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July 2007 Archives


Reggie talks about focus, goals for this year

7:36 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Taken from the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Reggie Bush said he's focusing more on slowing the game down, rather than hitting the hole at blazing speed when on a run.

That means "being more patient before you get to the hole, slowing the game down...slowing down your steps, your footwork, and then once get to the hole, explode through it," Bush said.

So much has been written and said about Reggie having a "...



Fujita bangs knees with other player

7:34 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Taken from the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Linebacker Scott Fujita banged knees with another player during practice and had to have the knee iced down. Fujita said his knee swelled up quickly, but added that he'd be back at practice tomorrow.

...



Saints success due to Payton

6:25 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Sure, several past moves were shown to have worked in the Saints' favor (drafting Will Smith and Deuce McAllister, for example), but the big reason for team's turnaround is one guy, according to the Mobile Register: that'd be Coach Sean Payton.
Read more.

...



Lance Moore: Pressure's on to make the team

2:43 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Wide receiver Lance Moore, who sat with the Saints' practice squad since October after making a handful of appearances for the team last season, is eager to prove he belongs on the roster full time. He's had some nice catches in training camp and said his goal has always been to make plays.

"Whenever the ball goes up in the air, I'm trying to get it," said Moore, who understands that every catch shows the coaching staff that he should...



Johnson: Saints give me best chance to reach Super Bowl

2:37 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

While he was still a free agent, tight end Eric Johnson said he had offers from the 49ers and other teams, but ultimately signed with the Saints because he sees bright things in the team's future. Read more.

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Colston continues to impress

2:32 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Though Colston knows he'll be the focus of opposing defenses this coming season, the wide receiver's focus and determination has not waivered.

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Brees kids Bush about his workout program

2:06 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Toward the end of his Q&A session with the media this morning, Brees took a shot--albeit in jest--at Reggie Bush's off-season workout program, 'Free Flo Do.'

When it was suggested to Brees that his fitness level had something to do with Reggie passing along his training program to him, Brees responded: "...If anything, I'm turning Reggie on to stuff. Reggie's not turning me on to anything. I don't know what that Free Flo Do is, but t...



Brees should see little action vs. Pittsburgh

2:00 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Drew Brees says he's ready to get out and play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, but don't expect to see #9 for too long. The quarterback thinks he'll play one or two offensive series in the game.

...



Payton: Ninkovich out for 4 weeks

12:30 PM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

From the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Good news from Saints camp regarding Rob Ninkovich. The injury to his left knee was not as severe as had been first thought, Coach Sean Payton said. Ninkovich suffered a sprained MCL during the closing minutes of Monday afternoon's practice and had to be carted off the field. Payton said Ninkovich should be back on the field in approximately four weeks. Surgery will not be necessar...



Payton not too worried about rookie QB's mistakes

10:22 AM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Courtesy of the Associated Press:

While the Saints worked on their so-called "red zone" offense, or on plays within 20 yards of the goal line, quarterback Tyler Palko was in uniform but not taking any snaps.

...



'Cajun Cannon' has special story about soccer jersey

10:17 AM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |

Courtesy of the Associated Press:

First David Beckham comes to the United States, then the Cajun Cannon, Bobby Hebert, shows up at Monday's Saints practice wearing a soccer jersey.

...



Reggie Bush all business in uniform or suit

6:02 AM Tue, Jul 31, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Karney stresses professionalism on, off the field

7:31 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

Mike Karney believes the NFL should hold more rookie symposiums, to educate, inform and warn the newcomers about the trappings of their new found fame and fortune.

...



Ninkovich carted off near end of practice

7:21 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

From the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Defense end Rob Ninkovich was carted off the field near the end of afternoon practice Monday. Sean Payton said Ninkovich injured his left knee, and while it's still too early to tell just yet, the injury does not appear serious. Ninkovich was knocked out for the 2006 season after injuring his right knee against Atlanta on September 25.

