Live Chat: Friday sports talk

(05/30/2008)

11:52

Dave Gladow:

Welcome to another Friday sports chat everyone!

Friday May 30, 2008 11:52 Dave Gladow

11:59

[Comment From JacqueJacque: ]

Do you think the Saints will possibly bring in another weakside linebacker, like Takeo Spikes, Roosevelt Colvin or Junior Seau as a stop gap measure until we can draft one to improve the weakside, because I don't think Shanle fits as a starter, but he is a good backup.

Friday May 30, 2008 11:59 Jacque

12:04

Dave Gladow:

In plainest terms, the Saints are already much improved at linebacker if Jon Vilma can give them anything (and he's off to a good start in camp). I think the team is taking a similar viewpoint -- Mark Simoneau and Scott Shanle are not Pro-Bowl players, but teamed with Vilma and Fujita, they suddenly look a lot better. I would expect the team to take a chance on a much less recongnizable name, if only for numbers.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:04 Dave Gladow

12:05

Dave Gladow:

And it's good to see some Saints discussion to start things off this week. I'm sure I'll be sick of it by August, but I definitely love the fans' year-round devotion to their team.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:05 Dave Gladow

12:05

[Comment From JacqueJacque: ]

What do you think the chances of Hendersen making our roster are, I would think Colston, Patten and Meachum are locks so this would leave a fight between Devery, Terrance Copper, Lance Moore, and Adrian Arrington, who are the keepers and goners of this bunch?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:05 Jacque

12:09

Dave Gladow:

I've gone on record saying Hendersen's days as a Saint may be numbered. I honestly believe that there are only two ways for him to keep his job:

1.) He finds a role and excels at it on special teams.
2.) Meachem flops.

That doesn't mean everyone else is safe though. Copper would figure to make the team due to his special teams contributions, and the same can be said of Moore to a lesser degree, but Arrington is off to a great start in camp and could very well complicate things. I think Henderson will have to have an outstanding preseason, and Copper and Moore will have to have good ones to hold the rookie off.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:09 Dave Gladow

12:09

Emmanuel Pepis:

HEY DAVE

Friday May 30, 2008 12:09 Emmanuel Pepis

12:10

Dave Gladow:

Hey Emmanuel, welcome aboard.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:10 Dave Gladow

12:11

Dave Gladow:

It's good to see Will Smith reporting to camp -- I had major concerns about that not happening.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:11 Dave Gladow

12:12

Dave Gladow:

Do you think this is a good sign in relation to his contract negotiations?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:12 Dave Gladow

12:15

[Comment From JacqueJacque: ]

I think Will Smith and Colston both have good attitudes about their contract situation but in the case of Smith business is business and he wants to have that security of a new contract going into this year which you can't blame him, he has outplayed his rookie deal. He wants his mony but he doesn't sound bitter or like he is going to hold the organization hostage either.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:15 Jacque

12:17

Dave Gladow:

I'd have to agree ... at least Will is comfortable enough with where things are at present to report to camp. I think he's confident a new deal will get done.

Or I'm way off. If I get a chance, I'll ask him.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:17 Dave Gladow

12:19

Dave Gladow:

I think the big thing with the Saints is whether the defensive backs can play better. It seems to me the front seven will be in better hands this year, and the offense should be just fine. The season is resting in the hands of the DBs.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:19 Dave Gladow

12:22

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

I think that given our DBs arent the most talented, their success will depend on how much our D line pressures the QB

Friday May 30, 2008 12:22 Matt

12:23

Dave Gladow:

Oh I think it's a given things will get better on that front, but the secondary needs to do better too. I'm tentatively excited about Porter coming in as a rookie ... he's looked pretty good from what I've seen.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:23 Dave Gladow

12:23

[Comment From vansaintvansaint: ]

Hi Dave, when do you see McKenzie coming back and playing like he did before the injury ?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:23 vansaint

12:24

Dave Gladow:

2009. I think it will be struggle for him all season. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if we saw a position change ....

Friday May 30, 2008 12:24 Dave Gladow

12:24

[Comment From JacqueJacque: ]

What do you think of Josh Bullocks and Kevin Kaesviharn, which would you rather to start, I though Kaesviharb played well when he started, and may be an upgrade over Bullocks in the secondary. Will Kaesviharn be given a chance at the starting spot?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:24 Jacque

12:27

Dave Gladow:

Could McKenzie be the answer at safety? I honestly don't think it's a bad idea at all. His explosiveness won't be back for another year or so, but he CAN play the ball in the air well ... his instincts won't have gone anywhere.

