WVUE Saints Headlines

Bush misses third practice, questionable against Bucs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:38:59 GMT

The undefeated New Orleans Saints might be without running back
Reggie Bush for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Bush missed
his third this week due to swelling in his knee after he ran
for 83 yards and scored two touchdowns in St. Louis last Sunday.
Saints coach Sean Payton would not say Thursday what Bush's chances
of playing are this Sunday in Tampa Bay.

Saints want to keep fans safe at airport

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:34:00 GMT

Metairie - A black and gold tradition that has exploded this year because of the team's success is drawing a warning from team officials.

A letter, signed by Saints owner Tom Benson, head coach Sean Payton, quarterback Drew Brees and general manager Mickey Loomis, asks fans to be extra careful if they want to greet the team at the airport following away games.

"In recent weeks, the number of people lining the streets at the airport has grown to the point where it is now a safety issue. With that said, we need to recognize the potential dangers of having small children on very crowded streets with moving vehicles.

"We are asking that all of our great fans refrain from approaching the cars of Saints players and officials as they depart the airport. And we please ask that you refrain from seeking autographs as the players depart."

The Saints say the welcoming crowds of fans at the airport is one of the highlights for the team after a road game. It has quickly become a social hot spot for Saints fans on a Sunday night.

"Vilma couldn't guard me"

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:40:51 GMT

Tampa Bay tight end Kellen Winslow doesn't think that securing home field advantage through the playoffs or maintaining a perfect season is enough motivation for the Saints this Sunday, so he called out linebacker Jonathan Vilma in an interview with Michael David Smith of NBC Sports.

Transcript: Payton talks about Tampa matchups

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:37:42 GMT

New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton
Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Opening Statement:

“A couple of notes in regards to the injury report, Jonathan Goodwin (ankle) did not practice; Lance Moore (ankle) did not practice; Jabari Greer (groin) did not practice; Darren Sharper (knee) was limited; David Thomas (knee) did not practice; Reggie Bush (knee) did not practice; Tracy Porter (knee) did not practice; Sedrick Ellis (knee) was limited. We signed cornerback Chris McAlister and waived quarterback Chase Daniel.”

What do you foresee McAlister’s role being?

“A lot of it will be based on the health of a couple of guys in front of him. But he’s a veteran player that understands defense and is someone that we think can come in and help us. We worked him out yesterday and we signed him this morning.”

How encouraging is it to have Sedrick Ellis back on the field?

“Anytime you’re able to get a starter back – a guy that has been a good player for you at the three-technique and at the nose – it certainly helps. At the same time, we’re still repping the other guys through in the rotation. Today he felt better and that was encouraging.”

In Reggie’s case, were you just resting the knee?

“Yes. In the game, a couple of these guys got nicked up. In his case, we backed off of it today and held him and held David Thomas for that reason.”

Is punt return an area you’re looking to improve?

“It’s an area we have talked about and obviously it’s an area we need to improve on. We had a decent return last week with a holding call that brought it back, but we’re playing a real good team this week in special teams. They have a returner that is first in a lot of categories and when you look at it, that’s an area that we have to do a good job with and emphasize. Those are field position, hidden yardage statistics that will be important in this game.”

Why Chris McAlister and not some other players who were available?

“We had gone through our pro personnel reports and our grades, and he worked out yesterday and did a good job. A lot of it is based on how we grade and how we stack players that are available.”

Did he come in with many other players to work out?

“It was he and another player. He did a good job.”

Is there a chance he could help you out at safety or would it just be at cornerback?

“That’s a good question. We’re looking at him now and certainly he’s a guy that has experience in the secondary and his role right now would be as a corner.”

Was there any thought of moving Usama Young back to cornerback to help out?

“He’s a guy that can do both, but nothing specific right now.”

Was the signing also based on how Randall Gay played on Sunday?

“No. It was based on the injury to Tracy Porter.”

How did Randall Gay grade out on Sunday?

“He graded out better than you would have thought. The one was a Cover-zero look on third-and-long; it was a full-blitz look and the quarterback had a half-second longer than you would like to throw it and the receiver did a good job. That’s a tough coverage for a corner to be in. The next play was really a play above his head. But we have a lot of confidence in Randall Gay. Those were two good plays by St. Louis.”

Is it good to be facing a rookie quarterback this week?

