Saints chat - Live Blog Live Blogging

5:26

Welcome to the Saints game chat with beat reporters Mike Triplett and Teddy Kider as we're nearing kickoff of the Saints vs. Houston Texans in the Superdome. We'll begin shortly, go ahead and send in your questions for the guys.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:26

5:30

OK, we're going live.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:30

5:30

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

How much do you expect Pierre Thomas to play tonight? Also, what about Devery Henderson?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:30 Guest

5:30

Pierre Thomas should be playing a lot tonight, especially if Reggie Bush doesn't play (as expected). He will get a bunch of reps with the first team. Devery Henderson should also get a lot of time on the field -- and he definitely needs to do something with it.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:30

5:31

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

How much is Deuce supposed to play time?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:31 John

5:31

Hey John, they didn't announce his pitch count, but I would expect a brief cameo. Let's set the over/under at 5 carries. ... If the Saints start off with another 13-play touchdown drive, that will be it for him.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:31

5:31

[Comment From Ross in Austin, TXRoss in Austin, TX: ]

Hey Mike and Teddy, are we going to get to see Tracy Porter tonight?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:31 Ross in Austin, TX

5:31

We should get to see Porter tonight. Sean Payton said early in the week that he would play. I would expect to see him for a significant portion of the game.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:31

5:32

[Comment From kevinkevin: ]

281551.1.1. GO SAINTS GO by princechrm1, 8/16/08 17:47 ET Re: When is Shockey going to play? by bear5221, 8/16/08 MY NEW SONG FOR SAINTS FANS go saints go,go saints go,hey new orleans what a you say saints are going to win today

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:32 kevin

5:36

Hey Kevin ... Huge Cubs fan, so I love that song ... As for Shockey, I really don't know what's going on there. Sean Payton said he thought he'd be full speed by the final two preseason games, but he still hasn't gone through a full practice in the last two weeks. We'll know a lot more when they get back on the practice field Monday.

The Saints say he hasn't suffered any setbacks during camp. I think he may have tweaked an ankle or a calf in an early practice that slowed him down a bit. But he is out there running around during walk-throughs and individual drills, so it's not like he's been completely on the shelf.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:36

5:36

[Comment From BobbyBobby: ]

Do you think the Texans will be a playoff team this year and a good measuring stick for the Saints tonight?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:36 Bobby

5:37

I just took a very informal pole here in the press box -- everyone seems to think that the Texans will not be a playoff team, especially with the division they must come out of. I wouldn't use this game as a big measuring stick for the Saints, but after watching the practices this week, I am curious to see how New Orleans' offensive line holds up and how Mario Williams performs.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:37

5:37

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

What's up with the Booger McFarland rumour?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:37 Scott

5:38

Hey Scott, the Saints are going to take a look at him, just to see what kind of shape he's in, to see if he's even an option for them. I wouldn't call it an imminent signing, though. Obviously other teams have checked him out, then decided to pass. And the Saints still have decent depth at tackle.

I think a lot of it might depend on Brian Young's health. He's been slowed by a knee injury throughout camp, and if the Saints feel like he won't be 100 percent by Week 1, they'll definitely have to add another body.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:38

5:38

[Comment From JayJay: ]

How much will Ellis play tonight and will he see time with Grant and Smith?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:38 Jay

5:39

[Comment From keithkeith: ]

How man snaps will Vilma see tonight?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:39 keith

5:41

I would expect Ellis to play tonight, but on a limited basis with that bruised ankle. If he plays, we should see him with Smith and Grant, probably starting. I would expect Vilma to be in there longer than Ellis -- I see no reason why he shouldn't get some significant playing time, make him comfortable with the defense.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:41

5:41

[Comment From g-ranttg-rantt: ]

Hey guys. Who are your under-the-radar or surprise player(s) for the Saints this year? (kinda like David Patten, Lance Moore and Pierre Thomas were)

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:41 g-rantt

5:43

Hey G-rantt, Honestly, the first name that comes to my mind is David Patten again. I think he's still under the radar with all the attention Arrington and Meachem have been getting. I think he'll be the No. 2 receiver behind Colston throughout the year, and I think he'll put up real nice numbers in this offense. ... That's my fantasy football tip for the day, anyway.

