Saints chat with beat writer Jimmy Smith

(06/18/2008)

10:57

timespicayune:

Saints fans we will be live with beat writer Jimmy Smith at noon. Start thinking about what questions you want answered.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 10:57 timespicayune

12:00

timespicayune:

OK, we're live with Jimmy Smith and we're going to start with some Marques Colston questions.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:00 timespicayune

12:00

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

Any word of a new Colston contract?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:00 Jason

12:00

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

im worried about marques colston....tell me theres nothin wrong with him mising practice.....

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:00 Guest

12:00

[Comment From TERRYTERRY: ]

DID COLSTON SIGN A CONTRACT YET ? IF NOT Y

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:00 TERRY

12:01

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Jason, and friends, I expect something will happen pretty soon with Marques Colston. Now that his agent, Joel Segal, has the Will Smith deal out of the way, he can focus his efforts with the Saints on Colston, who has obviously outperformed his original rookie contract. It’s time for the Saints to continue their efforts of stepping up and keeping their key players happy. It’s likely that will happen with Colston before training camp.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:01 timespicayune

12:02

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

LeCharles Bentley was a great player for us early in his carreer. If he's healthy why not bring him in?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:02 John

12:02

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: That’s a good point, John. Now that LeCharles Bentley has gotten his release from the Browns, he’s free to negotiate with anyone. The problem is, however, that he’d probably want to come into a situation where he’s guaranteed to be the starter. Will that happen with the Saints? Don’t know. The position belongs now to Jonathan Goodwin. It would be difficult to guarantee a starting job to a player who has practiced just once since 2005.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:02 timespicayune

12:02

[Comment From NaderNader: ]

do u think if the Saints defense doesnt work this year that we need a new defensive coordinator???? last year Gary Gibbs used blitzes in mayb 4 games and we won all four. what do u think???

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:02 Nader

12:03

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Nader, this could be the put up or shut up year for the Saints defense, based on what we’ve seen in these offseason practices. We won’t know for sure just how talented this group is until training camp. But based on what we’ve seen in the no-pads workout, this is an improved talent pool. They’ll have to produce. Gary Gibbs could be on the hot seat. Sean Payton wasn’t afraid to make some changes in his coaching staff after last year, including the replacing of special teams coordinator John Bonamago. So changing a coordinator in an area where Payton didn’t think produced enough results isn’t unprecedented.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:03 timespicayune

12:04

[Comment From NOLAKeithNOLAKeith: ]

What is the situation with the WR's? Does Meachem look good and will he crack the starting line-up or are the Saints looking at any veterans to add?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:04 NOLAKeith

12:04

[Comment From Brian from VABrian from VA: ]

With everyone singing the praises of Adrian Arrington and Robert Meachum, who are the odd men out here? No way the Saints carry that many receivers into the season. Is it possible that as the oldest member of a young squad, Patten's in any danger?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:04 Brian from VA

12:04

[Comment From justin from shreveportjustin from shreveport: ]

With the logjam at the wr position, and knowing we need were going to only carry 6 wr max, who is the odd man out? And considering that player may be proven like Henderson or Lance Moore (if we keep Manningham) could we trade them during the preseason for possible future draft picks? What would Henderson warrant, 5th or 6th rounder? I think Mechum is going to blow up this season!

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:04 justin from shreveport

12:06

[Comment From BirdManBirdMan: ]

Jimmy.. How many WR's do you think the Saints will carry on the roster this season? And who are your favorites to make the roster. Thanks.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:06 BirdMan

12:07

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: As it has been the last two training camps, NOLAKeith, the wide receiver position is going to be one of the most hotly contested of the summer. And from the looks of all these questions, it's going to be closely watched. Here's what I think is going to transpire this summer in Jackson: Marques Colston, David Patten and Devery Henderson will head into camp as the top three receivers. Robert Meachem is going to push hard for the fourth spot. Terrance Copper is a valuable special teams player who has the inside track for the fifth spot because of that versatility. I think six WRs could be a long shot, but Lance Moore is on the bubble right now. Skylar Green could make the roster simply as a return specialist. Arrington is a long shot, but has skills. If they could sneak him through the waiver process, he'll be a practice squad player.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:07 timespicayune

12:08

[Comment From TerryTerry: ]

Jimmy, any news on a possible Shockey trade?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:08 Terry

12:08

[Comment From PatPat: ]

Are all the chances gone of getting Jeremy Shockey on the team?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:08 Pat

12:10

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: A weekly update for all you Jeremy Shockey fans out there. As you've no doubt read, he was unhappy last week at the Giants minicamp. He's being guided in his unhappiness, no doubt, by his agent Drew Rosenhaus. But Shockey doesn't want to play with the Giants any more. Sean Payton loves what Shockey can bring to an offense. He's still the property of the Giants, however, and until a trade can be negotiated, he'll still be with the Giants. I don't think the Saints are through with their infatuation, however, and it's possible that up until the October trading deadline, anything can happen. So until that deadline comes and goes, there's still a possibility that the Saints could acquire his services.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:10 timespicayune