“We spend most of our time just on the game plan and getting ourselves ready to have a good week of practice and prepare. He’s a guy that has a big arm. We’ve seen some other young quarterbacks this year. He has given them a spark. When you look at the tape and the way they played against Miami a week ago and their win against Green Bay, I think the players around him have responded and he’s playing with confidence. Certainly we understand the strengths and weaknesses of when you play a younger player, but that being said, he’s a guy that’s elusive, can scramble to run and has a big arm. Especially after a couple of weeks now, we’ll have a challenge.”

Do you feel like you’re getting Tampa Bay at the wrong time? Are they a team you would’ve liked to have played earlier in the year?

“You get the schedule and you play it. Certainly they’re playing well right now. St. Louis was playing better and we caught them after a bye. Again, the focus for us starts with ourselves. Certainly we have to be mindful of the type of offense and defense and return game we’re seeing and prepare accordingly on the film study, but they’re playing better.”

Was Tampa’s more of a substantial rebuilding project than you’ll normally see in the league?

“I don’t know. I think you could make a comparison to a few other clubs that would be similar and there would be some others that wouldn’t be as significant. They had a roster that they felt like they were going to move some players and begin to move on and start developing younger guys. Whenever there’s a change like that at the top, you see a lot of different changes that go along with it. I don’t think it’s very uncommon in our league.”

Do you see a completely different team on film than the Bucs from years past?

“There are a lot of differences and there are some similarities. They run well on defense. They’re playing with confidence on defense. The return game is outstanding. You see some changes offensively with certainly a new coordinator and a little bit of new personnel, but it’s a line that has been together for a while. The good thing is that you have a good portion of the season of film to be thorough and study and look at and get the nuances of what they’re doing differently in all three areas.”

Players have said recently that they seem to be getting opponents’ “A-game” every week now. Do you feel like there’s a bull’s-eye on your back now?

“When you’re playing good football, I think there certainly is a respect level from the opponent you play. But that’s part of the challenge of winning each week in this league. You hope that you create a program and a team that is in that situation more often than the other.”

Does the diverse attack that you have on offense help to neutralize the playmakers they might have in their defense?

“The one thing that you see on film is that these guys have good ball skills. Ronde Barber, looking at a veteran who is a smart player, Tenard Jackson, Sabby Piscitelli, Aqib Talib – all these guys catch the ball well. So it really forces you to be good with your location, your exactness in the routes in what you’re trying to do. And if you’re off a little bit, these guys contest throws very well. You can see that on film; they’re athletic and they do a good job of defending the pass.”

Talib has had some off-field issues. To what degree is the Saints’ success due to not having to deal with players and off-field issues this year?

“I can’t speak on behalf of a player for Tampa. We try to focus on improving and focus on getting guys that are able to do the right thing. We try to provide that structure. But he’s an extremely talented player and he’s having a good season.”

Would you consider trading a seventh-round pick for David Thomas a steal?

“I think when you acquire a player, you’re hopeful and you have a vision for the player and it isn’t until three or four years down the road that you can put a grade or determine if it was a good acquisition or not. Certainly you hope to have more of those that fit what you’re looking for and less that end up not being that and you understand that it’s not an exact science. He has obviously filled a role for us and with the injury to Heath Evans, his role to some degree has expanded and we’ve been fortunate that way.”

Were you surprised that you were able to get him that cheap though?

“It’s all in just finding the right match with another team that was interested in a trade. Bill (Belichick) and those guys have done a great job of acquiring picks and drafting. Where one team might have team and another team might have a need, generally there’s a chance to begin discussions of acquiring a player. I don’t think it was anything unusual.”

Based on the injuries that you have on defense, how concerned are you with your defense being able to hold up until you get everyone back?

“I think that the key is preparing the guys during the week. I’ve said before that you’re not going to go through a season where all 22 guys that start the season are going to finish and play every game that way. Already at this point we’ve had a number of guys step in that weren’t opening day starters and I think that’s fairly common. You could just go on and on with the players; if you started on offense, you’d look at Jermon Bushrod and Zach Strief and Kyle Eckel, who is a fullback that has played more and Darnell Dinkins’ role has expanded. We’ve had some receivers who have filled in with Lance Moore’s injury. Defensively you can go through the numbers there with the DeMario Pressleys and the guys in the secondary. I think it’s the nature of a long year. When you play 16 regular season and four preseason games, that’s a lot of football and I think that you’re always in the process – we’re always in the process – of developing all of our players; not just the starters. It’s a challenge each week and that’s what makes it interesting. And that’s why you have to play each week and understand that there are changes happening with your opponent as well; guys are getting healthy, guys have been injured and you just hope to be on the lighter end of the injury note than the heavier end.”

