Talk Saints with beat writers Jimmy Smith and Mike Triplett(05/21/2008) 
11:53
timespicayune: 
Hello. We'll be live with Saints beat writer Jimmy Smith from Atlanta, site of the NFL owners meetings, and beat writer Mike Triplett from Metairie, where he's covering one of the team's OTAs, at noon. You can start submitting your questions now.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 11:53 timespicayune
12:01
timespicayune: 

Ok. We're live.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 timespicayune
12:01
[Comment From BruceBruce: ] 
Hey Mike, with the unexpected retirement of Dan Morgan and the crinimal indictment of Charles Grant do you believe the Saints will look to find more competion on that side of the ball? If so who??????
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 Bruce
12:01
[Comment From MarcusMarcus: ] 
Do you think we will do anything to address wlb position?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 Marcus
12:01
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey guys, I think it’s too early to know whether or not Grant will miss any time this season, so I wouldn’t expect them to go shopping for his replacement right away. A lot of guys come available late in the summer, so there will be backup options available down the road.

 

As for Morgan, Saints Coach Sean Payton said today that the Saints will likely look to add another body at linebacker, but they probably would be more likely to add a young backup than an experienced veteran. Remember, they still have weakside starter Scott Shanle on the roster, plus Mark Simoneau, who can back up at weakside or middle linebacker. And they have another veteran backup Troy Evans, who is a decent, experienced former starter.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 timespicayune
12:01
[Comment From TimTim: ] 
What is the legal status of Charles Grant?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 Tim
12:01
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH: From what we know, Tim, he has been indicted along with several others for involuntary manslaughter in the February incident in which he was stabbed and a pregnant bystander killed. Grant is expected to leave New Orleans today to turn himself in on the charges on Thursday and expects to return to New Orleans by Friday. THe Early County, Georgia district attorney is not commenting on the case.


 

