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Saints chat

(08/14/2008)

1:02

Ted Lewis, T-P:

OK, welcome to our Saints chat. Joining us in a few minutes will be Times-Picayune beat reporters Mike Triplett and Teddy Kider. Get your Saints questions ready. We're about to go live.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:02 Ted Lewis, T-P

1:04

Kevin Spain, T-P:

First mistake of the day, I'm not Ted Lewis

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:04 Kevin Spain, T-P

1:04

Kevin Spain, T-P:

OK, we're ready to go, but first, Mike, you broke the story of Hollis Thomas' injury. Give everyone an update.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:04 Kevin Spain, T-P

1:07

Mike Triplett:

Obviously it doesn't look good for Hollis, unfortunately. He's expected to miss at least two months, which I think means he could miss the entire season. Though the Saints have not announced their plans, they will need to decide whether to use up a roster spot on him while he's out or place him on injured reserve.

Since Hollis was running with the second string already at a very crowded position, I think they'll make the decision to move on without him. Then of course the talk would turn to whether or not he can play again next year at age 35 ... I don't want to get ahead of ourselves, but it's obviously disappointing news for such a good guy.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:07 Mike Triplett

1:07

[Comment From SaintBigSillySaintBigSilly: ]

Where do you see the Wide Receiver Depth Chart as of right now?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:07 SaintBigSilly

1:07

Teddy, T-P:

Colston, Patten, Meachem, then a small collection of guys to include Moore and Copper, maybe Henderson -- With Arrington continuing to wear a boot, it will be interesting to see what the Saints do with him and who else can make this team. Maybe Arrington will be back soon enough to play ... but it doesn't look good. Henderson still has to show something in camp.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:07 Teddy, T-P

1:07

[Comment From johnjohn: ]

Do you think the Saints should get a veteran RB at the end of preseason when teams cut down to 53 players???

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:07 john

1:10

Mike Triplett:

Hey John, So far they don't need one. Deuce has actually been looking good for the last week or so, fast and healthy. I don't expect him to return to peak form this year, but I think he'll be in the mix in Week 1. Throw in Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker and depth really isn't an issue at that position. ... I don't anticipate anyone being available who's significantly better than those 4 guys. Now, if Deuce suffers a setback or someone else gets hurt, that could change.

Still not sure if we'll see Deuce Saturday night, by the way. I think he might make a brief cameo as they continue to play it smart.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:10 Mike Triplett

1:10

[Comment From SaintBigSillySaintBigSilly: ]

Do you see Jeremy Shockey taking on the roll of the emotional leader of the Saints much like Joe Horn was in years past? I really feel they need that "edge"

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:10 SaintBigSilly

1:11

Teddy, T-P:

We've seen Shockey doing a whole lot of bonding with teammates during camp -- giving guys five, giving them encouraging words, etc. I think his leadership role all depends on how much he can do ... we really haven't seen a whole lot from him on the field so far, but he's definitely the type of guy who needs to lead while playing well. One thing about Shockey, as a note to this -- he's declined a lot of interviews since he arrived. I think we're all still waiting to see what he brings to the team.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:11 Teddy, T-P

1:11

[Comment From SaintnDallasSaintnDallas: ]

How significant is the turf toe injury to Arrington?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:11 SaintnDallas

1:13

Mike Triplett:

Turf toe is a nagging injury, a lot like a hamstring, but it lingers even longer, and this one is pretty serious it sounds like. I think he'd be ready to go by Week 1 if he was an established veteran. But for a guy fighting to earn a roster spot, he needed to play in all these preseason games and prove himself. ... Yes, he's been impressive in practices, but that's probably not enough to earn a roster spot.

If he's hurt, though, the Saints can probably get away with stashing him on their practice squad. For another team to sign him away, they'd have to put him on their active roster. And I don't know how many teams would line up to do that for an injured guy who didn't play in most of the preseason.

