Patriots vs Saints Tickets - Super Bowl Prelude

OK, this article may be a little far fetched right now but it's interesting to think about a Patriots - Saints Super Bowl. I know, I know, it's way way too early to be talking Super Bowl. The NFl is an "anything can happen" league and despite all the attention, and time and money spent analyzing every team, there are just too many variables to accurately predict which teams will be in the Super Bowl. BUT:

It's not inconceivable that the New Orleans Saints could land in their first Super Bowl. The Saints were only a few plays away from the playoffs last season. Defensive woes and a lack of a short yardage running game, kept New Orleans from at least two wins. Those were wins that would have put them in the playoffs. The Saints have addressed those needs to a large extent. New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams system is very much an attack stle defense. Throw in Darren Sharper, Jabari Greer, Roman Harper comes backl from injury, and Malcolm Jenkins, the Saints #1 draft choice, plays up to par and what do you get? A New Orleans Saints team CAPABLE of a Super Bowl.

As for the New England Patriots, Tom Brady may be the impetus for a return to the Super Bowl. The Patriots missed the playoffs despite a 12-4 record I believe, and you can bet that New England will be hell bent on getting back in 2009.

So it's a long shot and a lot can go wrong. Still, the possibility is there. The Patriots undoubtedly have a better shot, being the more consistent team. But the New Orleans Saints have shown they are capable of winning in the post-season, reaching the NFC Championship just a couple of years ago with basically the same players on offense. In fact, the Saints offense may be better now than it was then. So, a Patriots vs Saints ticket could be a pre-view of the Super Bowl. I rest my case.

New Orleans Saints Training Camp - Emphasis on Saints Defense

The New Orleans Saints have officially begun the 2009 NFL season. For Saints fans the bonus this year is that camp is being held in the New Orleans area and not Milsaps. That means you can get out to the Saints training facility and see things with your own eyes.

As we watched the Saints defense struggle last season we knew there had to be a change. Gregg Williams has a rep of being aggressive. Judging from some of the comments by the players on the first day, the rep is deserved and there is a noticeably different tone on the practice field. Check this out:


"He is a very aggressive play-caller," Brees said of Williams after practice. "I can say without a doubt that this is going to be an exceptionally competitive camp. They (the defense) are coming after us on offense, and it’s only going to make us better."
-Drew Brees

“It’s a very aggressive approach he’s brought. If I had to sum up the biggest change, it would just be the overall attitude of our defense that has changed. There is no sitting back, everyone is going hard and getting to the ball. If you don’t do it, he will find someone that will.” - Scott Shanle

Quotes from NewOrleansSaints.com

That's what I like to hear. Unless there's a disaster, the Saints offense should be more than adequate. What we've needed was a good defense to go along with it. Maybe, just maybe, we've got the beginnings of a good defense. Keep your fingers crossed.

Buccaneers vs Saints Tickets - NFC South Football

Say what you will about the AFC East or NFC East, the NFC South is just as tough. These Buccaneers vs Saints ticket will prove just that. Yes, the Bucs played so poorly last season that they got Jon Gruden fired. They also played well enough to win most games. Given a stable quarterback situation they could have been playoff material.

The New Orleans Saints played well enough to win most games. Given any kind of defense, they would have been playoff material. So here you have two teams in the NFC South who were both about a game and a half out of playoff spots. That means just a few tweaks could put either one of these teams back on top of the NFC South in 2009.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, change began at the top and worked its way down. Gruden is gone, along with Monte Kiffin, Derrick Brooks, and surprisingly, Jeff Garcia. It seems the new Buccaneers braintrust believes that Luke McCown or the freshly signed Byron Leftwich can hold down the fort until #1 pick Josh Freeman is ready. Welcoming Kellen Winslow into the fold at Tight End was a daring move. No doubt talented, Winslow brings some baggage along, which he's hoping to shed in Tampa Bay.