...



Payton on the passing of Bill Walsh

7:05 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

Courtesy of the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Coach Payton closed his Q&A session with the media today with comments on the passing of coaching legend Bill Walsh. Payton learned of the news during practice and was saddened by his death. Though he did not know Walsh personally, Payton spoke of his influence on young coaches through his immense accomplishments.

"There’s a lot of trees and a lot of systems out there ...



'Harper misses Mon. afternoon practice

6:52 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

From the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Roman Harper was held out of afternoon practice due to swelling in his surgically repaired knee, Coach Sean Payton said. He’s expected to be fine.

...



10 burning questions for the Saints this season

3:17 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

From the "Town Talk Alexandria-Pineville":

Coming off a 10-6 season in which the New Orleans Saints won the NFC South Division title and advanced to the NFC Championship game, expectations are at an all-time high for Saints fans.

This time, the organization's "Wait until next year" rally cry actually has a little meaning as fans are hoping the team improves on last year's run and takes it one step further.

But, as the S...



Charles Grant a happy man at training camp

2:40 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

Hey, it's amazing what a seven-year, $63 million deal will do for a man's morale...Read more.

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Henderson: Talent, character levels at all-time high

12:59 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

After the first few days at Saints Training Camp, I can say, without question, that the talent and character levels are the highest I've ever seen for a Saints team. Read more.

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Stecker to miss camp for son's birth

12:14 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

Taken from the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Aaron Stecker will be excused from camp the next few days while his wife gives birth to his second child, a son.

...



Backup DE Palepoi has ankle sprain

12:13 PM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

Taken from the 'Eye on Saints' Training Camp Newsletter:

Defensive end Anton Palepoi has a mild ankle sprain and will be out for Monday. Jon Hamm, another defensive end, remains sidelined with a quad injury. Wide receiver Jamal Jones' knee was still swollen and thus kept out of morning practice. "His knee is irritated enough to where he doesn’t have full strength to cut on it," Payton said.

...



Saints have appetizing nickname for Kaesviharn

10:00 AM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |

From The Associated Press:

With the influx of Latino workers in post-Katrina New Orleans and all those sometimes controversial mobile taco stands, it seems only fitting that two players on the current Saints would have nicknames that would appear on most Mexican menus.

...



Harper back fit with some extra weight

8:09 AM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Safety Roman Harper had a promising rookie season cut short but he's back, with some needed extra weight.

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Longshots aim to impress

8:06 AM Mon, Jul 30, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Some of the longest shots on the Saints training camp roster hope to impress coaches and get some time playing time.

...



Backup kicker hits a 5-point field goal?

7:09 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Taken from the 'Eye on Saints Training Camp Newsletter':

Play of the day belongs to backup kicker Brett Bergstrom. With special teams on the field performing drills for field goals on short notice, Bergstrom nailed a kick between the uprights from about 50 yards or so. The ball traveled about another five yards in the air and hit the top of an overhang leading to the locker rooms, bounced off the overhang and went through the rim of ...



Usama Young makes immediate impact

7:08 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Taken from the 'Eye on Saints Training Camp Newsletter':

Usama Young came back from a quad injury in a big way Sunday, picking off Jamie Martin during 11-on-11 drills at afternoon practice. "It was good to see (Young) full go. I think he's done a good job with the rehab. That was encouraging," said Coach Sean Payton.

...



ESPN conversation with Drew Brees

4:15 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Graham Bensinger had a one-on-one interview with Drew Brees. Here are the highlights:

--The theme of rebuilding (the team and the town).
--Brees' charitable nature.
--The experience of playing against the Falcons on 'Monday Night Football.'

Read more.

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Pasquarelli: Reggie prepared to top rookie year

4:09 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

ESPN's Len Pasquarelli says the Saints gifted all-purpose runner wants to turn the team into such a formidable force that opposing fans (and teams) fear them. Read more.

