Saints To March In Without Charles Grant

Recently NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been tossing around the idea of extra draft picks for those teams who play their starters during an end of the season, sometimes meaningless game. 

Maybe the Saints could use such a thing to pick up a defensive end in order to make a run at Super Bowl XLV. That’s right I said Super Bowl XLV not XLIV.

Why?

Because defensive end Charles Grant is now injured. 

When did this happen?

During last weeks loss to the Carolina Panthers.

You heard correctly, the New Orleans Saints will be without starting defensive end Charles Grant for the playoffs. He was placed on injured reserve today. 

As his teammates take the rest of the week lightly, Mr. Grant gets to rest after having surgery yesterday to repair a tricep muscle injury.

Last season he missed the final eight games after surgery to repair the other tricep. An injury suffered during the Saints win over the San Diego Chargers at Wembley Stadium,  in London, England.

I understand that injuries occur during the season, it goes with the territory. I understand the lasting effects of concussions and how they occur due to the brain shaking back and forth during legal hits.

What I don’t get is how so many players are suffering from sports hernias or torn triceps.

Maybe there is room for legal muscle building additives, prescribed by doctors to help these men as the sacrifice their bodies for our entertainment.

But if its entertainment you are looking for, be sure to stay tuned in as Coach Payton has promised to use his offensive and defensive starters on special teams as well during the playoff run.

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It’s Time To Keep The Faith New Orleans

If someone would have told you in August that the New Orleans Saints would have a record of 13-2 when we ring in 2010, you would have said what?

I’m sure you would have been singing the same old tired tune of how the Saints will never be able to do that.  They’ll never be more than a last minute add for a wildcard spot this year especially with a new defensive coordinator.   

Why not its been the usual way of thinking for the better part of 40 years.

But not this year, this year is different. For the first time in Saints history, we ring in a New Year as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. You would think everyone in the city, whether local or visitor, would be elated at such a feat and jubilant beyond belief.

And yet there are still those negative Nellies who have to find some way to throw water on the fire. Of course those same negative Nellies where/are the last to jump on the bandwagon andwill be the first to jump off.

Watch your step and good bye!

The rest of us are having too much fun.  An undefeated season and a Superbowl win would have been fabulous for all of the years of suffering.

Now it’s time for us,the true BELIEVERS, to not lose the Faith! 

Its gut check time for player and fan alike. Time to ask yourself if you have what it takes.

Time to make a statement.

As a fan, I say let’s show the boys just how much we believe in them and instead of waiting at the airport when they return be there as they fly off to their last battle of the regular season. They leave around 1pm on Saturday.

Thank them for the ride so far and wish them a safe return as they continue on their/our quest of the Lombardi Trophy.

Happy New Year!

 

 

 

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New Orleans Saints and Fans Have a “Big Night Out”

“Big Night Out” was held at Generations Hall to benefit Cafe’ Reconcile. 

What is Cafe’ Reconcile?  It is a non-profit organization that provides culinary and life skills training for at-risk youth, allowing them to enter the hospitality and entertainment industry of New Orleans.

Now for the rest of the story…

“Work Hard, Play Passionately, Love NOLA, Dream Big” is the slogan of Zack Strief’s Dream Big Foundation hence the “Big Night Out” theme.

Saints players and fans joined together for a very memorable evening thrown by Mandy and Zach Strief. 

What really caught my eye as soon as we entered was the number of people out on a Thursday night, that and the sea of Black and Gold in front of me. 

Hundreds of people showed up to show their support for the Strief’s, the cause, and of course the beloved New Orleans Saints.

Players were seen throughout the three rooms of the hall where we were able to bid on such items as autographed cookbooks by Zach Strief and Jerry Rice.  Even a night where Zach will come to your house and cook. Something tells me he knows good eats!

At one point Lance Moore even auctioned himself off for the worthy cause.  If for some reason football wasn’t your game of choice, not to worry there were many options for everyone.

From signed artwork like George Rodrigue’s Blue Dog series to The Golden Band from TigerLand.

Now if golf was your thing, well you too were covered.  Zurich Classic tickets, Golf foursomes at Chateau Country Club and English Turn, as well as a Taylor Made driver to name a few.