The Saints figure to be at full strength on defense by the time they visit Raymond James Stadium. Defensively New Orleans will be a completely different squad than what the Bucs saw last season. A new scheme and better players figure to make things tough for whoever is under center in Tampa Bay. On offense, the New Orleans Saints can rarely be stopped. Opponents generally try to get to Drew Brees, and generally fail. But if you can stop the Saints ground game, you can at least slow things down.

Bucs vs Saints is an important game. Especially for the Saints. Two more division wins last season would have put them in the playoffs. Expect Sean Payton to place special emphasis on NFC South games in 2009. Saints ticket holders should be rewarded with a win by Buccaneers vs Saints tickets but it WILL be a battle.

Miami Dolphins vs New Orleans Saints - Oct. 25

These Dolphins vs Saints tickets, which for Saints fans mean a road game, promise to be something special. The argument can be made that AFC-NFC matchups mean little in the grand scheme of things. I'd accept the argument that they don't have the impact of divisional games but they still count against the overall record. All games are equally important. Just some more so than other. Ha Ha Ha

So, getting down to the Dolphins - Saints matchup. Both team will have a pretty good idea of where they need to be by Oct. 25. I anticipate that this game will probably be a crucial one for the Dolphins. They play in a tough AFC division with the Patriots, and will probably be chasing New England by this time. For the Saints, It's a chance to get on the right track against a good AFC team before beginning a tough NFc South schedule in 3 of their next 4 games.

Saints ticket holders have a chance to travel to Land Shark Stadium, home of probably the unlikeliest revival in the NFL. The Dolphins won the AFC East in 2008 after finishing 1-15 in 2007. More kudos for Bill Parcells. More pressure on the Miami Dolphins to prove it wasn't a miracle or just plain luck.

How strong the Dolphins will be once again depends on the wiles of Chad Pennington. Somehow this guy just won't stay down. Of course, it does help that Pennington has the services of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in the ground game. The Saints defense will have their hands full stopping the Dolphins ruching attack. Also, if the Saints secondary hasn't made the expected improvements, or doesn't jell, Pennington will eat them up.

When the Saints have the ball, the Dolphins might have some problems. This was the best offense in the NFl in 2008 and could be just as good, or even better, in 2009. Miami is somewhat weak at cornerback and with Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meacham expected to get plenty of playing time, Miami's defensive line needs to find a way to Drew Brees.

Overall, Dolphins vs Saints should be a good game with playoff implications for both teams. More importantly, this game could serve as a jumping off point, or falling off point, for either the Miami Dolphins or the New Orleans Saints.

Giants vs Saints Tickets - Welcome Home Eli Manning

Welcome home Eli Manning. Now go home with your tail tucked between your legs.

That's the message waiting to be delivered when this Giants-Saints game comes to the Superdome. Saints fans are certainly proud of their home town quarterbacks playing in the NFL. Both the Mannings are points of pride here in the Crescent City. But that pride ends when the National anthem begins. From that point on even a Manning is just an opposing quarterback.

On Oct. 18th the New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints contest could be one of the better NFC games around. The Saints will more than likely be racing against either the Carolina Panthers or Atlanta Falcons for the top of the NFC South. Or maybe both. This division looks to be tough in 2009, maybe even tougher than the NFC East.

The Giants have now put together back to back years in which they contended in the playoffs, although last season ended without a Super Bowl appearance. But Eli Manning is a quarterback who will have to elevate his game again if New York wants to make a post-season appearance. The jury is still out on who'll take the place of Plaxico Burress, Mannings deadliest target the past two years. His absence puts the onus on Eli in a big way. The crowd in the Superdome will be loud and that could affect the communication between Manning and a receiver only a few weeks into a starting position.

The New Orleans Saints ticket holders will get a look at what their team can do against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Saints offensive line, especially, will have all they can handle with pass rushers like Justin Tuck, and Fred Robbins. Look for Drew Brees to work the short passing game and make use of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell in the running game. Hopefully, Reggie Bush can do some damage from out of the backfield as well as on the punt return team.