He might get a chance to get out there for 1 or 2 preseason games, but he relies on his speed, so it will definitely affect him.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:13 Mike Triplett

1:13

[Comment From Allison BottAllison Bott: ]

Are Vilma, Deuce, and Shockey going to play in Saturday's game?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:13 Allison Bott

1:13

Teddy, T-P:

Vilma should be able to go, and that will be important, especially with Mark Simoneau missing time now with a sore lower back. It will be very interesting to see how Vilma changes the dynamic of the defense. Deuce can go and probably will, but I wouldn't expect to see a whole lot from him until Game 3. Shockey is not going to play.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:13 Teddy, T-P

1:13

[Comment From SaintnDallasSaintnDallas: ]

Is the coaching staff taking it slow with Shockey or is his injury worse than expected?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:13 SaintnDallas

1:17

Mike Triplett:

That's a good question. Sean Payton keeps downplaying the issue and saying they're just being smart and he'll be fine and probably be full speed for the final two preseason games. ... But Shockey has barely done anything in practice for the last couple weeks, while other rehabbing veterans like Deuce McAllister, Jonathan Vilma and Mike McKenzie go full in practice at least once per day.

He does get out there and run around, so he's at least somewhat healthy.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:17 Mike Triplett

1:17

[Comment From Grizzly OctuplettGrizzly Octuplett: ]

how does my man skyler look?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:17 Grizzly Octuplett

1:17

Teddy, T-P:

I haven't seen a whole lot from Green since the scrimmage. I really think Moore has a good shot at making this team, based on what he has done and where he's been playing, and that will make it tougher for Green to make the roster. I think at this point he needs some really great returns and special teams plays in the final three preseason games to make the roster. If you don't notice him while watching the games on TV, chances are he probably won't make it.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:17 Teddy, T-P

1:17

[Comment From LAYJR in SALAYJR in SA: ]

In 2007, the Saints were a heavy pass first team. Do you see that trend continuing, or with Deuce back will they try a more balanced attack? Will Brees still be a 4000 yard passer?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:17 LAYJR in SA

1:20

Mike Triplett:

They'd definitely prefer to be more balanced, but they're not going to hold back their offense. Brees and Colston are still the two best players on this team, and they give the Saints the best chance to win. They need a running game so defenses have to account for it, but they won't turn into a run-first team. ... It's not like they air it out, though. This is a version of the classic West Coast offense, where the short passing game is similar to a run game. And they get a lot of yards after the catch.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:20 Mike Triplett

1:20

[Comment From saintfan41saintfan41: ]

What kind of numbers do you project for Reggie Bush this upcoming season?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:20 saintfan41

1:22

Teddy, T-P:

Well, Bush himself projected 1000 and 1000 -- I don't know that I can predict that for him. But I can see him getting 800 yards rushing and maybe 600-700 yards receiving. It depends a lot on him, but also on the health of Deuce, the production of other running backs and the team's ability to put him in the right situations.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:22 Teddy, T-P

1:22

[Comment From tank jonestank jones: ]

so does ellis take over for hollis

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:22 tank jones

1:24

Mike Triplett:

Not exactly. They've been playing two different positions at camp. But Ellis' presence makes it a lot easier to handle the loss of Thomas. Ellis can play both tackle positions, and he'll be in there on running downs and passing downs, playing a lot more snaps than any other tackle on the team. ... It looks like Kendrick Clancy will line up as the starting nose tackle, and Brian Young and Antwan Lake and even Charles Grant will get some snaps at the tackle positions based on down and distance.

The Saints should be able to cope with the loss of Thomas. They were a bit overstocked at the position. Young guy Orien Harris has a good chance to make the roster now as a backup tackle/end.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:24 Mike Triplett

1:25

[Comment From JRJR: ]

Is Devery going to get a chance at kick returns?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:25 JR

1:25

Teddy, T-P:

No, probably not, and that's one of the big problems. When you get to the final couple of receivers, it's about what other skills they have on the field. Henderson needs to have other ones, and he doesn't really, although I do believe Payton might have mentioned him the other day as a possible return guy (along with about eight others).