Based on what’s going on in your secondary, do you think that teams will try to attack you through the air more?

“I don’t know. We’ve had injuries in the front as well. How they approach us, I wouldn’t know. You try to prepare for each opponent. When you’re thin at a position or when there’s a new corner on the field, certainly those guys understand that they’ll get tested. We’d do the same thing on offense.”

In regards to Chris McAlister, do you get him ready to play a game or do you get him ready for the rest of the season?

“We’re getting him ready to play a game.”

What has made you confident that your secondary will be able to handle this test of its depth?

“I think we’re deeper from a health standpoint in the secondary. We have a number of guys with playing experience and some young guys like Malcolm Jenkins who got some more experience last week. We’re at a point where we’re not early in the year now. We’re heading into the 10th game and the 11th week. Whoever we line up out there in the base and in the nickel will have had a lot of practice snaps and a lot of work this week in preparation for this game. I think they understand the scheme well. It’s different from a year ago. And I think that their play is often tied to the play of the front and their ability to hurry a quarterback and get pressure on a quarterback. I think it all goes together.”

Tampa has reportedly been working some on the Wildcat formation. How surprised would you be to see them line up in that formation?

“There’s nothing really that surprises you each week. You prepare for your calls and adjustments and you get ready for things that take place during a game that you may not have seen. Each week there’s a twist that you see; whether it’s on offense or on defense and you just have to be prepared to adjust.”

Fazende: After Further Review...

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:18:00 GMT

Saints fans - get used to this. It only gets tougher from here. The Saints have a target on their backs and will get their opponent’s best game, regardless of their record.

No, it wasn’t perfect against St.Louis, but luckily the Saints still are at 9-0.

Let’s break it all down.

Run Reggie Run

“The Saints don’t use Reggie right.”

“What’s wrong with Reggie?”

“Reggie is overrated.”

Sound familiar anyone? It’s the constant chatter from fans and media surrounding Reggie Bush.

Yes, Reggie has been inconsistent but what I saw Sunday from him was everything he brings to the table for this offense.

First, the coaches did a terrific job of putting Reggie in a position to succeed and Reggie executed it with decisiveness and vision.

Reggie first touchdown came on a draw play where the hole in the middle of the field burst wide open. Reggie saw it, hit the hole and picked up a terrific block by Marques Colston to get into the end zone.

On his second touchdown, what truly makes Reggie special was on display. He was matched up one on one with safety Craig Dahl. Sure it was a mismatch, but honestly who isn’t a mismatch with Reggie in the open field? Having him as a check-down is a tremendous advantage for the Saints. Once he caught the ball, Reggie wasn’t going to be denied the touchdown.

Which brings me to my next point. Does anyone in the NFL feel the end zone better than #25? He always knows exactly how far to go to get to paydirt. He did it once again on Sunday.

He was clearly my MVP against St.Louis.

Start Fast, Finish Strong?

It’s been the Saints’ mantra all season, but it easily was the most disappointing thing about Sunday’s game.

For the second straight game the Saints were held out of the end zone in the first quarter. What was more concerning, though, was their finish.

After the Robert Meachem touchdown early in the 4th quarter, the Saints basically shut down and waited for the time to run out. In the last 10:13 of regulation the Saints managed just two first downs even though they had the ball in Rams’ territory much of the quarter.

For some reason they seemed a bit complacent and let the Rams hang around. It made the game a lot closer than it had to be.

Weathering the Storm

Make no mistake about it the fresh Rams coming off a bye week hung tough with a banged up Saints team. The Saints were missing ¾ of their starting secondary once Tracy Porter went down. Randall Gay was thrust into a position he’s not completely comfortable with.

He’s a nickel back who’s used to covering slot receivers. Being matched up one-on-one on the outside with a wideout isn’t his strength.

He gave up two touchdowns, although the second one he was in good position to make the play.

I wouldn’t surprised if the signing of Chris McAlister would allow Gay to move back into the nickel role where he flourishes.

Usama Young did an admirable job of filling in for Darren Sharper. Young made a nice play on his interception. He also had the benefit of great coverage by Jonathan Vilma and a bad read by Marc Bulger.

Stopping Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson was on a complete tear in the first half of Sunday’s game. He rushed for 100 yards on 17 carries and was gashing the Saints interior defense for chunks of yards at a time.

So what did the Saints do to hold Jackson to just 31 yards in the 2nd half?

It wasn’t a scheme change as much as it was a personnel change. The Saints inserted Demario Pressly in at defensive tackle for Anthony Hargrove.

