Live chat: Friday sports talk

(08/22/2008)

1:00

Hey everyone, welcome to another Friday sports chat.

Is anyone else Olympic'ed out? I always start fast and strong and then fade as the games go on. For me, it probably won't get any better than the Phelps drama involved in winning 8 golds, but I guess you never know.

I was happy to see the U.S. winning the beach volleyball events though. I mean, if we can't win at beach volleyball, what the frick? That's like losing at basketball ... it irritates me to no end.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:00

1:02	Are you sick of the Olympics? Never! ( 18% ) Maybe a little. ( 64% ) Absolutely. ( 9% ) I didn't care to begin with. ( 9% ) Friday August 22, 2008 1:02

1:03

[Comment From jamesjames: ]

why wont the old timers admit that archie manning is the 3rd best quaterback of all times behind brees and brooks. He may be 4th behind Hebert, the argument could be made.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:03 james

1:05

The thing you have to remember with Manning (and this is the argument you'll always hear) is that he didn't have a whole lot of help back then. Not only that, but you have to take into account the lack of elite passers back then ... it was a different game.

I think Manning's accomplishments merit his inclusion in the best ever discussion. When all is said and done I would not be surprised to see Brees emerge as the best this city has ever seen (and he's already darn good), but for right now, it's certainly up for debate.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:05

1:06

[Comment From adamadam: ]

There's no way james is older than mid-twenties. He's teetering on the edge of blasphemy.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:06 adam

1:07

Manning will always be loved in this town, and rightfully so I'd say.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:07

1:07

[Comment From adamadam: ]

Tell the truth. What do YOU think of the Hornets new uniforms?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:07 adam

1:08

Hahaha! I sidestepped the issue by focusing on the new logos the other day ... and those I think are very sharp.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:08

1:10

As for the uniforms, I'm sort of meh on them. I don't think they're drastically worse, but I do think they're a slight step down. I prefer bright, bold colors as a general rule.

The pinstripes are a-ok in my book though. I saw fans walking around in plaid jerseys during the playoffs last year, and those were pretty sweet. I feel the same way about the pinstripes ... pretty cool if used in moderation.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:10

1:10

[Comment From markmark: ]

I sure hope Tracy Porter is more impressive against the Bengals. He gave up on one play in particular and the texan receiver picked up 6 more yards before Shanle hit em out of bounds.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:10 mark

1:13

During our ingame chat last week, that issue was pointed out on several occasions. Porter was not running plays through to completion.

This is one of the easiest things for a coach to fix, however, as he can embarrass said player to no end in film study since it is so glaring. Unless Porter has a bad attitude, he should be able to learn the value of hustle and effort ... and Saints fans should see a better game from him in the very near future.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:13

1:13	What do you think of the new uniforms? Love them! ( 40% ) Hate them! ( 30% ) Meh. ( 30% ) Who cares? ( 0% ) Friday August 22, 2008 1:13

1:14

[Comment From kentkent: ]

With what seems to be a lot of depth at wide receiver, and not all of them able to make it on the active roster, do you think there is any trade value for the one or ones who may not make the roster?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:14 kent

1:18

This has been touched on before, and while I do like what Patten is bringing to the table (and so would other teams), I also would not trade him. And if Colston and Meachem are off the market as well, you'll begin to see a lack of interest in the others.

Devery Henderson, for instance, will not command a high draft pick from anyone else, especially if he's set to get cut (as some are speculating). At the end of the day, your top-end guys are the only ones who'd presumably have a strong value on the market, and those are the ones you want to keep. I don't expect to see any trades unless some team (like Cinci?) gets really desperate.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:18

1:18

[Comment From RickRick: ]

Did someone actually say Brooks was the 2nd best QB in saints history? Is this guy an idiot or what? If Jim Haslett wan't so in love with brooks, he wouldnt have lasted as long as he did. Just look at how far he went after leaving the saints!

