*** OFFICIAL New Orleans Saints Thread *** (1 Viewer)

[SaintsInDome2006]

Here's Hokie at 1:04. - 62 yards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK7zkom769Y

Go Saints, Go Tigers.

-SID06

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Wide receiver only offensive position Saints can consider in Round 1


Ranking the New Orleans Saints' top draft needs. At No. 6 is wide receiver:

Current depth chart:

Brandin Cooks, age 22

Willie Snead, age 23

Brandon Coleman, age 23

Reggie Bell, age 23

R.J. Harris, age 23

Kyle Prater, age 23

Shane Wynn, age 23

Outlook: I tend to agree with ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, who said he would fall out of his chair if the Saints don’t draft a defensive player with the No. 12 pick in the draft. But wide receiver is the one offensive position that I could possibly forgive the Saints for taking in that spot.

I’ll never call receiver a glaring need for the Saints, since they have proven time and again that they can plug in unheralded players and thrive with them -- Snead being the latest example. But the Saints will truly put that theory to the test this year if they don’t add a premier draft pick or veteran free agent.

As it stands today, New Orleans doesn’t have a single receiver over 23 years old, and it has only one draft pick in the entire bunch (a pretty special one in Cooks, who was their 2014 first-round draft choice).

So it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Saints consider a big-bodied receiver like Mississppi’s Laquon Treadwell or TCU’s Josh Doctson in Round 1, especially after they released big man Marques Colston earlier this offseason.

Ohio State’s Michael Thomas and Braxton Miller could both help fill that void in the middle rounds, or maybe Tulsa’s Keyarris Garrett on Day 3.

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-orleans-saints/post/_/id/21696/wide-receiver-the-only-offensive-position-saints-should-consider-in-round-1

- Mike Triplett

Cooks and Snead are the only reliable names on here IMO. I like Harris, but I just don't see Coleman becoming a full time starter. The cupboard really looks bare. Second round would be ok to me because that has panned out pretty well for teams the last 2 years. This really needs to be addressed.

 

[saintfool]

in terms of priority, here's how i would rank it:

OG - Peat is being wasted at OG; Letitilo is a stopgap. 

DE - Richardson-Kika are unproven;

CB - It's a passing league, you're always going to need starter quality depth

FS - Byrd has been a bust so far, 

WR - Adding Fleener helps a lot and using Spiller would be a plus, too, but we need some something in the cupboard

 

[imjackdupp]

in terms of priority, here's how i would rank it:

OG - Peat is being wasted at OG; Letitilo is a stopgap. 

DE - Richardson-Kika are unproven;

CB - It's a passing league, you're always going to need starter quality depth

FS - Byrd has been a bust so far, 

WR - Adding Fleener helps a lot and using Spiller would be a plus, too, but we need some something in the cupboard

I pretty much agree with you here. I have seen Treadwells name popping up quite a bit lately and while I would love to see him on the field in N.O. I think we have other priorities. I wouldn't cry about any on the list in the first though.

 

[Ditka Butkus]

Why not bring Anquan Boldin in for veteran leadership and on field coach..

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Why not bring Anquan Boldin in for veteran leadership and on field coach..

Would not surprise me, though I wonder about his speed at this point.

Would be extra cool because I think he was one of the rookie picks originally lost i the Sullivan trade IIRC.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Ok Saints fans, any new thoughts on the 1st rounder?

I keep thinking Lawson or Rankins and that just seems like the thing to do, they need to address the d-line like they did the LB corps last year.

New mock by King here.

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/04/24/nfl-mock-draft-peter-king-trades

I'd be totally happy with trading down for one of the WRs, another DT, one of the LB's, or o-line. That's a grab bag but out of all the other Plan B's I will take any of Doctson/Coleman/Fuller.

The position I agree with least is CB or S, and especially I disagree with QB. The talk about Lynch is aggravating, people can't seem to avoid speculating but I really hope they don't do that and I don't expect it. If they do I will likely throw something.