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Usama Young returns to practice

1:20 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Second round draft pick Usama Young was back at practice Sunday morning after nursing a quadriceps injury the first couple days. The cornerback out of Kent State had spent that time riding the stationary bike alongside Brian Young and Jon Hamm, who remain sidelined with foot and quad injuries, respectively.

Wide receiver Jamal Jones missed the later part of Saturday's afternoon practice, as well as the following morning practice, acco...



Colston won't let praise go to his head

12:55 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Receivers coach Curtis Johnson called Marques Colston the poster boy for what's right about football players: flies under the radar, shows up and busts his butt, etc.

Colston said he would not let the praise get to his head.

"I've definitely got a lot to prove to myself, if no one else. I would definitely love to come out and have another great year and I know that starts on the field...I just gotta keep doing what I’m doing,"...



Saints turn up intensity at training camp

12:52 PM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Coach Sean Payton said he intended to make this year's camp more physical, according to "The Clarion Ledger." Read more.

...



Jamie Martin inspired by his wife

10:10 AM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |

Courtesy of The Associated Press:

A year ago, backup quarterback Jamie Martin was excused from the opening practices of training camp because his wife, Kelly, had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

...



Don't count Stecker out yet

8:01 AM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

From the Associated Press:

Don't count Aaron Stecker out just yet.

The versatile veteran running back said he wasn't about to assume his time in a Saints uniform was up when New Orleans traded up in the fourth round of the NFL draft to take Ohio State running back Antonio Pittman.

...



Brees, Payton go extra mile to take care of fans

7:46 AM Sun, Jul 29, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

From the Associated Press: Brees and coach Sean Payton often talk about how well their philosophies mesh when in comes to game planning and play-calling during the game. Saturday afternoon, they appeared to be like-minded in community relations, too.

...



Jason David ready to contribute

3:40 PM Sat, Jul 28, 2007 |

Cornerback Jason David, acquired by the Saints through free agency in the off-season, said one of his biggest priorities has been gelling with his new teammates.

...



Saints tout new themes, attitude thus far

2:55 PM Sat, Jul 28, 2007 |

"Earn It."
"Last year is over."

Those are the prevailing attitudes at Saints training camp at Millsaps College. Sean Payton, Drew Brees and the gang are focused on the here and now and seem to have moved past last season's accomplishments. Read more.

...



No drama or controversy surround Saints camp

2:50 PM Sat, Jul 28, 2007 |

Courtesy of "The Bilox Sun-Herald":

All of the Saints rookies signed contracts before training camp started. No player is under federal indictment. Players have not been arrested during the off-season nor have they been suspended. The silence coming out of Millsaps is almost deafening. And that's a good thing. Read more.

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Big crowds at Millsaps to watch Saints

10:01 AM Sat, Jul 28, 2007 |

From the Associated Press:

JACKSON, MS -- The Saints' return to the campus of Millsaps College is the talk of Jackson and the crowds have been big.

...



New tight end misses afternoon practice

7:22 PM Fri, Jul 27, 2007 |

Free agent tight end Eric Johnson missed this afternoon's practice with a migraine headache and nausea, according to Coach Sean Payton. Johnson slept this afternoon and is doing much better.

...



Brees happy to throw all he wants

2:08 PM Fri, Jul 27, 2007 |

Quarterback Drew Brees said after practice today he was happy not to have to limit his throws like he did at the beginning of training camp last year.

"Last year I had a pitch count at this time...this year I'll throw as many times as I want," he said. "That feels a lot better. I can really focus now on some of the little things. I've set goals for myself for this camp, just things that I want to work on."

Brees would not el...



Nesbit, Stinchcomb miss practice

2:06 PM Fri, Jul 27, 2007 |

From the Eye On Saints newsletter:

--Jamar Nesbit and Jon Stinchcomb missed this morning's events "from an injury standpoint," according to Coach Payton, but would be back at afternoon practice.

