NFL: Saints Central

2008-11-25T13:54:00.000-06:00

I'm not as dashing as Reggie Bush, but maybe this sweet beanie will help?

2008-10-30T13:33:00.001-05:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, Saints fans. This one is really really important.

2008-10-20T11:19:00.000-05:00

The Saints are on the way to London!

Poor Old NOLA

2008-09-03T21:10:00.002-05:00

We are having a rough few years, aren't we? Thank goodness Gustav wasn't as bad as he could have been, but still...

They say that which does not kill you makes you stronger, right? If so, then we're bound to be one of the best cities in the world sometime very soon.

I hope your families are safe, dry, and together tonight.

Saints Tribute Video

2008-06-27T13:03:00.001-05:00

I thought this video was worth sharing. Enjoy!

Let's continue that winning streak!

2007-10-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, so the season started out pretty sucky with the Saints losing 4 games in a row, but they've won the last 2 (thanks Brees!), so maybe the worst is behind us. With Brees and Reggie Bush on the roster I think we have a real shot at the playoffs, but issues in the secondary may hold them back. Let's hope Brees and Bush can make up for it!

Nice to see the NFL in a good light

2007-06-11T14:36:00.000-05:00

Quoted from the official New Orleans Saints homepage:

"Continuing his extraordinary involvement in the improvement of scholastic sports in the New Orleans area, Saints running back Reggie Bush presented a $50,000 grant to 19 New Orleans-area schools for the purchase of new football equipment."

Talk about a great way to keep yourself in the news during football's off season! Sure beats the stories from so many other teams' players, of drug busts and steroid use. Seriously, it's great to see people who can afford it giving back, especially given the dire situation still in New Orleans after all this time.

What a comeback!

2007-03-22T23:10:00.000-05:00

Who would have thought after his knee injury in 2005 that this running back would soar to the top. Go McAllister! He's a Saints heroe. Shoot he inspires me too and he deserves the Ed Block Courage Award! No telling how many yards he might rush this season if he avoids injury.

2007-01-16T13:35:00.000-06:00

Let's go Saints, beat the Bears!

NFC SOUTH!!!!

2006-12-19T14:37:00.000-06:00

Aight, aight, so the New Orleans Saints lost to the Washington Redskins, but the Carolina Panthers also lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers so the Saints are your new NFC South Champions. It has been 6 years since the Saints have qualified for the playoffs and, being that it is the first year they return to playing at the Louisiana Superdome since the awful tradegy that struck the southern city, it was a great time to do it. There are still 2 games in the regular season. The New Orleans Saints travel to the north to face the New York Giants, and then return home because the Carolina Panthers will be coming to Jazz Town.

Mike Karney's time to party

2006-12-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

What a game. The New Orleans Saints massacred The Dallas Cowboys in last Sunday's upset of a game. The Cowboys coming fresh off a 4 win streak and the Saints coming off a not too shabby 3 game win streak of thier own had a game that will be remembered for a long long time, at least by Saints fans. Everything the Saints tried seemed to work. Plays were firing off perfectly and the offense/defense/special teams not only did thier individual jobs great, but complimented each other every quarter. Mark Karney has got to be loving life right now though. He, who did not score a touchdown in the first 43 games of his career, scored 3 touchdowns Sunday night. Drew Brees, who is a really impressive QB by the way, commented on Karney's touchdowns, "It was not in the game plan to do, but he deserves the opportunities to score since it is usually himself that is openeing the holes for Reggie or Duece to get it in."

Upon ariving back home in New Orleans at 2:30 AM, the Saints were greeted by hundreds of happy and elated fans welcoming thier boys home after the 42-17 victory. Several people in N.O. are going to have a case of the Mondays but at least there will be good water cooler conversation.

Thanks, Giving to the Fans

2006-12-05T13:45:00.000-06:00

The New Orleans Saints NFL Team Owner Mr. Tom Benson is giving back to the fans who have been selling out the seats for the enormous Louisiana Superdome this season. The Saints are in first place in thier devision and usually with sold out home games that would mean an increase in ticket pricing for next year. Tom doesn't feel that way and he expressed it to a hometown crowd during the 4th quarter of the game against The San Francisco 49ers and the fans could not be happier. The same great seats for the same great price 2 years running.

The team from San Fran scored a field goal to start things off. Those were to be the only points in the first quarter. After that it was victory all the way for the Saints. They donned thier black on black uniforms spelling doom for the west coast team scoring at least one touchdown every quarter following. They have not worn that combination since the last time The Superdome played host to these 2 teams. It was a dark day for The San Francisco 49ers as they lost to The New Orleans Saints 34 to 10. With only 4 games to go in the season the Saints play thier western neighbors The Dallas Cowboys on December 10th. If you want to see some live football this year then now is the time to start getting ticket orders in.

