Saints Sideline Blog

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

Monday, August 31st, 2009      Email Print

DATELINE: Oakland,CA /August 30,2009 (Did Al Davis leave at halftime??)
 
The Saints did all the right things in California and maybe more importantly, they said all the right things afterwards. Sean Payton has a veteran team and they have acted their age on and off the field in this preseason. The Who Dat Nation invaded the Raider Nation making the Men in Black look like more like Texas Southern, where the Saints' biggest preseason win in team history muted the infamous Black Hole. The offense was so good, Sean Payton in effect called for "the mercy rule" by pulling Brees and company before halftime. This after the offense batted a thousand against Oakland scoring three touchdowns on its first three drives. Speaking of three's, Gregg Williams' guys for the third straight game force three turnovers. That was all impressive but equally as nice was the execution of sound bytes afterwards.
 
I asked more than a handful of Saints in our CST postgame show, "After such a dominant performance, don't you guys just want to start the season NOW?" Some players wanted to say yes, but none of them did. Team leader Jonathan Vilma pointed out how the defense can clean a few things up, Devery Henderson had the audacity to point out possible improvements for the offense and ever the perfectionist Drew Brees admitted he should have "completed evey pass." Sure this team has committed too many penalties in both Oakland and Houston and yes the defense has given up a few big gains, but this Saints team is clearly playing great football. The best part is despite all the postives, New Orleans is still concentrating on the negatives.
 
Its obvious this team is a reflection of its Head Coach. Payton after looking at the film of Saturday's game admitted on Sundaythat sometimes when you think you played great, the tape has a way of humbling you. That may be true, but its also clear he is working hard to keep his team humbled where after such a dominating performance, his locker room was upbeat but not overconfident just like they're leader. This seems to be a team who feels good about itself on the inside, but won't let you know it on the outside.
 
This week the Saints have a chance against Miami to make history. A win would give New Orleans its first perfect preseason.That's about as important to Sean Payton as what Jon and Kate are up to in the latest US Weekly. For the importance of preseason records look no further than last year's Detriot Lions. A year ago, they were unbeaten in preseason football and then went on to become the first 0-16 team in NFL History. Oh by the way the Lions are the first team on the Saints "real schedule." By the looks of New Orleans preseason play, I like the Lions chances of continuing that losing streak -not only because of the way the Saints are playing but by they way they are talking!
 
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
 
YOUNG LIKELY RESTLESS: Usama Young won't be suiting up against the Dolphins on Thursday but the good news X-Rays on his shoulder were negative. No word on how soon he will be back.
 
BROWN IS BETTER: Left Tackle Jammal Brown says he is feeling better after missing his second preseason game but isn't sure if he'll be back for the season opener versus Detroit. My money is on Jermon Bushrod to get the nod after once again filling in admirably for the second straight game.
 
LANCE GETS A LOT: Many forget Lance Moore was the Saints leading receiver a year ago. Good to see Moore and his shoulder back in business with four catches and a touchdown versus the Raiders where Payton wanted to get him plenty of work--mission accomplished!
 
WORKOUT WARRIOR: RB Lynell Hamilton was the latest star out of crowded Saints backfield. He led the way with 95 yards and was singled out by Payton for his work ethic where the Head Coach acknowledged that Hamilton was rarely seen out of the weight room this offseason.
 
MIAMI VICE?: With the Dolphins coming in town this week, I thought it was a given that Miami native Jonathan VIlma was a Fins Fan growing up but he told me after the game, that wasn't the case. He said " I was a fan of good defenses." Good answer!
 
CST COVERAGE: For the absolute best Saints coverage, tune it into to CST on Thursday with our pregame show for the Dolphins game at 6:30 followed by the game and then our postgame show which always features our "exclusive" one on one with Drew Brees.
 
UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors
CST

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

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