http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/ Your opinion on what's happening in local sports this week, provided by ABC 26. en Copyright 2008 Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:11:19 -0600 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss NFL coaches stick to their script. Whether it is their carefully laminated playsheets or their words to the media, coaches are always "on message." Here's my message. On the 6th of October at 7:30 pm at the dome, the Saints will have reached a crossroads. A loss would send the Saints to 2-3. That means they would likely need 7 wins, perhaps even 8 in their final 11 games to reach the playoffs. A check of the NFC standings tells you this: Barring injuries to their starting quarterbacks, the 4-0 Giants and the 4-1 Cowboys look like playoff locks. The Redskins are also 4-1, and have the tiebreaker on the Saints. The Redskins beat the Saints in Washington 29-24 in week 2. The Saints will likely have to win the NFC south to make the playoffs. 4-1 Carolina has a healthy Jake Delhomme back at quarterback. The Panthers have improved their offensive line. And pairing rookie Jonathan Stewart and veteran DeAngelo WIlliams are among the bestt tailback tandems in the league. Carolina's only loss was at Minnesota. Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan could be a terrific player in the NFL for a long time. The Bucs still play great defense. After Minnesota, the Saints remaining schedule has two games at bottom feeders Kansas City and Detroit. But, the Saints are go to Chicago, play Carolina twice, Atlanta twice, go to Tampa Bay, play San Diego in London, and Green Bay and Oakland at home. If you look at the standings and the schedule, you'll see why Monday night's game is so important for the fellas in black and gold. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/10/vikings_game_critical_to_saint.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/10/vikings_game_critical_to_saint.html Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:11:19 -0600 After looking at the tape Sunday of 49ers Saints here's what I saw: 1) Rookie left guard Carl Nicks had an outstanding game. Nicks was effective as a run blocker. At one point he pancaked blocked his man on a 10 yard run by Deuce McAllister. 2) JT O'Sullivan did just hold on to the ball too long. Because of some early pressure, O'Sullivan didn't step into some throws. He floated the ball over the middle and was intercepted twice. Roman Harper dropped an interception as well. 3) Saints have to get Robert Meachem on the field. On the 52 yard flea flicker pass from Drew Brees, Meachem was doubled covered. But he still came down with the ball. 4) Here's a number for you: Deuce has carried 20 times in 6 games in the Sean Payton era. Saints have won all six. Ed Daniels http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/breakdown_49ers_vs_saints.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/breakdown_49ers_vs_saints.html Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:53:19 -0600 After two "pretty" losses to Alabama and East Carolina, the Green Wave had an ugly win 34-27 over SMU Thursday night. Tulane played very well in the first half leading 31-7 at the break. The Wave played poorly in the second half. But, when the game was on the line , the Wave was able to close it out with Andre Anderson running for 219 yards and Ross Thevenot making a key 43 yard field goal to pad the lead to 7. SMU quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell played well. His receivers were terrible, with numerous drops. Tulane had too many penalties and two costly two costly turnovers, but still won. Tulane held the football for over 38 minutes. Your thoughts? email at ed@abc26.com Regards, Ed http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/observations_on_tulanes_win_ov.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/observations_on_tulanes_win_ov.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:11:20 -0600 I have to laugh when I hear that Sean Payton's play calling and decision making cost the Saints a victory at Denver. Let's face it. The Saints are a 9-7 when they are healthy, a 7-9 or 6-10 team when they aren't. The offense and the head coach lost the game? The Saints scored 30 points on offense, without their best receiver Marques Colston, and still lost. The Broncos averaged 4.4 yards a rush and 12.6 yards a pass play. The Saints biggest problem is their roster isn't good enough. With one of the top 6 quarterbacks in the league, Drew Brees, healthy for 2 seasons and 3 games, the Saints are 18 wins, 17 losses under Sean Payton. The Saints don't have enough playmakers, period. How many guys on offense and defense, other than Reggie Bush, are effective in space? In the meantime...here's some items about the game tape vs Broncos... 1) today Payton complained that Denver was offside on the key third and one before Grammatica's missed 43 yard field goal attempt. He's right. Denver's play on the far right of the Saints formation was offside, but he was cleanly blocked and made no impact on the play. 2) I thought Kevin Kaesviharn was a pretty good player, but he was burned again Sunday on the double move by Brandon Marshall. 