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Saints News
Highly Motivated
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Linebacker Anthony Waters is a long shot to make the Saints' roster, and frankly, his NFL career has been stuck in neutral since San Diego drafted him in the third round two years ago. He seems to be on the right road now, and that's something he and his family take great pride in. Things could have turned out much differently for Waters, one of nine children raised by a single mother in Lake View, S.C. Two of his older brothers are in prison, serving time for separate murder cases. "I was pretty much in the same situation that they were in, the same household, the same neighborhood, you know, the same school," Waters said. "But I kind of saw how it tore down my family, saw how it tore ..."
Saints 'D' in a taking mood
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams gave his review of the good, bad and ugly from Saturday night's exhibition victory at Houston. The highlight, he said, was forcing three turnovers, which matched the Saints' total from the preseason opener against Cincinnati. "Our guys are trying to take it away," Williams said. "They're called takeaways, and not giveaways. We understand that we have to create those things." He also said the Saints tackled better at Houston, defended the run well, played fast and physical, and played with "an attitude and some emotion, which was good because sometimes you can't get that in a preseason game." What he didn't like were the three defensive ..."
N.O. may take running-back-by-committee approach
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist Jeff Duncan
"In April, the conventional wisdom was the Saints didn't have a bona fide lead running back on their roster. Remember those days? Deuce McAllister was gone, Edgerrin James was being evaluated in free agency, and Beanie Wells was a consideration in the NFL draft. Hard-core Who Dat fans even threw fits when the club failed toRashad Jennings on the second day of the draft. How things have changed in four months. In the wake of Mike Bell's breakout performance against the Houston Texans, the Saints now have a good problem on their hands. They have not one, not two, but three running backs capable of carrying the load on any given Sunday. Bell's 10-carry, 100-yard performance Saturday was ..."
N.O. cuts punter Pakulak, receiver Warren
Comment
August 27
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The Saints ended their punter competition early, releasing veteran Glenn Pakulak on Wednesday, team spokesman Greg Bensel confirmed. They also released receiver Paris Warren. The Saints need to remove three more players from their active roster to get down to 75 by Tuesday -- the first of two cut-down days. They need to get down to 53 players by Sept. 5. They made the decisions on Pakulak and Warren early, though, three days before the team's preseason game at Oakland. Rookie punter Thomas Morstead now will get a full workload in the final two preseason games to get up to speed for the regular season."
DE Grant '80 percent' in return
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August 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"With his strained left hamstring heavily wrapped under his black sweat pants, Saints starting left defensive end Charles Grant returned to the practice field Tuesday for the first time since pulling up in the first half of the Saints' preseason opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 14. Grant, who had been relegated to stretching and working on individual drills with team trainer Scottie Patton, practiced with the first-team defense. He estimated that he is about "80" percent healthy and said he hopes to play Saturday against the Oakland Raiders, although he was uncertain of his status. "It's getting better; it's not 100 percent, but it's better than it was," Grant said. "You ..."
Bell admits he nearly squandered opportunity
Comment
August 26
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Mike Bell ran the football Saturday night like a player whose career was on the line. And that's exactly how the rejuvenated Saints tailback said he plans to spend every day from here on out. "I think of (this opportunity) as a blessing that I don't want to go to waste," said Bell, who caught on with the Saints late last season after being released by Denver and Houston. "I almost let it go to waste, and I'll never do that again. Ever." Bell, 26, has been the Saints' breakout star this summer, highlighted by his spectacular performance at Houston on Saturday night -- 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown dash."
TURNING HEADS
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"On June 4, Saints officials announced the signing of free agent Rod Harper, a wide receiver who scored touchdowns in bunches for the af2 Arkansas Twisters. The transaction garnered little attention at the time, a line on the agate page of the sports section under the heading "NFL-Saints." Even the most casual observer probably viewed him as just another player on their 80-man roster. After two exhibition games and 25 days of training camp, the 24-year-old former sales clerk from Toys 'R' Us in Bradenton, Fla., has become more than just a camp body. He is a "some body" with a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster. Harper thrust himself into the discussion with a 79-yard punt return ..."
Saints' coaches singing Shanle's praises
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"You know Scott Shanle. Sure you do, because he's That Guy. That Guy on every NFL roster that the team's fans and media most often seem to identify as the one who should be replaced in the starting lineup. The one the majority believes the franchise can upgrade from. The one people lobby against when a big-name free agent that plays his position becomes available. True, for the Saints, Shanle isn't the only one on that list. Recently waived cornerback Jason David comes to mind, and Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jammal Brown has taken his share of hits. But Shanle has occupied a top spot on it since the day he joined the Saints in 2006 from Dallas in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick, to ..."
Meachem to get more kicks
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints wide receiver Robert Meachem had not returned a kickoff since high school when he shared the same backfield with running back Felix Jones, now in his second year with the Dallas Cowboys. So when Meachem stepped on the field during the third quarter of Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, he remembered his senior season at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Okla. "Growing up in elementary school, middle school and high school, it's the same thing but guys are just coming at you a lot faster," Meachem said Monday. "You just have to let your natural instincts take over. God gave me a gift for speed, and I just tried to use my speed ..."
Saints to use Bush against the Raiders
Comment
August 25
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"After sitting out Saturday night's 38-14 exhibition victory at Houston with a strained calf muscle, Saints running back Reggie Bush said he is ready to play in Saturday's preseason game at Oakland. Although he sat out Monday's practice, Bush said he is healthy and expects to get a heavy dose of playing time. "It's just precautionary, taking it slow, building back to the season," Bush said of missing the game against the Texans. "I'm sure I'll play quite a bit this game. I know I'm looking forward to it." Bush strained a calf muscle in his right leg during post-practice conditioning drills Thursday morning in Houston, but he said the calf is fine. Bush suffered the injury while running ..."
Bushrod passes test despite some anxiety
Comment
August 24
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Prior to Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans, Saints third-string left tackle Jermon Bushrod spoke long distance with two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown. From his home in New Orleans while recovering from recent surgery to repair a sports hernia injury, Brown extended a helping hand and words of encouragement to the third-year pro from Towson University who was making his first NFL start. "Jammal said he was praying for me, and I told Jammal I was praying for him," Bushrod recalled while standing at his locker after the Saints' 38-14 victory at Reliant Stadium. When Saints Coach Sean Payton first announced that Bushrod would start for Brown, most observers ..."
Bushrod's play is most encouraging
Comment
August 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"We learned a lot from the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. For instance, we now know Mike Bell is the unquestioned No. 3 running back behind Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. We know Joey Harrington looks a lot better at quarterback when he breaks the huddle with first- and second-teamers than he does with a bunch of undrafted free agents. And we learned Rod Harper is this year's out-of-nowhere camp sensation, following in the cleat marks of Adrian Arrington and Marques Colston. But most of all, we learned the potential loss of Jammal Brown might not be the Category 5 disaster we thought it might be for the Saints' high-powered offense. Of all the encouraging things from the ..."
Brown on mend after hernia surgery
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August 23
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown has returned to New Orleans after undergoing surgery by a Philadelphia-based doctor who specializes in sports hernia injuries, league sources confirmed Saturday. Brown will be sidelined the remainder of training camp, but team officials are hopeful he will be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against the Detroit Lions at the Superdome. He is scheduled to spend the remainder of camp recovering and rehabbing from the surgery that was performed by Dr. William Myers. Brown was sent to Myers on Thursday morning after the player complained of lingering pain in his upper groin area. He experienced a flare-up Wednesday afternoon after the ..."
Schaub sharp again vs.Saints
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August 23
Houston Chronicle