Hard road ahead

2006-11-29T16:13:00.000-06:00

As the Saints enter the final leg of the regular season with a decently impressive 7-4 record one has to wonder will it soon be 7-7 or worse. With an impressive start to the season, the New Orleans Saints have made their hometown proud of team team playing it's first season back inside the Superdome. Winning over the Atlanta Falcons in the first game played in the Louisiana stadium in over a year kindled a spark in every football fan young and old. We want the team to be victorious. America wants the Saints to do well. New Orleans needs the Saints to win. The final 5 games will be some of the hardest of the season for the golden boys. The New Orleans Saints tied with the Miami Dolphins this year for 3rd hardest season and these last 5 games are the reason.

Saints, You Can Handle the Bengals

2006-11-15T11:57:00.000-06:00

Drew Brees had a very respectable game, with just shy of 400 yards on 31 of 47. But three turnovers were a big part of why we came out on the short end of the stick against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Going into the game, Pittsburgh was the turnover king of the NFL with 24, not exactly the style of play that won them the Super Bowl last year.

Lets hold it together, Saints, when the Cincinnati Benglas come to town. They're coming off a demoralizing loss to San Diego, where they saw their 28-7 lead at the half morph into a 49-41 loss.

Baltimore beat our butts "a little bit"

2006-10-31T13:26:00.000-06:00

One thing you could notice in our game with the Baltimore Ravens was the interceptions. They benefitted from them, turning two into TDs. We didn't seem to quite pull them off, as when Scott Fujita was about to grab a pass from Steven McNair that was intended for Todd Heap. When Jason Craft touched the ball, all that did was tip it to Heap.

Fujita's summary of the game was, "It was a combination of them kind of beating our butt a little bit and us not getting any breaks." Sounds accurate. At least the Saints never gave up; we improved the halftime score where we were down 28-7 to the final 35-22. After taking down both the Atlanta Falcons and the Philidelphia Eagles, the Baltimore birds owed us a little payback.

time once again

2006-10-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

Whew, after a busy busy 2 weeks i have a little time to blog once again. So we beat Philly. It goes to show that birds cannot fly as high as Saints. First the Falcons and now the Eagles and both got grounded. Bye week almost over. I hope the guys are getting ready for Baltimore. the 5-1 record is impressive but lets make it 6-1. Go Gold!

R-E-G-G-I-E !

2006-10-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

One thing I did not mention in my last blog is how The Great Reggie Bush scored the game winning touchdown against The Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was Reggie's 100th career touchdown. Congratulations are due sir, congratualtions are due.

Hometown Huddle

2006-10-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Saints. Yes my Black and Gold are strong and bold this season with a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The teams record now stands at 4-1 for the season. The team did find time to break away from the field today and help thier community with another Hometown Huddle. Quarterback Drew Brees and crew are teaming p with The United Way and helping with landscaping and painting at The Priestly School for Architecture and Contruction. Let's hope they keep thier head in the game as they face off against the Philidelphia Eagles on the 15th before they get the bye week to rest.

The Saints go Marching in

2006-10-04T15:18:00.000-05:00

NFL regular season once again! First off congratulations are due from everyone to The Big Easy. The swampland, Jazztown, The French Quarter, you know what I am talking about. I speak of The Mighty Mississippi, Canal Street, and St. Charles Place. It's New Orleans baby! and you can hear The Saints marching in. Proud to once again play on the gridiron at The Louisiana Superdome. Football Fans from across America purchased ticket quantities never seen before at the now legendary venue for the New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons game. The Saints coming into the game with a 2-0 record were favored to win the match. I only wish i could have been there in person. At least Fox Sports let me see all the action. These 2 NFC south rivals were the first sport team in over a year to set foot in the venue that will forever live in history since it was used as a shelter to safely house New Orleans residents during the now infamous storm. The Falcons flew home to The Georgia Dome after a crushing loss to the Saints. Final score Home Team 23, Visitors 3.

New Orleans Saints' Streak Ended By Panthers

2006-10-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

My New Orleans team may be the Saints, but they don't work miracles all the time. Still, three wins in a row was an great start to the season, and we're going to see lots more! After all, today we were playing at the home of a team some NFL watchers have predicted to go to the Super Bowl. (Even I am not expecting THAT miracle from the Saints this year.)

I was proud of how we held our own through the first three quarters and battled back in the 4th. Loved Marques Colston's 86-yard answer to the Panthers' DeShaun Foster's 43-yard TD! Plus the 2 point conversion, Drew Brees to Joe Horn. Minor miracles even if we couldn't pull off the major one. New Orleans Saints 18, Carolina Panthers 21 -- sad, but hardly tragic.

What Sean Payton Brings To New Orleans

2006-06-20T13:02:00.000-05:00

The Saints will have some exciting players to watch this season, but I think our new coach may make just as big of a difference. Sean Payton is new to head coaching, but his background in offense will be a plus: he's bound to help us average more than last year's pitiful 14.7 points a game and cut down our turnovers and penalties. He's a young guy, so he has found some experience in Joe Vitt and George Henshaw to assist him. Payton says he believes in preparation and conditioning, as opposed to inspirational speeches. Makes sense to me.

We drafted some players. Who are they?

2006-05-08T19:03:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Saints picked Reggie Bush in the first round of the NFL Draft. Someone else is going to have to tell me if the rest of the draft was good or not because I just don’t have any idea. I think it is too early to know. I think Bush can bring a lot of confidence to this team though.