The longest gain Jackson had when Pressly was in was eight yards and that came off a missed tackle by Scott Fujita.

Hargrove was in for most of the first half and was getting blown off the ball, allowing Jackson to hit the second and third level before being touched.

Hargrove is more athletic than Pressly, but Pressly is clearly the better run-stuffer.

It also helped that the Saints offense held on to the ball in the second half. They had just a little over 12 minutes in time of possession at halftime but finished the game with just over 28 minutes. By holding on to the ball longer in the second half, it kept Jackson off the field.

Other Observations

-Has anyone noticed Devery Henderson lately? He’s quietly having the best season of his career. Henderson had four catches for 72 yards on Sunday and every one of them went for a first down. Three of those receptions came on third down conversions. He also had no drops, a problem that’s plagued him throughout his career. After nine games, Henderson is just two catches away from topping his career high of 32.

-Tight end Dave Thomas is more than just a blocker. Thomas had his best day as a Saint. Of his five catches, three went for first downs.

-As written above, Reggie had an incredible game. He also made a little bit of history with the longest run of career, a 55-yarder in the third quarter. On that play however, Bush was sprung by a spectacular block by guard Jahri Evans.

-A lot has been made of Drew Brees’ seven interceptions over the past four games. He had two again on Sunday. On the first Brees made the right call to throw it to Jeremy Shockey. Shockey was the hot route when the Rams sent three guys from Brees’ blindside. The pass to Shockey was catchable but Rams’ linebacker David Vobora timed the play perfectly and hit Shockey just as the ball got there. Once the ball was tipped James Butler picked it off

-On the second interception Brees attempted to hit Shockey again on a seem route. Shockey had a linebacker on him and a safety over the top of him. On that play Henderson was matched up one-on-one with a cornerback. That was the best option. Colston was also open for a split second underneath. It was simply a bad read and throw by Brees.

-While we’re on the subject of Colston, I have no doubt he will bounce back from his latest two-game funk. But clearly he tried to do a little too much when he fumbled on the goal line. After watching the tape, Colston really didn’t have to jump at all. If he would have kept running at full speed to the corner he likely would have gotten in. Also, Bush was setting up for a block to seal O.J. Atogwe but when Colston left his feet Bush backed off. While in the air, Colston was about to stretch the ball but then tucked it back in, likey because he would have left his ribs exposed for a big hit from Atogwe. It turned out to be a bad break for the Saints. A touchdown there combined with the Meachem touchdown later would have put the game away a lot sooner.

-I have no problem with the Saints going for it on 4th &1 late in the 4th quarter, just not a fullback dive. I understand they were trying to catch the Rams off guard but with only one shot to get a first down, I would have given the ball to a more experienced runner.

-Robert Meachem strikes again! Meachem had one catch for a touchdown and one run for 41 yards. He just has a knack for the big play.

-Jermon Bushrod has been solid thus far but he seemed to have a little bit of trouble on Chris Long. It appeared Long had lower pad leverage and used more of a bull-rush than a speed rush.

-Courtney Roby’s 97-yard kickoff return was the play of the game. It gave the Saints an immediate spark after the Rams had a little bit of momentum heading into halftime tied at 14. On that play Roby picked up two great blocks by Troy Evans and Jeff Charleston. Once he was in the open field, Malcolm Jenkins gave him another boost with a solid block.

Up Next

Don’t take Tampa Bay lightly Saints fans. They’re an NFC South rival who would love nothing more than to knock the Saints off their undefeated high horse.

Still, the Saints are a more balanced, deeper team.

New Orleans 38
Tampa Bay 13

Saints acquire veteran DB McAlister

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:52:00 GMT

METAIRIE, La. (AP) - The New Orleans Saints have signed veteran
cornerback Chris McAlister.

The 32-year-old former Ravens star has been elected to the Pro
Bowl three times in his 10-year career but missed most of last
season with a right knee injury and was released by Baltimore last
February.

McAlister started for Baltimore's Super Bowl winner in 2001 and
ranked third on the Ravens' career list with 26 interceptions when
he was released. He also scored seven touchdowns for Baltimore,
including a 107-yard return of a missed field goal.

Both Saints starting cornerbacks are nursing injuries. Jabari
Greer has a groin pull and Tracy Porter a sprained left knee.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Smith: 5 Things I Think About...

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:51:17 GMT

FOX 8 Sports Director John Henry Smith gives his weekly thoughts to readers about the previous week's Saints game in this column called "5 Things I Think About..."