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:01 timespicayune
12:02
[Comment From BruceBruce: ] 
Mike, besides Vilma and Ellis who are you excited about seeing during the OTA's? Do believe there are any gems in the Saints free agent rookie class?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:02 Bruce
12:05
timespicayune: 
MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey Bruce, I just got off the field and saw the 2008 Saints for the first time – even though they were in shorts and shirts. No pads. The guys who stood out to me most were Jonathan Vilma, who looks pretty fluid and healthy even though he’s being limited while recovering from knee surgery, and rookie receiver Adrian Arrington, a big dude who passes the eyeball test with flying colors. Obviously, receivers always stand out in these types of practice since they’re not tackling or being really physical. But he just looks athletic and fast and natural for such a big guy. Robert Meachem looks pretty decent, too – much healtheir and more comfortable than he did last year. So this battle for backup receiver positions will be very interesting to follow all year long. When we asked Payton who stood out to him, the first name he mentioned was Sedrick Ellis – an exciting proposition. He also singled out offensive tackle Jammal Brown for his work during the offseason.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:05 timespicayune
12:05
[Comment From CajunTimCajunTim: ] 
What do you think of Matt Ryan's contract? And where does that leave every other team needing to sign their picks?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:05 CajunTim
12:07
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: By the way, Charles Grant was out there on the field today, too, and he looks to be in good shape despite the offseason ankle surgery. … He declined to speak with the media, and he’s going to head out today to deal with his legal issues. He should be back Friday, and he should be allowed to keep participating with the team while the legal process sorts itself out.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:07 timespicayune
12:07
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
You said Coach Peyton singled out Jammal Brown. Is that his way of sucking up after almost trading him to the Chiefs?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:07 John
12:09
[Comment From BruceBruce: ] 
Has any decision been made concerning where training camp will take place this year?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:09 Bruce
12:09
timespicayune: 
Bruce, still haven't heard anything from the Saints
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:09 timespicayune
12:09
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH:   Sorry for the delay, Cajun Tim, technical issues. Obviously with Ryan under contract it has established the market for the players immediately before and after him in the draft. It was a pretty nice deal, so the numbers are there. But that doesn't necessarily mean those teams will have an easy time getting their first picks under contract.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:09 timespicayune
12:10
timespicayune: 
MIKE TRIPLETT: Bruce, it's nothing OFFICIAL from the Saints, but all signs point to them returning to Jackson. Payton told us to prepare for warm weather.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:10 timespicayune
12:10
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey John, that same thought crossed my mind when Payton said that. It’s possible. But that doesn’t mean it’s not true. … Payton insisted that the Brown trade rumors weren’t true, by the way, and we never confirmed that they were shopping him. A lot of names fly around before the draft, so he might have come up. But I don’t think they were desperate to get rid of him. Left tackle is not a position you want to tinker with if you can avoid it.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:10 timespicayune
12:11
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
Losing Dan Morgan is a blow! Is there any other free agent linebackers out there that can help us? I know Odell Thurman has character issues but don't you think the Saints can keep him on a short lease.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:11 John
12:11
[Comment From TimTim: ] 
Any word on us trying to get Odell Thurman in town for a visit? he should be pretty cheap.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:11 Tim
12:12
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: I don’t expect the Saints to go after Thurman. Like I said, Payton indicated they aren’t likely to add a veteran, and the team has mostly shied away with character-concern guys. … It’s possible, but I haven’t heard anything along those lines yet.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:12 timespicayune
12:12
[Comment From JohnJohn: ] 
With the league opting out of the CBA, How does that affect any potential Saints free agents?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:12 John
12:14
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH: Good question, John, in light of the events of the last couple days. There's still a contract in place for the next three season so teams can continue to sign players as normal according to my rudimentary understanding of the CBA. There shouldn't be a problem until there's an uncapped year in 2010, though the player costs could skyrocket if there's no salary cap.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:14 timespicayune
12:14
[Comment From JaredJared: ] 
Did you see any of the running backs today? If so, did any of them stand out a little more than the other?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:14 Jared
12:15
[Comment From PaulPaul: ] 
First i want to say i love deuce.......... But im really worried about the running back postion! i look at team like the PATS and the Steelers who have so much depth and think that what does it hurt to add a proven free agant for an insurance policy?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:15 Paul
12:16
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey Jared and Paul, we saw Deuce running around just a little bit. He’s still very limited, but it was good to see him running around a little bit. Reggie Bush looks healthy and fluid. Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas both looked to be in good shape. … Like I said, though, it’s really tough to evaluate running backs when they’re not in pads and they’re not tackling. But the one thing that stood out to be is that they’re fairly deep at the position, even with the injury concerns regarding Deuce. Even a guy like Chris Barclay (who signed late last year) could have some value. And I’m pretty high on Pierre Thomas’ potential. … Maybe they do need to add an inside runner to the mix, though, if they’re worried about Deuce’s health.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:16 timespicayune
12:16
[Comment From mikemike: ] 
Early Week One Matchup: On paper alone, what will it take to beat the Bucs opening day in order for us to start off on the right direction?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:16 mike
12:16
timespicayune: 
JIMMY SMITH: The key, Mike, might be to stay away from any trick plays late in the game when the Saints need a first down. Seriously, it's difficult to gauge just what it will take to shut down the Bucs having not seen them or just what their offseason additions will bring to their team. Regardless, the Saints will have to have an improved pass defense against Tampa Bay and better secondary play. We'll know more about whether to expect that once training camp rolls around later this summer.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:16 timespicayune
12:17
[Comment From MysturMystur: ] 
How did the secondary look today?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:17 Mystur
12:20
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: I don’t think anyone stood out for better or worse – except for maybe Anwar Phillips, who always seems to shine in this May and June practices. … We didn’t get to see the secondary in its entirety. Mike McKenzie, Josh Bullocks and Aaron Glenn were all out with injuries. So Randall Gay, Jason David and Usama Young were working with the first team, along with safeties Roman Harper, Kevin Kaesviharn and Chris Reis. They were doing a lot of nickel and dime stuff today. … I wish I could offer more insight, but none of them really stood out as breaking up a lot of balls or repeatedly getting burned. … I thought it was interesting that Gay and Young were working ahead of Jason Craft. Could give you a little depth-chart insight.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:20 timespicayune
12:20
[Comment From KenKen: ] 
What's going on with the possible J. Shockey trade to the Saints? I see the Saints gave him up for a cornerback?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:20 Ken
12:20
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH: Ken, according to a report from Saints general manager Mickey Loomis recently on Sirius Sattelite radio, the Saints are no longer pursuing a trade for Jeremy Shockey. Loomis hasn't said anything on the record to New Orleans media on this subject. All we know is that Sean Payton thinks the guy can improve the Saints offense. Whether the trade can be consummated at this point, though, is extremely uncertain.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:20 timespicayune