All in all, the Giants vs Saints matchup should be a good one. Both teams have something to prove after dissapointing season. Both are undergoing a transition of sorts. And both carry the pride of New Orleans.

Jets vs Saints Tickets - Superdome Game 2

Jets vs Saints tickets should prove to be a winner. Then again, it's hard to find a game in the Superdome this year that doesn't offer some points of interest. In this case the Saints will have battled the Eagles and Bills on the road before welcoming the Jets to the Superdome. The results of those games could have a huge impact on the Jets-Saints outcome.

Once again the NFl is looking at a New York Jets team that is undergoing a transformation and a new regime. Last season the Jets became the team of Brett Favre and looked strong early in the season before slumping. In 2009 there's a strong possibility New York could be playing behind a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez. While a long shot, it's almost assured that Sanchez will see some action in 2009. Meanwhile, Kellen Clemens is expected to win the battle on the practice field. But can Clemens win the media battle if New York struggles early?

Regardless of who's at center the Jets will unleash a respectable ground game against the New Orleans Saints. The O-Line is solid and Thomas Jones went the Pro Bowl last season. What's more uncertain is who is going to be catching the ball. The only proven receiver on the roster is Jerricho Crotchery. It's a dilemna for ne Head Coach Rex Ryan, who's better known for building defenses than offenses.

The Jets will need that defense when they visit the Superdome. They're facing the highest scoring team in the league in 2008 in the Saints. If anything, the healthy return of Marques Colston and the maturing of Pierre Thomas, coupled with the healthy return of Jeremy Shockey at Tight End could mean a more deadly Saints offense in 2009. If Sanchez is the QB, the Saints defense could feast on him with the attacking style of new Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

With so much uncertainty on both sides this Jets vs Saints contest could send either team soaring or spiraling downward. Mark it your calendar for Oct. 4th.

Eagles vs Saints Tickets - The First Big Test

As I said in an earlier blog, I believe that the Eagles vs Saints contest in Week 2 of the 2009 NFL season will be the first big test for the New Orleans Saints. A gimme opener with the Detroit Lions seems to be in the cards. Losing to the Lions would be a disaster of a start for the Saints. The Philadelphia Eagles will already have faced a tough NFC South team in the Carolina Panthers so I believe they will come in prepared.

Let's look at this Saints- Eagles contest from the Philadelphia aspect first. This is a team that had somewhat of a revival in the playoffs. I don't believe you could have found anyone believing the Eagles would make it all the way to the NFC Championship after their late season performance in 2008. yes, the Eagles won 4 of their last 5 but dissension over McNabb (again) and a general feeling of lassitude had this team pegged as a loser. BUT, the Eagles would not be denied. Playoff wins over the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants had Eagles fans on the edge of their seats. Then came a heartbreaking loss to the cardinals in a hotly contested game and the Philadelphia Eagles suddenly didn't look so bad.

Heading into 2009 the Eagles have remained true to their roots. They lost Brian Dawkins and Tra Thomas, but Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook return, and they're the heart of this Eagles offense. Both are getting a little older but there's probably still a lot of gas in the tank and they will be a problem for a developing New Orleans Saints defense. Lying in wait is wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who could be in for a breakout game against a New Orleans secondary with a lot to prove.

For the New Orleans Saints, there's not much to improve on in the offense. Drew Brees has been and should remain as hot as any quarterback in the NFL. He's got plenty of quality receivers, Reggie Bush, some potential bruisers in Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, and a good offensive line ahead of him. No, the Saints problems have been on the other side of the ball. This Saints defense has changed and the Eagles offense vs Saints defense is where the answers will start to bubble to the surface. A win in Philadelphia that stems from a solid defensive performance from New Orleans would go a long way in bolstering confidence for a Saints playoff run.

Update Sept 15th - Eagles Donovan McNabb injured. Rumor is that the Philadelphia Eagles will play Kevin Kolb against the Saints and sign Jeff Garcia as backup.

Falcons vs Saints Tickets - Does it Get Any Better?