"Matt Schaub finished 11-for-16 for 97 yards, after going 7-for-7 for 70 yards last week in Kansas City. Schaub took the Texans 94 yards for a touchdown against the Chiefs and directed a 70-yard scoring drive against the Saints. By completing his first three passes, he started 10-for-10 in the preseason before throwing his first incompletion. His quarterback ratings for the two games have been 108.3 and 105.5 respectively, numbers he'd gladly take in the regular season. Brees breezes Saints quarterback Drew Brees said after he returned to practice Thursday that he had enough experience to not be rusty after missing three days of work to attend memorial services for his mother in Austin. He ..."
Explosive Saints roll over Texans' defense
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August 23
Houston Chronicle

"The New Orleans Saints were missing the electric Reggie Bush and their best tackle, Jammal Brown, because of injuries. Those absences alone should have proved a debilitating one-two punch in the gut for the NFL's most productive offense last season. Never mind the fact that quarterback Drew Brees had also missed three full days of practice to attend memorial services for his mother, who died Aug. 7. The Saints were as explosively efficient and productive as ever, embarrassing the Texans' starting defense with a 268-yard first half — they managed 168 yards in the second quarter alone — in what became a humbling 38-14 preseason rout that surely gave new Texans defensive coordinator Fran Bush ..."
Texans dance; Saints march over
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August 23
Houston Chronicle