As for a young guy that could come from nowhere, the rookie lineman Carl Nicks is a sleeper candidate to push Jamar Nesbit for a starting job. And Orien Harris has an opportunity to make the roster as a tackle/end, though he won't have the kind of exciting impact as a Pierre Thomas or Lance Moore.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:43

5:43

[Comment From VdsoggJVdsoggJ: ]

Are the Saints looking for another running back or are the happy with what the have in camp

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:43 VdsoggJ

5:44

I see no reason right now why the Saints would bring in another running back. I think that depends a lot on what we see tonight from Deuce McAllister ... but if McAllister is ready to do, they should be set with Bush, McAllister, Thomas and Stecker. I haven't heard any complaints about depth at that position.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:44

5:44

[Comment From HarryHarry: ]

Kevin is original, what a stupid song......leave that one to the Cubs where it has meaning. Let's get to the hot and heavy.....Martin or Taylor?? let's have a Kick OFF

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:44 Harry

5:46

Hey Harry, my gut feeling is Martin Gramatica. So far, he's just been more consistent and reliable, and that's what it will come down to when the Saints make that choice, regardless of what round they picked Mehlhaff in. ... Mehlhaff does have three preseason games left to earn the coaches' trust and confidence, but he needs to start making everything and hitting every kickoff.

I do think it's possible they'll keep both of them, though, with Mehlhaff kicking off and being groomed to be the kicker of the future.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:46

5:46

[Comment From saints912saints912: ]

how long are the starters supposed to play tonight?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:46 saints912

5:47

The starters are expected to play longer than they did in Game 1, but shorter than they will in Game 3 -- your typical starter will probably see about one-and-a-half to two quarters tonight. Obviously, it could be different for someone like McAllister.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:47

5:47

[Comment From garygary: ]

Is the game going to be televised outside of the NO area?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:47 gary

5:47

[Comment From garygary: ]

Around Marksville, LA. Bordelonville, La

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:47 gary

5:48

Gary, I'm not sure what cable company you're on, but if that's the Alexandria area, it's on 756 on your HD channels, not on the regular cable

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:48

5:48

[Comment From EricEric: ]

Do you think we have more depth than any other team?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:48 Eric

5:50

Hey Eric, I wouldn't go that far. I'm guessing the Patriots and Colts and Cowboys, among others, could make that claim. But I do think an argument could be made that this is among the deepest team the Saints have ever had. ... They brought back all but one starter (Jeff Faine) from a team that should have been in the playoffs last year. And they added Vilma, McCray, Shockey, Gay and Sedrick Ellis, all of whom will make a big impact right away.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:50

5:50

[Comment From scsaintsfanscsaintsfan: ]

Has our offensive line regressed, or is the defensive line that improved?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:50 scsaintsfan

5:52

I don't really think the offensive line has regressed, although, like I said, I'm curious to see how Mario Williams and the rest of the Texans' defensive line do against the Saints tonight. The Saints' offensive line did not look great this week at some practices. You pretty much have to think that the Saints' defensive line has improved, but it also will be interesting to see how they do without one more guy as a backup, now that Hollis Thomas is out.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:52

5:52

[Comment From Ross in Austin, TXRoss in Austin, TX: ]

It is televised in the Austin area

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:52 Ross in Austin, TX

5:52

[Comment From joel from Atlantajoel from Atlanta: ]

Do you think that Duece is really the key to the saints success?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:52 joel from Atlanta

5:53

Hey Joel, I think the short answer is no. I think a healthy Deuce would give this team a huge boost. When he's at his best (like in that Philly playoff game), he is able to run over worn-out defenses in the fourth quarter. ... But if he's limited this season, or if they have to turn to Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker, I think the Saints will still be OK. I think they learned from their mistakes last year about how to use Reggie and not force him into that every-down back role.