Coming from New Orleans I can tell you that one of the hottest rivalries in the NFL has been Falcons vs Saints. This stems from years of conflict, and ongoing sea change in the NFC South, and the ongoing movement of people between New Orleans and Atlanta. Move of us have friends in either place and it makes for some great ribbing. Throw in the fact that each team has had their share of ups and downs and inflicted painful wounds on the other and Saints vs Falcons is a game you can't miss in either Atlanta or New Orleans.

2009 Falcons vs Saints promises to be no different. The Atlanta Falcons have undergone a marvelous Phoenox like rising. Coming out from under the Michael Vick struggles with new quarterback Matt Ryan, winning the NFC South, and making the playoffs in 2008 have done nothing but stoke the fires. Now, beating the Atlanta Falcons is a major milestone in winning an NFC South crown.

Looking forward to the Falcons-Saints game on Nov. 2nd in the Superdome you can't help but lick your chops. The Falcons will bring the hottest young quarterback in the NFL, a great running back in Michael Turner, and what may be the best Tight End ever to play in the NFL, Tony Gonzales. What a challenge for the new Saints defense.

But New Orleans has a few weapons too. Is there a better quarterback in the NFL? The stats Brees puts up can't be topped. Combining wide receivers like Marques Colston, Lance Moore, and a health Jeremy Shockey gives the Saints a deadly passing game. In 2009 there are high hopes that running back Pierre Thomas will give Reggie Bush some breathing room. And we all know what Reggie Bush can do with just a little room to run.

Falcons vs Saints tickets are all sold out. This may be the most memorable game in years, a game that can only enhance the rivalry. There'll be a repeat in Atlanta, but for Saints fans, Falcon Gumbo is heating up.

Panthers vs Saints Tickets - Let The Battle Begin

Over the past few years the NFC South has been a real battleground. The nice part is that there has been no one team dominating this division. It's almost as if they've decided to share the spoils. One of the best rivalries has develeoped between the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers, a rivalry that gained gusto when Saints backup Jake Delhomme decided to sign with Carolina. Delhomme eventually taking the Panthers to the Super Bowl only fed the fire.

Now, in what I believe will be one of the toughest division in the NFL, the New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers is ready to take new heights. The Panthers are coming off a season that saw them notch a playoff berth, only to crumple when Jake Delhomme had maybe his worst game ever in a playoff loss to eventual Super Bowl participant Arizona. The Saints are looking for a year of redemption after stinging dissapointments the past two seasons.

Each team has approached the 2009 NFL season in different ways. Carolina has basically retained what they feel is a pat hand. Re-signing Julius Peppers and key lineman Jordan Gross the Panthers did little to revamp their roster. The feeling seems to be that Jake's performance was a fluke, and the running game featuring DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, coupled with the passing attack starring Steve Smith, will be enough to keep Carolina in contention.

The New Orleans Saints meanwhile, aggresively addressed their glaring needs on defense. Calling on Gregg Williams to ignite a fiery attitude in an obviously beaten unit, New Orleans signed Darren Sharper at safety, Jabari Greer at corner, and drafted Ohio State defensive back Malcolm Jenkins. Banking on the return of a handful of other injured players from last season, the Saints defense looks to be completely transformed. Or at least that's the hope.

The first opportunity to enjoy Panthers vs Saints tickets will come in the Superdome on Nov. 8. Meeting midway through the season lends this game an air of must-win in a division that features plenty of tough games between each NFC South rival on the board.

Saints Tickets Week 3 - Buffalo, Marshawn, and T.O.