"Receiver David Anderson celebrated the Texans' first touchdown of the game with a Russian dance that he saw in the Will Ferrell movie Elf. "We were up at that point, and I just tried to have a little fun," Anderson said. "Looking back now, there's not much to dance about, but we had played well on that first drive, and I didn't expect us to play so poorly after that. I don't think anyone did." The 8-yard pass put the Texans on the board first, taking the lead 7-0 with 8:55 left in the first quarter. The Texans' offense marched down the field on the first drive, moving 73 yards on 11 plays. Running back Steve Slaton gained 18 yards on 4 carries, and Matt Schaub completed 5 of 6 passes for ..."
Texans need playmakers to walk the line
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August 23
Houston Chronicle

"Frank Okam was given an opportunity to show his coaches that last week's solid performance against the Chiefs was the real deal. Aren't sequels always disappointing? Okam was part of a starting defensive line that got pushed up and down the field Saturday night as the Saints routed the Texans 38-14 at Reliant Stadium. This was a game that surely raised questions about an area that was already at the top of the worry list. After all the draft picks and all the free agents and all the years, the Texans still aren't sure how good their defensive line is. Good teams are built from the inside out. If the Texans can't hold their own in the defensive line, this season is going to be a lot like ..."
Texans flat in 38-14 preseason loss to New Orleans
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August 23
Houston Chronicle

"New York Jets coach Rex Ryan better think twice before he shows his players tape of the Texans' rotten performance against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night. If Ryan lets his players see it, they're bound to get overconfident before they come to Reliant Stadium for the regular-season opener. The only good thing that can be said about the 38-14 loss is that it was an exhibition. And what a poor exhibition of football it was, and that includes offense, defense and special teams. It's difficult to imagine coach Gary Kubiak finding anything good about this performance. Like just about everybody else, Kubiak should be scratching his head at a team that was humiliated in all three ..."
On the take
Comment
August 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Gregg Williams lumps turnovers into two categories: Those his defense takes and those it receives. The latter he derisively calls "gimmes." And they don't impress Saints' first-year defensive coordinator. He wants his defense to aggressively force offenses into errors, rather than wait on the unforced ones. So far he's had to enjoy what he's seen this preseason. The Saints defense created three turnovers in a 17-7 victory against Cincinnati in their exhibition opener and forced several more in a series of practices against the Texans this week. They'll try to continue their version of creationism tonight when they kick off their second exhibition game against the Texans at Reliant ..."
Learning key for Harrington
Comment
August 22
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints reserve quarterback Joey Harrington enters the second game of the exhibition season tonight, knowing the numbers game has a way of sorting itself out over the long haul of training camp. Harrington said he is not reading too much into the team's scripted quarterback rotation against the Texans at Reliant Stadium, where he is slated to follow Drew Brees and play with the No. 2 offense for part of the second quarter and into the second half. Backup quarterback Mark Brunell is expected to close the game, according to Coach Sean Payton. "I don't care who I play with, the 1s, 2s or 3s," Harrington said. "My job is to go out and play football regardless whether it's (Saints middle ..."
Ex-Hurricanes see eye to eye on playing field
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August 22
Houston Chronicle

"New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey took refuge from the heat under a canopy on the sideline, sipping from a small bottle of Gatorade, and he never saw Andre Johnson coming. In passing, Johnson tipped Shockey's drink, causing some to trickle down Shockey's chin. Laughing, Shockey playfully chased Johnson for a few yards, but Johnson, a speedy receiver, avoided the bulky tight end. "I'll get you back later, 'Dre," Shockey jokingly shouted at Johnson. That friendly incident happened early Thursday and had nothing to do with the morning practice that became Wrestlemania. "Did you see all these Miami guys out here getting in the fights?" Saints receivers coach Curtis Johnson said with ..."
It's the battle within a battle
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August 22
Houston Chronicle