The 9-0 New Orleans Saints after their 28-23 win:

1. JASON DAVID ANYONE?

The play of the Saints 2nd teamers stepping up to effectively replace starters has been a great storyline so far this season. But now the injuries are starting to pile up to the point where the team’s performance (more so on the defensive side, of course) is really starting to be impacted. Missing both starters at defensive tackle has allowed running backs to run wild the last month. And, missing 3 starters in the defensive backfield allowed the Rams to complete as many touchdown passes (2) in their game with the Saints as they had completed all year. If Darren Sharper, Jabari Greer, and Tracy Porter are out any length of time—and it certainly looks like at least Porter is out for awhile-- the Saints may have to hit the very picked over free agent market. Among the defensive backs available this time of year: former Saints Jason David and Mike McKenzie.

2. ANTHONY HARGROVE NOT PLAYING THAT WELL

Hargrove has been one of the replacement defensive tackles the Saints have been employing. Even though he won defensive player of the week last week, I got the impression that teams were gaining a lot of yardage over his spot in the line. Against the Rams, he did make a great hustle play to chase Steven Jackson down 30 yards down field on a run. But I also noticed that Steven Jackson ran for 100 yards in the first half when Hargrove got most of the playing time at one tackle spot. In the second half, Demario Pressley seemed to get most of the snaps at that position. Steven Jackson only gained 31 yards in the second half. I’m just sayin’…

3. EDGE RUSH IS GETTING TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT ON SAINTS FIELD GOALS

Have you noticed that the edge rushers are getting an awful lot of penetration on Saints field goal and p.a.t. attempts? I have. I’ve also noticed that Darnell Dinkins appears to be having particular trouble moving laterally at a quick enough pace to get to some of these rushers.

4. DEVERY HENDERSON HAS REALLY IMPROVED

Devery Henderson is no longer just a long ball receiver. He’s making the type of short, tough catches that he simply did not make—even last year. He’s really becoming a complete receiver.

5. GREAT "NO CHALLENGE" BY PAYTON ON THE COLSTON FUMBLE

What a difference a week makes! After calling a timeout last week to decide on calling a failed challenge that would go on to cost the Saints another timeout, Sean Payton very wisely-and very quickly-made the right decision not to challenge Marques Colston’s fumble out of the Rams endzone. I think it really speaks to Payton’s ability to fix a problem quickly and efficiently.

Bush's 2 TDs help Saints stay unbeaten, 28-23

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:17:46 GMT

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Despite piling up 13 turnovers in their last
four games, the New Orleans Saints are still perfect in the
standings.

Reggie Bush scored twice for the first time in more than a year,
Drew Brees offset two interceptions with a pair of touchdown passes
and the Saints had a narrow 28-23 win against the lowly St. Louis
Rams on Sunday.

New Orleans is 9-0 for the best start in franchise history, but
only after a late defensive stop.

"Everyone is going to give you their best game," safety Roman
Harper said. "Everybody is trying to knock you off. It's real
lonely at the top right now."

Courtney Roby opened the second half with a 97-yard kickoff
return and Robert Meachem's 27-yard grab early in the fourth
quarter gave New Orleans just enough breathing room to tie the
franchise record with nine straight wins.

Blame it on the turnovers, which forced the Saints to play
catchup the previous two weeks. Brees has seven interceptions and
six touchdown passes the last four games.

"They did a good job of taking the ball away, which is still a
problem we need to fix," Brees said. "We need to fix it very
quickly, too."

Marc Bulger's 19-yard pass to Donnie Avery made it a five-point
game with 2:44 to go and the Rams (1-8) made it to the New Orleans
32 before Bulger threw incomplete into the back of the end zone on
the final play, although a holding penalty on tackle Alex Barron
would have ended the game regardless.

Harper's pass breakup on a failed 2-point conversion after
Avery's second score made it touchdown or bust.

"They're undefeated for a reason, and you just wish that things
could have gone differently for us at the end," running back
Steven Jackson said. "It just hurts."

New Orleans played most of the second half minus both starting
cornerbacks with Tracy Porter limping off with a left knee injury
in the opening minute and Jabari Greer (groin) inactive. Bulger was
26 for 40 for a season-best 298 yards with two touchdowns and one
interception.

Jackson was an even bigger threat with 131 yards rushing and a
touchdown on 26 carries while totaling a season-high 176 yards from
scrimmage. He has 6,206 yards in his sixth season, passing Lawrence
McCutcheon (6,186) for third on the franchise list.