 

[psychobillies]

Ok Saints fans, any new thoughts on the 1st rounder?

I keep thinking Lawson or Rankins and that just seems like the thing to do, they need to address the d-line like they did the LB corps last year.

New mock by King here.

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/04/24/nfl-mock-draft-peter-king-trades

I'd be totally happy with trading down for one of the WRs, another DT, one of the LB's, or o-line. That's a grab bag but out of all the other Plan B's I will take any of Doctson/Coleman/Fuller.

The position I agree with least is CB or S, and especially I disagree with QB. The talk about Lynch is aggravating, people can't seem to avoid speculating but I really hope they don't do that and I don't expect it. If they do I will likely throw something.

I'd be fine with a trade back, but barring that, I would be happy with Lawson or Rankins.  I would not be too shocked(or upset) to see them grab Treadwell if he's there.  They seem to stick to the best player with the first pick, so it could happen and Treadwell is a perfect compliment to Cooks.

Dream scenario is Myles Jack slipping to us.

 

[Tool]

Is Grayson being viewed as a wasted pick? I'm in a 2 QB league and was thinking of trying to trade for him on the cheap.



 



Paxton Lynch - QB - NFL Draft Prospect


Posted 4/26/16 10:31pm ET
Memphis QB Paxton Lynch could be an option for the New Orleans Saints in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Saints had talks to move up to No. 1 overall for a quarterback previously. They could be a team to watch to move up into the first half of the first round to grab Lynch.

Huddle Up: Drew Brees likely only has a couple seasons remaining after turning 37 in January, and Sean Payton and Co. must start prepping for the future. The Saints are picking 12th in the first round, but that might not be high enough to nab Lynch.

 

[psychobillies]

Dream scenario is Myles Jack slipping to us.

Looking more and more likely.  I definitely take my chances with a guy like this.  Microfracture is not the death sentence it once was, and this guy is probably the best player in the draft.

 

[psychobillies]

Is Grayson being viewed as a wasted pick? I'm in a 2 QB league and was thinking of trying to trade for him on the cheap.



 



Paxton Lynch - QB - NFL Draft Prospect


Posted 4/26/16 10:31pm ET
Memphis QB Paxton Lynch could be an option for the New Orleans Saints in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Saints had talks to move up to No. 1 overall for a quarterback previously. They could be a team to watch to move up into the first half of the first round to grab Lynch.

Huddle Up: Drew Brees likely only has a couple seasons remaining after turning 37 in January, and Sean Payton and Co. must start prepping for the future. The Saints are picking 12th in the first round, but that might not be high enough to nab Lynch.

Nobody knows.  I don't see it though.  My gut says it's just pre-draft BS.  If they wanted to take Lynch, I don't think we'd be hearing so much about it.

 

[saintfool]

Looking more and more likely.  I definitely take my chances with a guy like this.  Microfracture is not the death sentence it once was, and this guy is probably the best player in the draft.




 

I'm thinking the better value might be with Jaylon Smith on Day 3. That's the proper valuation given the circumstances. We have the personnel in place to allow for his recovery too. He'd be a great addition alongside Anthony in a year or two. 

Honestly, I don't know who we draft in R1. I'd be disappointed in the front office if they went DT because of the depth we have now at it. Give me an impact player along the O-line or in the defensive backfield. I'd be less angry with Loomis-Payton if they went WR instead of DT.

 

[psychobillies]

I'm thinking the better value might be with Jaylon Smith on Day 3. That's the proper valuation given the circumstances. We have the personnel in place to allow for his recovery too. He'd be a great addition alongside Anthony in a year or two. 

Honestly, I don't know who we draft in R1. I'd be disappointed in the front office if they went DT because of the depth we have now at it. Give me an impact player along the O-line or in the defensive backfield. I'd be less angry with Loomis-Payton if they went WR instead of DT.

I'd be with you on Smith if it wasn't for the nerve damage.  His injury might be un-fixable.  While both guys are a gamble, I'm assuming Jack is ready day 1, and think he'd almost instantly be our best D player.  I don't think we can say that about anyone else.  I definitely see your point about DT.   Plenty of value there later, plus we got Fairley.