"When the Texans' coaches evaluate tape from tonight's preseason game against New Orleans, they will pay extra attention to several positions that have yet to be settled. Coach Gary Kubiak wants to see his starters play more than they did in winning the opener 16-10 at Kansas City last Saturday. The first-string defense played 18 snaps, the top offensive unit 10. "That was a little out of whack, so we'll definitely pick it up, probably a quarter and a half for the first group," Kubiak said. The coaches have games against New Orleans and Minnesota before the first roster reduction to 75. The final reduction to 53 will be made after the last preseason game against Tampa Bay. On offense, ..."
Return signals start of therapy for Brees
Comment
August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Football has always been Drew Brees' sanctuary. Since he started firing spirals as a toddler, the gridiron has been his personal immersion tank, a refuge from the real world. Between the hashmarks, Brees could always forget his Ps and Qs and concentrate on the Xs and Os. So it should come as no surprise that the Saints' star quarterback embraced his return to the football field Thursday, just days after paying last respects to his mother, Mina, who died Aug. 11 of unknown causes. Brees rejoined the Saints in Houston on Wednesday and immediately jumped cleats-first into his normal game-week routine. For Brees, it was the best form of grief therapy. He watched tape, broke down the Saints' ..."
Tackle Brown being checked for a hernia
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August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Concerned Saints officials sent two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Jammal Brown to a sports hernia specialist Thursday to identify the cause of a lingering pain in the player's groin area and determine a course of action. Brown, who has anchored the Saints' offensive line since being selected in the first round of the 2005 draft, flew to Philadelphia to be examined by Dr. William Myers. If surgery is necessary, Brown could miss five to six weeks, according to sources familiar with the medical procedure. Saints Coach Sean Payton said Brown will not play in Saturday night's exhibition game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium."
Saints, Texans show fighting spirit
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August 21
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"If Thursday morning's practice between the Saints and Houston Texans is any indication, Saturday night's exhibition game at Reliant Stadium could turn into a grudge match. At least four fights broke out in the two-hour workout at the Texans' training facility, with the feature bout involving Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey and Texans middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans. Each exchanged punches before Ryans threw Shockey to the ground and a scrum developed. Television replays identified at least three other pugilists on the undercard -- fullback Vonta Leach from Houston and linebacker Troy Evans and defensive tackle Rod Coleman from New Orleans. Leach and Coleman both played at East Carolina. ..."
Texans, Saints mix it up, get as hot as the weather
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August 21
Houston Chronicle

