front. Payton did mention that he was bothered by the fumbles between Tyler Palko and two different centers in the game. This has been a problem for Palko and something that has to be fixed immediately.

 

Saturday 8/9 Wrap Up - Defense

 

The afternoon session also marked the return of several defensive players, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, cornerback Tracy Porter, cornerback Mike McKenzie, safety Josh Bullocks, and defensive tackle Brian Young. These players did not play Thursday, staying behind to rehab and return to the practice field for Saturday. Coach Payton said that he's not at all concerned with the fact that DT Brian Young has become so injury prone over the last year.

 

"The key is making sure we're keeping him up to speed with what we're doing. That comes fairly easy for him and just getting the reps he needs." Payton said, " I'm quite certain he's going to be ready by the time we start."

 

Defensive ends Bobby McCray and Josh Savage did not practice today. McCray's is sidelined with a bruised ankle suffered just before halftime of Thursday night's game, but shouldn't be out too long. Payton said Savage has a shoulder problem that he suffered Thursday's game and its still bothering him.

 

Tracy Porter missed two weeks of practice with a hamstring injury before returning to the practice field today. The rookie corner has got some stiff competition with all the depth at the corners. Porter said he didn't have any problems with his hammy and felt good during practice, but he also said he felt a little rusty. He does feel behind as far as getting experience, but doesn't feel it'll be too much of a setback. Porter also expressed interest in wanting to be a punt return man, but says he's

 

The Saints also waived cornerback Wale Dada.

[myhousekey]

Sunday 8/10 Wrap Up - Offense

 

The most important thing we saw this morning was Reggie Bush practicing. Bush missed sat out practice yesterday afternoon because of swelling in his left knee. He said that it was nothing serious and apparently he was correct. Bush went full speed all morning and even participated in the live drills with full tackling.

 

Yes we saw full tackling for the first time all camp. Coach Payton was looking to test his players a little bit and really see how they execute in live situations. No new injuries occurred during these drills, which is always the big concern, so a good workout overall this morning.

 

The two guys with the same initials again didn't practice, Adrian Arrington and Andy Alleman. Arrington has a grade-2 turf toe, which Payton says is pretty significant and will keep him out at least a week. Alleman has a hip contusion but should be back tomorrow.

 

Jeremy Shockey did not practice today but coach says he is doing fine. Shockey could miss the next pre-season game but Payton believes they'll have him available for the final two pre-season games with no limits on what he can do.

 

Shockey's backup has been receiving plenty of praise after his four catch performance on Thursday. Mark Campbell looked solid in his first live action in more than a year and Payton was really encouraged by his play against Arizona.

 

Sunday 8/10 Wrap Up - Defense

 

Everyone was on the field today for the defense except for defensive end Bobby McCray, and defensive tackles Brian Young and James Reed. Young and McCray should be ready to go tomorrow, according to Coach Payton. Reed has been put on the injured list with a torn achilles.

 

The Saints had full tackling drills in this mornings session. Some of the notable plays on defense included, linebacker Jonathan Vilma picking off a pass from Mark Brunell. Rookie corner Tracy Porter had a good day. He almost had an interception, after knocking down a pass, and a couple of plays later tackling Aaron Stecker in the backfield. Safety Chris Reis had an interception in the 7-on7 drills.

 

Rookie defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis says he's comfortable and has looked good taking reps with the first team. With all the emphasis being put on stopping the run, Ellis said he's confident the team has the personnel to do well against the run.

[myhousekey]

Monday 8/11 Wrap Up - Offense

 

The Saints tried out a new receiver this afternoon and although he wasn't the most muscular guy you've ever seen, at least he was short. Country music star and good friend of Coach Payton, Kenny Chesney, was in uniform getting some reps in with the guys. At the very end of practice Chesney caught a punt (after dropping two) that allows the team to get this coming Sunday off. Chesney, who has a show in New Orleans on Thursday, actually practiced with the team one day last year. Payton said that he wanted to give his friend a second chance on the field and could really tell how much stronger and more confident Chesney was in year two. The flip-flop wearing lyricist said he was pretty nervous going back there to catch a punt with guys running at him, but luckily Reggie Bush gave him some much needed advice of not to drop the ball. Chesney was grateful though for the opportunity saying that not many coaches in the NFL would allow something like this.