 

[bostonfred]

The fit I'd love to see is Treadwell.  Put him across from cooks and Brees has a better version of Colston and Henderson.  The defense isn't getting fixed with one player but the offense is a legitimate second receiver away from being good enough to carry the team and they can pick defense the rest of the way. 

 

[saintfool]

I'd be with you on Smith if it wasn't for the nerve damage.  His injury might be un-fixable.  While both guys are a gamble, I'm assuming Jack is ready day 1, and think he'd almost instantly be our best D player.  I don't think we can say that about anyone else.  I definitely see your point about DT.   Plenty of value there later, plus we got Fairley.




 

that's why getting Smith at R3-4 seems to be a proper valuation of risk-reward to me. I like Jack, too, and he might be too good to pass up. Ellerbe isn't the answer at WLB (he's got an incentive based contract too) and Lauranitis isn't a long term solution at MLB. I really like Anthony and I'd like to see him paired with a legit LB for years.

 

[saintfool]

The fit I'd love to see is Treadwell.  Put him across from cooks and Brees has a better version of Colston and Henderson.  The defense isn't getting fixed with one player but the offense is a legitimate second receiver away from being good enough to carry the team and they can pick defense the rest of the way. 




 

That's what Fleener is for, I think. I expect Cooks and Snead to really improve. Cooks has too much to offer the team and ought to be an impact player. Snead is another in a long line of yeoman players that these Saints have picked up. I don't see him as a true #2 WR but really one hell of a #3. Treadwell would have the luxury of a programmed development that could be helpful around the end of the season playoff push.

 

[bostonfred]

I don't think you expect fleener to be better than what Watson was last year.   Snead might improve but he probably played over his head a little last year too so I wouldn't expect a massive leap.  Coleman has the body type and speed but he's still a lottery ticket.  And Ingram plus Hightower contributed more than you expected.  So the weapons might be slightly improved,  but not much.   

The place you should expect to see some improvement is in cooks.  But he is not a wr1.  They tried to force him into that role and he just wasn't that good.  When they started pushing him deeper and attacking more,  he improved a lot and so did the offense. 

That's why i think Treadwell is a perfect fit.   He's the chain moving wr1 who can catch balls in the red zone across from the guy who keeps the defense honest.   That opens things up for fleener and Snead.  It keeps the defense off the field and allows them to play situational football more often.   It makes Ingram better.   Colston was the glue that kept this offense together for years and when he inevitably got hurt the team suffered.   Graham filled that role but then when he started to get hurt and became more of a decoy and red zone threat he wasn't as valuable.  It's the missing piece imo. 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

The place you should expect to see some improvement is in cooks.  But he is not a wr1.  They tried to force him into that role and he just wasn't that good.  When they started pushing him deeper and attacking more,  he improved a lot and so did the offense. 

I'm a Cooks fan.

However, one of the saddest things was watching Brees near the end zone or in desperation mode - which, truly, Brees always gives you a damned good shot of emerging with a TD or first down or whatever you're looking for - and then he would toss it high, the sort of thing that used to go to Colston or Graham, but now that goes to Cooks, who despite his leaping ability just isn't big enough to muscle into position. Maybe the most memorable occasion for this was actually McCown at CAR at the end of the game, but then again Brees in the exact same position at home also had to go for Cooks. It's too much for Cooks, all the stuff they ask him to do.

Brees needs a tall, rangy WR who will own the goal line to the back line. The man has earned a primo, all-pro quality, big target, Give it to him.

 

[saintfool]

I'm a Cooks fan.

However, one of the saddest things was watching Brees near the end zone or in desperation mode - which, truly, Brees always gives you a damned good shot of emerging with a TD or first down or whatever you're looking for - and then he would toss it high, the sort of thing that used to go to Colston or Graham, but now that goes to Cooks, who despite his leaping ability just isn't big enough to muscle into position. Maybe the most memorable occasion for this was actually McCown at CAR at the end of the game, but then again Brees in the exact same position at home also had to go for Cooks. It's too much for Cooks, all the stuff they ask him to do.