"The Texans and New Orleans Saints spent so much time fighting during Thursday's morning practice they could have been filming a movie — Fight Club. "Actually," Texans offensive tackle Eric Winston said with a grin, "I thought it was very Gangs of New York-esque." After six fights in 90 minutes before a crowd of 3,704 — not counting members of the Rice and University of Houston football teams — the Texans and Saints were exhausted and ready to throw in the towel. Too bad Dana White and Vince McMahon weren't around to judge the one-on-one skirmishes, tag-team matches and scrums. "I haven't seen this many fights in my whole career," said Saints safety Darren Sharper, a 13-year veteran. "We've ..."
WRs Colston, Johnson have a mutual admiration
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August 20
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The Houston Texans' Andre Johnson and the Saints' Marques Colston quietly went about their business Wednesday, catching passes. Afterward, neither player commanded much attention at the Texans' practice facility. They were in sharp contrast, for example, to NFL wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who seemingly live for the media spotlight wherever, whenever. In fact, Johnson and Colston felt more comfortable talking about each other rather than themselves. "I know (Colston) has been fighting some injuries the past few years, but all in all I think he's a great player," said Johnson, who led the NFL last season in receptions (115) and receiving yardage (1,575) with eight ..."
NO WORRIES
Comment
August 19
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"To the outside world, Saints receiver Lance Moore appears to be a prime candidate for a letdown this season. For starters, the fourth-year pro came seemingly out of nowhere last season, filling in when starter Marques Colston went down with a thumb injury and finishing with a breakout season: 79 receptions, 928 yards and 10 touchdowns. Then his follow-up campaign got off to an inauspicious start when he dislocated his left shoulder and tore his labrum during a weightlifting mishap in April. But the Saints have developed an unwavering confidence in Moore, who turns 26 at the end of this month. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder has a pretty good track record when it comes to bucking the odds. And ..."
Cutting corner should not have taken so long
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist John DeShazier
"Finally, Jason David's days as a Saint have ended. And if it took the hiring of new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to create that reality, and for the team to shave the roster of a free-agent cornerback who had been a disappointment since his first regular-season game, then Williams' hiring was overdue -- and he has earned a decent portion of whatever it is New Orleans is paying him. Few would bother arguing that David had measured up to his job description since he signed in 2007. Fewer would debate his addition hadn't been an error. By almost any standard the union pretty much was a disaster from the get-go, David failing to fill a desperate need for the Saints and the Saints, ..."
Deuce still on the loose but says he's rarin' to go
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August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Former Saints tailback Deuce McAllister remains optimistic about his chances of catching on with another NFL team, though he admits that several factors are working against him. McAllister, 30, said Monday he is healthy enough to pass a physical, and his agents have been in contact with some teams. But the biggest hurdle he faces is the four-game suspension he's scheduled to serve at the beginning of the season. "It's kind of tough to get with a team knowing you won't be there for the first four games. That's kind of tough to deal with on my end," said McAllister, who tested positive for a banned diuretic last summer, along with three Saints teammates in the high-profile StarCaps case. ..."
Saints look forward to work vs. Texans
Comment
August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"By now, the Saints' defensive players know the tendencies of the offense. Into their third week of training camp, they can at times predict what plays are coming. That should change, however, over the next few days. After a walk-through practice today that is closed to the media, the team will board a flight to Houston for three practices -- two Wednesday and one Thursday -- with the Texans and one by themselves. On Friday, there's another walk-through for New Orleans. Saints Coach Sean Payton said he is looking forward to watching his team practice against the Texans before the teams meet in an exhibition game Saturday night at Reliant Stadium. "Our goals in Houston are to continue ..."
Saints part ways with CB Jason David
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August 18
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Jason David's roller-coaster ride in New Orleans finally came to a halt Monday when the Saints released the 27-year-old cornerback with two years remaining on his contract. David, who was set to earn $2.4 million this season, showed a knack for making big plays during his two-year run with the Saints. But he allowed far too many of them to opposing offenses, becoming a whipping boy for quarterbacks and Saints fans alike. The final straw came during Friday night's preseason opener in the Superdome, when he was repeatedly burned by Cincinnati Bengals receivers Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco in New Orleans' 17-7 victory. "It's probably a combination of the players now in front of him ..."
Ex-Jet Vilma Looks To Repay Saints
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August 18
New York Post