The most indispensable player is Brees. After him, I think it's Colston.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:53

5:53

[Comment From joel from Atlantajoel from Atlanta: ]

Is there a mandatory cut of players next week?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:53 joel from Atlanta

5:54

There is a mandatory cut after the third preseason game -- I believe the Saints' roster must go down to 75. After the fourth game, you'll see the roster go down to the regular-season size.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:54

5:54

[Comment From GRGR: ]

What channel is the game on in the New Orleans area (non-cable)?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:54 GR

5:54

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is the game on Comcast?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:54 Guest

5:55

Hey Scott, I'll go with Mike McKenzie, Randall Gay, Kevin Kaesviharn and Roman Harper. ... That's based on my personal observation that Gay has looked like their best corner throughout camp so far. But honestly, I wouldn't rule out Jason David just yet. He's been lining up with the 1s throughout camp, and the Saints are going to give him a chance to prove last season was a fluke. Either way, Gay will be the nickel back when they line up with three corners. ... And fourth in the battle so far is Usama Young.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:55

5:56

[Comment From MACMAC: ]

Can the Saints high power offense run if Drew

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:56 MAC

5:56

OK, since there seems to be a lot of interest in where the game is being broadcast, here is a list of what stations will be carrying the game tonight:

Market system channel HD channel

New Orleans Cox 37 737

New Orleans DISH 421 441

New Orleans Fox8 9 708

Baton Rouge DISH 421 441

Baton Rouge Cox 37 737

Baton Rouge Eatel 37 737

Lafayette Cox 37 737

Shreveport Comcast 6 ----

Monroe Comcast 71 400

Rankin/Jackson Comcast 71 400

Mobile, AL Comcast 20 ----

Meridian, MS Comcast 12 400

Laurel/Hattiesburg, MS Comcast 11 400

Pensacola, FL Cox 319 719

Biloxi, MS CableOne 18 ----

Gulfport, MS CableOne 18 ----

Pascagoula, MS CableOne 18 ----

Reserve Reserve 29 312

Morgan City Allen’s TV 33 733

Ruston/Jonesboro Suddenlink ---- 756

Bossier City Suddenlink ---- 756

Bastrop Suddenlink ---- 756

Natchitoches Suddenlink ---- 756

Alexandria Suddenlink ---- 756

DeRidder Suddenlink ---- 756

Lake Charles Suddenlink ---- 756

Sulphur Suddenlink ---- 756

Gloster, MS Trust Cable 32 ----

Centreville, MS Trust Cable 32 ----

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:56

5:56

Hope you guys can read that.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:56

5:56

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

Who are your projected starters in the secondary as of right now?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:56 Scott

5:57

[Comment From MACMAC: ]

Can the Saints high powered offense run if Drew Brees goes down during the regular season with Mark Brunnel?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:57 MAC

5:58

In one word, no. As many people have said, Brees is the main reason this team is a contender. I don't think there are any backups in the NFL who can do what Brees does -- and there's really no substitute.

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:58

5:58

[Comment From truckemdeucetruckemdeuce: ]

With the big loss of H. Thomas who can we look to see move into that veteran position?

Saturday August 16, 2008 5:58 truckemdeuce

6:01

The Saints still have a lot of solid guys they can rotate in at tackle. Sedrick Ellis will play a ton, at both tackle positions. Kendrick Clancy was actually lining up as the starting nose tackle ahead of Hollis before the injury. Brian Young is still in the mix, assuming his knee injury heals over the next month. And Antwan Lake has been having a great camp. Plus, Charles Grant will line up at tackle in some pass-rush sitiations. ... In fact, the story we had on the budget for today's paper BEFORE Hollis got hurt was about how crowded this battle is and how one veteran might wind up on the outside looking in.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:01

6:01

[Comment From EricEric: ]

If Robert Meachem plays as good as he did last week. Is it likely he could take the #2 spot from David Patton?

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:01 Eric

6:02

I don't really see Meachem taking the No. 2 spot from Patten in the preseason unless: a) Patten is hurt, or b) Meachem is just too unbelievable not to start at No. 2. Patten should get the opportunity to be the No. 2 when the regular season comes around, but Meachem could -- and should -- be the future.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:02

6:02

[Comment From VerretVerret: ]

with the makeup of this team do you thank 13 and 3 is a reach

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:02 Verret

6:03

Yes, I think 13-3 is a reach. ... I'm high on the Saints this year, and I think they should be the front-runners to win the South. But even in 2006, which was the best season in team history, they only won 10 games. I'd say that's a good estimate, give or take a game.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:03

6:04

[Comment From DannyDanny: ]

What should we expect to see out of the linebackers this year? Will Vilma make enough impact to make the LBs a better line of defense over last year?