The Rams were the first team in NFL history to face three
straight unbeaten teams at home and made a huge improvement after
absorbing drubbings by the Colts (42-6) and Vikings (38-10). An
extra week to prepare helped St. Louis, coming off its bye and a
victory over the Lions the previous week that ended a 17-game
losing streak.

Bush's legs were the biggest key for the Saints, both touchdowns
coming in the second quarter. He had 83 yards on six carries,
vaulting a defender on a 3-yard run for the game's first score, and
won a footrace to the corner of the end zone after a short
reception for a 15-yard score.

The first eight games, Bush totaled four touchdowns and 194
yards rushing. His first two-TD game since Oct. 12, 2008, gave him
30 touchdowns in 47 career games.

"He had some big plays for us, some big runs, some explosive
plays," coach Sean Payton said. "I thought he played one of his
better games."

NOTES: Jackson's run for the tying score was only the Rams' fifth touchdown out of 18 trips inside the 20 all year. ... Rams WR Keenan Burton (right knee) was carted off after getting hurt on an end zone interception by Usama Young. ... The Rams forced a total of nine turnovers in their first eight games.

Fazende: Saints mid-season report card

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:17:00 GMT

Forget about the grades - we know the Saints are on the Dean's list at the end of the first semester. Instead, FOX 8 Sports Reporter Sean Fazende hands out some class awards.

MVP (offense)- Drew Brees. Simply put, he’s the best quarterback to ever put a Saints uniform on. The unquestioned leader of what’s the most complete Saints offense ever.

MVP (defense)- Darren Sharper. It really could have gone to a few players but you can’t deny what Darren Sharper has done. His play-making ability in the secondary is something that this team has lacked over the years. And at a measly $1.7 million, the Saints stole #42. In just a half-season he’s become a hit with the fans and media in New Orleans.

MVP (special teams)- Thomas Morestead. The rookie out of SMU has proved the coaches right when they traded up to get him in the 5th round of the draft. He’s continually coming up with big punts right when the team needs him.

Most Improved- Roman Harper. Before this year I saw Harper as a guy that was average in run-support but TERRIBLE in pass coverage. Things have changed this year. Under Gregg Williams, Harper is playing closer to the line of scrimmage. And he’s shined. He leads the team in tackles with 57.

Biggest Free Agent Acquisition- Jabari Greer. Sharper is the defensive MVP because of his game-changing plays but Greer is the biggest free agent. I say this because I believe without the presence of Greer, Sharper wouldn’t be able to make a lot of the plays he’s making. Greer is a true shut-down corner who plays bigger than he is. He has two interceptions and is fearless against opposing team’s #1 wide receivers’. He’s also solid in run support.

Most Impressive Win - 46-34 over Miami. If the Saints go far this season, the ‘Showdown in South Beach’ will go down as the turning point of the season. Never, have the Saints looked so bad and then turned it around to look so good in one game. The best part is they did it on the road. It was a character-building win. The type of win that brings teams together.

Achilles Heel - I’m growing more and more concerned with the Saints field goal unit. John Carney is no longer ‘Mr. Automatic.’ Plus, blocking, particularly on the outside, seems to be getting worse.

Best Moment - Saints fans, being the true fans that they are, showed up full force at the airport to greet the players after the Dolphins win. I remembered casually telling one of our producers that day that there might be some Saints fans at the airport. Some turned into a couple thousand

Best Reporter Moment - as the Saints keep winning the national attention gets bigger and bigger. I literally walked into this after the Saints-Falcons Monday Night game. The post-game media tent was crowded after the game. When I made my way out of the area, I accidentally bumped into a short man standing just outside the tent. After I apologized, I looked at the guy again and realized it was country singer Kenny Chesney. He was cool, told me ‘no problem.’ Then I made my way into the Saints locker room.

Of all the Saints stories I’ve told to my family and friends, none of them came close to the reaction I received when I bumped into Chesney.

Meachem emerging in Saints passing game

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:13:08 GMT

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Robert Meachem says he's living the dream right now.

It's been a few years coming for the New Orleans Saints' wide receiver, who was a first-round draft choice in 2007 but never managed to get into a game during his rookie year.

He's been improving steadily since and this season has finally gotten on the field in critical situations. He's also come through with big plays, the latest a 54-yard touchdown catch last Sunday that pulled the Saints into a tie with Carolina at the end of the third quarter. New Orleans went on to win 30-20 to remain unbeaten at 8-0.

The former Tennessee standout is averaging a team-high 22.8 yards per catch this season and has three touchdowns.