"Jonathan Vilma needed one season in New Orleans to resurrect his career. Coming back from major knee surgery, the former Jets star played every defensive snap at middle linebacker in 2008, leading the team with 151 tackles to go with two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a game-sealing interception. Vilma understands he'll be challenged to top those numbers in his second season with the Saints, but said he's trying not to worry about his own statistics. Vilma said he feels a deep sense of loyalty to the Saints, and not only because they signed him last winter to a five-year, $34 million contract. A serious knee injury in 2007 had put the former Pro Bowl linebacker's career in ..."
Misstep costs kicker first four games
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"An ill-informed decision by Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has proved costly for him and paved the way for 21-year veteran John Carney to resume his distinguished NFL career in New Orleans. League officials have informed Hartley that he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after he tested positive for a banned substance, Adderall, a prescriptive amphetamine that he claims to have taken to stay alert during a late-night drive from Dallas to New Orleans in March. Hartley, 23, is not expected to appeal his suspension, meaning he will miss season-opening games against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the New York Jets and forfeit approximately $90,000 of his 2009 ..."
Jenkins puts versatility on display
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Rookie Malcolm Jenkins was all over the field during Sunday's practices, lining up as a safety and a nickel back with the first-string defense, then taking a turn at cornerback with the second string. The Saints were using a variety of substitution packages during Sunday's sessions, so Jenkins was never technically in the "starting lineup." But in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' versatile and adaptable schemes, the old notions of "starters" and "backups" have become as passé as trying to label a guy strictly as a cornerback or a safety. "I doubt I'll be pegged into one position," said Jenkins, whom the Saints selected with the 14th pick in this year's draft. Whenever you can ..."
N.O. at ease with Carney, but Hartley . . .
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"I've got a suggestion for how Garrett Hartley can kill time during his four-game suspension to start the regular season. Read the Wally Pipp story. The Saints' 23-year-old kicker wasn't born when Pipp famously lost his job to Lou Gehrig back in 1925. He likely hasn't heard of him, but he would be wise to educate himself on Pipp's story. Gehrig went on to start 2,130 with the New York Yankees. Hartley might have unwittingly Pipped himself this week when he violated the NFL's substance abuse policy and landed on the league's suspended list. While Hartley sits out the first four games of the 2009 regular season, Carney will take his place as the Saints' regular kicker. Carney isn't just ..."
Jenkins puts versatility on display
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Rookie Malcolm Jenkins was all over the field during Sunday's practices, lining up as a safety and a nickel back with the first-string defense, then taking a turn at cornerback with the second string. The Saints were using a variety of substitution packages during Sunday's sessions, so Jenkins was never technically in the "starting lineup." But in new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' versatile and adaptable schemes, the old notions of "starters" and "backups" have become as passé as trying to label a guy strictly as a cornerback or a safety. "I doubt I'll be pegged into one position," said Jenkins, whom the Saints selected with the 14th pick in this year's draft. Whenever you can be ..."
Saints' Hartley to serve 4-game drug suspension
Comment
August 17
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"An ill-informed decision by Saints kicker Garrett Hartley has proved costly for him and paved the way for 21-year veteran John Carney to resume his distinguished NFL career in New Orleans. League officials have informed Hartley that he will be suspended for the first four games of the regular season after he tested positive for a banned substance, Adderall, a prescriptive amphetamine that he claims to have taken to stay alert during a late-night drive from Dallas to New Orleans in March. Hartley, 23, is not expected to appeal his suspension, meaning he will miss season-opening games against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the New York Jets and forfeit approximately $90,000 of his 2009 ..."
Saints kicker Garrett Hartley says he took banned stimulant Adderall to stay awake
Comment
August 16
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints kicker Garrett Hartley tested positive for the banned stimulant Adderall, which he said he took to stay awake on a drive from Dallas to New Orleans earlier this year. He will serve a four-game suspension to start the season without appealing. Hartley said he didn't know the prescription drug was banned by the NFL, but he should have known better. He said he got the Adderall from some former college friends before driving back to New Orleans during offseason workouts. The Saints and Hartley were informed of the suspension more than a week ago, and they've been making contingency plans ever since. They finalized an agreement with new kicker John Carney on Thursday before officially ..."
Not There Yet
Comment
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma ran for the end zone in Friday night's preseason opener at the Superdome, trying to turn his interception into a spectacular 69-yard touchdown. But he fell 4 yards short of the goal line when Cincinnati Bengals receiver Andre Caldwell caught up to him and knocked the ball loose. "I got a little tired," Vilma admitted. "I've got to get into game shape." It's hard to blame him. After all, he had just used up most of his tank earlier in the first quarter, when he scooped up a fumble forced by safety Darren Sharper and returned the ball 47 yards to the Bengals' 6-yard line. Asked if 112 rushing yards were a career high for him, Vilma laughed. "Could you ..."
Henry enjoys a homecoming
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August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Chris Henry won't hesitate to tell you he no longer lives his life the way he used to -- the fast life. He only plays that way now. The Cincinnati Bengals are happy that Henry, a former Belle Chase High School standout, is still the same dangerous player, however. Henry appeared to be in midseason form, beating Saints beleaguered cornerback Jason David on an array of first-half passes in the Saints' 17-7 victory over the Bengals in Friday night's preseason opener at the Superdome. With more than 60 family and friends in attendance, Henry, a troubled receiver with superior talents, easily had his way in his homecoming, catching seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. Six of his ..."
Saints joined in pursuit of Brooks
Comment
August 15
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"The Saints apparently are not the only team interested in veteran free agent linebacker Derrick Brooks, who is trying to get back in the NFL after being released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February. The Oakland Raiders reportedly flew the 11-time Pro Bowl player out for a visit and workout Friday, two days after Brooks left New Orleans without a contract offer from Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis. Loomis and Saints Coach Sean Payton are expected to make a decision this weekend with regard to Brooks and free agent linebacker Derek Smith, both of whom worked out for the team Wednesday morning. Loomis said a decision on either player may or may not be forthcoming, indicating the ..."
Palmer tweaks ankle vs. Saints
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August 15
Cincinnati Enquirer

"If you are a Bengals' fan, the two things you wanted to see in Friday night's preseason opener from the offense was a well-executed attack and a healthy Carson Palmer. Well, you definitely got the former while there was some brief concern about the latter during the 17-7 loss to the Saints at the Superdome. The Bengals' first teamers had 170 total yards of offense, but there was a brief period of concern when Palmer suffered a high left ankle sprain. Palmer said he sprained his ankle when he tried to pull the ball down on a busted play when a Saints' defender rolled on it. He was wearing a boot on the leg after the game but said it was mainly for precautionary measures. "It's a high ankle ..."
Vilma, Saints D hope to match output of high-octane offense
Comment
August 14
Green Bay Press Gazette