3) In the second quarter , on the goal line Pierre Thomas made a big mistake. He put his head down too early, when he had a chance to jump the pile and score. 4) You may not want to believe this but: the Saints red zone offense will improve when wide out Marques Colston returns. 5) Zach Strief did a nice job in place of injured Jammal Brown at left tackle. The holding call on Strief, on a Saints screen, was bogus. Please email me at ed@abc26.com with questions or comments. Regards, Ed Daniels http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/monday_september_22nd_2008.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/monday_september_22nd_2008.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:07:18 -0600 I attended two games Friday night. I saw the first quarter and a half of St Aug vs O Perry Walker. Chargers are a very talented football team. Their running game was pretty good , even without star Tyrone Duplessis, who is out with a knee sprain. Duplessis may not play this week against Hahnville. Walker quarterback Torrance Massey does a really good job of running their offense. Chargers could get to the dome in 4A. But that depends on their kicking game, their playoff draw, and injuries: but, they definitely are good enough to get there. St Aug has some good young players, but they need more size on defense. In the past, when the Knights were really good, they had the big guys like James Hall and Raynoch Thompson who could run to the football. I then attended the Shaw Brother Martin game at Gormley. Brother Martin has really good running game with Dalton HIllard and Dante Butler. Jay Pittman has done a solid job of building a program at Martin. Crusaders can win Catholic league, and compete well in 5A playoffs. Head coach Jay Pittman said this week his team wants to compete for championships, and I don't think he was talking about district. Last night, Covington couldn't close out Denham Springs, losing 17-14 on a last second field goal. But, Lions under Malter Scobel will improve quickly. Scobel is a Hank Tierney disciple. And every Tierney protege' has heard this from the boss: "Teams don't win games, programs do.." On the way to Auburn, as Les Miles says, "have a great day..." Regards, Ed Daniels http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/friday_night_observations_9_19.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/friday_night_observations_9_19.html Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:49:40 -0600 MINUTES BEFORE THE SAINTS KICKED OFF AT WASHINGTON, THE TEAM ANNOUNCED THE SIGNING OF HEAD COACH SEAN PAYTON TO A FIVE YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION. REPORTEDLY: ONLY A HANDFUL OF NFL HEAD COACHES, ALL WHO HAVE COACHED A TEAM TO THE SUPER BOWL, EARN MORE THAN SEAN PAYTON. WHEN THE NEWS BROKE: I ASKED , WHY? SEAN PAYTON TOOK THE SAINTS TO A PLACE THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE, BUT SINCE THE SAINTS 5-1 START IN OH SIX, THE TEAM HAS WON ONLY 13 OF ITS LAST 28 REGULAR SEASON GAMES. NOT EXACTLY A GLOWING RESUME'. SEAN PAYTON MAY BE A GREAT HEAD COACH: BUT, WE DON'T KNOW THAT YET. SEAN PAYTON MAY BE A SOLID TALENT EVALUATOR, BUT WE DON'T KNOW THAT YET, EITHER. THIS I DO KNOW: IF PAYTON COACHED THE SAINTS TO PLAYOFFS THIS SEASON, THEN ITS TIME TO RE -DO HIS CONTRACT. SAINTS OWNER TOM BENSON HAS EXTENDED COACHES BEFORE: THE MIKE DITKA EXTENSION WAS MINDBOGGLING, THE JIM HASLETT ONE, CURIOUS. THIS ONE? PREMATURE. SEAN PAYTON'S RECORD AS SAINTS COACH IS 18 WINS, 16 LOSSES. SOLID, BUT HARDLY SCINTILLATING. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/monday_september_15th_2008.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/monday_september_15th_2008.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:24:16 -0600 I have gone thru the tape of the Saints 24-20 win over the Bucs. Here's some of the interesting nuggets. 1) Reggie Bush had a terrific game, as a receiver. Bush had 112 yards in receptions. In space, he's won of the best players in the NFL. Bush made a pair of nice decisive runs, but: he still missed some holes. Running inside, out of the I formation, is not Bush's best stuff. 2) The Saints did a very nice job of pressuring Jeff Garcia with a four man rush. The Bucs were only 2 of 12 on third down conversions. 3) On the Tampa Bay defensive touchdown, the Saints protection broke down : guard Jamar Nesbit and Reggie Bush both blocked one of two blitzing Buc linebackers. #51 Barrett Ruud had a free path to Brees, who was hit when he threw. Philip Buchanon picked off the wobbling pass and ran it back 26 yards for a touchdown. 4) The Saints must do a better job of tackling. In the third and fourth quarters, tackling was poor. On Earnest Graham's 45 yard run, Tracy Porter and Scott Fujita both missed tackles. Ed Daniels 8:22 pm http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/sunday_night_september_7th_200.