But all of the team's success in 2009 has left me hungry for more, even more so than usual. Not only am I watching my Saints play, I'm checking out other teams' preseason games as well--you know--in anticipation. I just can't seem to get enough. Still, being able to watch the black and gold take to the field has been the highlight for me. I don't want to budge from in front of the TV because I don't want to miss a play. For the most part, I've really been enjoying myself. So, with all that said, I'm going to share the obvious and not so obvious with you--that is the way I see it.
The Obvious
- Drew Brees is really very good. After looking a bit rusty in the first game against the Patriots, he has found his stride and appears poised to have another phenomenal season. If the offensive line gives him the protection he needs, I think he reaches that 5,000-yard milestone that has eluded him the past few seasons.
- There is still plenty room for improvement on special teams coverages. I knew that the stats from 2009 were bad in that department, but I had no idea just how bad. We were dead last in punt coverage and 29th in kickoff coverage. So far in the preseason, missed tackles and lapses in judgement have allowed the other teams to pick up some pretty good yardage against us. Even though the coverage was improved against the Chargers, it wasn't where it needs to be.
- Chris Ivory deserves to make the roster. After mounting impressive performances in all three preseason games, the undrafted rookie sensation has most definitely made a statement as to why he deserves to be a Saint. That beautiful run for a touchdown he had against the Chargers was just the icing on the cake. I believe he will be an excellent addition to the potent running attack.
- Pierre Thomas is worth his weight in gold. I told y'all that I can't get enough of watching last season's victories on DVD. As I watch this kid, it's even more evident that he is a master of the screen. I have not seen any player execute it better than he does or have more success at it. The good news is, he still has it. His ability to bust tackles and fight for extra yards is mind-blowing. I hope the Saints realize what a valuable asset they have in him and compensate him accordingly.
- Reggie Bush is more physical than ever. Every since the playoff game against the Cardinals, he has been playing possessed! And to see him actually running between the tackles and ramming it up the gut--just taking it to 'em--is scary exciting because it adds to his dimension as a true game-changer. Put that with his lightning speed and you've got a threat on offense that can and will create matchup problems for any defense. Don't be surprised if this is the breakout year everyone has been anticipating him to have.
- The Saints defense is still aggressive. They've heard all the talk and stomached all the criticism. But there is still only one thing that matters to our defense--making plays. So far in the preseason, they've had measured success in creating turnovers, which is what we all have come to expect and love. Look for them to continue their opportunistic approach. After all, it worked very well for them last year. But don't be concerned with them becoming predictable. Gregg Williams is a defensive genius. I guarantee you he has some tricks up his sleeve that no one has ever seen. If the guys can cut down on the number of big plays they give up through the air and on the ground, the defense can possibly be ranked in the top 10 overall this year.
- All the new rules and changes are going to be a big headache. Any time there are changes in the NFL's rules, it takes a lot of getting used to. I can remember cringing at the idea of instant replay. I was thinking about the amount of time it would take to review a play. Now, it seems like its been there all the time. But some of these newer changes seem like they're going to be nothing but trouble. My least favorite so far is the one concerning the official having to be in place before the ball can be snapped. That one is going to really cripple the ability to run the hurry-up offense, thereby limiting a team's options. You can bet tounges are gonna be wagging about this one in the coming weeks.
The Not-So Obvious
- It's up in the air who the Saints are going to keep at running back (past Thomas and Bush, that is). It's crazy not to be impressed with Chris Ivory's performance so far. He has had the kind of games any player trying to make a roster would hope to have. He's run hard, stiff-armed, and tackled his way into the hearts of Saints fans everywhere. Yet, I can't celebrate his victory yet even though I would like nothing more than to do just that. It's just in what Coach Payton says--or doesn't say--that concerns me. There's always the looming "but" when he discusses the young running back. I know they'd rather have more experience at those positions, but every experienced player had to start somewhere. Chris Ivory deserves a chance, but unfortunately we don't make the calls.
- I wonder who, if anybody, is going to be out at wide receiver. Some are speculating that the Saints will keep six, but that would obviously leave us thin at some other position. I've even heard talk that Courtney Roby could be the odd man out if Adrian Arrington continues to impress. To that I say this: A versatile player has a certain amount of job security, especially a young, versatile player. Courtney Roby has been very valuable on special teams. I watched as they had Arrington back there trying to return kickoffs the other night and I've gotta tell you, it is not his strong suit at all. He looked nervous and uncomfortable in that role and I don't think he will be effective enough at it to even experiment with again. It has to come naturally at first and then be enhanced through training and experience; it's just one of those things that can't be taught. So as a receiver alone, Arrington is worth having on the team. But his limited versatility makes Roby the better choice if need be.
- Can we stay healthy on defense? Our favorite, Jonathan Vilma, went down with what was announced as a groin injury the other night. We haven't seen my boy, Darren Sharper dressed out yet because he's still on the PUP list. Now Tracy Porter is nursing his knee. Some players you can make provisions for and find a way around their absence. But these guys we need on the field. Did anybody see how Vilma was all over the place before he got hurt? That's why I call him a one-man-wrecking-crew. As for D Sharper, we all know how much better just having him out there is for the team. And Porter--did you know that he and Jabari Greer allowed just one touchdown pass in games they both played in during the 2009 regular season? Some have likened their performance to that of Darrelle Revis. In order for the defense to even be viable, we need our playmakers healthy.
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