Saints linebacker, Troy Evans reminded everyone that it was time for the live auction and then broke out the “Who Dat” chant to get the crowd fired up. 

The live auction items had everyone cheering on the highest bidder and what prizes that went home with! There was a team autographed football to commemorate the magical season as well as a trip to the Super Bowl.

That’s right, two tickets to the game, airfare, hotel accommodations as well as two VIP tickets to the Commissioner’s party.  What a great deal for the mere price of $13,000.00

It is not surprising at all that this night went so well.  The players came out in full force for another teammate and a worthy cause.  The same way they play on the field.

The offense, the defense and even special teams players were there to help raise over $100,000.00 for a local charity of the city that they love…and loves them right back.

Special thanks to Lance Moore, Pierre Thomas, John Carney, Jon Stinchcomb, Mike McKenzie, Reggie Bush, Billy Miller, Mike Bell, Thomas Morstead, Chris Reis, Jason Kyle, and last but not least, Zach Strief and his lovely wife, Mandy Strief.

Zach himself said this event would not have been possible without the brains of his beautiful wife.

No wonder the team has been doing so well.  It is filled with men who take the time to give back and understand hard work coupled with integrity will always provide a winning combination.

 

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New Orleans Saints: Rita Benson LeBlanc’s Jumping For Joy

Saints fan are very thankful this year for their team.  Never in franchise history has the team gone a perfect 10-0 to start the season, for that matter only once before has the team ever had a run close to this.

During the 1991 season the team went on a 9-0 streak, but that was to finish the season and get a playoff berth.  One more thing during that season, Tom Benson’s granddaughter was growing even more interested in her city’s team.

Now at the helm next to her granddad, Rita Benson LeBlanc is loving every minute of the team’s success as well as helping in the community she loves.

This week instead of sitting back and relaxing, she is taking part in a unique fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Louisiana.  She is going to jump off of a perfectly good building!

Well actually rappel off the Best Western Landmark Hotel while participating in the “Be A S.W.A.T. Team Member For A Day” program sponsored by the Jefferson Parish Sherriff’s department to benefit the SOLA.  

For a small fee anyone can participate in the week long Thanksgiving or as many in the city are saying these days, Saintsgiving Week fundraiser. This event is still open to the public for a fee of $1,000.00.

For more information on this event please contact the state office at 1-800-345-6644 or log on to our website at www.laso.org .

Participnts get to rappel a 17-story building followed by a helicopter ride to then be trained in special weapons and tactics by specialist and will receive a certificate upon completion.

But before she does this on Tuesday, she first did some recon Monday for her boys in Black and Gold and resigned cornerback Mike McKenzie.  Her team always comes first.

After injuries to Tracy Porter and Jabari Greer, the front office brought back someone who is familiar with both the Saints and Gregg Williams’ new defensive schemes.

Once again Rita is showing why she is the face and strength of the new and improved Saints.

 

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New Orleans Saints 9-0: Music To My Ears

Saints fans are beside themselves with the way this season is unfolding, and after seeing games from the press box to the field and everywhere in between, I am too! 

Going from blackout days to this 9-0 start had been quite a journey. I think I am going to open my ears to those songs of days gone by; you know the ones that bring you right back to all the excitement. Who else remembers those days of “Cha-Ching” and “Whoomp der it is”?  I do!

When the Superdome speakers played the theme song from COPS … “Bad Boys Bad Boys whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you” or MC Hammer’s “2Legit to Quit” as we performed during pregame festivities? I remember that too.

I also remember in the 1992 season, needing to change our music last minute because our beloved boys didn’t meet their away stretch with the same gusto as expected.

Do I think history will repeat itself? Not at all. Will this team lose a game before it is all said and done?  Maybe.

After a lackluster win against the St. Louis Rams, I started to wonder if a loss to Tampa Bay may be in the cards.

For the answer to that question, I had to call in the professionals … the Magic 8 Ball. The answer was … not at this time. That makes me feel better. Back to the music…

Baja Men and “Who Let the Dogs Out” on defense, and “Back in Black” by AC/DC prior to a kickoff only to be silenced by a third quarter score followed by … “Oh When The Saints”.  No, not everyone sounds like Louis Armstrong, but all do feel the excitement.

Who can forget Green Day’s “The Saints Are Coming”, or U-2’s “A Beautiful Day” of the 2006 season?