 

Coach Payton did talk about more pertinent football matters. He started by saying how much he wanted to thank the people at Millsaps for making this a great few weeks. Payton says that every year things get better and they do plan to be back. In the past 2 1/2 weeks one of the things that is starting to stand out to the coaching staff is the more consistent play of some of the young guys. Another big focus of their time in Jackson has been the nagging injuries that have kept key guys out of many practices. Payton is not too worried about the Shockey's and McAllister's and Vilma's, reminding us that there is still another 4 weeks before the season starts. Hopefully by then all these guys will be ready to go.

 

Monday 8/11 Wrap Up - Defense

 

Even though, country music singer Kenny Chesney stole the spotlight working out with the receivers, there were a few highlights from the defense, with both cornerbacks Usama Young and Jason David getting interceptions during team drills. On David's pick he had a clear path to the endzone and pulled up. LB Marvin Mitchell was yelling after the play saying he should've taken it to the house.

 

Defensive tackle Brian Young didn't participate, and defensive end Bobby McCray was limited. At the end of practice the players watched as Chesney fielded a punt from Steve Weatherford that would determine whether or not the team would get Sunday off. On his third try, Chesney finally caught it.

[Randall]

Reggie Bush gave him some much needed advice of not to drop the ball.

 

 

 

 

Rule number 1-don't drop the ball.

 

He did bobble the last one though.

[myhousekey]

For those interested in watching the remaining Saints preseason games here is the NFL replay schedule for NFL Network:

 

Texans vs Saints

 

Monday August 18 @ 9:00 am CDT (HD)

Thursday August 21 @ 5:00 am CDT (HD)

 

Saints vs Bengals

 

Saturday August 23 @ 11:00 pm CDT (HD)

Monday August 25 @ 9:00 am CDT(HD)

Wednesday August 27 @ 8:00 am CDT (HD)

 

Dolphins vs Saints

 

Sunday August 31 @ 12:00 pm CDT (HD)

 

(I've confirmed the schedule is accurate for the dates up to 8/23. Not sure after that at this time.)

Edited August 13, 2008 by myhousekey

[myhousekey]

Wednesday 8/13 Wrap Up

 

The Saints returned home to their facility in Metairie, for two days of joint practices with the Houston Texans. The Saints practiced in muggy conditions and rain showers on and off throughout practice.The Saints and Texans began the practice seperately with walk-throughs and position drills before working together in full team drills. There was no tackling, but the Saints offense faced the Texans defense, while the Saints 'D' went against the Texans offense.

 

During two-minute drills both the Saints first and second team defense moved the ball well, but fell short of scoring. Mark Brunell connected with running back PierreThomas on three straight passes before throwing a pick to cornerback Derrick Roberson. Shortly after Drew Brees ended the first-team's drive with an interception in the endzone by cornerback Jamar Fletcher.

 

"It's really expect the unexpected." said Brees, "We've installed our base stuff. We feel like we know it pretty well. We just want to come out here and whatever they throw at us, we can combat with what we've been taught. "

 

In the final drive,Tyler Palko was intercepted by Texans cornerback Antwaun Molden, but recovered with a long pass up the middle to tight end Billy Miller.

 

"I wouldn't expect much more." said receiver David Patten. "I wouldn't expect much more, we're just working on Xs and Os."

 

Patten was back in the afternoon session, after a scheduled rest in the morning. He caught a 15 or 16 yard pass from Brees during team drills.

 

Payton said we should expect a lot of the guys who weren't up for the first preseason game, to be back game No. 2 against the Texans, barring any significant injuries. Speaking of injuries, WR Adrian Arrington (turf toe), LB Mark Simoneau (lower back soreness), DT Hollis Thomas (strained triceps) S Josh Bullocks (knee) and DT Brian Young (leg) all missed practice.

[myhousekey]

Thursday 8/14 Wrap Up

 

-The big news out of Saints camp today is the loss of defensive tackle Hollis Thomas. He had surgery this morning and is out for a minimum of two months after tearing his right tricep. Thomas suffered the injury during one-on-one pass rush drills against the Texans in yesterday's morning practice. Thomas made an appearance at the end of practice with his arm in a cast.

