Live Chat: Friday sports talk

(08/08/2008)

12:54

Welcome to today's chat, everyone! We had a great time last night at the Saints game, so we're hoping for more of the same today.

Expect the Saints questions to be hot and heavy today ... though we'll see if we can sneak some Olympics and Hornets questions in there too.

Friday August 8, 2008 12:54

12:57

On the subject of the Olympics, I hear the smog is as bad as ever.

Jeff Duncan's Beijing blog has been an interesting read: http://blog.nola.com/olympics/

Friday August 8, 2008 12:57

12:58

[Comment From JohnnyJohnny: ]

So after an evening to digest the Saints game. What did you like and not like?

Friday August 8, 2008 12:58 Johnny

1:02

Liked: Brees, Meachem, Campbell, Ellis (hustle was good), WR play (competition has been good for everyone), the rookie kicker, and the effort in general was nice to see.

Didn't like: Tackling, coverage, first-team DL pressure, OL play, and did I mention the coverage? Yeah, the secondary still has a ways to go.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:02

1:02

[Comment From inkredibull1inkredibull1: ]

Whats your take on the OL in regards 2 the running game? While we're great in the passing game, our run game blocking leaves a lot 2 be desired

Friday August 8, 2008 1:02 inkredibull1

1:05

That is one of my biggest concerns, frankly, because if I had to pin last year's slow start on one single factor, the OL play would be it.

They are a talented group of guys, and they definitely have their moments (as you mentioned, they pass protected pretty well last night), but they just aren't consistent. That worries me. The team can overcome a young and shaky secondary (which would in theory improve over the course of the season). A bad OL though? Not so much.

I'll be looking for improvement next time out.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:05

1:05

[Comment From rod farvarod farva: ]

Did Meachum and Arrington solidify there roster spots last night?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:05 rod farva

1:08

No. They improved their stock, no doubt about it. But the preseason is looooong. We're almost certainly going to see each of these guys turn in shaky performances at some point ... which would negate their strong showings last night.

Do I think they're both looking better though? Absolutely. Put a gun to my head and I tell you they both make the roster and that Meachem is a borderline No. 2/3. We'll see how it plays out though.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:08

1:08

[Comment From saintsfansaintsfan: ]

I was glad to see Drew Brees in regular season form. What do you think happen to the o-line last night. Can't score from the 1 foot line concerns me.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:08 saintsfan

1:09

Missed block, from a guy who doesn't normally play. I wouldn't read too much into that one play, though like I said, I really want the line to improve next time out.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:09

1:09

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

i thought usama young did a pretty good what about you

Friday August 8, 2008 1:09 Guest

1:09

[Comment From JohnnyJohnny: ]

When you're a great passing team, or a team that likes to throw it a lot, the run blocking will suffer. We're not a very physical upfront offensive line, b/c the o-line is constantly back on their heels in pass protection. A team that runs first knows how to come off the ball low and drive block.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:09 Johnny

1:10

This is fair ... to a point. I also have high expectations that a team can do both. At the professional level, they are PAID to do both. I think asking them to excel in both phases, given their talent, is not too much to ask.

Now if these were college kids...

Friday August 8, 2008 1:10

1:12

But on Young, he was toast at times and looked good at others. This is the learning curve you can expect to see from him and Porter this season (if Porter ever gets out there). Hopefully we'll see more good than bad very soon!

Friday August 8, 2008 1:12

1:12

[Comment From KenKen: ]

Thoughts on the mop up QB > Palko. I thought he threw the ball well last night

Friday August 8, 2008 1:12 Ken

1:14

Brunell played very well as the primary backup, so I wouldn't expect to see him supplanted.

That said, Palko had a great game. He's a bit of a wild steer out there at times (kind of reminds me of the kid from Colorado St. -- Van Pelt), so he takes some reigning in. Last night he only made a couple of mistakes, which for him is a good night. He balanced those out with some great throws. I think he's a solid No. 3 choice ... especially if he can keep improving.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:14

1:14

[Comment From Buster HiemenBuster Hiemen: ]

How do you feel about Gramatica as a kicker? Is it worth keeping him on because of his accuracy or does his inability to put it in the endzone make it not worth it?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:14 Buster Hiemen

1:16

It all depends on the rookie Mehlhaff. Logicallly, if he can display leg strength AND accuracy, there is no reason for the team to keep Gramatica around. This saddens me as a K-State fan, but it is reality. Mehlhaff would have to struggle as a placekicker to allow Gramatica to make the team ... and he did not struggle last night.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:16

1:17

[Comment From Peter GozeniaPeter Gozenia: ]

What is the word on Deuce? Will he be ready for the opener? Will he ever be 100% again?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:17 Peter Gozenia

1:20

The million dollar question. Everything I've seen and all reports I've heard tell me one thing: He looks great, but there's no telling how his legs will hold up. There's a reason for that too: the coaches are treating him very gingerly.

Can't say that I blame them. If I had a guy with a pair of gimpy legs, I'd be careful with him too.