It is that excitement that keeps me going until the next home game.  That’s when the newest bevy of songs bombards my ears once again.  When I, and the hoards of Saints fans, jump out of our seats due to a turnover.  

This year’s winner has been around since 2004 from the Ying Yang Twins. However, this year with this season it has caught on like wildfire, both fans and players alike just can’t contain themselves when the deep bass starts to rumble…

“Crank this up, thats what we gonna do
Crank you up, me and my brother we came to get CRUNK
Crunk wont stop (nope) we keep on comin cuz
We wont quit, thats why we keep bringin it

“Tell em how we gonna call (CRUNK)
Tell em why they don’t want none (CRUNK)
Tell em why they better run (CRUNK)
CRUNK CRUNK
Stand up and get crunk (CRUNK)
Stand up and get crunk (CRUNK) Here we come to get you (you better get crunk)
Here we come to get you (a little bit more crunk)
Here we come to get you (you better get crunk)
Here we come to get you (a little bit more crunk)”

All it takes is a little hip swivel or a hand bouncing in mid-air by a defensive player and the seats are vacant due to the crowd a crunkin’ to “Halftime Stand Up and Get Crunk.”

Now I need a fix. Where’s the remote?

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New Orleans Saints…Believe!

It’s time to get on board the bandwagon, and there’s still plenty of room! Your invitation requires only one thing…be positive.

For those who still are not sure of the ability of this year’s New Orleans Saints, I would like to remind you: Never in our history have the Saints started 8-0. That means as of right now we cannot have a losing season. Hell, for that matter, one more win means a winning record for the season.

It also means all the naysayers may actually be thankful during their Thanksgiving family get togethers. Along with all the oyster dressing and fried turkey you can eat, you may have to smile at how well this year’s team is doing.

For those on the fence who need a little extra convincing I’ll give you a few facts to help.  Last year’s defense ranked, well not dead last, but might as well have been.

Jim Henderson, the voice of the Saints via WWL radio (and the bathroom speakers in the Superdome during all Saints games), during his weekly commentary pointed out the national media had the Saints defense ranked in the middle of the pack going into Sunday’s win against the Panthers.

He also stated that we should look beyond the surface to the actual breakdown, and here is what he found:

Interceptions: No. 1
Passes defended: No. 1
Opposing passer rating: No. 1
Defensive touchdowns scored:  No. 1
Completion percentage by opposing passer:  No. 1
Third down percentage: No. 1
Turnover differential: No. 4
Passing yards surrendered per attempt: No. 4
Red zone defense: No. 5

Now is when I am driven to pull out…”I told you so” for any of those still not believing.

Before the season started I was considered a finalist in a nationwide contest via Bleacher Report and CBSSports.com to cover my team, yes my Saints, as a sideline reporter.  Unfortunately I did not get the gig, however it did give me a place and point of reference to pull out whenever I see fit.

Case in point: On May 29, 2009 I submitted an article “Gregg Williams: Swamp Stompin'”

“At first glance many Saints fans are a bit nervous about Williams’ pedigree, but not this fan. After being a first-hand witness to the “Dome Patrol” of the 1990’s anchored by such players as Pat Swilling and soon to be Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson, I am convinced.”

…wait I’m not done yet.

“It seems Gregg Williams will be a perfect partner to Sean Payton’s high powered offense. In his previous stints as defensive coordinator on teams such as the Tennessee Titans , the Houston Oilers, and last year the Jacksonville Jaguars , Williams expects nothing but the best from his players.

“ There is a palpable shift in attitude this offseason. It’s a culture change that breeds a team mentality. With the addition of veterans such as Darren Sharper and Pierson Prioleau to lead the way during this transition.

“ Randall Gay and Sedrick Ellis are itching to get the pads on, the defense is clicking on all cylinders. Recently during OTA’s (organized team activities), I was thrilled to see a ‘spirited’ exchange between Zack Strief, 6’7″, 320 lbs. and Jason David, 5’8″, 185 lbs. wet.

“ If its a ‘can do’ attitude that Williams’ is looking for, I would have to say he is well on his way.”

Maybe Mr. David should have picked on someone his own size or at least someone not on the No. 1 ranked offensive unit!