Lewis returns to sainthood.

2006-04-16T22:04:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Saints chose to keep wide receiver Michael Lewis whom we signed to a three-year deal. I was glad to hear about this because every one knows he is our strongest player on special teams. Who are your favorite draft possibilities?

Football mimics real life in so many ways.

2006-03-19T18:52:00.000-06:00

The New Orleans Saints have inked contracts with Drew Brees, Michael Bennett, Anthony Simmons and Omar Stoutmire. I am glad to see we are holding on to some of our veteran talent on this team. I think it is a little funny that our football team is rebuilding at the same time as the city is doing the same thing. Hopefully both will be returned to their glory days sooner rather than later.

More Should be Done About New Orleans

2006-02-14T11:54:00.000-06:00

The New Orleans Saints will be returning to the Superdome for the regular season. That is more than I can say for the thousands of New Orleans residents who are still displaced by the hurricane and are now having to fight the government and Fema for aid. Even those who were able to return have to fight their insurance companies to pay for the damage to their houses. It is amazing that we can aid other countries to rebuild and fight wars, but we cannot organize an effort to rebuild a city on our on soil.

Sean Payton’s 2006 Coaching Staff Solidified

2006-01-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

The New Orleans Saints have added Joe Vitt to their coaching staff for 2006. He was the interim head coach of the St. Louis Rams last season and could bring some well needed change to this Saints team. Sean Payton will also be working with new offensive coordinator Doug Marrone.

Ready in 2006, Sort Of

2005-10-22T06:06:00.000-05:00

Word around the cooler is that Saints owner Tom Benson would like to move the Saints out of New Orleans and make San Antonio their permanent home. With the damage done to the Super Dome by Hurricane Katrina it is expected that the stadium will only be ready for a few games next season, and the Saints’ practice facility has been left completely unusable. It sounds like the Saints owner is trying to use this as an excuse for leaving New Orleans instead of sticking by the city that has supported the Saints for so long. I understand that teams are business and need to go where the money is, but a sports team becomes a part of that city, and to take that team out is like removing a chunk of the city itself. In times like this the Saints organization must have some loyalty to their city.

Saints Dominate at “Home”

2005-10-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

The Saints’ first “home” game was a success with a win against the Buffalo Bills, 19-7. The Saints came to play, not allowing any turnovers at all, Deuce McAllister rushed for 130 yards, and Donte’ Stallworth had 129 yards receiving. After allowing the Bills to score the first touchdown the Saints scored 19 unanswered points in this dominating defeat. The Saints beat the Bills in passing yards, rushing yards, first downs, and third downs converted. This wins brings New Orleans back up to .500 for the season and out of the cellar of the NFC South. They still have a ways to catch up with the undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but if they can continue this type of winning they are for sure to make an impression in the division.

Home Sweet Home...Sort Of

2005-09-26T23:12:00.000-05:00

After three straight away games to open the season, the Saints finally get a game that resembles a home game. The Saints will be playing this season’s home games at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Saints have just been playing badly these last two weeks, and hopefully coming “home” will help them start over. This past Sunday the Saints lost to the Minnesota Vikings 33-16. The Saints weren’t in the game at all, because after fumbling the opening kickoff, for the second week in a row, it took the Vikings one play and 13 seconds to score a touchdown. Too many fumbles and too many penalties have led to this downward spiral. Hopefully the Saints can change their luck next week against the Buffalo Bills.

Sometimes It’s Not Just a Game

2005-09-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

At times of such destruction and despair, people look to sports as a way to take their minds off of their troubles. Sunday the New Orleans Saints gave the people of New Orleans something to cheer about, something to feel good about by winning their season opener 23-20 against the Carolina Panthers. It seems like the team is taking the burden of uplifting this city on to their shoulders, this is no longer just a season. “In the back of our minds, we know we have to give them one tiny bit of hope,” said Saints quarterback Aaron Brook. This is a way to prove to America and to the world that New Orleans isn’t out yet.

The Game Must Go On

2005-09-01T23:22:00.000-05:00

Thursday night the Saints played their final preseason game against the Oakland Raiders, but the game was not on the minds of the players; they were more worried about their homes and families. Yahoo! Sports reports that Saints linebacker James Allen stood in the stadium tunnel moments before the game with cell phones in both hands trying desperately to get a hold of family in New Orleans. The Saints will be going to San Antonio to stay and wait to see when they can go home if they homes left to go to. It’s hard to imagine that these players are still asked to go to work even though they are unsure of the welfare of their family and of their city. But apparently, as I said earlier, the game must go on.

Counting on You

2005-06-13T12:37:00.000-05:00

Sophomore receiver Devery Henderson has sat out the past couple of days in recent mini-camps. Henderson pulled his hamstring which raises concern in the Saints coaching staff. The Saints are expecting big numbers form Henderson, who is expected to play a bigger role as the number three receiver.