--Payton was asked about Hollis Thomas, who appeared to struggle during practice.

"If you're at a point where your body's carrying more weight than it's supposed to, then you're going to struggle in the heat or ...



Saints ranked 2nd in NFC; 5th in NFL by Pro Football Weekly

9:49 AM Fri, Jul 27, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Saints fourth-round pick has something to prove

9:44 AM Fri, Jul 27, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Taft Coghill Jr. of the Fredericksbug Free Lance-Star says that fourth round pick Jermon Bushrod feels he has something to prove after a pre-draft snub by the NFL combine.

...



5 Questions heading into Training Camp

11:21 AM Thu, Jul 26, 2007 |

The Biloxi Sun Herald has five questions for fans as the Saints enter 2007 Training Camp:

1. What can be expected of Robert Meachem?
2. How will Brian Young's fractured foot affect the defensive line?
3. What veterans could be on their way out?
4. What are some of the position races?
5. Will this be Deuce McAllister's last Saints training camp?

Rea...



Reggie the subject of training camp 'burning question'

11:55 AM Wed, Jul 25, 2007 |

Sports Illustrated online has '10 Burning Questions' about the upcoming season...one of them asks about the player most likely to have the biggest impact in his second season. Guess who that was? Read more.

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FOX Sports: Saints one of 10 training camp stories to watch

7:13 AM Wed, Jul 25, 2007 |

John Czarnecki of FOX Sports picked ten storylines for fans to follow during training camp. One of the questions: "Are the Saints really better than the Bears?" Read more.

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Millsaps to benefit from Saints' visit

7:09 AM Wed, Jul 25, 2007 |

During the off-season, the Saints asked Millsaps College to make improvements to accomodate the team during their stay for training camp. The result? Millsaps student-athletes will see long-term benefits when the Saints are no longer in town. Read more.

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ESPN: WR Meachem signs deal

12:39 PM Tue, Jul 24, 2007 |

ESPN.com reports that Robert Meachem has signed his contract, which means the Saints now have all their draftees under contract. Read more

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Archie, Peyton look forward to emotional game with Saints

7:14 AM Fri, Jul 20, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Baton Rouge Advocate: Five reasons the Saints will be better

3:17 PM Thu, Jul 19, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Oddsmakers have Saints pegged at 9.5 wins

3:15 PM Thu, Jul 19, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Oddsmakers have the the Saints pegged at 9.5 wins for the coming season. Of course, they won't win nine and a half games, unless a tie, which never happens, is considered a half a win, but it's interesting that - given that the NFC is considered the weaker league - the Saints number isn't higher.

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Fantasy owners believe Bush ready for breakout year

7:21 AM Wed, Jul 18, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Saints top camp priority to establish receiving corps

7:18 AM Wed, Jul 18, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

According to a Tampa Bay Bucs unofficial site the Saints top priority in training camp should be to establish a receiver rotation with linebacking as the second choice.

...



Henderson now a Saints veteran

10:49 AM Tue, Jul 17, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Even though he is still relatively early in his NFL career, Devery Henderson is now one of the grizzled Saints veterans. He is profiled in the Opelousas newspaper.

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Bush pushes Peyton for top NFL promoter

7:21 PM Mon, Jul 16, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Reggie Bush is the focus of at least nine major ad campaigns, which has him pushing Peyton Manning as the league's top pitchman.

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Saints are NFC's top team - Peter King

10:51 AM Mon, Jul 16, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Peter King of CNNSI.com has the Saints as the NFC's top rated team, but they are only fourth overall. King also says he expects Reggie Bush's yards per carry to increase by at least one yard from last season.

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New Orleans looking to host NFL Draft

9:52 PM Sun, Jul 15, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

The city of New Orleans, perhaps on the outs as a potential Super Bowl host is seeking perhaps the NFL's second biggest prize.