12:11

[Comment From trapp772000trapp772000: ]

why is there nothing being said of usama young. after all he waz one of the few draft picks that played, and really dont think he did a bad job

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:11 trapp772000

12:13

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: We've talked about Young's chances this season, trapp, but perhaps you've missed the words, so we'll hit it again this week. Usama will have every opportunity in training camp to impress the coaching staff. It's kind of difficult right now to see how far he has advanced since they're practicing in helmets and shorts. When they put the pads on, we'll be able to see whether he has advanced enough to challenge for a starting spot. He'll be in the mix, though.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:13 timespicayune

12:13

Other than Marques Colston, who do you think will be members of the Saints receiving corps?
David Patten

( 25% )

Robert Meachem

( 25% )

Devery Henderson

( 12% )

Terrance Copper

( 19% )

Adrian Arrington

( 8% )

Skyler Green

( 11% )

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:13

12:14

[Comment From michaelmichael: ]

bottom line how many games do you think they will win

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:14 michael

12:15

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: No problem, Michael. I'm also heading out right after this chat to buy my Powerball ticket. Do you really think in June we'll be able to tell you how many games the Saints might win during the regular season? So many things can happen. Injuries. Slow starts. Quirky bounces. Log on again in August. We'll have a better idea, then.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:15 timespicayune

12:15

[Comment From TheGuyTheGuy: ]

Do you think that Pierre Thomas is strong enough to back up Deuce McAllister this year if Deuce goes down a third time? If not do you think that we should pick up another running back?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:15 TheGuy

12:17

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Deuce, I believe, will be the starting tailback come September, TheGuy. That said, based on watching Pierre Thomas go through his paces last year on the practice field, I do believe he has the strength and tools to be a capable backup. There are still some guys in front of him, though. He'll have to move ahead of those guys in training camp to be the No. 1 backup.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:17 timespicayune

12:18

[Comment From Brian from VABrian from VA: ]

What's the situation with Charles Grant? I know he turned himself in and was released ... is there a time line for any kind of trial, and if so, could that timeline interfere with camp/2008 season?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:18 Brian from VA

12:19

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Spoke with Charles' attorney this morning, Brian from VA, and there's nothing new on the case, no court dates have been set, and nothing appears to be imminent. This kind of schedule could disrupt Grant's presence in training camp or during the exhibition season, but the wheels of justice are turning rather slowly in Blakely, Ga.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:19 timespicayune

12:20

[Comment From nolafan33nolafan33: ]

how is vilma looking in the limited reps he has gotten? do you think he'll be a star or will he just be another guy that we got coming off a injury?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:20 nolafan33

12:20

[Comment From Carnell in DallasCarnell in Dallas: ]

Is Vilma at full speed yet?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:20 Carnell in Dallas

12:21

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: We haven't seen much from Jonathan Vilma and practice is over until training camp. He was extremely limited in what he did in the OTAs and minicamp, but what he did do, he looked good doing it. He'll be a good addition if he's healthy enough to fully work in training camp and the exhibition season. We'll know, Carnell, that first week in Jackson if Vilma is full speed.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:21 timespicayune

12:22

[Comment From caesar77caesar77: ]

Do you believe that all of the key players are puting in all the extra time both as individuals and as a team in order to bring themselves as well as the New Orleans Saints to the next level?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:22 caesar77

12:24

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: With the exception of Will Smith, who sat out all but the final couple of weeks of the offseason conditioning program, and Marques Colston, who missed the last week of the OTAs, the Saints, from what we were told, had almost perfect attendance during the offseason work. That would indicate, caesar77, that everyone is putting forth the effort to go to the next level. What's the next level after a losing season, though? Assume you mean a return to playoff contention. We'll have to wait and see about that.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:24 timespicayune

12:25

[Comment From Brian from VABrian from VA: ]

You walk into the locker room after a game ... win or lose ... who's the first guy you want to talk to and why?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:25 Brian from VA

12:26

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Are you a budding sportswriter, Brian? In 35 years in this business, I've found that the most astute and thoughtful guys in a football lockerroom are offensive linemen. They're cerebral and can usually tell you what happened. Jeff Faine was always a go-to guy after a game, but now he's in Tampa. Jon Stinchcomb is always good, but the No. 1 guy has been Jamar Nesbit. He can always cut right to the chase and analyze the good and the bad.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:26 timespicayune

12:27

[Comment From Chase in San FranciscoChase in San Francisco: ]