Brees needs a tall, rangy WR who will own the goal line to the back line. The man has earned a primo, all-pro quality, big target, Give it to him.




 

To be fair, wasn't last year supposed to be the coming out party for the 6'6 Coleman? I like Cooks a lot but feel like he's been used incorrectly. I like him in the slot or along an unbalanced line. Let him get the mismatch, get off the line quickly and into space where the afterburners can kick in. He's not a #1 because his long speed isn't as much an asset. Fleener should get lots of targets and replicate the #'s of Graham and Watson even if he is used slightly differently. Spiller *must* be more productive as a runner and receiver. Snead is another Lance Moore and will have to work for every catch. He's a nobody in the league and won't get special attention from either the opposing defense or refs. 

I'd be fine with Treadwell but he's not going to unlock the offense. Brees led the league in passing yards yet again. He was top ten for TDs and yards per attempt. He was #6 in QBR among starting QBs. We were #8 in total offense. The offense isn't broken here, fellas. It's what kept us from being an 0-16 team considering our putrid defense. Making it more efficient might be a worthy goal but actually fixing the defense is the priority here. That may mean overcoming Dennis Allen, unfortunately.

 

[Faust]

With the twelfth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft the New Orleans Saints select DT Sheldon Rankins.

 

[Faust]

Saints earn a great grade for taking Sheldon Rankins in 2016 NFL Draft

 

[saintfool]

i'm alright with the pick of Rankins. the DT position helps the defense overall and Fairley is on a 1-yr deal. i thought Jack might we the sneaky play after all but i'm content here.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Hey I'm happy.

 

[psychobillies]

Nice safe pick.  Definitely helps us right away.  Not very exciting, but we get the best DT in a very good DT draft.  What is everyone thinking for rd 2?  Jack is still there, Noah Spence would be interesting.  Maybe grab a OG?

 

[psychobillies]

Braxton Miller?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Nice safe pick.  Definitely helps us right away.  Not very exciting, but we get the best DT in a very good DT draft.  What is everyone thinking for rd 2?  Jack is still there, Noah Spence would be interesting.  Maybe grab a OG?

There seems to be a plethora of LBs and D-linemen.

I'd take any of the 3-4 Bama defensive guys, Jack, or please how about one of the LSU defenders.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Braxton Miller?

I hope not, I admit to missing the boat on talent evaluations sometimes but I don't get this as a project. I'd love a WR but really in the 1st, now I see all the defensive talent on the board and I want more.

 

[ATC1]

Hopefully one of Dodd, Whitehair, V. Bell in the 2nd round. 

 

[psychobillies]

I hope not, I admit to missing the boat on talent evaluations sometimes but I don't get this as a project. I'd love a WR but really in the 1st, now I see all the defensive talent on the board and I want more.

Sure.  I've just been hearing his name a lot today.  Might be the next Matt Jones/Terrell Pryor. 

 

[psychobillies]

OSU South.  Like the picks.  High price to pay for Von, but he should have been drafted earlier. 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

What can I say, I'm happy with all 3 picks right now. Safety wasn't to me a need, but I'm glad they jumped on Bell. I've been clammoring for a top flight WR and maybe they got one in Thomas, 18 TDs in 2 years at OS should translate well for Brees starting almost immediately.

 

[Faust]

Saints trade up for fascinating Canadian defensive tackle

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Saints trade up for fascinating Canadian defensive tackle

Reminiscent of Hicks.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

The Saints add Connor Barth.

I think this is going to work out very well for all concerned.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Looking forward to see if Garrett Graham of Air Force is one of those successful Sean Payton projects...

Inside the War Room: Small School Edition


In this week’s Inside the War Room, John Blair takes a look at the top small school players in the draft, talks about how the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans trade may affect the draft, highlights a player from the SEC who is a sleeper in this year’s draft, and much more.