 

"Just one of those freak things that happen." said Thomas, "I went to throw somebody and they grabbed the back of my arm, and I heard a tear."

 

Thomas said he's not thinking about whether or not his season is going to be in jeopardy, he just plans on rehabbing it and preparing to play when he's ready. Several of his Thomas' teammates were suprised about the news.

 

"He's definitely one of our top run-stoppers." said cornerback Mike McKenzie "Thats a major blow."

 

- Running back Reggie Bush, who sat out the morning session, says the coaches are just being cautious. Bush disclosed that he got an MRI done on his left knee two days ago, but that everything came back negative.

 

"I expect to play." he says, "I always expect to play, unless they tell me otherwise."

 

Still, Bush probably won't play against the Texans. He is one of several players who are questionable for Saturday's game. Defensive tackle Brian Young (knee) most likely won't play, and defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis (ankle soreness) didn't take reps during practice. Ellis has been limited during the last couple of practices. He left during this afternoon session, most likely to get treament on the ankle. Receiver Adrian Arrington is still out with turf toe, and tight end Jeremy Shockey is still limited with a leg injury. Also, even though he's been practicing, Mike McKenzie says he doesn't expect to play Saturday but is eyeing a return next week against the Bengals.

 

-The Saints held a two-hour joint practice with the Texans this morning. The afternoon session was a light session that lasted less than an hour. This was the Saints last practice session before facing the Texans on Saturday.

 

- Tempers flared early this morning during team drills with the Saints first team offense on the field against the Texans first string 'D'. Quarterback Drew Brees connected hit wide receiver Lance Moore on a pass up the middle. Saints guard Jahri Evans was blocking Texans defensive end Earl Cochran, when Cochran took a swing at him . Evans returned the favor by taking a shot at Cochran. Players from both sides swarmed the field, but it was broken up pretty quickly.

[Let It Ride]

Anyone got the latest info on Colstons Knee? Last I heard is hes getting it drained every so often.....

Edited August 16, 2008 by Let It Ride

[myhousekey]

I haven't had a chance to watch the replay of the game on NFLN but here's the report from nola.com

 

I know some of our normal secondary wasn't playing but it sounds like the same problem as last year. They can't cover anyone and Jason David is still terrible.

 

They spent the first two drives of a 31-27 loss against the Houston Texans getting close to the end zone and coming away with mere field goals.

 

On defense, the problems with the Saints' secondary that seemed so familiar showed up early and often.

 

"It's a game where you want to see some growth, want to see some steps from Week 1 to Week 2," Saints Coach Sean Payton said. "And in some ways I feel like we stepped backward."

 

There were worries and even a few boos at the Superdome before the 9:39 mark of the second quarter, when Saints running back Reggie Bush leapt over Texans cornerback Jacques Reeves and into the end zone on a 12-yard pass from quarterback Drew Brees.

 

Then with 59 seconds left in the first half, Colston jumped up in the end zone and made a 5-yard, one-handed catch, grabbing a pass that gave the Saints a 20-17 halftime lead.

 

Bush and Colston each had drops, but their catches were reassuring for a team that breezed through its first preseason game and discovered weaknesses in its second.

 

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub played all but the final seconds of the first half Saturday, finishing 14-of-16 for 187 yards and two touchdowns. The Saints' secondary was missing cornerback Mike McKenzie (knee injury) and safety Josh Bullocks (knee), and Schaub picked apart the unit in almost every opportunity, leading his team to touchdowns on its first two drives.

 

Schaub even picked out a specific target in New Orleans' secondary -- Jason David. The Saints' cornerback was burned by Texans receivers four times for 12 yards or more during those opening two drives, including on a 26-yard touchdown pass to Texans receiver Kevin Walter that gave Houston a 7-3 lead.

 

Walter had six catches for 100 yards, plus the touchdown.

 

Payton had barely anything positive to say about his team after the game. He emphasized the Saints' mistakes on defense, including missed assignments, lack of quarterback pressure and allowing big passing plays.

 

The Texans were not forced to punt until more than midway through the third quarter, and for the Saints, the encouraging plays had to come from the offense.

 

Brees played the entire first half Saturday, completing 12 of 17 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Bush started the game lined up as a receiver, and he finished with seven rushes for 24 yards and the touchdown catch.