How would you evaluate the NFC South? Tampa Bay seems to be the only real significant competition.. yes or no?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:27 Chase in San Francisco

12:29

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: How are things in the city by the bay, Chase? If it's summer, it must be pretty nippy out there. To answer your question, though, Tampa Bay, on paper, seems to be the most significan challenger in the division right now, but Jake Delhomme could be healthy again this year, and when he is, the Panthers are a pretty good team. It's tough to go with Atlanta with a new coach and a new quarterback, so right now, the Bucs would have to get the nod.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:29 timespicayune

12:29

[Comment From KYKY: ]

Do you think the Saints have an easier schedule this year... and how much of a difference can that make?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:29 KY

12:30

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Don't think you can look at this schedule as easy, KY. The London trip and spending so much time away from the Superdome, you can't say it's an easy schedule. It's going to take some adjustment. Remember the goal in the NFL is parity. There are no easy schedules.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:30 timespicayune

12:31

[Comment From SlidellSaintSlidellSaint: ]

Jimmy, you do a fantastic job. You should triple your own salary!!! If there was one player/coach on the team who derserved the same, who would it be?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:31 SlidellSaint

12:32

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Wow, the only person in Slidell who might have words that kind for me is P.J. Brown. I know he's a Saints fan, but I think he's probably preoccupied celebrating up in Boston right now. Right now, the guy most deserving of a raise of that magnitude would be Marques Colston. He plays hurt and he's underpaid.
That's my choice.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:32 timespicayune

12:33

[Comment From JonathanJonathan: ]

How does Tracy Porter look compared to Randall Gay?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:33 Jonathan

12:33

[Comment From JoeZeppiJoeZeppi: ]

Jimmy do you see the Saints possibly pursuing any help at corner before the season gets started? I'm a bit worried that we have been complacent at getting some big time help at that position. With the exception of Gay, we haven't really done anything to solidify the secondary which was a glaring weakness to go along with our non-existant pass rush.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:33 JoeZeppi

12:33

[Comment From the who datthe who dat: ]

who are our starting CBs at the moment? mckenzie ok? wasnt david hurt as well?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:33 the who dat

12:33

[Comment From Carnell in DallasCarnell in Dallas: ]

Is Fred Thomas still on our roster? If not, can ge bring Jason David and Josh Bullocks with him?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:33 Carnell in Dallas

12:34

[Comment From hevsterhevster: ]

How much improved should we expect the defense to be with the concerns of Mike Mckenzies health

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:34 hevster

12:34

[Comment From Joe T.Joe T.: ]

What do you think are our chances of signing another veteran conerback like Lito Sheppard from the Eagles?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:34 Joe T.

12:34

[Comment From NaderNader: ]

Who do u think will start at Cornerback???

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:34 Nader

12:37

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: All these cornerback queries indicate that some of you have been reading this weekly chat. Still thinking that cornerback, and the secondary in general, is the weak link on this defense. I think the Saints will go into training camp with the cornerbacks who are on the roster. There shouldn't be any additions. Fred Thomas is no longer on the roster. It's tough to compare Porter and Gay. Gay is an experienced NFL player, Porter is a rookie. There has to be some concern right now that Mike McKenzie won't be full speed once he gets to training camp. He didn't have surgery until late December and sometimes it takes a year to fully recover from ACL repair. Jason David's biggest challenge is his height, or lack thereof. He's not going to get any taller. And being elevationally challenged myself, I can say that. Right now, I'll have to put Jason Craft as the starter in McKenzie's spot and, for good or bad, Jason David, until someone beats him out in training camp.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:37 timespicayune

12:37

[Comment From Reggie ShrubReggie Shrub: ]

How are contract talks with big Sed going? Is there a chance he would hold out?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:37 Reggie Shrub

12:37

[Comment From nolafan33nolafan33: ]

what's the word on the rookie deals?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:37 nolafan33

12:39

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Think the focus has been on getting a Will Smith deal done. Now that the Saints have Khai xHarley on board to replace Russ Ball, there'll likely be some movement on the rookie deals in the coming weeks. The goal is always to have everyone in training camp for the first practice. So, Reggie Shrub and nolafan33, remain patient until the end of July and everything will get done.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:39 timespicayune

12:39

[Comment From slackattackslackattack: ]

Do you think Skyler Green has an honest shot at making the roster?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:39 slackattack

12:40

[Comment From Brandon13Brandon13: ]

Could Skyler Green (if he makes the team) be used as a Reggie or Hester type player on offense? Or will be only be used on special teams?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:40 Brandon13

12:40

[Comment From Carnell in DallasCarnell in Dallas: ]

Is Skyler Green impressing enough to make the team?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:40 Carnell in Dallas

12:41

[Comment From Reggie PlantReggie Plant: ]