Though the question still remains, is Henderson durable enough to last the whole season and will his inexperience play a factor in his play making capability. I would not be surprised if the Saints picked up a veteran wide receiver for insurance this off-season.

Getting Cut

2005-06-01T15:07:00.000-05:00

I have been talking about the dilemma at the linebacker position for the Saints recently, and I just recently found out that Orlando Ruff has become a June 1st cut. I can see how this makes sense though. Ruff was never really a presence on the field. The coaches felt he never lived up to his potential. Besides with Courtney Watson drafted this year, it is better to start fresh. You can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

Do or Die

2005-05-29T16:24:00.000-05:00

As it is, the Saints Linebacking core is not the best. I have mentioned this before, but to give the benefit of the doubt, Cie Grant is coming to terms with reality. He has one more shot to prove himself. Grant is a bit underrated I will admit, but that is due to his injury prone nature. Well Grant has a season left to prove himself.

He Better Not

2005-05-25T10:45:00.000-05:00

Apparently New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson's gave some type of confirmation that he was offered more than one billion dollars for his team! He better not sale! He didn’t accept the offer, instead the offer was to illustrate the financial problems that could prompt the team to move some where else like… Los Angeles.

Help Wanted

2005-05-19T12:52:00.000-05:00

When I look at the Saints the first thing I notice is the lack of talent in linebacker position. The Saints desperately need an impact player to make a difference. Do the names Derrick Rodgers, James Allen, Courtney Watson, Sedrick Hodge, or Orlando Ruff ring a bell? Well these are your linebackers.

Hint…Hint… Peter Boulware is a free agent.

Rumor Mill

2005-05-12T15:57:00.000-05:00

Howard is a ten plus sack guy, who had 11 sacks, last year after being, hurt quite a few games. His only knock has been injuries for the last two years.

The only reason we are shopping him is due to the great play of Will Smith and Charles Grant at the end of last year. Smith and Grant are cheaper and younger.

I don't expect the Saints to deal Howard to the Cowboys because the Cowboys are unwilling to part with any on there line backers, and Jerry Jones says he is not trading anymore draft picks.

In Need of Linebackers

2005-05-09T13:17:00.000-05:00

from Foxsports.com

It's no secret the Saints are desperate for linebacker help. They have 14 linebackers on the roster and have continued to pursue free-agent Chad Brown. Traditionally, only nine have made the final roster. Among the group are newcomers Levar Fisher, Alfred Fincher, Russel Rabe and Cabel Rohloff.

Third-year veteran Cie Grant, who has been sidelined for two seasons with knee injuries, is also in the mix. The increased competition could jeopardize the roster spots of veterans Orlando Ruff and Derrick Rodgers, who started in the middle and on the weak side for the majority of the past two seasons. If neither wins a starting spot they are likely roster cuts because of their veteran salaries.

Is it worth It?

2005-04-26T14:12:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Saints traded up to grab coveted RT Jammal Brown, who appears able to anchor a line for a decade. He's powerful and physical with great size and fills a major need.

That said, the Saints still might have been better served by taking S/OLB Thomas Davis at No. 13 and getting a tackle in the second round, considering they did little to upgrade a porous defense.

S Josh Bullocks and ILB Alfred Fincher likely won't start and will be counted on more for special teams in 2005.

DT Jason Jefferson and DE Jimmy Verdon are long shots to make the roster. If the defense struggles to stop the run again this season, the team might second-guess itself for taking an offensive player in the first round.

QB Adrian McPherson has rare talent; he has excellent mobility and a good arm.

McPherson could become the franchise's future starter if he can stay away from the trouble that prematurely ended his college career.

Thinking Draft

2005-04-14T17:36:00.000-05:00

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis went out this off season to fill in the voids that free agency left for the Saints. Loomis was able to go out and sign free safety Dwight Smith along side right tackle Jermane Mayberry.

There are still several holes and depth question the Saints have to answer for themselves come draft day, one of those positions being linebacker. The Saints have a secret weapon in RE Darren Howard. There is talk of trading him for a high draft pick to use or trade for an even higher draft pick. The Saints said they would be aggressive in getting the players they wanted during the draft. So we will see what happens.

What about Fred?

2005-04-07T19:43:00.000-05:00

Cornerback Fred Thomas wasn't injured physically last season, but he was injured mentally. His mother battled cancer throughout last season, and the ordeal appeared to weigh on him. After signing a lucrative four-year contract in free agency, he lost his starting job midseason and then was beaten out by Jason Craft for the nickel back job. Coaches are hopeful the fearless, competitive Thomas will regain the form that made him a solid starter the previous four seasons. If so, the Saints' secondary will be solid, if not spectacular.

Draft Buzz

2005-03-30T17:10:00.000-06:00

from Foxsports.com

At No. 16, it's difficult to target a player, but count on this: Whoever it is will be a player that can play right away. Coach Jim Haslett is under the gun to win this season. He needs an impact player and can't afford to select a developmental project. The Saints selected tackle Jon Stinchcomb and wide receiver Devery Henderson in the second rounds of the 2003 and 2004 drafts. Although team officials remain high on both players, neither has contributed much. With the pressure mounting on Haslett to reach the playoffs, don't expect him to waste high picks on anyone that won't contribute immediately.