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Saints training camp rated most brutal

9:50 PM Sun, Jul 15, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Sporting News rated all of the NFL training camps on a scale of '1' to '5,' with 5 being the toughest and 1 a walk in the park. The Saints were one of four teams that got a '5.'

...



Saints find themselves listed among contenders

12:25 PM Fri, Jul 13, 2007 |

USA Today's Tom Weir says the Saints, who went from a 3-13 season in 2005 to a miraculous playoff run the following year, should expect to be counted among the teams to beat in the NFC. Read more.

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Bush ranked as 8th best all-around back

10:18 AM Fri, Jul 13, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Tom Curran of NBCSports.com ranks Reggie Bush as the eighth best all-around back in the league. While that may be true for now, look for his stock to rise.

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NFL.com: Brees, Bush, Deuce high on Fantasy lists

10:15 AM Fri, Jul 13, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Three Saints offensive players are among the Top 20 most desired fantasy football players for the coming season. Either Deuce or Reggie might rank higher if they didn't share carries with each other.

The next Saint on the list is Marques Colston at 40.

Among defenses, the Saints are listed as 24 out of 32. While that may alarm some, it's not based on yards allowed, as muc...



Saints running game ranked 6th

10:01 AM Fri, Jul 13, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

ESPN's Insider, which says it is offering a free preview, has the Saints running game ranked 6th in the league.

Previously, they rated the Saints receivers 12th (mea culpa, I had taken it as the entire passing game and was called on it by a viewer) and Brees w...



Sports Illustrated previews NFC South training camps

7:16 AM Thu, Jul 12, 2007 |

Bucky Brooks takes an extended look at the Saints, Falcons, Panthers and Bucs, highlighting the challenges facing each team. Read more.

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No respect? Saints passing game rated NFL's 12th best

1:43 PM Wed, Jul 11, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

ESPN.com's Insider - free at the moment - has the Saints passing game only rated as the league's 12th best! That's barely above average.
Somehow, I don't think Fantasy players will see it that way.

...



Former Eagle LB casts lot with Saints

1:40 PM Wed, Jul 11, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

FOX Sports Blog: Saints look good in NFC South

1:37 PM Wed, Jul 11, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

A quick look at the NFC South by FOX Sports' Brian DeLucia.

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Easy to see why Brees is city's new patron saint

8:53 AM Thu, Jul 05, 2007 |

Jim Corbett of USA Today followed Brees and his wife as they pledged millions to repair local schools and athletic fields, including $670,000 to turn a divot-filled field into a combination football/soocer/track field that will ultimately service four schools and several community rec leagues. Read more.

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SI: Benson one of the NFL's worst owners

9:40 AM Tue, Jul 03, 2007 |

Michael Silver of Sports Illustrated says Bob Kraft, Jerry Jones and Jerry Richardson are among the best owners in the NFL, while Bill Ford Jr., Tom Benson and Mike Brown are among the worst. Read more.

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Three national sports mags have Saints in Super Bowl

9:30 AM Tue, Jul 03, 2007 |

Several preseason predictions are already available, and USA Today spotlights the Super Bowl forecasts of five prominent national sports mags. And the Saints are predicted to appear in the final game by three of the five magazines: Lindy's, Pro Football Weekly and Street & Smith's. Read more.

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No respect for Saints receivers?

7:58 AM Mon, Jul 02, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

CNNSI's expert ranks the NFL's top 25 receivers. And while Marques Colston does check in at #25 one has to wonder if that is too low, and one has to wonder how this team made the NFC Championship. Yes, they had Joe Horn too, but he isn't even on the list.

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ESPN's Hoge: Saints are NFC's best

7:52 AM Mon, Jul 02, 2007 |
Tom Planchet

Merrill Hoge says the Saints are the NFC's best team, even though he doesn't rate them as the top offense. This while the guy who does rate them as the best offense, doesn't rate them as the best team, but sees an NFC championship rematch.

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