My instincts are telling me he'll have a setback at some point and we'll only get him part of the year, but again, I can be a pessimist.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:20

1:21

[Comment From chrischris: ]

Do you think they are going to try to run Reggie just as much as they did last year? I , myself, would much rather see him used more like a receiver.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:21 chris

1:23

[Comment From ECRECR: ]

Why does coach Payton insist on running reggie between the tackles?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:23 ECR

1:24

Agreed on the receiver thing, but if Meachem comes out and dominates, and Deuce is gimpy, what then? Wouldn't a three-receiver set with Shockey and Buch on the field make a lot of sense? I guess I'm just taking a wait and see approach for now, though my inclination is to say that Bush's carries should be limited in a best-case scenario.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:24

1:24

[Comment From inkredibull1inkredibull1: ]

Do you think the fans are putting undue pressure on PT to perform?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:24 inkredibull1

1:26

Not in the slightest. If he's up to it (and I think that he is), he'll be sure to live up to their expectations.

The problem with those expectations falls on the coaches, not Pierre. Heaven help them if the running game is struggling and Thomas is sitting on the bench again.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:26

1:26

[Comment From gapingredeyegapingredeye: ]

What do you think will be the hardest Away game for the Saints this year?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:26 gapingredeye

1:30

I know the Chargers game isn't "technically" a road game, but tell that to the players who have to take the red eye to London (is that where you got your screenname?). San Diego will be a load.

If that one doesn't count, I'm going with the roadie in Chicago in December. That one is sure to be played in "lose a toe" kind of frigid temperatures, and it's not like the Saints have been charmed against that team lately.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:30

1:30

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I thought Meacham was a beast! if he continues to play like he did last night he's gona be great. i thought the ESPN commentary was TERRIBLE. They never shut up, and 90% of their commentary had nothing to do with the game. Some of the best plays were never even commented on.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:30 Guest

1:32

I think the problem, inherent, is that they have too national a perspective and don't know the teams at hand well enough to speak intelligently about them. Take, for instance, the notion that there is "no" pressure on the Saints this year. Um, that isn't correct. Saints fans are FANATICAL ... another losing record wouldn't get Payton fired, but it would get him on the hot seat I'd say.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:32

1:33

[Comment From $5hmmmmmr$5hmmmmmr: ]

Do you think Shockey will have the same attitude problems here as he had in New York, or do you think there were just a result of his disinterest in staying in New York?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:33 $5hmmmmmr

1:34

I'm not sold on either position. Perhaps both are true. He's making a real effort at cleaning up his act and getting a fresh start. I applaud that. But am I ready to rule out him flaring up in Week 7 if he isn't seeing the ball? No, I'm not ready to rule that out.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:34

1:35

[Comment From Iwana KnailerIwana Knailer: ]

How important will Randall Gays experience with a winning franchise help our young cornerback prospects?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:35 Iwana Knailer

1:36

Very key ... though another guy to look out for in that regard is vet Aaron Glenn. He may not make the roster (in fact, it's still an uphill climb for him), but you've got to think his mere presence in training camp helps. Plus, the dude has fire (as last night showed).

Friday August 8, 2008 1:36

1:37

[Comment From Aaron MeyerAaron Meyer: ]

How is Bobby Mccray he was injured last night any word on is injury?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:37 Aaron Meyer

1:38

[Comment From Loren LazaroeLoren Lazaroe: ]

b mccray just has a bruised calf, nothing big! we already know that!

Friday August 8, 2008 1:38 Loren Lazaroe

1:38

Still haven't seen or heard word on anything serious ... it's being called a minor thing by the Saints, so I'll treat it as such until I hear differently.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:38

1:39

[Comment From ryan from austinryan from austin: ]

My focus isn't on the offense because I know they will score points, what I'm most concerned about is our defense. Was there any positive coming from our secondary or DL last night that shows signs of improvement?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:39 ryan from austin

1:41

McCray showed GREAT burst off the corner ... though he missed the sack and hurt himself.

Doh!

Seriously, things weren't awful. Simoneau and Shanle both had their moments (as they should), Ellis displayed a nice motor at times, and even the corners had a few nice plays (many observers particularly liked the play of Young). Bring in some more healthy bodies (like Vilma) and things will definitely improve.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:41

1:42

[Comment From nola boynola boy: ]

Who Do You Think Would Win The Punt Return Competition

Friday August 8, 2008 1:42 nola boy

1:44

I want Bush to pull his head out and start fielding those things cleanly. Can you imagine him running punts back consistently? It might not be Devin Hester-good (nothing is), but it would be pretty darn salty.