Friday August 22, 2008 1:18 Rick

1:19

[Comment From RogerRoger: ]

Archie was Pro bowl twice and NFC player-of-the-year ('78). ESPN reported that Bobby's best QB rating was 82.9. Aaron is an afterthought - at best, a one game wonder.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:19 Roger

1:20

All strong arguments. If pressed, I'd currently rank 'em like this:
Manning, Brees, Hebert, Brooks

The better question is not whether Brees is currently the best of all time, but rather what he needs to accomplish to earn that title. It's fun to think about, because he definitely seems capable of a whole lot.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:20

1:20

[Comment From DFUNK - In So CalDFUNK - In So Cal: ]

Aaron Brooks was a 1/2 year wonder in all fairness, Haslett was a 1 year wonder...it would have been interesting has Jake Delhomme taken over for Aaron Brooks, who knows, Saints led by a local boy

Friday August 22, 2008 1:20 DFUNK - In So Cal

1:21

[Comment From Not Jason DavidNot Jason David: ]

And proud of it....Do we have an alternative(s)?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:21 Not Jason David

1:22

You mean at corner? I think we'e all itching to see more of Young and Gay out there (funny name combination nonwithstanding).

Friday August 22, 2008 1:22

1:22

[Comment From DevlonDevlon: ]

I think LSU has a legitimate chance to repeat as champs if they beat Florida in the swamp. What you think?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:22 Devlon

1:25

The schedule looks a touch tough to me. I would easily buy LSU as a 2-loss team that wins the SEC, but I think this year you have to go undefeated to have a shot at it, and I really don't think LSU can do that (especially since they didn't accomplish it last year either).

Why undefeated? Because USC, OSU, Oklahoma and Missouri (among others) don't figure to have many losses at all this year. Those teams were borderline dominant last year ... and they all come back stronger and more experienced. LSU is going to have work harder to keep pace this year, and given the Tigers' schedule, that will be tough.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:25

1:26

[Comment From PaulPaul: ]

How much weight do you put in last weeks defensive performance considering that we were not playing with McKenzie in the backfield and it was Vilma's first action in almost 10 months?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:26 Paul

1:28

There are extenuating circumstances in every game, and those were definitely two factors working against New Orleans. The injuries to Young and co. didn't help either.

I'm really beginning to believe Usama Young is a key to this season. If he can stay on the field and improve as the season goes along (and the same goes for Porter, for that matter), the defensive secondary could actually become a strength instead of a weakness.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:28

1:29

[Comment From Chung VuChung Vu: ]

What do you think is more of the secondary probem? cornerback play or defensive scheme? I think it is defensive scheme.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:29 Chung Vu

1:29

[Comment From Chung VuChung Vu: ]

I wonder does the Saints Def Cord. Gibb knows that team like to throw the ball away from McKenzie side? If he does, how comes he does not provide help for Jason David?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:29 Chung Vu

1:29

[Comment From Not Jason DavidNot Jason David: ]

Speaking of Vilma...he looked slow against Houston. Did he look any quicker in camp? Or has time/injuries caught up with him?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:29 Not Jason David

1:30

[Comment From kent bkent b: ]

What do you think the Saints will do with Hollis Thomas? IR or keep him on roster?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:30 kent b

1:34

The front 7, in my opinion, will be fine. If Vilma struggles, he becomes a Brian Simmons ... nice for depth and that's it. So at least the team is no worse off at LB (and this is worst-case). But I think the additions of Ellis and McCray along the DL will more than make up for the short-term loss of Thomas, and I do think Vilma can play at a higher level ... his camp performance indicates as much. Right now I suspect his head is spinning a touch (he was late on plays several times, but still got there in time to help). New system, new players ... methinks Vilma is still adjusting.

i haven't heard any rumors about Thomas on IR, so we'll keep hoping for the best on that. And as for Gibbs, I'll just say I'm not sold one way or the other. It seems no matter what he does on third down, it doesn't work. The presence of David in the starting lineup may have a lot to do with that, but Gibbs has got to figure out a way to allow his players to succeed on third down. If they don't have the ability, get them out of there.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:34

1:35

[Comment From DFUNK - In So CalDFUNK - In So Cal: ]

Has Reggie improved at all as a "running back"? or has the team given up on him being a true #1? Reggie stated that he would add 15 lbs of upper body muscle in the offseason and workout with Brian Westbrook and L.T.? Did any of this happen beside his cameo on "Meet the Kardasians"?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:35 DFUNK - In So Cal

1:35

[Comment From ECRECR: ]

Saints offesive line is great at pass protection but we can't get the run game going. Who is to blame?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:35 ECR

1:40

The speculation about Bush and the running game will be an ongoing thing until the guy finds himself in the Pro Bowl. Since I don't think that is going to happen, the speculation will continue until a retires (and maybe even after).