TOP 10 SMALL SCHOOL PLAYERS

This year’s small school draft class is led by Carson Wentz who may be the first small school player to go number one in the draft since Ed (Too Tall) Jones was drafted out of Tennessee State in 1974. The class also has some outstanding defensive players who could go on the second day including Noah Spence, DeAndre Houston-Carson, Matt Judon, and Javon Hargrave. Listed below you will find the top-10 small school players all of which should hear their name called on draft day.

...

DRAFT STOCK MARKET

STOCK UP

....

Garrett Griffin, TE, Air Force

While Griffin will not be a first or even a second day pick like Drake or Green he is drawing plenty of attention as at least six teams have shown an interest him. Part of the reason he has drawn so much interest is that he can long snap and could also be used as a third string tight end at the next level.

...

The Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson reports that Air Force TE Garrett Griffin is drawing interest from Lions, Saints, Chargers, 49ers, Chiefs and Broncos.
Griffin would be a clutch UDFA signing, but he may end up slipping into late Day 3 because of the roster versatility he promises. He's a tight end with 4.75 wheels and a 36-inch vertical leap at 6-foot-4, 237 pounds. Griffin could make it as initially as a long-snapper. But he does have enough receiving chops to possibly become an effective H-back/fullback down the line. He's lauded for his blocking technique firstly. "He’s been huge at the point of attack in the blocking game," Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Thiessen said. "He’s physical, he’s athletic, he’s powerful, he can handle big-time players, which (Utah State had). Kyle Fackrell over there was a big-time player, he handled him." Apr 15 - 10:29 PM

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/cfb/136129/
 
- Fackrell was drafted at 3/88 by the Packers.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Also love that they signed Sione Houma, wish they could keep all these players.

- Griffin Neal QB prospect was cut, back to Germany, he must have been really raw. Or something.

- And Roman Harper returns, I'm sure I was in the large group of fans who wanted him gone after the 2011 SF playoff loss but it was obvious they missed his leadership. I'm glad he's back.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Hopefully one of Dodd, Whitehair, V. Bell in the 2nd round. 

Boy, nailed that.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

 

Top 10 linebacking corps in NFL history


http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747ac7



2000 Ravens
Led by Ray Lewis, and complemented by Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper, the Ravens defense dominated opponents en route to a title.
Watch clip  |  Video: Lewis on 'America's Game'  |  Relive Super Bowl XXXV





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747b01



Orange Crush
Randy Gradishar, Bob Swenson, Joe Rizzo and Tom Jackson teamed up to lead the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance.
Watch clip  |  Broncos history  |  Relive Super Bowl XII





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747af1



1980s Raiders
Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks, as well as Matt Millen and Rod Martin, were major contributors on the last Raiders team to win a Super Bowl.
Watch clip  |  Hendricks' road to the Hall  |  Relive Super Bowl XVIII





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747cfd



Steelers of the mid-1990s
The foursome of Levon Kirkland, Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd and Chad Brown weren't the "Steel Curtain" revisited, but weren't too far off.
Watch clip  |  Steelers history  |  Relive Super Bowl XXX





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747ccf



Vince Lombardi's Packers
Led by Ray Nitschke, and also featuring Dave Robinson and Lee Roy Caffey, this group was key to one of the NFL's greatest dynasties.
Watch clip  |  Video: Nitschke retrospective  |  Video: Nitschke remembered





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747da9



1985 Chicago Bears
Otis Wilson, Mike Singletary and Wilbur Marshall ran Buddy Ryan's 46 defense to perfection as the Bears dominated the NFL.
Watch clip  |  Video: Singletary retrospective  |  Relive Super Bowl XX





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80747f5e



Hank Stram's Chiefs
Hall of Famers Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier, along with the unheralded Jim Lynch, dismantled the favored Vikings in Super Bowl IV.
Watch clip  |  Relive Super Bowl IV  |  Bobby Bell: Gladiator





