We're now 28 days from hosting the Cincinnati Bengals in the Superdome, a preseason game that will officially kick off the Saints 2009 playing schedule. We'll get small sample of how our new defense looks against the 32nd ranked scoring offense last year. Carson Palmer is back from injury, and so is Chad Ochocinco. We'll also get to watch a fair amount of play from former Saint J.T. O'Sullivan, who is battling for the backup position behind Palmer. Counting the days Saints fans, counting the days!
I was interviewed on a podcast last night, and the topics ranged: Mike Karney and Deuce's release, the new Saints defense, the Will Smith/Charles Grant suspensions, the upcoming season, fullback Darian Barnes, Usama Young and more.
Saints Football Today is run by 15 year old aspiring journalist Joshua Joffrion, and his homepage is found HERE. Pretty good stuff for a young Saints fan learning the ropes if you ask me! He's also got an interview up with current Saints fullback Darian Barnes that was pretty entertaining.
ALSO: pay no mind to the screaming child in the background (it's not too disruptive), I can promise you that wasn't on my end! In my defense I thought I battled through the distraction and stayed pretty focused on the task at hand :)
Lagniappe: According to ESPN.com, no long term deal between Julius Peppers and the Panthers will be signed this year (STORY). It's a good thing for the Saints because it means he could leave the Panthers after this year, thought I'm sure it won't come easy.
I want to hear from you guys today. Things are slow in Saints Nation, so now is a good time. Tell Saints Nation in the comment box below what you expect from the 2009 season. How far do you think the Saints are capable of going? What do you think is a realistic goal? COMMENTS PLEASE!
Roman Harper and Usama Young combined to go on NFL.com's "live chat" today and had a very entertaining Q&A with fans which you can read HERE. You have to love Harper guaranteeing the win over the Cowboys and the props they both gave to Devery Henderson for his speed.
Lagniappe: Lots of other interesting news around the league in case you weren't keeping tabs --
Check out THIS ARTICLE on Saints cornerback Tracy Porter. He grew up a Saints fan and apparently was a terrific basketball player.
Brian Griese was released by the Bucs. Now they have 4 guys and I honestly have no earthly idea which one they'll cut. They've got 1st round pick Josh Freeman, so you figure he's a shoe in. "Starter" Josh McCown, Byron Leftwich, and 2008 2nd round pick Josh Johnson. They can only keep 3, which one do they cut? Your guess is as good as mine. The best part as a Saints fan is I wouldn't feel good about any of those 4 being my starter. Bubba Franks was released by the Jets. I always thought Franks, even in his prime, was more of a name than an actually solid player. He never lived up to his hype coming out of college. Derrick Mason retired from the NFL. There goes the guy I always picked in the last rounds of fantasy football. No one would pick him because he had bad QB's and was in his mid 30's, but you could always count on him getting 80+ receptions a year.
Another San Diego Charger rookie gets shot. What is it with this team and their afinity for drafting players with targets plastered on them? Luckily I'm at no risk of them drafting me.
See? You can always count on Saints Nation for Brett Favre-less NFL news :)
Defensive Ends: 1. Panthers - It doesn't get any better than Julius Peppers. Beyond that they've got decent role players in Tyler Brayton, Charles Johnson and rookie Everette Brown. 2. Falcons - John Abraham had more sacks last year than Julius Peppers, and as Saints fans I think we all remember him eating Jammal Brown's lunch repeatedly. Beyond that they have an underperforming Jamaal Anderson and a role player in Chauncey Davis. Nothing special but Abraham is that good. 3. Saints - The Saints have by far the most depth, as clearly they are prepared for the absence of Will Smith and Charles Grant during the first 4 games. Once they come back they'll have to prove better than Bobby McCray and Paul Spicer who are good players in their own right. 4. Buccaneers - Gaines Adams is overrated, and they've also got Stylez White and Jimmy Wilkerson. Who? Yeah, exactly.
Defensive Tackles: 1. Panthers - Maake Kemoeatu and Damione Lewis make a beefy and solid pair up front. That's a tough team to run on. 2. Saints - Mark my words, Sedrick Ellis will make the Pro Bowl within the next couple of seasons. Kendrick Clancy is one of the more underrated players out there, and it will be interesting to see how Roderick Coleman rebounds from a year off. 3. Buccaneers - Chris Hovan is washed up and doesn't have many years left. He's not the player he was 3-4 years ago. Ryan Sims is a decent space eater. 4. Falcons - We'll see how rookie Peria Jerry works out for them. I don't think he'll be half as good as Ellis. Jonathan Babineaux is a solid player, but behind him they really have nothing.
