Hey Tyler, Obviously Colston's No. 1, and I think David Patten is a very underrated No. 2. He's getting lost in all this Arrington and Meachem hype.

After that, Devery Henderson needs to clearly win the No. 3 job if he wants to make the team. ... Unfortunately for him, I don't think he will, especially since he's out with the hamstring right now.

So I think there's room for Meachem, Arrington and Lance Moore. Copper will make the team as a sixth receiver/special teamer if he beats out the other tight ends and linebackers and safeties, etc. who play special teams.

Hey again Tyler, you're dominating this chat so far. ... That's a good question. I think McKenzie will be in the starting lineup, mostly because I think ACL recoveries are becoming more and more routine, and he hasn't suffered any setbacks so far. The real question is how effective he'll be. He's 32 years old and he plays a position that demands speed and the ability to cut on a dime. ... The best thing about McKenzie is his confidence. He believes he can shut down the top receivers in the game, and he thrives on going against them.

A follow-up to that cornerback question: This is easily the most muddled spot on the team so far. They've been using McKenzie, Jason David, Randall Gay, Usama Young, Aaron Glenn and Jason Craft with the first-team defense and nickel packages, and any one of them could win a top 3 job or be off the team by the end of the month. Rookie Tracy Porter is in that mix, too, and he's supposed to be back on the practice field Saturday after recovering from his hamstring injury.

It looks like the starters will be Gay and David tonight, with Young coming in first off the bench in nickel packages. Each one of these games will be a huge audition for all the corners.

David probably makes about as many plays on the ball as any cornerback in practice. I probably write his name down every day for getting a hand on the ball, etc. But I also write his name down almost every day for getting  beat. It's just a matter of which will win out -- his natural playmaking instincts, or his inconsistency.

The Saints need cornerbacks who can make plays just as bad as they need guys who simply won't get toasted. They force very few interceptions and game-changing moments back there.

That all being said, I've been really impressed by Randall Gay throughout camp for his consistency, and I fully expect him to win a starting job ahead of David.

Young has an opportunity to win a starting job, especially if McKenzie suffers any setbacks. ... But I think he's more realistically battling David/Gay, Jason Craft, Tracy Porter and Aaron Glenn for the No. 3/nickel back role.

It looks like the coaches are going to give Young a shot at that. I was surprised to see him ahead of Craft in the rotation for tonight. But that could also be because Craft is a known commodity, and they need to see what they have in Young -- another standout athlete who needs to prove he can play with consistency.

Reasonable? I wouldn't go that far. ... Sure, it's possible, but the Saints just went 10-6 in the greatest season in team history two years ago. I think a solid defense gets them back to a similar level.

I do consider the Saints the favorites in the NFC South, though, and it would be a disappointment if they don't make the playoffs. The HUGE turning point in this season will be that London game. If they win, then it will be easy to get past the hangover from that trip. If they lose, it could become a source of bitterness.

Actually it's on WDSU, Channel 6 locally as well

Young certainly has some more opportunities in front of him with guys out, and if he can take advantage, then yes, it will help. The most obvious place where younger guys are getting a chance to prove themselves is at receiver -- a lot of guys are getting time with Brees now that Colston and Henderson are sitting. That probably will give receivers a tough battle to make the team until the end of camp.

You're absolutely right about the first part Rob. ... And I agree that the Saints have the potential to be better than they've ever been. But really, my answer is more about the parity in the NFL. I don't think I'd predict any team to go 12-4 outside of New England and Indianapolis. ... If the last two years have taught you anything as a Saints fan, it's that this league is just unpredicable.

Like I said, I like them to win the South, and I'd feel safer with a 10-6 prediction.

I think maybe the Saints fans have their concerns about the secondary, the injury of Jonathan Vilma and the inexperience of Sedrick Ellis, maybe?

Ah, "Yes" is catching up.   I would venture last year's performance is the biggest reason ... folks can be a little gunshy about proclaiming improvement when money is involved.

I do agree with that Matrix. If the D-line can stop the run, get pressure on the opposing quarterback, they can hide a secondary with problems. That's really what's going on in New England. That team is very good up front, but not that great in the backfield.

New England, Indy, New York, San Diego ... all examples of teams that can still dominate without great secondaries.

Dave, I agree. But Brett Favre is the story of the day, and ESPN is driven by the story of the day. Plus, he's now in New York. He won't get that favorable coverage all the time like he did in Green Bay.

Well, then turn down the sound on the game

So, do we think the fans will be disappointed if the Saints don't have a good showing tonight?

That is the national debate. A recent rating of NFL running backs had Bush in the 20s. Everyone, it seems, is waiting for his "Break out"

Could be that there's not much optimism in Arizona

Took the wind out of their sails...

I do like how the thing is a dome though ... can you imagine going to games there in the blazing desert prior to the dome opening?   Yeesh!

Also on Channel 6 locally

Stchalz, Well, I ain't there, so I don't know.   LOL.

We won't have the TP guys here postgame tonight, as they're a bit short-handed.   But that is the plan for the regular season anyway. :-)