Would they ever put Reggie and Skyler back deep for kickoffs?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:41 Reggie Plant

12:43

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Always good to hear from the Green fan club here in New Orleans, slackattack, Brandon13 and Carnell in Dallas, We'll assume, Carnell, that you're just visiting Texas, and Reggie Plant. To answer all these queries, I think Green's best chance to make the roster is as a return specialist, though he did display good hands in the workouts we witnessed. He also showed he still has good speed. I don't think he's as fast as Devin Hester, but in the few special teams drills we witnessed, he is a good returner with good moves. Remember, though, these moves were executed in shorts and helmets. Let's reassess once they put the pads on. But he could upgrade the return game.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:43 timespicayune

12:43

[Comment From marvinmarvin: ]

It seems like the defense could never get off the field on third downs, do you think we will improve in that area?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:43 marvin

12:45

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: That's a good question, Marvin, and a puzzling one considering in 2006 the Saints were among the best, if not the best, in getting off the field on third downs. The key in 2007 was poor pass defense. The Saints allowed lots of big plays and without looking at the breakdown, I'm sure lots of those were third-down conversions. If the pass defense is better in 2008, the Saints should be able to close opposing offenses out with greater efficiency. If not, it could be more of the same.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:45 timespicayune

12:46

[Comment From DrewDrew: ]

Who is the most promising saints player this year?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:46 Drew

12:47

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Thanks for checking in from your busy offseason, Drew. I'm assuming this is No. 9. Even if it's not, though, Drew the most promising player I've seen so far has to be Bobby McCray, followed by Sedrick Ellis. Those two defensive linemen should improve the Saints defense, which should improve the overall product.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:47 timespicayune

12:48

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

I would appreciate your insight into the Saint's tight end. Is there someone that has been standing out above the others? Your thoughts on Campbell coming back and whether Johnson will remain after last season's dissapointing performance. Thanks.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:48 Chris

12:49

[Comment From BirdManBirdMan: ]

Jimmy.. What is your take on the 2 young TE's we have on the roster.. Buck Ortega and Ronnie Ghent... Do you think that is why they didnt make the trade w/ Shockey, cause they have alot upside?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:49 BirdMan

12:50

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Having written a story last week on the return of Mark Campbell from his back injury, Chris, I believe the Saints running game this year will be greatly improved. Campbell is the best run-blocking tight end on the roster. We haven't seen anything of Eric Johnson because he has been limited because of recent ankle surgery. Ortega and Ghent, BirdMan, have looked OK in the OTAs but they'll be hard-pressed to top Campbell, Johnson and BIlly Miller. I still think the Shockey scenarios are alive.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:50 timespicayune

12:51

[Comment From Rob in LondonRob in London: ]

How do we stack up against the Chargers?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:51 Rob in London

12:52

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Must be happy hour over the pond, eh Rob? It should be an interesting matchup. The Saints had some difficulty stopping the run last season but should be improved in that area in 2008. Drew Brees will be going up against the team that basically sent him packing so there will be a great deal of motivation on his part to put on a great show for the folks in Wembley. It should be a great game.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:52 timespicayune

12:53

[Comment From TylerTyler: ]

What is your opinion on Josh Bullocks? Do you think he could lose his job to Kaesviharn?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:53 Tyler

12:54

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: I think the job right now, Tyler, is Kevin Kaesviharn's to lose. Josh Bullocks was limited in the offseason work by a knee injury, but I believe that Kaesviharn has moved ahead of him nonetheless. I'm not sure the coaching staff was especially pleased with the play of Bullocks and Roman Harper last year. Both players were spotty: up one week, down the next.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:54 timespicayune

12:55

[Comment From jeffjeff: ]

who has the biggest mouth in the locker room

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:55 jeff

12:56

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: That's a great question, Jeff, but it's an easy one. It's Hollis Thomas. But in a good way. He has a running repartee with reporters who go into the locker room, always joking. But his presence is always felt.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:56 timespicayune

12:57

[Comment From BobbyBobby: ]

Jimmy, other RBs like Jamal Anderson never could come back after tearing up both knees, but I've heard you and others talk optimistically about Deuce's comeback. Has medicine advanced that much in just a few short years?

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:57 Bobby

12:59

timespicayune:

JIMMY SMITH: Bobby, from an orthopedic standpoint, physicians are making great strides daily. That said, the biggest thing in Deuce's favor with this rehab is it was so close to the last one. He knew what to expect having just undergone surgery on the right knee in 2005 and re-habbing from that. Another thing is his favor was the surgery was done early in the season. He had lots of time to re-hab. That's why I think he'll come back strong this season.

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:59 timespicayune

12:59

timespicayune:

Thanks for stopping by. You can replay this chat anytime on nola.com/sports

Wednesday June 18, 2008 12:59 timespicayune

12:59