12:20
[Comment From WingedWheelWingedWheel: ] 
What's the offensive line looking like thus far? Brees will need a little more time to throw than he got last year.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:20 WingedWheel
12:22
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Payton actually complimented the entire offensive line before he singled out Brown individually. … I’ll have to take his word for it. You really can’t tell how well an offensive line is playing when they aren’t in pads. … I think they’ve been happy with Jonathan Goodwin as the new center. I know they like some of their young backups, especially Jermon Bushrod, Zach Strief and rookie Carl Nicks.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:22 timespicayune
12:22
[Comment From mikemike: ] 
if the league adopts a 17th game, are they planning on having that game OCONUS (Outside Continental U.S.) to be fair, or are some team just going to have that extra home game and some teams wont
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:22 mike
12:23
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH: From what Roger Goodell had to say about the possibility of a 17th game on Tuesday, Mike, what apparently would happen is an alternate-year program in which NFC teams would play a nine-game home schedule one year and AFC teams would play the nine-game home schedule the next year. It would seem logical for the extra game to played outside the United States because of the inequity some season ticket holders might feel from losing a home game as Saints fans are this season. This is all just in the talking stages, though, so stay tuned to see what eventually is etched in stone.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:23 timespicayune
12:23
[Comment From AJAJ: ] 
How are the LSU boys looking this year (Skyler Green, Henderson)?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:23 AJ
12:24
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey, AJ. Henderson didn’t seem to have a particularly good practice. He dropped at least one pass. I think he’s the guy looking over his shoulder with Meachem and Arrington in hot pursuit. … Green caught a screen pass at one point and got us all talking about how many bubble screens and short crossing patterns he used to catch on that LSU championship team. But I think he’s a long shot to make the roster.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:24 timespicayune
12:24
[Comment From DavidDavid: ] 
Speaking of the secondary...any word on if the NFL is going to make McKenzie cut his hair?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:24 David
12:24
timespicayune: 
JIMMY SMITH: Mike McKenzie, and every other player with flowing locks, David, will be able to let their hair down as long as they desire this season. The proposal was tabled for the second time. Look for the matter to come up for discussion again next year, though.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:24 timespicayune
12:25
[Comment From FikeFike: ] 
It seems like our safties were out of position alot last year why didn't we address the position in the draft? We keep hearing about the potential but not seeing alot of results.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:25 Fike
12:28
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey Fike, I think the only way the Saints could have upgraded that position in the draft is if they used a first- or second-round pick on the position. It’s not like a fifth- or sixth-rounder would have come in here and won a starting job. … The Saints could certainly use a talent upgrade at safety, but they have decent depth with Kaesviharn, Harper and Bullocks. All three of those guys have the potential to be good – they all just need to get a lot more consistent. The Saints are banking that their improved pass rush can help keep those guys put of so much trouble against the deep ball.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:28 timespicayune
12:28
[Comment From MysturMystur: ] 
Was there anyone that stoodout as not being in shape?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:28 Mystur
12:30
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Actually, no Mystur. And that is something that usually does stand out this time of year. Even guys like Grant and Hollis Thomas and Deuce looked OK compared to their usual shape. No one was cramping up or spending too much time on one knee. … Rookie defensive tackle DeMario Pressley aggravated a foot injury yesterday and should be sidelined for a week or two. But other than that, no one has stood out for negative reasons. ... Not that Thomas looked svelte, by the way. His conditioning will remain a concern every year from here on out.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:30 timespicayune
12:30
[Comment From jiggajonjiggajon: ] 
IS THERE IN WAY WE CAN PUT A PACKAGE TOGETHER 4 ROY WILLIAMS MAYBE A SECOND AND MAYBE ONE OF OUR RECIEVER HENDERSON OR MEACHUM
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:30 jiggajon
12:31
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH: That's a nice thought, jiggajon, but putting together a trade such as that wouldn't be as easy as you think. And it's probably a little too early in the process to totally give up Robert Meachem. Let's give him through training camp, at least, to see what he can bring to the table now that he's apparently more healthy than he was a year ago. Everyone knows what Devery Henderson can do, but Meachem is still an unknown factor. We should know by the beginning of the exhibition season whether he can be a player to count on.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:31 timespicayune
12:31
[Comment From chrischris: ] 
What is the possiblity of Grant moving to DT next to Ellis and having McCray at DE?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:31 chris
12:31
[Comment From chrischris: ] 
Is it something Payton would experiment with or has he already?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:31 chris
12:32
[Comment From MEREDITHMEREDITH: ] 
SINCE MIAMI DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT HIM - CAN WE GET JASON TAYLOR? MORE LADIES WILL GO TO THE GAMES!
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:32 MEREDITH
12:34
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey Chris, I think we’ll see alignments like that in obvious pass-rushing downs. I definitely expect to see Will Smith, Grant and McCray all on the field at the same time in certain situations. … But it’s not like Grant will make a full-time position switch. … Grant is more valuable against the run than McCray as a defensive end. McCray is more of a pass-rushing specialist. But the additions of McCray and Ellis give the Saints a lot more flexibility and versatility. They should make a big impact on a team that struggled to disrupt quarterbacks last year.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:34 timespicayune
12:34
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH:Hey, Meredith, do you listen to the kind of music that blares through the Superdome speakers at Saints' games? Some of that stuff would be difficult to dance to. But it is an interesting theory.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:34 timespicayune
12:34
[Comment From BirdManBirdMan: ] 
Do you think Taylor Melhaff can beat out Gramatica as the starting kicker?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:34 BirdMan
12:35
timespicayune: 
JIMMY SMITH: That's a good thought Birdman, but it's a little early to make that kind of evaluation. Let's see what kind of leg strength Melhaff shows in the OTA sessions, minicamp and training camp before we dismiss Gramatica's place. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if the Saints like Melhaff's leg strength and Gramatica's accuracy to see them keep both kickers on the roster this season.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:35 timespicayune
12:35
[Comment From MarreroMarrero: ] 
Was Will Smith there or is he holding out? Any idea of when he and Colston get a new deal?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:35 Marrero
12:37
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Will Smith is still holding out. So far, he has only missed “voluntary” activities. The minicamp next week is mandatory, so that’s the first time he’ll face a fine. Payton said he thinks Smith will be here next week, but I think that could go either way. … It has really not been a huge distraction so far because this sort of thing happens all the time in the NFL and the Saints hold Smith in high regard. But it will probably keep dragging on a little while longer while they squabble over a few million here and there.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:37 timespicayune
12:37
[Comment From MasonMason: ] 
Is there anything going on with the rookie free agents that the team picked up? Is there anyone impressing?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:37 Mason
12:40
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Hey Mason, the coaches haven’t singled anyone out, but just from watching them in brief spurts during practice, we noticed defensive end Jeremy Geathers and safety Rocky Schwartz a couple times. And linebacker JoLonn Dunbar is in a good spot because he’s the top new addition at a position the Saints are pretty thin at. … Hard to say if any of these guys has a real shot, though.