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:04 Danny

6:06

Hey Danny, I expect Vilma to make a big impact. The Saints have a solid group of linebackers, but what they've really been missing is that active, athletic playmaker who can cover a lot of ground. Vilma's a perfect fit. ... Obviously his health is a minor concern, but he was almost completely healthy to start camp and he looked great in those first few practices before he scaled it back a bit, partly due to a tweaked hamstring and partly to keep the knee from being overworked.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:06

6:06

[Comment From Tony BTony B: ]

what role do you think Shockey will play for the Saints

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:06 Tony B

6:07

This is a very interesting question. You would think, based on Shockey's past experiences (and comments), that he wants the ball. Obviously, there are so many other weapons on this offense. I see the ideal role for him as being, at best, a third or fourth option, with an emphasis in the red zone. I think we're all really curious to see how he can fit into this offense on the field -- we really haven't seen a whole lot from him (or heard from him) in practice since he arrived.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:07

6:09

[Comment From Todd Blythe FanTodd Blythe Fan: ]

Do you envision him making the 53?

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:09 Todd Blythe Fan

6:11

Hey, stranger things have happened. What would we have told Marques Colston Fan at this time two years ago? ... But I think he's stuck behind too many guys the coaches like. I think he's got a good shot at the practice squad, though, because he's a big receiver who can do some worthy impersonations on the scout-team offense.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:11

6:11

[Comment From ScottScott: ]

McKenzie has looked pretty good in his recovery from what I've seen. Does he look good for the season to you?

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:11 Scott

6:12

I would say McKenzie probably looks good for the regular season -- although, with this injury and the amount of practice he's missed, you never know. I think he just needs a couple of good performances this preseason, and then the Saints will be sure that he's ready.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:12

6:12

[Comment From DannyDanny: ]

We're talking a lot of offense and defense here, but assess the Saints special teams overall. How will it be?

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:12 Danny

6:14

Hey Danny, they should be alright, but I don't see any reason to think they'll be dramatically improved over last year. ... The best thing is that because of their depth, the Saints have a lot of options. But I don't think they added anyone to the mix that's better than the old standbys like Terrance Copper, Troy Evans, Usama Young, etc. ... They should be a little better at kicker with the choices they have now. And I expect Reggie Bush to return a lot more punts, which will give them a boost there.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:14

6:15

[Comment From joe tjoe t: ]

will bush be in more formations this year, also on punt & kick-off returns

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:15 joe t

6:16

Bush is not going to be returning kickoffs, but he probably will be returning some punts (though maybe not in the preseason games). I would expect him to be in some more formations as the Saints figure out their running game and exactly what Bush's role in the NFL should and can be. I can see him being all over the place -- you're probably going to see some really interesting roles for Bush in the first couple of games.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:16

6:16

[Comment From RockerRocker: ]

What are the odds of Hollis and Arrington going to IR? That opens the door for Lance Moore and Orien or Lake to make the team.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:16 Rocker

6:17

I think there's a good chance, Rocker. I don't know if you can save a roster spot for Hollis Thomas, hoping he'll be at 100 percent six weeks into the season, especially since he's just a part-time player with so many other tackles on the roster. ... As for Arrington, I don't know if turf toe will land him on injured reserve. But I think they could actually get away with putting him on the practice squad if he's not healthy at the start of the year. Other teams might not be anxious to add him to their active roster if he's hobbled and he doesn't show anything in the preseason.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:17

6:17

[Comment From justin from shreveportjustin from shreveport: ]

FYI, Shreveport Saints fans CANT get the Saints on TV (we have comcast) thus its hokie and th best play by play in the planet;im Henderson. Do you know how we can get Cox to provide games for Shreveport Saints fans?

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:17 justin from shreveport

6:18

About the only thing we can tell you is to call the cable company relentlessly until they put the games on. Or, you can roust up an angry mob and storm their offices.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:18

6:19

OK, that's it, the guys are going to have to get ready for the game. Thanks for joining in.

Saturday August 16, 2008 6:19

6:43