Here's my take. The OL and play-calling deserve some blame here. I almost never see Bush get to follow the FB. Is that a limitation in his game? Did he ask Payton not to run behind the FB? Who knows. But for whatever reason, we don't see it ... and it's a way he can potentially find more success between the tackles.

That said, he just probably isn't ever going to be a Marshall Faulk when it comes to running the ball. If you can't see that, I don't know what to tell you. Watch his stutter-step, and how it closes the holes before he can get through them. Watch him avoid contact instead of initiate it. Watch him reverse field and lose yardage. Then tell me with a straight face he's Marshall Faulk. I'm sorry, I don't see it.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:40

1:42

But I want to be clear about this: I think he can be a good to great player here. It would not surprise me at all if he came out and put up numbers like he did as a rookie on an annual basis. And 800 yards rushing and receiving can help this team. A lot. I just think fans should lower their expectations and they'll be a lot happier.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:42

1:43

[Comment From Not Jason DavidNot Jason David: ]

I assume Gibbs (as any def. cord. would) is hoping the DL will get to the opposing QB and thereby forced rushed/errant passes. That being said, the Carolina Panthers had one of the lowest number of sacks in the league last year, yet they looked MUCH better than us overall on D.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:43 Not Jason David

1:43

A competant (not good, competant) secondary can make all the difference.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:43

1:43

[Comment From RogerRoger: ]

Seems like the Saints have issues at safety too. Have they worked Aaron Glenn at that position at all?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:43 Roger

1:46

I haven't seen that with my own eyes, but it has been speculatated that is part of the reason he was brought in -- versatility.

I watched Roman Harper every snap he was in the other night, and he looked healthy ... and more importantly, sound. I don't think he is the problem.

The other side could use some help, but I don't think Glenn is the answer there. Sure, he can provide depth, but 'm guessing Kaes is the team's best bet there.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:46

1:46

[Comment From ECRECR: ]

Do think the defense will take step forward or a step backward against the Bengals tomorrow? The offense can't be stopped, right?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:46 ECR

1:49

The offense is fine. The blocking could be better, but they've looked good.

I think the defense will look much better against Cinci, and not because they've improved necessarily, but because the Bengals are having problems on offense. Their OL is a work in progress, their running game is a mess, and they are so desperate for a healthy receiver they signed Chris Henry. This is the kind of team the Saints should be able to hold up defensively against.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:49

1:49

[Comment From DannieDannie: ]

I like them for the most part. I only have two negative comments. 1.) I actually prefered the teal and gold. It made them stand out.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:49 Dannie

1:50

The uniforms are solid. Not great, just solid.

Let's hope the addition of Devin Brown helps the team look better, not the uniforms. ;-)

Friday August 22, 2008 1:50

1:50

[Comment From DevlonDevlon: ]

I have the Saints going 11-5 and being in contention for home field with Dallas. I know the Vikings are the sexy pick. I just cant trust Jackson can lead that group.Thoughts?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:50 Devlon

1:52

I don't trust Jackson either. The Vikings could go 15-1 this year and I still wouldn't trust him in the playoffs. At least Brees has been there before.

I think in the NFC you have the Cowboys and everyone else. It could be a wild year.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:52

1:52

[Comment From CalebCaleb: ]

Not to mention almost all the skill position players on the Cincy offense are not expected to play Saturday. Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson, Chad Johnson, ad T.J. whoyourdaddy are all not expected to play

Friday August 22, 2008 1:52 Caleb

1:52

[Comment From NotJasonDavidNotJasonDavid: ]

You said the Saints should be able to "hold up defensively" against the Bengals. What should we expect? Points/yards against? FAR more importantly, what should we expect defensively once we're playing for real?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:52 NotJasonDavid

1:54

I think the Saints should be able to keep this team under 20 points -- that's my benchmark. Anything under 10 would be a great effort, anything over 20 would be poor.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:54

1:54

[Comment From MoMo: ]

