Saints Sideline Blog

SAVED BY THE “BELL”

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011      Email Print

DATELINE: METAIRIE, LA (The "Joique's" on the naysayers)

Time was running short and we couldn't find our man? Who would carry the torch Lance Moore gave Pierre Thomas who passed it to Rod Harper who handed it to Chris Ivory last preseason?? In this post lockout crazy training camp would there be room for another Surprise Saint which seems to pop up as often in the Sean Payton era as a Drew Brees third down conversion? It seems second year running back Joique Bell has come to the rescue, amazing when it seemed even as early as last week that he had good reason not to be anywhere near the huddle.

Bell's coming out party began in the preseason opener with 52 rushing yards against the Niners--that was the good news---the bad Joique sprained a knee ligament which finished his great game and was supposed to keep him out of the lineup for a month. The second year star clearly has no regard for timetables as Bell came back in less than 2 weeks to practice with the Saints in its Oxnard, California camp last week.The preparation set the tone for the game of his life. Last Sunday against Oakland--Joique (pronounced JOY-QUE) was no joke where he finished the night with 142 all purpose yards The highlight was a 60 yard reception which started with a short pass from Chase Daniel and finished with Bell juking, jumping and stiff-arming Raider Nation where he nearly broke it for a TD. It was arguably the Saints highlight of this preseason.

Joique's journey to likely making this team is sure the road less traveled. Many forget he was on the roster for the Saints playoff game against Seattle but he was on three "other" teams---all in his rookie season. Bell had stints with the Bills, Eagles and Colts where he complied an unremarkable stat sheet---8 games, 3 special teams tackles and not one single rushing attempt. It was a humbling experience and a big reason he remains grounded about making this football despite his recent accomplishments. "I don't think I've proven anything yet." Bell says. "I still have a lot to learn. I had a good game (Oakland), but to me, I"m not satisfied at all. The Saints' fans deserve better, and it will get better for me. I'l keep learning and keep being a student of the game." You think this guy is driven?

Think about Bell's odds of cracking the Saints backfield at the beginning of camp and keep in mind Payton's penchant for keeping four running backs. You have veteran Pierre Thomas and first rounder Mark Ingram. You lose Reggie Bush but you add a Darren Sproles. So that's three locks. Fighting for the fourth spot are last year's LEADING rusher in Chris Ivory and at the time Lynell Hamilton--and then you had Joique. Well Hamilton was quickly cut and Ivory hasn't seen the field --so guess who has taken advantage? Bell's emergence will make the possible appearance of Ivory on the PUP (Physically Unable To Perform) list easier for this organization to swallow . It would mean Ivory would miss at least the first six games and possibly give Bell a few snaps spelling the Saints big three backs.

So the Saints streak continues thanks to Joique Bell---the streak of unsung heroes who continue to make Camp Payton a yearly surprise party. Bell is further proof that despite all the ever-growing talent on this team, if you perform in the preseason---you have a shot. At the beginning of camp, Joique's first name was mispronounced by every Who Dat and member of the media. These days Joique is becoming a household name who has made a name for himself by making the most of every opportunity. Now with the starter's sitting in Thursday's preseason finale--Bell will amazingly be the feature back against the Titans. Its simply no "Joique"---a  player who due to his play has shown the Saints running back depth chart has been saved by the "Bell."

WHO DAT HITS

KASAY AT THE BAT: With Garrett Hartley still nursing a hip injury which Sean Payton isn't elaborating on---apparently its serious enough to bring in 21 year veteran and one time New Orleans nemesis John Kasay. The former Carolina kicker flew in from Charlotte Tuesday morning where he told us he had spent Monday at "back to school night" with his kids. The left footed veteran said he is already building a comfort level with his new holder Chase Daniel.

ALEX BROWN CUT---The Saints had to trim its roster from 91 to 80 on Tuesday--but of the 11 cuts the biggest surprise was starting defensive end Alex Brown. Payton implied it was based on performance or lack there of--not the fact the team drafted Cameron Jordan in the 1st round. Payton said " It was a hard decision. I think you try to figure in all the practice snaps and all the game film." Brown currently leads all active defensive end's by playing in the last 143 games.

SIDELINED SAINTS--Tuesday's practice mirrored what Thursday's game will look like--lots of veterans out of action. Missing from the workout included the likes of Malcolm Jenkins, Cameron Jordan, Lance Moore, Pierre Thomas and Chase Daniel

EXCUSED ABSENCE: Will Smith isn't hurt but missed the workout due to a person matter--Payton said he had to attend to a death in the family

HAPPY BUT....---Drew Brees was pleased with the offense's big game against Oakland but as usual sees room for improvement. "Yes, never totally satisfied, but happy to see that we've progressed in the right direction each game. I thought we got a lot accomplished in that game, what we wanted to, which was taking whatever we did at Oxnard and carry it over to the game."

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT: John Kasay seems like a guy really working on extra credit. He came into the league in 1991 and I asked him if he ever expected to well...still be kicking around in the NFL. Without hesitation, he said "no" especially when you consider that " I can't throw, I can't run, I can't block and  I can't tackle." Nice line where kicking has been more than enough for a career unlike most.

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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