New Orleans Saints Discussion

[Saints-Tigers]

Yes, losing the league leader in touchdowns is no loss at all :-/

One thing though, whenever Bush goes down, Payton returns to a basic offense in regards to the run game.... why can't he do that when Bush is in? He runs best in normal running plays anyway.

It's not looking good, but I'm not throwing in the towel just yet, we have a lot of division games left in which we can make up ground, and our schedule isn't all that bad.

[Sveen]

New Orleans Saints sign a punter

CHANDLER'S CROSS, ENGLAND - Saints Coach Sean Payton announced Monday that the team signed punter Ben Graham to replace Steve Weatherford.

Graham, a 34-year-old who used to play in the Australian Football League, spent more than three seasons with the New York Jets. Graham played in four games this season with the Jets, punting 14 times for an average of 43.3 yards, but was released by the team for the second time this season in late September.

Payton said Monday afternoon that Graham was already with the Saints at their hotel outside London, after flying separate from the team following the Saints' loss to the Carolina Panthers.

[CJSchneider]

Just in case Graham doesn't work out, my 4 year old and I were outside practicing kicking the ball over the fence.

[KCJ58]

so who's gonna get the majority of the carries next week Thomas or McAllister

[Flyboy]

What God did Sean Patyon piss off? I gotta know.

[diabsoule]

Originally Posted by KCJ58

so who's gonna get the majority of the carries next week Thomas or McAllister

I think we're going to see Deuce, Thomas, and Stecker all in the mix. It's probably going to be a healthy balance.

[Geo]

Not to get too into fantasy here in the Saints thread, I too am wondering if I should pick up Thomas or Stecker (as a Bush owner).

My gut is that Thomas could be the back to step in, although Stecker is a veteran and can catch the ball well himself. Hrmm.

Hopefully Marques Colston gets going this week, after two drops last week cost him some looks and then a spot on the field.

[diabsoule]

Originally Posted by Geo

Not to get too into fantasy here in the Saints thread, I too am wondering if I should pick up Thomas or Stecker (as a Bush owner).

My gut is that Thomas could be the back to step in, although Stecker is a veteran and can catch the ball well himself. Hrmm.

Hopefully Marques Colston gets going this week, after two drops last week cost him some looks and then a spot on the field.

I think we rushed Schockey and Colston back and thats why you didn't see the contributions on the field that they normally would have brought.

I'd pick up Thomas over Stecker in fantasy. I think he's going to see more touches than Stecker.

[Saints-Tigers]

What did Steve Weatherford do to get cut?

Anyway, here we'll see Sean Payton go to an old school running system instead of the gimmicks and we will thrive.

[diabsoule]

Originally Posted by Saints-Tigers

What did Steve Weatherford do to get cut?

Anyway, here we'll see Sean Payton go to an old school running system instead of the gimmicks and we will thrive.

Supposedly it was a long time coming for Weatherford. Although I thought he was a good punter, the coaching staff thought differently with his 42 yard per punt average.

[diabsoule]

How well do you guys think Carl Nicks could translate to LT?

[Auron]

Halfway point in the season and we are exactly where we were last year, 4-4. We got there in different ways but in the end it's the same record. Now all that matters is what we can do to improve this team, and try to fix the mistakes that have been costing us over the Bye week. I'm not so sure the problems will go away entirely.. (non existent pass rush, poor coverage in the secondary, kicking game issues) but maybe there is a way to patch them up.

This wasn't the most satisfying win. I'll take it but boy was it sloppy, and we almost blew a big lead in the end. Still have a lot of work to do if we're going to try and make a push towards the playoffs.

[CJSchneider]

Thank God we have a bye week coming up and a few of our players can get healthy.

[saintsfan912]

It was great seeing Big Sed back. He made some damn good plays for us today.

[diabsoule]

I'm glad our bye week is next week. We could definitely use it.

Also, we have got to re-sign Jonathan Vilma, Jahri Evans, Lance Moore, and Billy Miller.

Also, this has got to be Gary Gibbs last year as our DC. I want an aggressive, attacking DC as our last good year on defense was when Ron Zook was our defensive coordinator. We have got to bring in someone that will put pressure on the offense.

We also need to establish some semblance of a running game. Our offensive balance is way off and needs to be corrected now not later.

We also need to instill more discipline on the offense and defense because they are committing too many penalties.

We have got to get better on ST. Missing an XP is unacceptable.

[Saints-Tigers]

Originally Posted by diabsoule

How well do you guys think Carl Nicks could translate to LT?

I have no problem with Brown there, I would like Nicks at RT.

[UKfan]

Just dropping in to say that your guys fans are awesome, had a couple of guys from New Orleans sitting next to me and they were great. Hope the Brits support did your team justice.

Also, met Mike Karney, Jammal Brown and Jahri Evans outside their hotel whilst taking a friend to hospital (long story), they were really cool guys.

[wicket]

well i must admit I'm in a good mood due to the win yesterday. They played really well for large parts of the game and to be honoust I think we could've scored more on them. However they still found chances to almost blow it. For instance i was really suprised they didnt see the onside kick coming. But it was a really good and vital win and that makes me happy.

[CJSchneider]

Originally Posted by diabsoule

I'm glad our bye week is next week. We could definitely use it.

Also, we have got to re-sign Jonathan Vilma, Jahri Evans, Lance Moore, and Billy Miller.

Is it just me, or has be been playing some great football lately?

[The Great Jonathan Vilma]

I waited this long, but i gotta know, what are Saints fans thoughts on my boy Jonathan Vilma this season thus far? I haven't got to see him as much as i have in the past (college and as a Jet), but i stlil love the guy to death, hope you guys are enjoying his play this year. What are your thoughts?

[Auron]

Originally Posted by The Great Jonathan Vilma

I waited this long, but i gotta know, what are Saints fans thoughts on my boy Jonathan Vilma this season thus far? I haven't got to see him as much as i have in the past (college and as a Jet), but i stlil love the guy to death, hope you guys are enjoying his play this year. What are your thoughts?

He's pretty much been the Defensive MVP, (for what we actually do right on Defense) Very smart LB, always around the ball, solid tackler. He got juked out on a LT touchdown but honestly what LB in this league doesn't get flat-footed by Tomlinson. Leading the team in tackles with 72, and had the game clinching Interception yesterday. Definitely the kind of LB we have been missing on Defense.

As far as Miller goes he's a very solid Tight End who always seems to sneak up on Defenses and bite them for big catches in situations where they seem to ignore him, but he doesn't offer much in terms of athleticism, can't stretch the middle of the field like Shockey can. Either way he's a good back-up, role player to have.

[Menardo75]

Originally Posted by Saints-Tigers

What did Steve Weatherford do to get cut?

Anyway, here we'll see Sean Payton go to an old school running system instead of the gimmicks and we will thrive.

He was probably sleeping with Sean Paytons daughter. Keep up the good work Saints.

[CJSchneider]

Vilma has been doing great, he has a nose for the ball, which I love.

[Menardo75]

Yeah really good pickup.

[diabsoule]

New Orleans releases K Taylor Melhaff and P Ben Graham

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/...e=clayton_john