In Week 3 of the 2009 NFL season Saints ticket take us to the great city of Buffalo. I must admit I've got a soft spot in my heart for the Buffalo Bills. Maybe it's my empathy for another NFL team like my Saints, who just haven't been able to get it together. But don't get the impression I';m hoping Buffalo prevails. Nothing could be further from the truth. I hope the Bills do well but only after they've lost to New Orleans.
What will the Saints have to contend with in Buffalo? Well, power ranking put the Buffalo Bills somewhere near the bottom of the NFL. That's misleading in my book. I like what the Bills have on the table. Marshawn Lynch is one of the better running backs in the NFL. But New Orleans may not have to face him due to a suspension. Quarterback Trent Edwards is once again under the gun. His Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde persona is wearing thin. Greatness isn't required in the Buffalo Bills offense but consistency is.
And of course there's T.O. Always a threat, Owens brings a new dimension to the Bills offense but I'm not convinced he's the answer to their problems. It's going to be interesting to see whether Edwards can get him the ball. I respect T.O. but I don't think he's going to be fearsome in Buffalo.

Saints at Eagles NFL Week 2

The NFC will see some togh battles this season, as it always has. For New Orleans Saints fans the matchup in Week 2 will be a preview of what they can anticipate, providing what I think will be a major test for both teams.

For the New Orleans Saints, who get a some what less than challenging contest against the Detroit Lions as their home opener in the Super Dome, the Philadelphia Eagles provide a much stronger challenge. The Saints high octane offense will see an Eagles defensive unit that finished 2008 third in the NFL in total yards allowed, and 4th in points allowed. So there's some real competition here and it won't be hard for the Eagles defense to get stoked about playing.

The real crux of the matter for Saints fans will be how their defense does against Donovan McNabb and the Eagles offense. The Eagles offense was the sixth highest scoring offense in the NFL in 2008. This was while McNabb struggled late in the season with turnovers. But the Eagles will see a big rebound offensively if Brian Westbrook returns healthy. The whole scheme of their offense went out the window in 2008 when he wasn't available. Bottom line? I can't discount the Detroit Lions, and I have a lot of confidence in the Saints offense. The crucial factor is the success of the New Orleans Saints in 2009 is the defense. A good performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia will boost hopes for a playoff spot.

Run Saints Run!

There are many things I'm looking forward to in the 2009 New Orleans Saints season. A playoff berth, winning the NFC South, etc. Getting down to the nitty gritty though, I'm really looking forward to finding out if the Saints can generate a rushing game even remotely as effective as the passing game has been.

For all his contributions, and all the fanfare, Reggie Bush has not been the all around magic man he was built up to be. And that's not his fault. The media and our own outlandish dreams conspired to make Bush the answer to all our problems. He is obviously great in space, running around the corners, and a major element in the Saints passing game. That would be enough to make most players seem elite. And it should do the same for Reggie Bush.

Eventually though, a consistent NFL rushing game will have to have someone that can move the pile with pure power. For all his speed Reggie Bush is not a power guy. In 2009 that job looks to fall to Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. Thomas has pretty much been growing into his role. He played well last season given the opportunity. For 2009 Thomas comes into the season knowing what his role is to be. He's bulked up in the weight room and should be the battering ram the Saints need. Mike Bell didn't see a lot of playing time last season. Finally healthy, Bell is the kind of runner, along with Thomas, who can be used to run out the clock or get tough short yardage.

My biggest question is in the release of fullbak Mike Karney. If there was a dropoff in his play I didn't see it. Saints ticket holders will also recall his three-touchdown performance against the Dallas Cowboys in prime time in 2007. New fullback Heath Evans, in my opinion, isn't much of an upgrade bit I'm hoping to be proven wrong.

Drew Brees - Making Saints Tickets Worthwhile

Drew Brees is unarguably the linchpin of the New Orleans Saints offense. Arriving as a free agent in 2007, Brees left the San Diego Chargers under somewhat of a cloud, having suffered a major injury and facing an uncertain future. Luckily for Saints fans, everything has worked out. Passing for almost 14,000 yards in his Saints career, Drew Brees is arguably the best quarterback New Orleans has ever fielded, with all due respect to Archie Manning.