Outside Linebackers: 1. Panthers - Thomas Davis hasn't turned into the star some people thought he'd become, but he's a solid and dangerous player. Na'il Diggs isn't flashy but he's a solid player as well. 2. Falcons - The addition of Mike Peterson, who is very solid, helps this team because they don't have much else. Coy Wire, who is mediocre at best, is also slated to start. 3. Saints - Scott Fujita and Scott Shanle are the guys. Dan Morgan retiring again did nothing to help the Saints. Shanle struggles mightily against the run and Fujita while decent is unspectacular. 4. Buccaneers - Angelo Crowell is good but he is hurt and may not be ready by training camp, and behind him are Quincy Black, Geno Hayes and a bunch of other no names.
Inside Linebackers: 1. Saints - This is a bit of a leap of faith because there's a couple other ridiculously good middle linebackers in the NFC South, but the Buccaneers wanted Jonathan Vilma this offseason so obviously they liked him better than what they have. Also, Mark Simoneau is a terrific backup. 2. Panthers - Jon Beason is a tackling machine. He's fast and he is all over the field. 3. Buccaneers - #3 is a little harsh considering how good Barrett Ruud is. He's a playmaker and a monster hitter/tackler. 4. Falcons - The gap between Curtis Lofton and the other 3 starting middle linebackers in the NFC South is severe. Cornerbacks: 1. Buccaneers - Ronde Barber even at his age still has incredible instincts. He is always making a play. Aqib Talib also had a promising rookie campaign and is only going to get better. 2. Saints - They have the most depth in the division. Promising youngsters in Tracy Porter and Malcolm Jenkins, and solid veterns in Jabari Greer and Randall Gay. 3. Panthers - Chris Gamble is very good, and Dante Wesley and Richard Marshall round out a solid core. 4. Falcons - Von Hutchins and Chris Houston are young and getting better.
Safeties: 1. Panthers - Charles Godfrey and Chris Harris do their jobs very effectively. They won't "wow" anyone but they play sound football. 2. Falcons - Erik Coleman is a very good free safety, but who is going to play next to him? Atlanta better figure that out. 3. Saints - Gregg Williams' new defense is supposed to work wonders for Roman Harper, but I'll believe it when I see it. For the Saints it all depends on how Darren Sharper plays and if he can drink from the fountain of youth. 4. Buccaneers - Somehow Will Allen is behind Tanard Jackson and Sabby Piscitelli on the depth chart. You guys explain that to me. Every time we play them Devery is good for a TD over the top and this year should be no different.
Happy Sunday! Over the next few days we're taking a look at each position and ranking the NFC South teams. Today we'll start with offense.
Quarterbacks: 1. Saints - Drew Brees is arguably the best quarterback in the league, and he's got solid veteran backups in Brunell and Harrington. 2. Falcons - Matt Ryan is a budding star and he's only going to get better. The Falcons can't afford an injury, though, because there is nothing behind him. 3. Panthers - Jake Delhomme isn't getting any younger, and his performance in last year's playoffs was a career worst. In Josh McCown they do have one of the league's better backups. 4. Buccaneers - The Bucs love to collect mediocre quarterbacks. Time will tell how rookie Josh Freeman will pan out, but now that Jeff Garcia is gone the Bucs are due for a drop in performance at this position. Wide Receivers: 1. Saints - Brees helps this unit maximize their potential, but this group also deserves credit for Brees' production. Colston, when healthy, is a top 10 receiver in the league and the Saints got huge efforts last year from Lance Moore and Devery Henderson. Don't forgot about former 1st round pick Robert Meachem waiting in the wings, too. 2. Panthers - Outside of Steve Smith there isn't much on the depth chart, but he is that good. Mushin Muhammad is an old slow possession guy at this point, but he's effective in the red zone. 3. Falcons - Roddy White turned himself into a stud last year, and he may be better than Steve Smith by the end of this season. Behind him are a bunch of dangerous under the radar "potential" guys. 4. Buccaneers - Antonio Bryant put himself back on the map with a great season last year, but behind him are underperforming high draft picks. Half Backs: 1. Falcons - Michael Turner is a guy capable of carrying the load and he proved last year to be one of the best. Jerious Norwood has tremendous speed and gives them a nice change of pace after Turner pounds a tired defense. Jason Snelling is now in the mix too. 2. Panthers - I would never have guessed it going into last year, but the DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart tandem was nothing short of impressive. Everyone knew the Panthers we're going to run last year and people still couldn't stop them. 3. Saints - The Pierre Thomas/Reggie Bush tandem has the potential to be better than the Panthers duo, but they haven't proved it yet. Still, Thomas will get his chance this year to be the guy and you always have to account for Bush's big play ability. 4. Buccaneers - The Bucs have 3 decent players in Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham and Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, but I'm not sure which one will start and the Bucs will probably run them by committee.