Hard Truth

2005-03-07T15:10:00.000-06:00

from Foxsports.com

Team officials believe they have the luxury of selecting the best player available in the draft but the defense desperately needs an impact player at linebacker. The club hasn't invested a first-round pick at the position since Mark Fields in 1996 and that has shown on the field. Young LBs Courtney Watson, Colby Bockwoldt and James Allen are solid starters, but the defense lacks a difference maker at the second level. With that in mind, the Saints should make it a priority to invest one of its first two picks in next month's draft on a player that will upgrade the position.

Making Room

2005-02-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

New Orleans Saints’ WR Jerome Pathon is more than likely going to be a cap casualty this off-season. By releasing Pathon, the team would make way for $1.7 million dollars for cap purposes.

Another benefit would be the development of young WR Devery Henderson. Henderson has the speed to get deep and make big plays, and along with Donte Stallworth and Joe horn this would be a dynamic Trio of receivers at the disposal of QB Aaron Brooks.

The Wild Card

2005-02-07T11:27:00.000-06:00

Last season Johnathan Sullivan showed up to training camp overweight and in horrendous condition to start any of the mini-camps. New Orleans defensive line coach, John Pease, is going to take Sullivan in as his own this year and try to get him back to tip-top shape.

Head coach Jim Haslett is going to keep a close eye on Sullivan this year, Sullivan is also expected by Haslett to stay in New Orleans for the whole off-season.

It is not a long shot for Sullivan to get the starting job back, but it isn’t a guarantee either. Sullivan needs to do something this off-season to impress the coaches or this will be his last off-season with the Saints

McCarthy Gone

2005-01-30T18:22:00.000-06:00

With Mike McCarthy no longer behind the scenes of the New Orleans Saints, seems like some one else will have to put up with the ups and downs of Aaron Brooks. McCarthy was New Orleans’ offensive coordinator, and is now the Niners play caller.

But a new Offensive Coordinator means a new offensive scheme. So Mr. Brooks you have a busy off season ahead of you, and there is no more McCarthy to hide behind either.

JB Award

2005-01-19T14:23:00.000-06:00

1. Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
3. Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints
4. Ricky Proehl, Carolina Panthers
5. Marco Rivera, Green Bay Packers
6. Junior Seau, Miami Dolphins
7. Will Shields, Kansas City Chiefs
8. Grant Wistrom, Seattle Seahawks
9. Bryant Young, San Francisco 49ers

Running back Deuce McAllister of the New Orleans Saints was selected as a '04 JB Award winner, and is now eligible to win the a very high honor in the Byron "Whizzer" White Humanitarian Award.

Survival mode

2004-12-30T14:00:00.000-06:00

The Saints are in survival mode right now...

A win against the Carolina Panthers would put the Saints in a better postion for the playoff wild card. Although it is wierd being 8 - 8 going to the playoffs.

But it wouldn't matter. You play this game to get to the playoffs to make it to the Super Bowl.

I believe Jim Haslett has every intention in taking his teams to the playoffs.

O when the Saints come marching in....

Horn & Berger to Represent the Saints at Pro Bowl

2004-12-22T15:58:00.000-06:00

from the official site of the New Orlean Saints

Saints WR Joe Horn and P Mitch Berger, both NFL statistical leaders, have been voted to the 2005 NFC Pro Bowl squad, it was announced today by the league. For Horn, it will be his fourth trip to the postseason all-star game with the Saints, and first since 2002. Berger was voted to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career and the first time since 1999.

Horn has made an assault on the Saints' all-time records again this season. He ranks first in the NFL with 1,248 receiving yards, leads the NFC with 85 catches and has tied the team mark he set last year with 10 touchdowns. The ninth-year veteran, also a Pro Bowl pick from 2000-02, is on pace to break the club records of 94 receptions for 1,340 yards that he established in 2000.

Horn has five 100-yard games in 2004 - including a season-high 167 on five grabs vs. Kansas City on Nov. 14 - giving him a club-record 24 in his career. The Saints are 18-6 since 2000 when the wideout reaches triple digits. With 44 touchdown catches since joining the Saints, Horn ranks second in franchise history in that category, a spot he also holds in career receptions (428) and receiving yardage (6,138).

Berger leads the league with a 39.5-yard net punting average, also a tribute to the clubs coverage unit. He ranks third in the NFC with a 44.1-yard average on 68 punts (2,996 yards) and has dropped 21 punts inside the opponent's 20. Following a sparkling performance in the Saints' victory at Dallas on Dec. 12 where he averaged 46 yards per punt and pinned five inside the 20, Berger was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl in 1999 while with the Minnesota Vikings.

Three Saints were also voted as alternates to the NFC squad: C LeCharles Bentley, WR Michael Lewis as a kick return specialist, and RB Deuce McAllister.