 

Deuce McAllister started at running back and gained 4 yards on the Saints' first offensive play, drawing cheers and chants as he played in his first game since he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last season on Sept. 24.

 

McAllister reappeared on the Saints' final drive of the first half, helping the Saints to their go-ahead touchdown and bringing his numbers up to four runs for 16 yards and two catches for 10 yards.

 

Colston, who struggled with knee problems during the early weeks of training camp, also made his debut Saturday, finishing with four catches for 22 yards and the touchdown.

 

David Patten had two catches for 52 yards, including a 39-yarder down the left side of the field in the first quarter that came while closely guarded by Reeves.

 

Lance Moore had three catches for 65 yards, all in the second half, including a third-quarter, 42-yard reception from Mark Brunell that set up a touchdown.

 

Backup fullback Kevin Dudley scored on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Brunell with 0:46 left in the third quarter, leading to a 27-24 lead for New Orleans.

Edited August 18, 2008 by myhousekey

[Randall]

I haven't had a chance to watch the replay of the game on NFLN but here's the report from nola.com

 

I know some of our normal secondary wasn't playing but it sounds like the same problem as last year. They can't cover anyone and Jason David is still terrible.

 

 

Schaub even picked out a specific target in New Orleans' secondary -- Jason David. The Saints' cornerback was burned by Texans receivers four times for 12 yards or more during those opening two drives, including on a 26-yard touchdown pass to Texans receiver Kevin Walter that gave Houston a 7-3 lead.

 

 

No kidding. They must have someone better than him.

[tbimm]

No kidding. They must have someone better than him.

[Randall]

 

 

I watched the game this morning and he'd regularly be turned around and out of position. It was hard to watch. Give Usma Young a shot.

[Randall]

Saints CB Jason David has fallen behind second-round rookie Tracy Porter on the depth chart.

 

Source: New Orleans Times-Picayune

[tbimm]

I watched the game this morning and he'd regularly be turned around and out of position. It was hard to watch. Give Usma Young a shot.

At this point I would be OK with the Saints Luring Strahan out of retirement to take David's spot. Seriously!

 

I would like to see more from Young as I think he will be OK.

[SLAYER]

At this point I would be OK with the Saints Luring Strahan out of retirement to take David's spot. Seriously!

 

I would like to see more from Young as I think he will be OK.

 

Young and Gayleft early with minor injuries. both before halftime.

[Little Big Head]

He did keep Mendenhall on the bench at Illinois.

Thomas really didnt keep Mendenhall on the bench. He still got a lot of playing time while Thomas was starting there, and his ypc was much higher than Pierre's.

[BeeR]

? Jason David sucks?? No way!

 

lol - I wasn't that happy to see someone stupid enough to sign away a Colt "star" since Sean Dorkins left.

 

[myhousekey]

Monday 8/18 Wrap Up

 

There was a new face at camp with the Saints signing Lance Schulters at safety. Shulters worked out for the team Sunday and will take the roster spot of long snapper Ryan Senser. Coach Payton says that Schulters brings versatility to the position and being a veteran he picks up the defense schemes pretty quickly. New Orleans also worked out defensive tackle Booger McFarland but did not sign him as of Monday.

 

While Schulters worked out, these guys did not. Usama Young, Brian Young, Mark Simoneau, Randall Gay, Curome Cox and Adrian Arrington. It looks like the hamstring injury to Usama Young may keep him out another week or two. Brian Young re-aggravated a foot injury on Saturday and coach did not say when they expect him back. Simoneau and his bad back are getting better and Randall Gay (tricep bruise) could be back at practice on Tuesday. No word on the return of Arrington and Cox.

 

Two other guys who did not play against the Texans, are expected to see the field against the Bengals, Jeremy Shockey and Mike McKenzie. Shockey took a lot of reps with the first team today and although he's not 100 percent they do expect him to make his Saints debut Saturday. The plan for McKenzie, barring any setbacks, is for him to be on the field for the first time this pre-season as well.

 

McKenzie is expected to start at one of the cornerback positions when the season begins, who will be opposite of him is the huge question. Jason David flopped in that role on Saturday. David was not working with the first team defense today, instead it was rookie Tracy Porter. Coach Payton said the competition for that spot is pretty heated and did not rule out Randall Gay, usually a nickel package specialist, getting a shot at starting there as well.