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d807480b8



Bill Parcells' Giants
Lawrence Taylor grabbed the headlines, but Harry Carson, Gary Reasons and Carl Banks were key contributors on two Super Bowl-winning teams.
Watch clip  |  Video: Carson retrospective  |  Video: Taylor retrospective





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d8074813b



1970s Steelers
Hall of Famers Jack Ham and Jack Lambert were integral parts of Pittsburgh's famed "Steel Curtain," the catalyst for four Super Bowl wins.
Watch clip  |  Steelers history  |  Video: "Steel Curtain" No. 2 nickname





http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80748277



Jim Mora's Saints
Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Vaughan Johnson and Pat Swilling combined for 13 trips to the Pro Bowl and helped the Saints earn respectability.
Watch clip  |  Player pages: Jackson  |  Johnson  |  Mills  |  Swilling

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/09000d5d808a901f/article/top-10-linebacking-corps-in-nfl-history

- This may be old hat but I enjoyed seeing this on NFLN yesterday - the Mora era Saints had the greatest LB corps of all time according to NFLN. I have to say the 70s Steelers probably really deserve this but it's a fair ranking and just great to see.

 

[Faust]

2016 NFL Preview: Can Saints' great QB overcome all-time bad D?

 

[Faust]

Saints favorites to sign free agent Anquan Boldin

 

[Tanner9919]

 


http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/09000d5d808a901f/article/top-10-linebacking-corps-in-nfl-history

- This may be old hat but I enjoyed seeing this on NFLN yesterday - the Mora era Saints had the greatest LB corps of all time according to NFLN. I have to say the 70s Steelers probably really deserve this but it's a fair ranking and just great to see.

They were special.Pat Swilling was great.but that corps was nowhere near as good as NYG..Harry Carson,  LT , and Carl Banks, pepper Johnson and/or DeOssie or Reasons...Non-Giant fans wont realize that Carl Banks helped make LT as great as he was.you couldnt go at Taylor,  but you couldnt go at Banks , either.probably the single most underrated LB in the last 40 years if not longer.he was to the Giants what Rodman was to the Bulls. He did the dirty work.he was GREAT....not good.GREAT. the OLB opposite LT had to be a smart tough SOB and Banks had that in spades.. 

Anyways.two of NYG's LB are in the HOF how many Saints' LB's are? while they were a good bunch they won nothing.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

They were special.Pat Swilling was great.but that corps was nowhere near as good as NYG..Harry Carson,  LT , and Carl Banks, pepper Johnson and/or DeOssie or Reasons...Non-Giant fans wont realize that Carl Banks helped make LT as great as he was.you couldnt go at Taylor,  but you couldnt go at Banks , either.probably the single most underrated LB in the last 40 years if not longer.he was to the Giants what Rodman was to the Bulls. He did the dirty work.he was GREAT....not good.GREAT. the OLB opposite LT had to be a smart tough SOB and Banks had that in spades.. 

Anyways.two of NYG's LB are in the HOF how many Saints' LB's are? while they were a good bunch they won nothing.

That's fair, their tenure together was also short lived.

About the lack of winning though.... it's really impossible to explain the level of offensive playcalling ineptitude that went on under Mora's tenure. I don't think - actually I know - the NYG 4 would have never won a playoff game with Bobby Hebert, Steve Walsh and John Fourcade either, much less with OC Steve Smith calling the plays and Mora hamstringing whatever gains the defense made with incredibly conservative decisions repeatedly leaving opposing teams additional chances. And the Saints played with the great 9ers teams in their division back then too. Tough set of circumstances all around.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Kuuuuuhhhhhnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!

 

[DA RAIDERS]

what up saints people??

me and some friends are heading to opening day!!  we have done a few road trips, gb, kc, az, sd and now the big easy!  super stoked to check out new orleans and go to the game!  is anyone going to the game?  we'd love to tip one back pregame or whenever.  is tailgating everywhere?  or in specific locations?

any tips, pointers, etc you'd like to toss our way, we'll take em.  we are also on the hunt for tickets if anyone knows of any being available outside the usual channels.

eta:  we are staying at the hyatt right by the super dome.  is the walk to the french quarter a big deal or should we cab it?