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/sunday_night_september_7th_200.html Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:16:39 -0600 Gustav had yet to strike the Gulf coast and the Saints to Los Angeles chatter had already kicked off. Wrote Sports Illustrated's Peter King: "I wouldn't be surprised to hear the Saints to Los Angeles rumors starting this week. I'd imagine the Rose Bowl and Coliseum would be frothing at the mouth to get Reggie Bush to be playing at home on fall Sundays." King said a local New Orleans bank pays the team $1.2 million for sponsorship. He noted that the Cowboys received $12 million a year from a Dallas bank for a sponsorship. What King fails to realize is that few teams in the NFL have a better "deal" than the Saints. Last year the Saints received $28 million from the state of Louisiana in inducements and game day revenue. Unlike many NFL teams, the Saints have no stadium debt. Tom Benson's Saints may play in a small market, but my guess is they are at the very least in the middle of the pack in net revenue. I say guess, because the NFL will never open its books. Only 1 team, Green Bay, discloses such because they are publicly owned by thousands of stockholders. The Saints will be back where they belong this Sunday, in the Superdome, representing our great , resilient city. In the meantime, I wonder if Brazos Urethane, the folks who rebuilt the Dome roof after Katrina, have interest in building levees? Ed Daniels New Orleans, Louisiana 7:13 pm http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/tuesday_september_2nd_2008.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/09/tuesday_september_2nd_2008.html Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:59:08 -0600 Thursday August 28th, 2008 Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was a late scratch for the tonight's pre season game against the Miami Dolphins. This is the second straight game that head coach Sean Payton has scratched Shockey just before game time. Either 1) Shockey is not fully recovered from leg and ankle injuries that ended his season last December or, 2) Payton is trying to keep Shockey's role in the Saints offense under wraps for the season opener against Tampa Bay. Remember this: Shockey has never been seen on tape as to how he might be used in the Saints offense. I can guarantee you one thing: next week, Shockey will be listed as questionable on the injury report. Shockey is exhibit *A* of how Sean Payton plays games with players who are allegedly injured. That is not a negative or a positive, that is just the way it is. During our six pm news, Michael Hill asked me if LSU's game against App State would be played Saturday. The answer is , of course. It is a $4 million dollar payday for LSU , on Saturday the storm is still 2 1/2 days from landfall, and it is on national TV. Any questions? Your thoughts? ed@abc26.com. I am always there. Thanks, Ed http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/shockey_a_scratch_again_for_pr.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/shockey_a_scratch_again_for_pr.html Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:03:20 -0600 Country music superstar Kenny Chesney worked out with the Saints this afternoon before the team broke training camp in Jackson. Chesney relayed a funny story. He said one year he was playing a concert in Albany , New York. Several Giants players attended, only one stayed late and missed curfew. That player was Jeremy Shockey. Chesney said Shockey told him, "I can afford the fine." Interesting nugget came today from Deuce McAllister. The Saints tailback said he's 7 out of a possible 10 in his comeback from a second major knee surgery in three years. Deuce said Sunday's live contact was a big step in his comeback. He said "once I got up after getting tackled, it gave me confidence.." The Saints will practice twice Wednesday and once Thursday against the Houston Texans at the Saints facility. The two teams meet Saturday in the exhibition opener. LSU coach Les Miles revealed today that quarterback Jarrett Lee has "a soft tissue" leg injury. Miles said Lee was hurt in practice Saturday. He said the injury is not serious and he hopes to have Lee back in "short order." Freshman Jordan Jefferson of Destrehan split snaps at quarterback with Sophomore Andrew Hatch. http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/monday_august_11th.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/monday_august_11th.html Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:28:25 -0600 Attended LSU football media day this evening. Moment of Les Miles' press conference was this: Miles was asked if he had a starting quarterback picked out in his head , but didn't want to announce it? Miles just nodded his head, drawing a laugh from the media. Miles was very complimentary of his team after their first day in pads. Miles said his team was healthy. The only injury of any note was what he called " a tweak" from kicker Colt David. He said David should be fine. Miles was asked about his return game. He mentioned two vying for the punt return job, true freshman cornerback Patrick Peterson , and former St Aug product Chad Jones. All three coordinators spoke to the media. Co defensive coordinator Bradley Dale Peveto will be on the sidelines, Doug Mallory will be in the press box, and call the defense. Ed Daniels Baton Rouge, Louisiana Friday 8 1 08 http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/friday_august_8th.