The Saints report to camp in Metairie, Louisiana today. First practice tomorrow morning. Everyone but first round draft pick, Patrick Robinson, is signed. I'd be very surprised if that doesn't get done today or, at least, by the weekend. The shortest and most joyous Saints offseason is over and this Saints fan is not in the least bit sorry to see it go. Football season can't get here soon enough.
Over the offseason, they lost running back Mike Bell on offense, linebacker Scott Fujita and defensive end Charles Grant on defense. I'm not going to minimize their losses. All of those guys contributed last season. The team signed a couple of guys to replace Grant and have guys already on the roster to step into Bell's and Fujita's roles. They picked up some young talent in the draft. They had a whole hospital ward on injured reserve last season, including some of last year's draft picks, and they'll all be back to compete for roster spots. On paper, it's not outrageous to say the team is even stronger and deeper than they were last season. Of course, they don't play the game on paper.
For once in every Saints fan's life, it seems like the team is ahead of the organizational curve. The general manager has a plan that is getting results. They have a great coaching staff led by one of the youngest, most innovative, and, easily, the most fearless head coach in the NFL. They have a roster loaded with young and veteran talent led by one of the best quarterbacks in the game. As the BOTD says, "Welcome to the New Normal". Handle with care, though. It's very fragile.
Vikings v Saints in the SuperDome --- 6 weeks ...
- Border Reiver - Mark Knopfler - Get Lucky
- A Light In The Black - Rainbow - Rising
- St. Vitus Dance - Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath Vol. 4 (Remaster)
- Halo Of Flies - Alice Cooper - Killer
- Natural Thing - UFO - No Heavy Petting
Quote of the Day
The Super Bowl that will take place on Feb. 6, 2011. The big game will be held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Spoiler alert: The Cowboys won't be playing in it.)
Adam Watson, ESPN
Blog of the day is here.
Quote from said blog: "Hey, I'm just sayin'. Welcome to the New Normal. Takes a little getting used to, no doubt about it. Kinda cool though, don't you think?"
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Rob, I've never known anyone who could keep football more alive throughout the year more than you. Even though I'm just barely a fan of the game, I'm impressed with your devotion.
I got it from my Dad, Marie, but this year was much more special than most. I wish he had been around to see it.