 

[psychobillies]

what up saints people??

me and some friends are heading to opening day!!  we have done a few road trips, gb, kc, az, sd and now the big easy!  super stoked to check out new orleans and go to the game!  is anyone going to the game?  we'd love to tip one back pregame or whenever.  is tailgating everywhere?  or in specific locations?

any tips, pointers, etc you'd like to toss our way, we'll take em.  we are also on the hunt for tickets if anyone knows of any being available outside the usual channels.

eta:  we are staying at the hyatt right by the super dome.  is the walk to the french quarter a big deal or should we cab it?

Good call, you should have a great time.   I'll be there for sure, and can try and catch up somewhere before we walk in.  I usually get there pretty close to kick off.  Tailgating is sporadic.  The Superdome isn't really known for traditional tailgating like other stadiums.  There will be a band and a bunch of stuff happening right outside of your hotel at Champions Square, so you'll have that plus a few bars nearby to get warmed up in.  I'd suggest heading towards the quarter that morning, grab something to eat and some bloody's and just go from there.  I'd cab it back and forth it's still gonna be hot as balls down here.  

 

[nittanylion]

Any info/opinions regarding Garrett Grayson's long-term future would be greatly appreciated. Deep Dynasty: I can hold him on PS for 1 more Season before having to decide about signing him to a Contract. Hold, or drop?

 

[saintfool]

Any info/opinions regarding Garrett Grayson's long-term future would be greatly appreciated. Deep Dynasty: I can hold him on PS for 1 more Season before having to decide about signing him to a Contract. Hold, or drop?




 

At the post game presser, Payton was not complimentary of Grayson's performance. Talked about how he felt Grayson should be further along in his development.

 

[saintfool]

this looks like a dumpster fire of a season already. i'm not sure that they'll break .500 now because the o-line is a mess. Peat getting moved to LG now? worse still, the pass rush is weak and makes a suspect secondary even more vulnerable. these are the same problems we've had for a few years now. I suspect the contract negotiations with Brees are not about the $$ per se but rather the length of the deal. We're arguing over 2 years vs 4 years maybe.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

this looks like a dumpster fire of a season already. i'm not sure that they'll break .500 now because the o-line is a mess. Peat getting moved to LG now? worse still, the pass rush is weak and makes a suspect secondary even more vulnerable. these are the same problems we've had for a few years now. I suspect the contract negotiations with Brees are not about the $$ per se but rather the length of the deal. We're arguing over 2 years vs 4 years maybe.

This is pretty much the common wisdom, right?

I am usually reluctant to go lower than 7-9 but the three PS games - vs playoff teams NE, HOU & PIT - really call that into question. So does the scheduel vs NFCW & AFCW.

Have to laugh and I did, looking at Antonio Brown lining up vs PJ Williams at the game, man that was just ridiculous, I saw the catches before they happened.

Still in terms of the d-line and the defense, well that's how it's been 3 of the last 4 years. No push up the middle or ends on passes, and no resistance in the middle on rushes.The softness on run D is an absolute recipe for a losing season. Losing Rankins and Kikaha was bad luck but so what, a team should be able to withstand that.

I think though the problem is the offensive line. That IS a worry to me this year vs past years and the reason is Peat. If he is starting at right guard, I just don't know how the passing game keeps up its usual torrid pace. I'm really ok with everything else but this is a problem.

You may be right about Brees - good point about the length of contract, I'm sure that's it, I had been assuming it was 2 years but knowing Brees yeah he's pushing the envelope - but this team is stupid dumb without Brees in the picture for full future seasons. 

Benson is largely an absentee owner at this point, also a problem.

 

[saintfool]

i was thinking they were a 9-7 team with the offseason. we wouldn't win the division but maybe sneak into the playoffs. the way we have played though this preseason? 4-12 seems more likely. we'll lose a ton of downright ugly games this year.