[myhousekey]

Tuesday 8/19 Wrap Up

 

Scott Fujita (LB): The veteran was not afraid to say that this defense needs to get better, bottom line. He knows the way they played the other night was unacceptable and guys are taking a hard look at themselves to see what they need to do to improve. Fujita experienced the defensive struggles in 2007 and admitted they don't like being the brunt of jokes and the "red-headed step-child" on this team where the offense is known to be the better of the two units.

 

Tracy Porter (CB): One move made the last two days in practice to maybe improve the defense, has been putting Tracy Porter in as a starting cornerback in place of Jason David. Porter can already see how much criticism this Saints secondary takes but he feels they can turn things around. The rookie out of Indiana looks forward to the opportunity of going up against a high-powered Bengals attack this weekend (even though Cincy is missing some top receivers) and getting a lot more reps. Porter played his first NFL pre-season game last week against the Texans and Coach Payton says his performance was just OK. Payton said there were a couple of effort plays by Porter that bothered him and that Tracy needs to clean that up.

 

Coach Payton: Staying on the defensive side, Payton said that Sedrick Ellis sat out the practice today just to rest his bruised ankle. They don't believe the injury is serious and Ellis should play again this weekend. With the rash of injuries lately on the defensive line, some unknown guys are starting to make a name for themselves, most notably Orien Harris. Harris leads the team in tackles right now and coach says they have taken notice of him and will give the 3rd year guy more work.

[myhousekey]

Another good article on Orien Harris I read today:

 

Each year, and in each NFL training camp, a young player or two steps up and begins to get noticed.

 

At first the “flashes” are usually demonstrated against players on the third-string. From there coaches traditionally move the players up a spot and see what they can do against the second-teammers. More often than not the move up the ladder often results in an obvious illustration of a maximization of talent and the player either washes out or nestles into a role-playing niche.

 

But on rare occasions a player seizes an opportunity and keeps growing and assuming more and more responsibility, and in the end, more playing time and a roster spot.

 

An analogy could be made that young player NFL players that make up the last few roster spots are like a boxing champ at his local gym. Those that get in the ring with him end up getting pounded. At some point, the accomplished boxer has to leave the gym and head to an arena where more accomplished boxers lie in wait. It is what they call “going where the lights are on.” A clear reference to the bigger stage and the increase in competition that the neighborhood champ must contend with in an effort to prove he belongs.

 

The gym champ either sinks or swims, so to speak.

 

In the case of Saints defensive lineman Orien Harris, the move from the gym to the arena has gone rather smoothly, in large part because of his versatility. But not something he is willing to rest his laurels on, not after the long path his has traveled in the NFL the past three seasons.

 

“It’s going pretty well,” Harris said after practice today of his first training camp with the Saints. “We’re working very hard and we have a position coach (Ed Orgeron) who is getting after us and is very demanding. He demands 100% effort and accountability and that’s the goal each day in practice and into the games. He never is satisfied.”

 

The 6-3, 300-pound product of the University of Miami has taken a rather circuitous route to his current spot on the Saints’ roster, but nonetheless, he appears to be making the most of his opportunity.

 

“I think he’s played pretty well so far,” said head Coach Sean Payton. “We’ve (the coaching staff) hcertainly noticed him and he’s getting more and more work and will continue to get it here in the final two pre-season games.”

 

Which, according to Harris, is music to his ears. “I want to be on the field and show that what I can do and help this team win. That’s my sole focus right now,” Harris said.

 

With injuries to Hollis Thomas (triceps), DT James Reed (Achilles) and DT Brian Young (foot), Harris is getting handfuls of repetitions in practice and is showing up on the game films, as well. Through the team’s first two pre-season games, Harris leads all Saints defensive linemen in tackles (10 solo), which trails only OLB Scott Shanle (12 tackles) among the team leaders. He also registered a sack of QB Brian St. Pierre in the second quarter of the Saints’ 24-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals in pre-season game one and has been active in his pursuit of the ball throughout the two games.