The scary this is that Brees may not have reached his potential. The paradox here is that if the movement of Pierre Thomas into a major role in the Saints running game pans out, the numbers Brees puts out could drop while the fortunes of the team rise. Less reliance on the passing game might be a good thing. Even scarier is the thought that an injury to Drew Brees means the Saints rely on Mark Brunell and Joey (Oh My God!) Harrington. I don't think it's unfair to specualte that losing Drew Brees could spell the end of the saints playoff chances. He's the glue that binds a very effective offense together.

Saints Tax Credits - That's the Tickets

I will admit that I am probably one of the least well off Saints ticket holders. It takes a condiderable amount of budget juggling and sacrifice to come up with the cash for my Saints tickets. That's why when I read the news accounts of New Orleans Saints players and coaches being taken in on a tax credit scam it's kind of hard for me to get shaken up about it. I'd like the chance to invest a couple hundred thousand in something but I doubt I'll ever get it. Judging from the stories though, none of these guys will be missing many meals though.
On to other things. Much is being made of the New Orleans Saints overhaul of their defense under Gregg Williams. We're a long way from validation but I like the tone being set and the opinions being expressed. This is supposed to be an ATTACKING defense with an aggressive style. While you're always open to being beaten by being too aggressive, I'd rather do that than get beaten slowly inch by inch. The 2008 Saints defense smacked too much of a "prevent" style which seems to me to be completely worthless. Player changes and attitude changes could make a big difference in this unit in 2009.

Vick's Dilemna

I have never been fond of Michael Vick, especially when he was pitted against my New Orleans Saints. Many's the time he made me want to rip my Saints tickets in frustration. On the football fields of the NFl Michael Vick did some amazing dodging and weaving. But he hasn't been able to dodge and weave the relentless attention paid to him since his conviction.
Now Vick is trying to return to the NFL but faces some big challenges. First is getting Goodel to allow him back in the league. The second is finding a team that will sign him and withstand the barrage of bad publicity and demonstrations sure to follow. In his defense I ask: Where was the massive national protest when Leon Little returned to the NFL? Will there be a huge uprising of sentiment when Dante Stallworth once again puts on a uniform? I think not? We have lost all perspective when the loss of a human life garners less interest than the loss of an animal that in many countries gets served up for dinner.

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Saints Return to Playoffs - If......

The New Orleans Saints finished at 8-8 last season, good enough for last place in the NFC South, and naturally sat out the playoffs. It was a big let down for a team that many had picked to possibly challenge for a Super Bowl. Once again, as the Saints prepare for the 2009 NFL season, pundits are lining up in their corner. CBSSports.com has an article by writer Pete Prisco that details his reasons why New Orleans will be a team in the postseason. His reasons? Primarily Drew Brees and the passing game coupled with an improved defense. I can't argue his points, except maybe his belief that Reggie Bush will be an important factor in the passing game, running game, and return game. Two out of three isn't bad.

It's my belief that Bush will contribute most heavily in the passing and return game. My biggest reason for seeing a surge by the Saints is the improvement by Pierre Thomas as the principal running back. Yes, Bush will get some carries. But consider the fact that there were at least two games last season which the Saints could have won given a running back with the whallop to get the short yardage. 2009 looks like the season where Thomas comes into his own. Couple an effective short yardage game with the passing of Drew Brees and I think you've created some problems for an opposing defense. Bush will benefit from fewer pounding carries in the interior where his talents don't really shine. He's a guy that needs a little space in which to operate.

If Thomas is as effective as I believe he's going to be, and the Saints defense can improve to middle of the pack status, or even just eliminate giving up the long ball as they've done over the past two years, Saints tickets will be a lot more enjoyable and we could finally see New Orleans make a run deep into the playoffs and an NFC Championship.

Pre-season Saints Tickets - Great Deals

It's becoming hard for the average guy to afford NFL tickets, even Saints tickets, one of the better bargains in the league. So if you can't scrape up the bucks to get regular season Saints tickets, you can still get the Superdome experience with some Saints tickets for the pre-season. Last time I checked these weren't sold out yet so the Saints box office may still have some available. If not, check out these deals from a couple of ticket sites I've used before:

Frontrow.com - I see tickets for the pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals for as low as $45 here. Ditto the last preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. That's about 30% less than a regular season game.