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:25 Teddy, T-P

1:25

[Comment From SaintnDallasSaintnDallas: ]

What is the break down at CB assuming Mckenzie is starting

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:25 SaintnDallas

1:25

[Comment From RantinRantin: ]

does it look like Porter and Gay will be the starting CB's in week one or will McKenzie be ready

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:25 Rantin

1:27

Mike Triplett:

I'll go with you on that and assume McKenzie is in the starting lineup for now. He's been healthy with no setbacks so far. We'll see how he looks in the games, though. ... After that, Jason David has been seeing the most time throughout camp, with Randall Gay lining up as the No. 1 nickel back. I personally think Gay has been a more consistent playmaker both in camp and throughout his career, so I'd bet he wins a starting job. But David hasn't done anything to lose it just yet. ... The next candidate on the list is Usama Young, who's been seeing a ton of playing time in practice and games. I don't think Porter's in the mix yet, especially since he was sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:27 Mike Triplett

1:28

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Do you think anyone will be a 1,000 yd rusher this year? Deuce is pretty nicked and Bush seems to be a one-dimensional runner

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:28 Guest

1:29

Teddy, T-P:

I said before that Reggie could get 800 rushing -- I could see scenarios in which he would get closer to 1000, but probably not 1000 for him. And I can't see any other running back getting 1000, definitely not Deuce at this point. So I would have to say no.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:29 Teddy, T-P

1:29

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

I don't want to seem like a Fred Thomas or Jason David supporter, but doesn't it seem strange for 2 veteran CBs who have had some success in the NFL struggle so bad the past 3 seasons. When was Josh Bullocks drafted again?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:29 Julio

1:32

Mike Triplett:

Hey Julio, that's a fair point. I think the fact that Fred Thomas and Jason David both struggled so badly in back-to-back years proves that they aren't the sole problem. ... Bullocks, a second-round pick in 2005, has been just as inconsistent in coverage as a safety, and even McKenzie has taken his share of beats in coverage. I think the greater issue is that the Saints have had very little pass rush over the past two years. Will Smith and Charles Grant are good, but they can be neutralized. Beyond them, the Saints haven't had any speed or athleticism to wreak havoc for opposing passers. With the additions of Sedrick Ellis, Bobby McCray and Jonathan Vilma in the front 7, that should really start to change, and I'd have to think the play-calling, blitzing, etc. will get more creative as well as they try to end that trend of getting burned repeatedly over the top.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:32 Mike Triplett

1:32

[Comment From SaintBigSillySaintBigSilly: ]

How would you rate the overall attitude of the team? Having fun, focused, business like, etc? Thanks!

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:32 SaintBigSilly

1:33

Teddy, T-P:

This is a good question, and it took me a minute to think about it. Of your choices, I think focused would probably be the best bet -- I haven't seen a whole lot of joking around, though I'm sure that goes on. But there's an interesting intensity about this team. It is a real focus, maybe business-like, and it seems like a team that knows exactly what it can do and is determined to do it -- with perhaps an appreciation for the fact that all of the hype from last year's preseason is gone.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:33 Teddy, T-P

1:33

[Comment From philwaukephilwauke: ]

Are the saints scouts at college practices this time of year or at preseason games?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:33 philwauke

1:35

Mike Triplett:

Both ... the scouting department is just about as big as the coaching staff, and they have separate college and pro scouts. ... They get real familiar with the NFL teams they're assigned. For example, we see Doug Williams at practically every Saints game since he works as a Tampa Bay scout.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:35 Mike Triplett

1:35

[Comment From TPBTPB: ]

Do you think there is an element of deception going on, meaning the Saints are not showing all their cards with respect to the players mentioned like Shockey?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:35 TPB

1:37

Teddy, T-P:

I don't know that I would call it "deception," but in the NFL, coaches don't show everything they have -- in the preseason or in regular-season practices. At the same time, there aren't a whole lot of secrets in the league. But there's something else to this, especially with Shockey -- there's really no point playing a guy who is coming back from an injury and should be a star and doesn't have to be in there right now. I think it's probably more important for a guy like Vilma to be in there, because he has a lot to do with being the center of a defense. Shockey isn't being hidden and practicing when we're not around -- he is actually returning from an injury.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:37 Teddy, T-P