 

Harris was a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006 and spent a large portion of his rookie season on the Steelers’ practice squad before being signed off of the practice squad by the Cleveland Browns, where he appeared in their final two games of the ’06 season. He then went to camp with the Browns last season but was waived at the conclusion of training camp and ended up on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad before he was signed off the practice squad by the Saints on December 19, 2007.

 

Harris, the younger brother of current Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Kwame Harris (a former first round pick of the San Francisco 49ers), was inactive for the Saints’ final two pre-season games last season, but clearly took advantage of his opportunity to participate in the off-season strength-and-conditioning program, mini-camp and OTA’s.

 

The native of Newark, Delaware is highly unusual in the sense that he a tremendously athletic man for his size and has opened eyes with his ability to effectively contribute as a blocker on kickoff teams, as well as be used in kickoff coverage teams, which are usually task custom made for players such as linebackers, running backs and defensive backs.

 

Yet, there is Harris barreling down the field on the special teams drills and making the sudden cuts and change of directions needed to be effective on the various special teams units.

 

“Here’s the difference,” said LB Jonathan Vilma, who along with TE Jeremy Shockey and TE Buck Ortega where teammates together at The “U.” “He doesn’t look at special teams as drudgery or extra running. He looks at it as another opportunity to showcase his athleticism. He’s a very hard worker. He’s been that way since he was a freshman in college.”

 

Harris, a starter in 34-of-48 games during his collegiate days for the Hurricanes, also brings added value to the team in that he can play defensive end, though he appears most comfortable lining up at defensive tackle. “I don’t care where I play,” he said. “I just want to get onto the field.”

 

Yet when battling for a coveted roster spot as the rosters are about to be trimmed, first to 75 and then to 53, the more versatility a player has and the more things he can effectively do simply adds to the value a player brings to the team.

 

“You can see he is playing with confidence right now and getting off quickly on the snap and making things happen,” Vilma said. “He’s quick enough and athletic enough to be pretty disruptive.”

 

Clearly his play has been disruptive enough to be getting noticed.

[Randall]

Thomas really didnt keep Mendenhall on the bench. He still got a lot of playing time while Thomas was starting there, and his ypc was much higher than Pierre's.

 

 

Mendenhall had 5 carries in many of theose games to Thomas' 10. It was about a 2-1 split.

[myhousekey]

Wed 8/20 Wrap Up

 

Deuce McAllister: Spoke briefly with the Saints running back who says he felt pretty good coming off his first game in almost a year. Deuce says his performance was pretty average in that he had some positive runs but did not break any tackles or go for a big gain. He also expects to see more time on the field this weekend against Cincinnati. The ACL injury that ruined his 2007 season is completely behind him and he doesn't feel that there are any lingering effects that will hinder him in 2008. Deuce was a little sore coming off the game but was back to feeling good today. Coach Payton said they do expect to give McAllister more carries against the Bengals and they've seen from him what they expected so far in camp

 

Coach Payton was asked about the battle for roster spots and playing time at the receiver position and had some interesting things to say. No surprise in that he feels good about the play of Marques Colston and David Patten, who each have a touchdown in the pre-season. Lance Moore has also been solid coming up with the big catch against Houston. Payton did say that this next game is a big one for Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. At one point when Henderson was out with a hamstring injury, we thought he might be in jeopardy of being cut. That doesn't seem to be the case even though Payton still wants to see more from him. Henderson continues to take most of his reps with the first team. Meachem, who's turned heads with his pre-season play, may not be in as good of standing with the head coach. Payton was asked if he'd like to see Meachem getting in more work with Drew Brees and he responded by saying that's something that has to be earned. He added that guys are ahead of him because they are more efficient and although Meachem has improved, he still has a way to go.

 

Payton gave us the list as of now for who will not play on Saturday. Usama Young, Adrian Arrington and Mark Simoneau.

 

That means Sedrick Ellis is planning to play, despite being limited in practice this week because of a bruised ankle. Ellis sounds ready to go and excited about the opportunity to get more experience. He admitted that in the first pre-season game he wasn't very comfortable but things definitely felt better last Saturday. Ellis might have been the only Saints defender who even sniffed Matt Schaub as he came close to a sack early on. I asked Ellis if anything has surprised his so far in his first NFL training camp, he said that this camp has been very similar to those he went through at USC. That was surprising because he had heard NFL camps were a little more laid back.