GoTickets.com - K, this is incredible. Cincinnati Bengals, first pre-season game, upper level in the corner, $5 as advertised today July 15th. That is an unbeatable deal. So they're not 50-yard line lower level seats. $5, get em and sneak down to the lower levels.

abctickets.com - Bengals tickets are $40 with no added fees.

So you see, even in todays hard times, it's still possible to scratch up enough to catch a Saints game in the Superdome. With a high powered offense and high hopes for an improved defense in 2009, Saints tickets might be the deal of the year.

Just for Starters - Game 1 and Game 2 in the Superdome

The New Orleans Saints should get off to a winning start in the 2009 NFL season. If you want to watch a definite win get Saints tickets for the home opener against the Detroit Lions on September 13. OK, OK. No team in the NFL is a lock to win a game. Even the lowly Lions could sneal up and bite someone. Now, do I think Detroit is going to pull off an upset win over the Saints? No.

Drew Brees and Co. should have absolutely no problem moving the ball and scoring on the Lions. If they do, get ready for heck of a long season. Realistically the Saints will be facing their first real test on the road as they travel to Philadelphia where the Eagles should be healthy and ready to challenge again in the NFC East. I'm especially interested in watching how the newly managed New Orleans defense responds to the challenge.

Game 2 in the Superdome is in Week 4, following the contest with Philly and another potentially tough match against the Buffalo Bills. The New York Jets pose an interesting problem in that they are under a new regime and sport a new quarterback. Who really knows what to expect? They faded down the stretch last year with Brett (WillI retire?) Favre at the helm. My gut feeling tells me that the Jets will be a fairly formidable team next season and probably finish around 8-8, but that's a lot of speculation on my part. Anyway, the first pair of Saints tickets to pass through your hands should be wins and should offer plenty of entertainment for a Saints fan

Saints Tickets - A View from Alaska

I spent a few minutes today looking through the local paper here in Fairbanks, Alaska. There were NO NFL articles at all, let alone an article about the New Orleans Saints. It made me think about how lucky we are down in New Orleans. We can line up for Saints tickets, line up for Hornets tickets, line up for Zephys tickets. I did notice that they have a few minor league baseball teams up here so that's something.
But rather than line up for Saints tickets, sports fans around here partake of a little different style of sports entertainment. Articles about endurance type events, one titles Ass kicker, seemed to be the mainstay. It puts me in mind of the Iditarod, the freezing dog sled race that draws thousands every year. So far I haven't laid eyes on snow and truthfully I have no desire to see snow. I saw enough of that in Afghanistan.
So while you're down there enjoying your Saints tickets in the Superdome, think of me here in Alaska reading about the latest winner of an up the mountain down the mountain foot race. And enjoy Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints as they pound the opposing team in the Superdome.

Saints Tickets - Watch for This

Just a few things you might look for as you sit in the Superdome, clutching your Saints ticket stubs and waiting for Drew Brees to toss another touchdown.

Saints Running Backs - I am high on Pierre Thomas. I liked him last season and thought he should have been used more. From what I'm seeing the man has been a beast in the weight room and could be the battering ram the Saints need last season. I'm also hearing good things about Mike Bell, who came into camp in great shape, lighter and faster.

Saints Defensive Coordinator - The jury is still out on Gregg Williams but hey, how much worse could it get? Williams is getting press that uses words like "aggresive" and "gambling" and "likes to bring pressure from everywhere." With a healthy offense and even an average defense, the Saints should go far.

Saints #1 Picks - We're looking at two guys here. First, Malcolm Jenkins needs to be on the field in a Saints defense that needs speed and size in the secondary. Then we're going back to the #1 pick of Robert Meacham, who so far has not been productive. He has shown flashes of talent but as a #1 he needs to break into the starting lineup in a big way or be considered a bust. Saints ticket holders aren't too happy with him sitting the bench.