"Defense? Defense? That is a question the New Orleans Saints aim to answer in the affirmative this season.Last season, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees led the NFL in passing yards. The Saints were No. 1 in total offense. But en route to an 8-8 finish, they allowed 27 points or more in nine games (seven of them losses) and ranked 23rd in defense. Holdover middle linebacker Jonathan Vilma and the rest of a revamped New Orleans defense want to close that performance gap. "I feel the defense is really coming along. … We're a talented group. We have to go out there and execute," says Vilma, whose teams opens its preseason at home Friday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. Acquired last ..."
New QB Andrew Walter first off bench
Comment
August 14
Boston Herald

"Andrew Walter glanced at his watch. He tried to remember when the Patriots had signed him. "What's today's date?" the reserve quarterback asked. "Not a lot of time." The former Raider joined the Pats Aug. 3, giving him merely seven practice days to prepare for last night's preseason opener against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Walter went 5-of-9 for 62 yards in his new team's 27-25 victory, taking the field immediately following starter Tom Brady. Coach Bill Belichick downplayed the suggestion that Walter was inserted into the lineup so quickly because he had supplanted backup Kevin O'Connell."
Saints weigh options with Brooks, Smith
Comment
August 13
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Saints officials gave no indication whether they will sign or pass on veteran free-agent linebackers Derrick Brooks and Derek Smith, who were brought in for workouts Wednesday. Each player apparently passed inspection, but Coach Sean Payton said no decision will be made before Saturday, the day after the Saints open their exhibition schedule against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Superdome. "Those guys are in great shape," Payton said after the team finished its 18th practice of training camp, a two-hour exercise that was pushed indoors because of inclement weather. "We're not going to do anything right yet. I talked to both players, and we're going to get through this game on Friday and ..."
Report: Ex-Buc Brooks leaves Saints without contract offer
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August 13
Tampa Tribune

"The Saints have not offered linebacker Derrick Brooks a contract, according to a report on the Times-Picayune's Web site. Brooks worked out for the team Wednesday morning, but apparently left town later in the day without a contract. A Saints spokesman said the team did not plan to announce any signings Wednesday, according to the report. Neither Brooks nor veteran linebacker Derek Smith, who also worked out for the team Wednesday, was at the Saints' afternoon practice."
Saints hoping to have enough in '09
Comment
August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune
columnist Peter Finney
"I'm looking at the schedule, and it says the Saints play the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday night in the Superdome. My question: Is it a "must win?" I know, I know, it's only the first of four exhibition games, which means it will be quickly forgotten, which means it won't count when they total up the Ws and Ls. But I'm listening to all the tweets and twitters -- is that what they call 'em? -- and I'm in a fog. You read some of those gushing communiqués from Saints-land, and it's enough to ask: What happens if the Bengals happen to make a first down against Gregg Williams' defense? Better yet, God forbid, what happens if they throw a 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open receiver? Will ..."
Brown sets the bar high for himself, Saints
Comment
August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Other than maybe Reggie Bush, no Saints player seems to earn more mixed reviews from the fan base than left tackle Jammal Brown. If possible, the fifth-year veteran is both overrated and underappreciated. He's a two-time Pro Bowl selection -- including a trip to Hawaii as an injury replacement last season, but he has never quite lived up to the immense potential he showed in his first two NFL seasons. He plays the most important position on the line for the NFL's most prolific offense, which just set a franchise record for the fewest sacks in a season (13, three of which were credited to Brown). But he also was flagged for a career-high seven holding penalties, and he had two very ..."
Saints taking a look at LBs Brooks, Smith
Comment
August 12
New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Since his unceremonious release in February by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks has been simmering on the Saints' back burner, an object of interest for the front office perhaps somewhere down the road. That time has arrived now that versatile backup linebacker Mark Simoneau needs surgery today to repair a torn right triceps, a procedure that likely will shelve him until midseason or perhaps end his season. Brooks, 36, and free-agent linebacker Derek Smith, 34, were to arrive in New Orleans on Tuesday night and are scheduled to work out today for team officials. Neither signing would lower the average age of the team, which already is one of the ..."