The entire AFC and NFC rosters for the Pro Bowl will be announced tonight 6 pm CT on the 2005 Pro Bowl Selection Show on ESPN. The game will be held Feb. 13, 2005 at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Consistent Tune From Horn

2004-12-09T13:34:00.000-06:00

By Chris Pika, NewOrleansSaints.com

WR Joe Horn went over the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the fourth time in his five years with the Saints after picking up 160 yards last Sunday vs. Carolina in Superdome.

Horn also went over the 75-catch plateau for the fifth time in his Saints career. He has 76 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns. He is tied with Tennessee's Derrick Mason for the league lead in receptions and is second in yards behind only Philadelphia's Terrell Owens (69 receptions, 1,130 yards).

"He's leading the league in receptions and will probably break his own mark; he'll come close or go over 100 receptions for the year," said Saints Coach Jim Haslett. "He's been working harder than he's ever worked. He comes in on Tuesday to catch balls and that's a credit to him because this is the hardest he's ever worked on the field. I think it's paying off for him and hopefully he can continue to do it because, genetics-wise, he still has a lot of years left in him. It's just how you take care of your body and how you handle it and how you work because he's going to be 34 years old. Everybody loses a little bit because of age, but if he continues to work he can play a long time."

Dallas Coach Bill Parcells, whose team beat Seattle on the road on Monday night and got back to Dallas early Tuesday morning, joked about the fact that he got only four hours of sleep on Tuesday night in a teleconference with the New Orleans media on Wednesday afternoon.

"Last night I only had four hours sleep for some reason," he said. "I couldn't sleep. Maybe it was because I was thinking about Joe Horn. I don't know."

Joe "Little Big" Horn

2004-11-22T10:42:00.000-06:00

Michael C. Hebert, from NFL.com

Horn has steadily climbed the Saints season and career receiving charts since he was signed as an unrestricted free agent from Kansas City. His best season with the Chiefs came in 1999, when he had 586 yards on only 35 receptions. His first season with the Saints in 2000 proved why the club signed him. He more than doubled his numbers in receptions (94) and yards (1,340) and found the end zone eight times.

The 94 catches and 1,340 yards are both still the highest in a single season for any Saints player and it was the start of a stretch in which Horn went over 1,000 yards receiving in three straight seasons (just missing the mark again in 2003) and caught at least 78 passes in each of his first four seasons in a Saints uniform.

This season, Horn could be on a pace to break both of his club marks. He has 59 receptions for 839 yards and five TDs, including a five-catch, 167-yard performance against his old team on Nov. 21 in the Superdome. He capped off his day with a 42-yard touchdown reception that lifted the Saints to a 27-20 victory - one of the many great moments Horn has had in New Orleans.

He ranks second in team history with 39 TD catches and is 10 shy of breaking the mark held by former WR Eric Martin (48 from 1985-93). He went over the 100-yard receiving mark for the 22nd time as a Saint in the game vs. Kansas City, which extended his club record.

His consistency as a receiver has been amazing. He has caught at least one pass in all 73 regular season games with the Saints and in his last 87 games, dating back to his time in Kansas City.

Every quarterback in the NFL has a favorite receiver and Horn certainly has been Aaron Brooks' big target. They are the top quarterback-wide receiver scoring duo in club history as Brooks has thrown 31 TDs to Horn since 2000.

All of this from a receiver who played junior college football at Itawamba (Miss.) Community College in 1991-92, spent the 1993 season out of football washing dishes and working in a furniture factory to support his family before getting into the professional ranks in the Canadian Football League in 1994.

After two years in the CFL with the Memphis Mad Dogs, he was drafted by Kansas City in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft.

His first two seasons, he caught two passes each for the Chiefs and just 14 in 1998 as he also spent time as a kick returner.

In 1999, he showed flashes of what Saints fans have been used to over the past five years as he scored six touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards per catch.

In that offseason, he was eligible for unrestricted free agency and the Saints were very interested in him. New Orleans was one of the busiest teams in free agency and the franchise knew that Horn could give the Saints a true deep receiving threat.

"I knew that over the last four or five years before I came there, they were not stacked at wide receiver," Horn said when asked about why he chose to come to New Orleans. "I saw a city that deserved to have a receiver who gave his all. I had a lot of opportunities to go to other places. I visited New Orleans on a rainy day and I saw a city that was yearning to win. It wasn't the money, because other teams wanted me to visit. I made a commitment to the Saints that if I liked what I saw, I would sign. I saw it as an opportunity, with how I came up in my life because I never had anything, it would be good for me to go to a team that wasn't used to having a winning record, so that when we did win, I would be a big part of that."

As one of the league's most prolific receivers, Horn knows what it takes to be the best at his position.

"Number one, you have to be consistent," he said. "You can't be up-and-down, and having said that, sometimes you have an injury that you know might take two to three weeks to heal. You bite the bullet, get treatment (in the training room) and get ready to play through it. And, you have to have a lot of heart. There are a lot of soft receivers in this league, meaning if they have a small injury they can play with, they'll sit out two or three games. When you have an injury like that and you can play and be a little effective, you sacrifice yourself."

Communication with the quarterback ends on the playing field, but starts on the practice field, according to Horn.