Green and Moore will get their chances this preseason ... if Green can get a few really long ones he'll have a chance at sticking.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:44

1:44

[Comment From ryan from austinryan from austin: ]

I heard last night, ESPN commentator Mark Schleareth (don't know if that's how you spell it) say that the thing that will cost the Saints is our head coach making boneheaded plays like a double reverse on the first play from scrimmage. I know Payton has a tendency to make some crazy calls, but that's a good thing. He's unpredictable which keeps the defense on their feet. You agree?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:44 ryan from austin

1:45

Yes. I think he gambles on fourth down a little too much, and I hate his reckless challenges that leave the team without timeouts, but I honestly think he's a great coach, and New Orleans should be happy to have him.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:45

1:45

[Comment From Anita GizzomAnita Gizzom: ]

Please tell me that Jason Kidd will not be the starter in the Olympics...Paul and Williams give us a much better chance to win the gold. Thoughts?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:45 Anita Gizzom

1:47

I tend to agree with this, though I do like the presence of Kidd for morale and leadership. But honestly, he can provide those things from the bench ... Paul and Williams are just plain better in the here and now.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:47

1:47

[Comment From Loren LazaroeLoren Lazaroe: ]

With the addition of James Posey, do you think the Hornets have done enought this offseason to better themselves from last year?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:47 Loren Lazaroe

1:49

Well, sort of. Posey is the most important addition they could have made short of a Ron Artest (and Posey does not bring that baggage either), and they re-signed Paul, so they've some great work so far. We still have to see how they fill out the rest of the roster, though. I am anxious to see what we end up with.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:49

1:50

[Comment From Seymour HarepyzSeymour Harepyz: ]

Are the Hornets still looking to add a backup point guard if they cant sign Pargo or will they risk it and assume Mike James will step up?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:50 Seymour Harepyz

1:54

I am sorry for your condition, sir (given your handle).

It is looking more and more likely that James will be the backup point ... and if people were banging their heads against the wall over Pargo, they better start padding their walls now.

James' game can best be described as "frustrating". I think he'll be an okay stopgap, but he's going to tick some people off.

That would be my guess anyway.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:54

1:54

[Comment From Black and Gold SuperbowlBlack and Gold Superbowl: ]

David West is the key. If he improves even more, other teams are in trouble. Hornets are going to win the big dance, right after the saints do.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:54 Black and Gold Superbowl

1:54

[Comment From Mike OxlongMike Oxlong: ]

Yes or no -- does Michael Phelps break Spitz' single-games gold medal record? Who will we be talking about most after the games, and why?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:54 Mike Oxlong

1:57

No. I just don't think he has it in him. He'll get him some gold, just not Spitz gold. :-)

I think the basketball team, for better or worse, will be a huge story. These guys are committed to getting the U.S. back on top. And what about Lopez Lomong, the flag bearer who hailed from Sudan? That is a great story right there ... even without a gold medal.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:57

1:58

[Comment From RogerRoger: ]

The challenge last night had no downside - Saints would almost certainly have taken a timeout anyway on 4th & goal.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:58 Roger

1:58

No real downside on that one ... just stating a general hatred for his challenge methods. In general, I really don't like them.

Friday August 8, 2008 1:58

1:59

[Comment From Willy StrokemWilly Strokem: ]

Medal count -- How close will China get to the US? Obviously gymnastics will be a big factor between the two countries, but what else will play a direct role in the national medal count?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:59 Willy Strokem

1:59

Phelps will try to single-handedly keep the U.S. in front, I think. :-)

Friday August 8, 2008 1:59

1:59

[Comment From Master BaitorMaster Baitor: ]

Looking back now...we has Bonzi and James and gave up Bobby Jackson...now we need a PG, Bonzi struggled, James doesnt look like he can get it done and we still pay him almost $5mm. Seems like a bad deal. Thoughts?

Friday August 8, 2008 1:59 Master Baitor

2:01

In retrospect, probably. It was meant to provide a playoff boost, but I don't think the team expected Pargo to bolt either. I still think Pargo>Jackson, so it's hard to fault the team too much on that one.

Friday August 8, 2008 2:01

2:01

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

what did you think of the RB Hamilton. I know it was garbage time when he played but he seemed to have a little burst. Any chances he might stay around?

Friday August 8, 2008 2:01 Guest

2:03

I pimped Barclay last night, on the premise that a backup runner had a shot at sticking if Deuce was slow to heal or someone else got hurt. Hamilton is just as good a choice, and his performance last night was solid. Like I said, he needs an injury or two to happen, but he has a shot.

Friday August 8, 2008 2:03

2:03

Time to wrap things up, but thanks for all the great questions everyone!

Friday August 8, 2008 2:03

2:03

[Comment From JohnnyJohnny: ]

What about Phelps sporting the John Homes / Fu Man Chu mustache? Do you like it?

Friday August 8, 2008 2:03 Johnny

2:04

Better than Brees' scraggle-look. ;-)

Friday August 8, 2008 2:04

2:05

But yeah, good note to wrap up on. Thanks again everyone, and we'll be seeing you next week with another chat during the Saints game, and several sports chats during the course of the week.

Friday August 8, 2008 2:05

2:05

[Comment From JohnnyJohnny: ]

Have a great weekend to you David and the entire city!

Friday August 8, 2008 2:05 Johnny

2:05

[Comment From Harry PeretestesHarry Peretestes: ]

Thanks again

Friday August 8, 2008 2:05 Harry Peretestes

2:05

Ditto. Take care everyone!

Friday August 8, 2008 2:05