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:40 timespicayune
12:43
Which Saints rookie will make the most impact?
Sedrick Ellis
 ( 87% )
Tracy Porter
 ( 3% )
DeMario Pressley
 ( 0% )
Carl Nicks
 ( 0% )
Taylor Mehlhaff
 ( 3% )
Adrian Arrington
 ( 7% )

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:43 
12:43
timespicayune: 

MIKE TRIPLETT: Just two more notes from today’s practice before I head into the locker room for interviews. 1. QB Mark Brunell looked pretty solid and comfortable as the new backup quarterback. And 2. These were the guys who missed practice because of injuries – McKenzie (knee), Bullocks (knee), Glenn (ankle), TE Eric Johnson (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (hip), Pressley (foot).

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:43 timespicayune
12:43
[Comment From PalousePalouse: ] 
Is there any chance you could start writing more about how you expect things to fall apart this year? The Saints seem to do better going against the T-P grain.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:43 Palouse
12:43
timespicayune: 
JIMMY SMITH: Palouse, are you saying the Saints actually read what we write and are inspired by it to play a little better? Ah, the power of the pen. Certainly by the time we're finished covering training camp, we'll have an idea what to expect from the Saints. And certainly they'll be reading what's written.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:43 timespicayune
12:44
[Comment From LakeviewLakeview: ] 
What is the possiblity of Zach Streif moving to Right Tackle?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:44 Lakeview
12:45
timespicayune: 

JIMMY SMITH: Good to hear from someone in Lakeview. It's unlikely the Saints would move Strief to the right side because they like what he can do on the left side as he has shown when he has played for the injured Jammal Brown. Strief's versatility give the Saints a valuable asset, though, because he probably could play on the right side as well.

 

Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:45 timespicayune
12:45
[Comment From DougDoug: ] 
Is Grant going to be suspended for his recent indictment?
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:45 Doug
12:46
timespicayune: 
JIMMY SMITH: It's too early to tell on that count, Doug. Due process has to run its course, though you can bet that Roger Goodell will be meeting with Charles Grant even before that and the league will probably be investigating the matter, unless it has already begun that process. Goodell did say on Tuesday, though, that teams will now be fined if player's violate the good conduct policy. So that may happen.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:46 timespicayune
12:47
timespicayune: 
Thanks for dropping by today. You can replay this chat any time at nola.com. We'll be back next Wednesday at noon.
Wednesday May 21, 2008 12:47 timespicayune
12:47
Thank you for reading today.              

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