"It's good communication on the field, because we have good communication in practice," he said. "One thing Aaron wrote to me in a Christmas card one year was, 'Let's make history together.' At practice, he throws the ball to me so much and in so many different ways, on gameday, it's like clockwork."

With over 400 catches with the Saints, there have been several that were memorable. His best, according to him, a TD grab in the Superdome against Carolina last season.

"Aaron was throwing the ball to Boo Williams in the end zone," he said. "While I was running my route and watching Boo run his since we were close by. When Aaron released the ball, I didn't think that based on where the ball was thrown, Boo could catch it because of how high the pass was. I didn't want the ball to go past my face without an opportunity to catch it in the back of the end zone. I jumped up in the air at the last second, without thinking about it, and jumped over a pair of linebackers to make the catch and got flipped upside down. I might have surprised Aaron by catching it"

As to what drives him to succeed in a position where every catch is precious and receivers are judged by their last game, Horn is driven by a single passion.

"My love for the game," he said. "My love for football, my desire to win and to compete is what drives me."

Key Issues

2004-11-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

from FoxSports.com

The defense must improve if the Saints hope to contend. The inability to stop the run has had a domino effect. It sets up the play-action passing game, where the Saints have been vulnerable to big plays, and keeps the defense off-balance. If the Saints slow down opposing running attacks, they should be able to control passing games. That's because CBs Mike McKenzie and Fakhir Brown are solid and the pass rush, led by LE Charles Grant, has been consistent. The offense has enough weapons to score in the mid-to-upper 20s each week if RB Deuce McAllister returns to his pre-injury form down the stretch, and the special teams are strong.

The Saints have enough ability to climb back into the playoff hunt. They're the most talented team in the NFC South, and five of their final six games are against division rivals.

Long Weekend

2004-11-02T13:05:00.000-06:00

NewOrleansSaints.com
The Saints completed their work on Thursday morning as the team started a three-day weekend for the bye week.

Coach Jim Haslett said that the weekend is a chance for everyone to get away from the game for a few days.

"We like them to get home and see their families," he said. "You've got three days off and you can go home and relax. You end up going to college games or watching Sunday's games so you never get away from it. It's really the only profession in the world where you can practice, then go home and watch it on TV and still enjoy it. I don't think that happens in too many businesses."

The Saints worked three days this week on what they found after self-scouting the team. "The things that we feel we're lacking on, we've put a lot of effort in this week and we still have guys working on some of the things we're trying get better on offense, defense, and special teams," Haslett said.

One area the club is concentrating on is the running game, led by RB Deuce McAllister.

"We made a tape for him and he looked back at last year's runs compared to what he's doing this year," Haslett said. "It's good to see what he did when he had the 1,600 yards rushing and the way he's running now, and he's not far off. He's going to get healthy, and I thought he's had two good days of practice running the ball. He's a guy that has to play big for us in the next couple of months."

"Part of it is the ankle; he needs to run with authority and to not worry about fumbling the ball," Haslett said when asked about McAllister. "He's got to use his great stiff arm and needs to get in the back end where he can get one-on-one with the safeties."

Haslett also discussed the team's linebacker corps. "Sedrick Hodge is the guy that was missing when we started," he said. "Sedrick is a steady player who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. He is extremely fast and has great cover ability. It took him awhile after he came back from the suspension to get back to where he's at now. This bye week will help him. Orlando Ruff has played well in the two games that he has started against Tampa Bay and this last game at Oakland. Derrick Rodgers has been consistent and that gives us guys that are dependable, reliable, and who we can count on."

Thursday, October 14, 2004

2004-10-17T16:57:00.000-05:00

By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

Less than two full weeks after being acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers, cornerback Mike McKenzie has moved into the New Orleans Saints' starting lineup, bumping the much respected Fred Thomas to the bench in a shakeup of the secondary unit.

The sixth-year veteran will take over, in Sunday's home game against Minnesota, at the left cornerback spot. Incumbent left corner Ashley Ambrose will move into Thomas' former spot at right cornerback. The starting safeties, for now, remain unchanged.

It was just a matter of time, everyone agreed when the Saints added McKenzie, until he gained a starting job. The time arrived when McKenzie demonstrated he that he was fully recovered from a hamstring injury that had limited his playing time in Green Bay.

Other contributing elements -- the underachieving Saints have lost two games in a row, both to teams that were winless when they faced New Orleans, and Thomas has struggled with injuries and inconsistency.

McKenzie faced the Vikings twice annually in division play during his five seasons in Green Bay and remains familiar with Minnesota personnel. He has spent some of the week of preparation counseling his new teammates on the Vikings' wide receivers, especially Randy Moss.

The Saints dealt for McKenzie on Oct. 4, sending the Packers a second-round choice in the 2005 draft and backup quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan. McKenzie was still recovering from the hamstring injury and did not dress for last weekend's game against Tampa Bay.

The veteran cornerback, of course, skipped all of the Packers' offseason conditioning programs, camp, the preseason and the regular-season opener in contract dispute. He reported to the Packers the day after the opener, played nine snaps as a nickel back in the Sept. 19 against the Bears and then missed the next two games with the hamstring injury.