Geaux Saints! Just doing my job as Cheer LEADER!

Now bring on the Rams!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Second Helping Of Saints Gumbo

Gumbo is always better the second time around!

My first serving was served to my guests on May 29, 2009.  It was so well received that I thought it would be nice to defrost for a second helping. I hope you enjoy…

 

It is second nature to people in southern Louisiana, all gumbo starts with a roux.

What is a roux?

Tangible, roux: a binding agent that consists of flour and butter.

Intangible, roux: the delicate blending of flour in butter over a low flame until a light golden brown, now temper in as to not lump.

All tangible skills can be taught, most intangibles skills are earned from knowledge and practice.

On paper, the New Orleans Saints have the tangibles

Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator and a rookie like cornerback Malcolm Jenkins add new spice. With the acquisition of free agent Darren Sharper and existing personnel shifts, the 2009 season has all the makings of a savory gumbo.

Coach Sean Payton has promoted Pete Carmichael Jr., to offensive coordinator because he knows what he’s getting. He knows that his offense has some fine tuning to do; sprinkle in a few more special plays around new and different talent.

With the freshest and finest of ingredients you are assured a great dish.

Keeping the Black and Gold injury-free for the upcoming season requires going that extra mile during the offseason. From conditioning to doctors appointments, whatever it takes to make sure that they are ready.

Being able to count on such anchors as Drew Brees and Randall Gay for their skills and leadership, while looking forward to the play of Robert Meachem, Reggie Bush, and Marques Colston can only “sweeten the pot.”

With all of these ingredients, I am predicting a gumbo fit for Emeril Lagasse to serve at any of his eating establishments.

For the New Orleans Saints, that means an NFC South Title with the probability of the NFC title game…as long as the special teams, the rice, isn’t over cooked.

This recipe still holds true.

One last thing—

Don’t burn the roux.

 

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New Orleans Saints Fans Say: Sorry, Eli Manning, “Not This Time”

The undefeated New Orleans Saints host the undefeated New York Giants in the Louisiana Superdome on Oct. 18, 2009, however Olivia and Archie Manning hosted members or the Giants’ organization at their home in Uptown New Orleans last night.

Not a surprise in the least to anyone who is from Louisiana or even anyone who has visited the area.

Eli Manning is our native son, son of our beloved Archie Manning, brother of our Peyton Manning, we New Orleanians welcome him home with open arms. The Manning brothers are our Super Bowl winning quarterbacks, and we support all they do. 

But not today and not this year! This is Drew Brees and his Saints’ time to shine.  Jeremy Shockey is ready to show how proud he is to be a Saint against his former team, as is Coach Sean Payton.

We watched you defeat the Patriots on big screens along the parade route and in the Convention Center on Bacchus Sunday but today Darren Sharper will be watching you with the same intensity. 

We will be behind the Saints and, unfortunately, you will be on the opposite side of the cities support.

We still love you and the family; however, it’s game time.

Earlier this weekend, I was able to ask John Fourcade, former New Orleans Saints quarterback, and current analyst about his take on the matchup between Darren Sharper and Eli Manning.

The native New Orleanian said: “Eli will know Sharper will be roaming around the field and try not to throw it over the middle against him, “followed by “whoever runs the ball better.” “It should be a close game, with a Saints win.”

Tom Coughlin and his staff were shown our “Southern Hospitality” by our city’s finest ambassadors. We thank you, the city of New York for your hospitality after Hurricane Katrina. But not today!

Today we battle and the city supports ONLY the Saints. Your souvenir, New York set sail without a hitch earlier in the week and should be there soon.

…and that’s a sweep for the Big Easy over the Big Apple!

“Who Dat,Who Dat,Who Dat say gonna beat dem Saints,Who Dat!”

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Do You Part: Save The TaTa’s

October is National Breast Cancer awareness month, my question to all readers….Are YOU ready to do your part?

I am sure that I am not the only one who knows not only someone with Breast Cancer, but someone who has passed from it. At the same time, I know even more people who are Survivors!

As usual, the National Football League is once again behind, or in front of, a worthy cause.

You will notice more than a few players in the league sporting pink today. No need to adjust your TV. There will be pink cleats, pink gloves, no pink jerseys on players, however a sea of pink in the stands.

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