If that doesn't happen (and I haven't seen any indication that it will), I like Kaes as well. He's not the most consistent player in the world, but at least he'll deliver the good with the bad. I think he'll get a fair shot at the position, so it will ultimately be decided this preseason.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:27 Dave Gladow

12:28

[Comment From TreyTrey: ]

So what are the scenarios for our secondary? Who are the likely starting cornerbacks? Safeties? Could David or McKenzie switch? Does Harris have a chance to make the roster?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:28 Trey

12:29

Dave Gladow:

I like Gay and Porter at the corners, with David playing nickel. Team McKenzie with Harper and you may suddenly have something.

Then again, my opinion doesn't mean nearly as much as Payton's does. We'll have to trust in the coaching staff at some point.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:29 Dave Gladow

12:29

[Comment From Gretna Saints FanGretna Saints Fan: ]

Since we are talking about injuries, will Duece have enough left in the tank to come back and play at a competitive level? Or will Thomas and Stecker take his job like there did last year?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:29 Gretna Saints Fan

12:31

Dave Gladow:

That won't play out until August, as Deuce is sitting for now. I'll say this: He'll get every oppotunity to win the starting job. In fact, it's his to lose.

I think his health could become an issue at some point, so expect to see healthy doses of all three (with Bush sprinkled in as a great garnish).

Friday May 30, 2008 12:31 Dave Gladow

12:31

[Comment From Gretna Saints FanGretna Saints Fan: ]

Tihgt end is still an unresolved question. Who is the starter and where does miller (the most consistent tight end in my opinion) fit into that rotation.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:31 Gretna Saints Fan

12:34

Dave Gladow:

Miller has been the most consistent, but Johnson has the flufflier resume and can probably do more things down the field. Provided there are no new additions, you'll see the same things you did last year -- heavy rotations with the two of them and Mark Campbell.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:34 Dave Gladow

12:34

[Comment From TreyTrey: ]

I like what Vilma is expected to bring, and Fujita is an animal. But the weakside lineback concerns me. We all want to see new athleticism. Those guys we just signed Graham and Kershaw...do they have a shot?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:34 Trey

12:35

Dave Gladow:

Graham and Kershaw = Troy Evans.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:35 Dave Gladow

12:35

[Comment From robrob: ]

Why wasn't safety addressed in the draft

Friday May 30, 2008 12:35 rob

12:35

Dave Gladow:

No clue, but the trade up for Ellis DID limit the team's picks. I liked the selection of Porter, so they at least addressed the secondary.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:35 Dave Gladow

12:35

[Comment From Gretna Saints FanGretna Saints Fan: ]

How are thomas and young dealing with their replacements?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:35 Gretna Saints Fan

12:36

Dave Gladow:

No one has been replaced ... yet. This is still an open competition, folks.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:36 Dave Gladow

12:36

[Comment From WordWord: ]

WHy doesn't Reggies Bush practice with the wide receivers to improve his route runing ability and be more of a down field threat?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:36 Word

12:37

Dave Gladow:

The team likes Bush as a multipurpose threat, and I can't blame them. A defense has to worry about where he lines up when he can hurt them on the ground or through the air ... if you take away his carries, you take away his versatility -- which is what makes him dangerous to begin with.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:37 Dave Gladow

12:37

Dave Gladow:

Or so the theory goes.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:37 Dave Gladow

12:38

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

Thoughts on Scott's updated, schmancy contract?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:38 Cait

12:40

Dave Gladow:

I like it. It's not an obscenely long deal, so at least you're not committed to paying the guy $40 million or some ridiculous number. Bring him back, pay him what he's worth, and go on winning division titles. I can get on board with that.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:40 Dave Gladow

12:41

[Comment From Tom CondonTom Condon: ]

What was Authur Blank thinking when he gave Matt Ryan all that money? This can only hurt the owners when working on a new CBA w/ the union.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:41 Tom Condon

12:41

Dave Gladow:

Tom, methinks you're biting the hand that feeds you.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:41 Dave Gladow

12:42

[Comment From Tom CondonTom Condon: ]

Maybe, but geez that's a lot of money.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:42 Tom Condon

12:43

Dave Gladow:

Forget the longterm ramifications for now, Atlanta really screwed over lots of teams for '08 with that deal -- now, you'll see one of two things: teams overpaying their first-round picks, or lengthy holdouts.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:43 Dave Gladow

12:44

[Comment From RobRob: ]