New Orleans officials had been attempting to deal for McKenzie since training camp. It was no secret to Saints player, especially cornerbacks, that a deal might be consummated.

The irony is that the Saints worked hard in the offseason to retain Thomas, who was very close to signing with Philadelphia as an unrestricted free agent. Thomas is one of the acknowledged leaders in the New Orleans locker room.

While disappointed with his demotion, Thomas allowed he has not played to his normal level of consistency because of rib, foot and groin injuries. He will likely assume the nickel role now.

Saints Come Marching

2004-09-09T14:38:00.000-05:00

Jim Haslett has changed the tone around the Superdome. The Saints are not going to play around this season. It is time to get down to business.

from ESPN.com
"That's the nature of this business," Haslett said. "If you don't win, you're going to be in the hot seat."

In the offseason the coaches and players met and set up a new, more businesslike atmosphere and environment. Before training camp began, the tables where players spent their time between practice and meetings playing dominoes and cards were gone from the locker room.

Cell phones, which last year provided an almost constant background of rings and chatter, were banned from the locker rooms. So were boom boxes and video games.

"It's a more professional approach," said general manager Mickey Loomis. "We just want the players to be thinking about football the minute they come through the gate."

Ready for Fridays Game Against Miami

2004-09-02T16:20:00.000-05:00

Last friday on 8/27 the Saints won against the Chicago Bears 17-13.

Devery Henderson showed why the Saints made him a second-round draft pick, beating two defenders to a pass and setting up New Orleans' winning touchdown Friday night.

``We were taking a shot down field. We know Devery can run well, he's a playmaker and I gave him an opportunity,'' third-team quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan said.

``He went up and made a great play on the ball and gave us a chance to win the game.''

The 48-yard O'Sullivan-to-Henderson pass in the fourth quarter set up O'Sullivan's 1-yard run as the Saints beat the Chicago Bears 17-13 in a penalty-filled third preseason game.
The 3 1/2 -hour game featured 30 penalties, including 18 for 136 yards on the Bears and 12 for 82 on New Orleans.

The Saints next game is tomorrow night 9/3 against the Chicago Bears. The last time that the Saints have met with the Bears was August 28, 2003 where the Bears won 24-10. But after last weeks game, our team seems very pumped up and excited about tomorrow's meeting. GO SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!1

Hopefully Injury will Heal Before Fridays Game

2004-08-27T17:09:00.000-05:00

New Orleans quarterback Aaron Brooks tweaked his strained right thigh and hobbled off the field in the second quarter of the Saints' game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.

Brooks, who sat out the Saints' preseason opener because of the strained quadriceps muscle, pulled up while scrambling to avoid defensive lineman Grady Jackson, a former teammate.

Brooks, who was replaced by Todd Bouman, completed 7 of 13 passes for 44 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

On the next series, New Orleans backup running back Aaron Stecker left the game with a neck stinger when he was hit by linebacker Nick Barnett and fumbled.

Saints 23; Jets 13

2004-08-19T15:56:00.000-05:00

The New Orleans Saints' third-string quarterback completed 10 of 13 passes for 141 yards as the New Orleans Saints' reserves beat the New York Jets' backups 23-13 Friday night.

Saints quarterback Aaron Brooks was in street clothes on the sideline. He returned to practice this week, but his strained quadriceps was still tender, and team officials did not want to risk further damage. Backup Todd Bouman, who was hobbled by a pulled stomach muscle this week, started.

Bouman struggled, but put the Saints up 7-3 late in the first-quarter with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jerome Pathon. John Carney stretched New Orleans' lead to 10-6 at halftime with a 36-yard field goal.

Bouman completed 9 of 16 passes for 59 yards, one touchdown, one interception and was sacked once.

Saints Schedule

2004-07-28T16:40:00.000-05:00

Here's the 2004 New Orleans Saints schedule from NFL.com:

2004 Preseason
Date Opponent Time/Result
Aug. 13 New York 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 21 at Green Bay 8:00 p.m.
Aug. 27 at Chicago 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 3 Miami 8:00 p.m.

2004 Schedule
Date Opponent Result
Sept. 12 Seattle 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 19 San Francisco 1:00 p.m.
Sept. 26 at St. Louis 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 3 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.
Oct. 10 Tampa Bay 1:00 p.m.
Oct. 17 Minnesota 8:30 p.m.
Oct. 24 at Oakland 4:15 p.m.
Oct. 31 Open Date
Nov. 7 at San Diego 4:05 p.m.
Nov. 14 Kansas City 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 21 Denver 1:00 p.m.
Nov. 28 at Atlanta 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 5 Carolina 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 12 at Dallas 1:00 p.m.
Dec. 19 at Tampa Bay 4:05 p.m.
Dec. 26 Atlanta 1:00 p.m.
Jan. 2 at Carolina 1:00 p.m.

All times are Eastern

new saints blog

2004-07-22T16:30:00.000-05:00

hi, i'll be setting this thing up soon so that i can blog the 2004 season, hope you can come back and check it out!