Fullbacks: 1. Panthers - Brad Hoover is a stud and he's one of the big reasons why Carolina's run game is so effective. 2. Saints - I would have had the Saints at #2 with Mike Karney (who was let go in the offseason), but with Heath Evans they're probably even better, and certainly more versatile. Veteran Darian Barnes is a veteran backup who stepped in and played great last season. 3. Buccanneers - B.J. Askew and Jameel Cook are both good fullbacks. They would rank higher if the Panthers/Saints weren't so stacked. 4. Falcons - Ovie Mughelli is a decent player that had the best year of his career last year, but he doesn't compare favorably with the stud fullbacks in the NFC South.
Tight Ends: 1. Falcons - What a difference a year makes, now they have Tony Gonzalez. He's still the best tight end in the business, and now Justin Peelle fits in much better as a number 2. 2. Buccanneers - Kellen Winslow Jr. was an offseason add for Tampa, and he's a top 5 tight end in terms of ability. That should really help their spotty quarterback play. Jerramy Stevens is a better #2 than most teams have. 3. Saints - We'll see how Shockey performs this season, the Saints could certainly use the production of his big time ability. Billy Miller is one of the more underrated receiving tight ends in the game and is a huge weapon for the Saints. In most divisions the Saints would have the best tight end core. 4. Panthers - Dante Rosario and Jeff King are arguably not even good enough to make the roster for any of the above 3 teams. They block well, but Delhomme needs that big reliable target over the middle and he does not have it.
Tackles: 1. Saints - I think Jammal Brown is a little overrated, but he obviously has the respect of the league based on his numerous Pro Bowl appearances. Jon Stinchcomb, though, is very underrated. He's a bonifide team leader and one of the better technique guys out there. Don't forget about Zach Strief, either, who's been a valuable fill in. 2. Panthers - Jordan Gross is the solid veteran on the left, and Jeff Otah is the blooming young stud on the right. These guys played very well last year. 3. Buccaneers - Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood are the starters. Nothing too special about these guys. 4. Falcons - Fans should be nervous about Sam Baker protecting Matt Ryan's blindside. Tyson Clabo on the right is solid at times, but plays inconsistent. Guards: 1. Falcons - Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl are absolute monsters on the interior. Perfect guards for a bruising type back like Michael Turner. 2. Panthers - Travelle Wharton played some at left tackle and did pretty well, but guard is a more natural position for him and he's only better there. Keydrick Vincent of Ole Miss is also a great player. 3. Saints - Jahri Evans will make the Pro Bowl before his career is over. He's arguably the best guard in the division. Carl Nicks played ok last year, but has lots of promise to develop. Jamar Nesbit has to be one of the best backups out there. 4. Buccaneers - Arron Sears and Davin Joseph are unspectacular players that will be pushed in training camp by Jeremy Zuttah.
Centers: 1. Falcons - Former LSU man Todd McClure has been a mainstay on the Falcons offensive line, and like wine he's gotten better with age. 2. Buccaneers - Former Saint Jeff Faine, like McClure, is regarded around the league as one of the best at his position. He's overpaid, but he's an awesome center. 3. Panthers - Ryan Kalil is a decent player and captain for their line. 4. Saints - Jonathan Goodwin isn't a terrible center by any means and he's filled in admirably since the departure of Jeff Faine, but he just doesn't fare well stacked up against the 3 guys above.
Saints Nation caught up with Saints fullback Darian Barnes and gave him 10 questions to answer so Saints fans could get to know him a little better. Many thanks to Darian who was nice enough to take the time. After getting signed last season to fill in for an injured Mike Karney, he's battling hard to make the team again this year. Saints Nation wishes him the best of luck in making the team, and maybe we'll see more of him as the season progresses. Hope you guys enjoy!
Saints Nation: Darian- Who is your best friend on the team?
Darian Barnes: I get a kick out of Mike Bell, we go see movies together and hang out at different places.
SN: What is your favorite place to eat in New Orleans?
DB: It's not in New Orleans, but I do like Taco San Miguel in Metairie.
SN: Who is the best/toughest opponent you have ever faced?
DB: If I had to pick a guy, its Zach Thomas.
SN: Who is the funniest guy on the Saints roster?
DB: Jammal Brown, the funniest guy on the team.
SN: Favorite music band/artist?
DB: Boz Skaggs.
SN: How would you compare Saints fans to other NFL fans you've seen?
DB: Saints fans are die hard and loyal to the organization, something that you don't find on a lot of teams.
SN: Outside of the NFL, who is your favorite pro sports team?
DB: the Phillies.
SN: If there is one thing you would want fans to know about you, what would it be?
DB: Fans should know that I like to hit people!
SN: What is your favorite stadium to play in besides the SuperDome?
DB: I like to play anywhere I can hit people.
SN: Any comments on the Kevin Houser situation?
DB: Kevin's a great guy, but I don't know anything about the situation to speak on it.
Many thanks again to Darian, we look forward to seeing him hit opposing teams!