I wish we could somehow limit the role of agent/attorneys in professional sports and contract negotiations.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:44 Rob

12:44

[Comment From SteveSteve: ]

In your estimation does Arrington make the team?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:44 Steve

12:44

[Comment From Tom CondonTom Condon: ]

I completely agree. If I was Mr. Benson, I would be raking Mr. Blank over the coals right now.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:44 Tom Condon

12:45

Dave Gladow:

Steve, I'd lean toward yes, but if not, he'll be a heck of a practice squad guy.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:45 Dave Gladow

12:46

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

So which local college baseball team survives the NCAA Regionals this weekend?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:46 Cait

12:46

Dave Gladow:

The easy answer: LSU.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:46 Dave Gladow

12:48

Dave Gladow:

The Tigers are on an absolute tear, and while it was good to see UNO rally last week, methinks they have too tall an order this weekend.

As for Tulane, their Regional looks way too tough. The Gators are solid, and Buster Posey is a one-man wrecking crew for FSU.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:48 Dave Gladow

12:48

[Comment From SteveSteve: ]

Does he make it at Henderson's or someone else's expense?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:48 Steve

12:49

Dave Gladow:

Henderson. Again though, this is just my early impression. Devery can still come back and become a special teams maven ... or Meachem can fall flat on his face. Lots of variables at that position.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:49 Dave Gladow

12:50

[Comment From JacqueJacque: ]

What do you think Hornets will an can do financially to improv the roster in weak spots like the 2-guard spot and the back-up center spot. I think if we had like a maggette at the 2-guard spot and a solid backup center like maybe Desagna Diop we could contend for a championship, but if we stand pat we will be a good playoff team but not a champion. What do you think?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:50 Jacque

12:53

Dave Gladow:

Right now the Hornets are on par with the Spurs and nearly every other playoff contender in the league ... unfortunately, the Lakers have turned themselves into a juggernaut. That's going to be a tough team to contend with, regardless of what depth you try to bring in.

I'm fine with signing our own and bringing in a potential impact guy in the draft, and that's the way I expect the Hornets to go.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:53 Dave Gladow

12:54

Dave Gladow:

You then take your chances with what you know -- a good, solid team with few weaknesses.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:54 Dave Gladow

12:54

[Comment From TreyTrey: ]

Can Carl Nicks and Demario Pressley make an impact?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:54 Trey

12:55

Dave Gladow:

Not likely, but you never know. I've always been a fan of Chris Barclay's, so he's a guy I'll be keeping an eye on at running back.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:55 Dave Gladow

12:56

[Comment From TravisTravis: ]

No doubt, Meachem is ready to get out onto the field. I know that he has a great chance to lock up the No. 3 receiver spot, but what are his chances of becoming the No. 2 receiver behind Colston?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:56 Travis

12:57

Dave Gladow:

I think that the Saints play so many 3-receiver sets he'll end up getting a ton of time regardless.

I really expect it to be Colston, Patten, Meachem, in that order.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:57 Dave Gladow

12:58

[Comment From WarioWario: ]

For an inside (defense and rebounding) presence, what about that kid Dorsey from Memphis?

Friday May 30, 2008 12:58 Wario

12:58

[Comment From No way WarioNo way Wario: ]

he's going to the Jazz. We pick in front of you guys.

Friday May 30, 2008 12:58 No way Wario

12:59

Dave Gladow:

Dorsey has made more headlines recently for his No. 1 pick speculation than for his play on the court (according to him, Beasley is a lock for No. 1).

Friday May 30, 2008 12:59 Dave Gladow

12:59

[Comment From WarioWario: ]

Also, do you think Byron Scott signed a 2 year deal so he can follow Phil Jackson in LA? I can't see him coaching Kobe...

Friday May 30, 2008 12:59 Wario

1:01

Dave Gladow:

I doubt very much he thought anything of the sort. He may have been thinking about mobility in general, but that goes for the Hornets too. Neither side wants to get too carried away with a lengthy deal.

And given the yearly movement of coaches in the NBA, I can't say I blame either side.

Friday May 30, 2008 1:01 Dave Gladow

1:01

Dave Gladow:

Still, it's good to have him back. :-)

Friday May 30, 2008 1:01 Dave Gladow

1:02

Dave Gladow:

That's it for us -- thanks to everyone for stopping by!

Friday May 30, 2008 1:02 Dave Gladow

1:02

[Comment From WarioWario: ]

Thanks. Have a good weekend. Long live double header thursty thursdays!