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/friday_august_8th.html Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:19:04 -0600 Today at Saints camp: Third team quarterback Tyler Palko struggled. He threw four interceptions in this afternoon's practice. Second teamer Mark Brunell has had his moments in Jackson, but he played poorly in Saturday's scrimmage. Brunell was only 11 of 20 for 42 yards, but he was playing with the second team offense against the first unit defense. Saints not playing against Arizona: Wide receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, running back Deuce McAlllister, tight end Jeremy Shockey, defensive backs Josh Bullocks, Tracy Porter, and Mike McKenzie, linebacker Jonathan Vilma, and defensive tackle Brian Young. Payton said all nine should be ready to practice Saturday when the Saints return to two a days in Jackson. Remember this: If Brett Favre is traded to Tampa Bay, his first game as Bucs quarterback is in the Superdome September 7th. Ed Daniels 8/5/08 http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/tuesday_august_5th_2008.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/08/tuesday_august_5th_2008.html Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:31:56 -0600 All is apparently well with Saints running back Deuce McAllister. The club's all time leading rusher had his left knee drained and an MRI taken after he said he twisted his knee in Friday's AM practice. After missing yesterday afternoon and Saturday morning's work, Deuce was back on the field taking part in some drills Saturday afternoon. Deuce was lost for the season in game 3 of '07 with a torn acl in the left knee. Said Deuce, "You come back from major injury, when they take out part of the body and put another piece in, there's gonna be good and bad days." Anticipating more a role in the Saints offense, running back Pierre Thomas said he has added 10 - 15 pounds to his frame. Thomas was looked sharped in the early days of camp. And so has cornerback Jason David. He made a nice break up of a pass play early in the morning workout. Defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs said the Saints have not given up on David, despite his struggles in 2007. Saints 6th round pick Taylor Mehlhaff and incumbent Martin Grammatica have not kicked much in practice. Can Mehlhaff make the last second clutch field goal that keeps kickers employed in the NFL? He thinks he can, although ironically he says he was never in that situation in three years as the frontline kicker at the University of Wisconsin. Ed Daniels Jackson, MS 7 26 08 http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/07/saturday_july_26_08.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/07/saturday_july_26_08.html Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:26:44 -0600 The Saints have agreed to a three year contract extension with wide receiver Marques Colston. No terms were available, agent Joel Segal would only say that the Saints "stepped up.." The deal could be a bonanza in both dollars and length. If Colston plays at his current level or higher, he could break the bank again in free agency in three years. Colston caught 98 passes last season. First round pick Sedrick Ellis and second rounder Tracy Porter are still unsigned. Earlier in the day, the Saints announced the signing of fifth round pick guard Carl Nicks to a three year contract. At SEC media days, the most interesting nugget came from Florida coach Urban Meyer. Meyer said he does a lot of work studying statistics, and that field position is huge in winning and losing. Meyer said his defense must create turnovers, get stops, and his special teams must give his Gators good field position to win. To me, this is the one of the most important parts of the Saints season. How much can defense and special teams improve to help what should be an explosive offense. What do you think? How much do you think Saints offense will be improved? Ed Daniels July 23, 2008 http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/07/wednesday_july_23rd_2008.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/07/wednesday_july_23rd_2008.html Wed, 23 Jul 2008 20:34:06 -0600 Chris Paul will be a Hornet for at least four more years. The Agent for the Hornets all star guard said he will be in New Orleans tomorrow to finalize Paul's new "max" deal with the team. Paul could have opted for a 3 year deal , but agent Lance Young said Paul will sign a 4 or 5 year deal. The NBA salary cap could be at least 60 million dollars per team. In a max deal , Paul could earn 25 percent of the cap. That is $15 million for the first year, with 10 percent raises to follow. If Paul signs a five year deal it would be worth more than $90 million dollars. Ed Daniels 12:12 pm http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/07/july_1st_2008_chris_paul_updat.html http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/sports/neworleans/2008/07/july_1st_2008_chris_paul_updat.html Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:04:52 -0600