I agree in let's hope Devin makes the team look better rather than the uniforms. It's not like the team will be wearing pastel polka dots.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:54 Mo

1:54

[Comment From MoMo: ]

LOL! Those weren't plaid jerseys. They were argyle. I think plaid would be a whole lot worse.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:54 Mo

1:55

LOL, Fair point, was searching for words and "argyle" didn't roll off the fingertips per se. But yeah, I still liked 'em. I'd like to see the team wear those.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:55

1:55

[Comment From kent bkent b: ]

Polka dots? lol

Friday August 22, 2008 1:55 kent b

1:55

[Comment From lynx1500lynx1500: ]

They can wear t-shirts if they keep winning and i'll bye one

Friday August 22, 2008 1:55 lynx1500

1:55

[Comment From The Chocolate City CrackeThe Chocolate City Cracke: ]

Any update on the situation with the saints kickers?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:55 The Chocolate City Cracke

1:55

[Comment From Da Chocolate City CrackerDa Chocolate City Cracker: ]

Who do you think will be the primary kick off and punt returners??

Friday August 22, 2008 1:55 Da Chocolate City Cracker

1:56

Kicker situation is the same ... the rookie will win the job unless he struggles on field goals. If he does, the team should keep he and Gramatica.

At KR, I like the same group we had last year ... with Bush hopefully making an impact on the punt return team.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:56

1:57

[Comment From kent bkent b: ]

With our outstanding pass offense potential, you would think team would be playing the pass first, making it easier for us to run,,,,, but nooooooo..... we can't even run it with the defense in Pass D!?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:57 kent b

1:58

There's a lot going on out there on any given series ... lots of different formations, personnel groupings, etc. I think this team CAN run the ball better, therefore I EXPECT them to run better. Will they? Let's hope.

Friday August 22, 2008 1:58

1:58

[Comment From CalebCaleb: ]

Not sure if you guys have read the ESPN "franchise players" where readers vote for the best players in history on their teams. Readers voted Bobby Hebert as the best Saints player ever. As much as I love the Cajun Cannon I've got to disagree...who do you think should have been voted tops?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:58 Caleb

1:58

[Comment From SaintfanrussSaintfanruss: ]

Kent B needs to lighten up, we aren't even trying to run right now

Friday August 22, 2008 1:58 Saintfanruss

1:58

[Comment From RogerRoger: ]

I'm not sold the Cowboys even win their division. A friend tells me Pargo signe for around 3 mil and M. James is making 6 mil. What's up with that?

Friday August 22, 2008 1:58 Roger

2:00

The Hornets inherited that contract when they traded for him. It limits what they can do in signing other players (such as Pargo), which is why the team is where it is in regards to its reserves.

I wouldn't worry too much ... Boston had to tape a team together on the fly last year and they came out just fine.

Friday August 22, 2008 2:00

2:00

[Comment From lynx1500lynx1500: ]

dalton hilliard was the greatest saints player ever.....

Friday August 22, 2008 2:00 lynx1500

2:00

[Comment From RogerRoger: ]

Deuce is a guy that really knows how to run the ball. Bush doesn't seemed to have picked up anything from him. Thoughts?

Friday August 22, 2008 2:00 Roger

2:01

Bush is not the freak of nature in terms of speed/strength that Deuce is. He'll never be able to run like that unless he seriously bulks up.

Friday August 22, 2008 2:01

2:01

[Comment From lynx1500lynx1500: ]

Eric Martin was the second.. he just never had a great QB

Friday August 22, 2008 2:01 lynx1500

2:01

But what about Ironhead Heyward? Loved that guy.

Friday August 22, 2008 2:01

2:04

Well, we're out of time again. Guys, we'll be hosting a fantasy football draft chat today at 3 pm (in one hour). Check back and we'll talk about some fantasy football and answer your questions.

Thanks again for stopping by, and take care!

Friday August 22, 2008 2:04

2:04

[Comment From lynx1500lynx1500: ]

he loved crawfish

Friday August 22, 2008 2:04 lynx1500

2:04

[Comment From lynx1500lynx1500: ]

ate his way out the NFL

Friday August 22, 2008 2:04 lynx1500

2:04

[Comment From NotJasonDavidNotJasonDavid: ]

Willie Roaf. Hands down.