1:38

[Comment From Tom CollensTom Collens: ]

Are they looking at keeping both PK'ers? Especially if the rookie can put 'em in the end zone on KO's and make some long ones that are beyondGramatica's reach?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:38 Tom Collens

1:38

[Comment From SaverioSaverio: ]

Who is going to be our kicker? I did not draft one fantasy, knowing I was going to take ours because we are going to put up a ton of points. Mehlhaff looked TERRIBLE on kickoffs.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:38 Saverio

1:38

Mike Triplett:

The Saints would be willing to keep both kickers if they feel like one of them is significantly better with field goals and the other significantly better with kickoffs. But I think the rookie, Mehlhaff, needs to step it up quite a biit over the next few weeks to make them feel that way. Gramatica has been more consistent with field goals in practice, and his kickoffs aren't that bad. They're lower line drives, but most of them reach the end zone. Mehlhaff has definitely displayed his big booming leg on some nice, high kickoffs, but he's shanked a few, too. I'm sure a lot of that is rookie nerves. ... So in other words, To Be Determined.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:38 Mike Triplett

1:38

[Comment From Allison BottAllison Bott: ]

how much are the first team defense and offense going to play on saturday?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:38 Allison Bott

1:39

Teddy, T-P:

I think the first teams probably will be in there into the second quarter, maybe for a half. For a couple of guys, it's going to depend on how many snaps they get and who is injured at their position. But more than a quarter, for sure.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:39 Teddy, T-P

1:40

[Comment From maddvectormaddvector: ]

Does Jo-Lonn Dunbar make the team?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:40 maddvector

1:41

Mike Triplett:

He's firmly on the bubble right now. He's seventh on the linebacker depth chart (behind Fujita, Shanle, Vilma, Simoneau, Troy Evans and Marvin Mitchell), so he's competing with backup safeties and tight ends and receivers and even Taylor Mehlhaff and Martin Gramatica. He needs to prove he's better over the course of 10 special teams plays than those other guys are. ... But he has shown some decent talent in practice. My guess is he'll wind up on their practice squad.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:41 Mike Triplett

1:41

[Comment From nellonfirenellonfire: ]

What kind of numbers do you project for Robert Meachem this year?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:41 nellonfire

1:43

Teddy, T-P:

I'll go with 500 yards, four touchdowns -- a solid real first year for Meachem, but he's still got Colston, Bush and maybe Patten ahead of him.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:43 Teddy, T-P

1:44

[Comment From RobRob: ]

Please tell me your thoughts on Jammal Brown playing LT and the possiblity of moving him back to his more natural position of RT.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:44 Rob

1:46

Mike Triplett:

Hey Rob, I don't see that switch happening anytime soon. I think Jammal Brown has gone from overrated at the start of last year to underrated this year. He's still the best tackle on their roster. ... If the Saints didn't like his long-term prospects, they had a chance to find a premier left tackle in the draft this year, and I don't think they ever gae that any serious consideration.

Sean Payton said Brown has had his best offseason since he's been here. He may not be an All-Pro, but he's solid. That's not really a position of concern. ... The young backups, Zach Strief and Jermon Bushrod, both have really nice potential, though. Same with guard/tackle Carl Nicks.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:46 Mike Triplett

1:46

[Comment From vincentvincent: ]

what do you think of carl nicks play

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:46 vincent

1:49

Mike Triplett:

Speaking of Carl Nicks ... the best thing I can say about him is that it's very difficult to analyze offensive linemen, especially interior linemen, especially during practice. But he has really stood out repeatedly throughout camp just because of his overwhelming size and the way he is able to move with a decent amount of speed and athleticism. He definitely has a future. I'm not sure he'll beat out Jamar Nesbit for the starting left guard spot this year, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him pushing for a job next summer.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:49 Mike Triplett

1:49

[Comment From SaintnDallasSaintnDallas: ]

in all of the articles about the saints, they mention that there is competition at MLB position. is that really the case or are they being politically correct about it.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:49 SaintnDallas

1:49

Teddy, T-P:

There is competition there right now, and we still haven't seen Vilma a whole lot. That said, I'd be pretty shocked -- and the Saints would probably be upset, not because of how Simoneau plays, but because of what is expected of Vilma -- if Vilma wasn't the starter in the middle by year's end, with Simoneau finding playing time on the outside. So not a whole lot about political correctness ... more about the fact that we still haven't seen Vilma work his way into the Saints' defense for a game yet.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:49 Teddy, T-P

1:50

[Comment From JulioJulio: ]

How high is the coaching staff on Tyler Palko? With the pending release of John Beck in Miami do you think the Saints would have any interest picking him up to understudy Brees?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:50 Julio

1:54

Kevin Spain, T-P:

Sorry, folks, we had a computer glitch. Here is Mike's answer:
I don't think Palko has shown a lot of growth from Year 1 to Year 2, at least from what we've seen so far in practices and games. He's struggled with botched snaps, which Sean Payton isn't happy with, and he is not a consistent passer. ... I think the Saints will give him a long leash since they've worked with him and developed him for two years, and he's learned this offense, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them turn to a new developmental project at some point if he doesn't pick things up in a hurry. ... Don't know if they have any specific interest in Beck, but that's not a bad thought.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:54 Kevin Spain, T-P

1:54

[Comment From R. MelerineR. Melerine: ]

Will Pierre Thomas have a breakout year? Could he become an elite back in the NFL?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:54 R. Melerine

1:55

Teddy, T-P:

I would say probably not -- not this year, at least. Unless Thomas dazzles the coaches with the opportunities he gets in the first couple of games, I don't think the Saints' offense is necessarily set up for him to have a breakout year. There's still McAllister and Bush to worry about. But the offense is set up for Thomas to get some good opportunities, so he could keep getting better -- and he should.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:55 Teddy, T-P

1:55

[Comment From JohnJohn: ]

What kind of year do you see Roman Harper having?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:55 John

1:57

Mike Triplett:

He should be solid, if unspectacular. I think like the rest of the defensive backs, he'll be helped by the improvements up front. And I think he's the best tackler and hardest hitter of the bunch who is capable of making some nice plays in the open field. He's also healthier now. This time last year he was still coming back from the torn ACL. ... Not a Pro Bowler, but a good, solid player.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:57 Mike Triplett

1:57

[Comment From Allison BottAllison Bott: ]

when do they make the first cut

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:57 Allison Bott

1:57

Teddy, T-P:

They'll cut about five players after the third preseason game, then the main cuts should probably come the weekend of Aug. 30.

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:57 Teddy, T-P

1:58

[Comment From SwampDawgSwampDawg: ]

What will it take for Drew Brees to be considered an elite QB by the national media? Personal or team success?

Thursday August 14, 2008 1:58 SwampDawg

2:00

Mike Triplett:

Good question SwampDawg. I think he's definitely the third best/most valuable QB in the league behind Brady and Manning. But you can't get recognition for that if you miss the playoffs. And you can't put up the kind of numbers he put up last September. ... If the Saints do make it deep into the playoffs, the national media will be all over that bandwagon. Every time anyone talks to him, they'r very impressed. ... He got a ton of deserved credit in '06. Second in MVP voting and the Man of the Year winner.

Thursday August 14, 2008 2:00 Mike Triplett

2:00

[Comment From hondohondo: ]

Season Prediction??

Thursday August 14, 2008 2:00 hondo

2:02

Mike Triplett:

Because of Brees, I think they're the best team in the South and one of the top two or three in the NFC. So I'll say 10-6, give or take a game, and a home playoff game in the Dome.

Thursday August 14, 2008 2:02 Mike Triplett

2:03

Kevin Spain, T-P:

Thanks for joining in everyone. We're sorry we couldn't get to all your questions, but join the guys for a pre-game chat Saturday at 5:30.
Remember, we'll have LSU football chat with beat reporter James Varney tomorrow at noon.

Thursday August 14, 2008 2:03 Kevin Spain, T-P

2:03