Saints Tickets Get Funny - No QB Controversy

I was just reading an article on Yahoo when I came across a funny statement. The author said that under Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints haven't had a quarterback controversy. Duh. It's kind of hard to have a quarterback controversy when you've got a Pro Bowl quarterback who's been lighting up the league since he arrived in New Orleans (Drew Brees) and two quarterbacks behind him that are fortunate to still have jobs. Mark Brunell was a solid quarterback in his day but let's face it, he's getting a little long in the tooth. Still, it's good to have him around but I don't think he can seriously compete for a starting spot in the NFL anymore. Then there's Joey Harrington.

I have often heard it expressed that Joey Harrington might be a good quarterback. But nobody knows because he's never played for a real NFL team. Given some talent around him he might surprise some people. Kind of a David Carr situation where he got shell shocked rather than developed. Just a thought.

New Orleans Saints - Playing the game?

NFL teams have to hold on to free agents. (If they're worth keeping.) Other teams around the league are constantly on the prowl for good players so it behooves any team to lock down their talent. The New Orleans Saints are no exception. But with the uncertainty surrounding the players agreement with the league sometimes it's better to play things close to the vest. With an uncapped NFL season approaching, with no agreement, the Saints have signed some players of good quality to keep them in the fold.

Tackle Jammal Brown has been a mainstay of a Saints offensive line that has given up very few sacks while protecting Drew Brees. Keeping him is money well spent and Brown has inked his new Saints contract.

Hopefully, he didn't invest his bonus in the tax incentive deal that has bitten several team members with losses of around $2 million dollars reported so far. I guess to lose massive amounts of money you have to make it first. Or maybe not. The top dogs at Citigroup, General Motors, and Chrysler know that. So do US taxpayers.

NFL Tickets Bring 5 Major Events

Every year in the NFL there are changes. Some seem monumental and end up negligible. Others seem negligible and end up monumental. Here are 5 I think will make a difference.

Chicago Bears get Jake Cutler - This still baffles me. I can't imagine letting Cutler go. The Denver Broncos have managed to creat an atmosphere of uncertainty and ineptitude right off the bat. For the Chicago Bears, they snapped at the chance because they needed a proven and improving quarterback with some consistency. Good deal for the Bears.

T.O. goes to Detroit - This I understand. Owens was always a pot stirrer even when he was on his best behavior. The Detroit Lions had to make a huge public relations move and herald the start of a new era at Ford Field. I think both are winners here.

Albert Haynsworth to the Redskins - This is a big loss for the Titans no doubt. Haynesworth is a force on the line. It's also a huge gamble for Washington. He's not known as the most motivated guy in the NFL and there's always some adjustment to a new system and new surroundings. With everone in Washington pumped about Haynesworth the stage is being set for grumbling if he doesn't perform at a Pro Bowl level.

Mark Sanchez to the New York Jets - When he announced for the draft there were critics crying that Mark Sanchez was not NFL ready. We should find out pretty quick. While New York Jets ticket holders hope to see the second coming of Matt Ryan they may see the return of Kellen Clemens more quickly than they would like.

Saints Tickets - Opening Day

I'll be the first one to admit that having Saints ticket for the regular season opener won't give ringside seats for an epic clash between two contenders. Hosting the Detroit Lions just doesn't carry that panache. However, I would like to point out that just being in the stands for a home opener is a great experience. It should also be a great opoortunity to see the Saints offense unleashed on an opponent. Drew Brees just killed the Lions last season at Ford Field, not being stopped on any third down plays for the entire game.

More importantly, the Saints defense has the chance to get off on the right foot without facing a major challenge. Just a little warmup game before they face the Philadelphia Eagles and a real offense. No offense to the Detroit Lions in these comments, it's just that they haven't proven anything to anyone in the NFL lately and they'll have to dish out some licks before they're taken seriously.

Detroit Lions Tickets - Upwardly Mobile (a little bonus thought)

The best thing about Detroit Lions tickets is that they have to get better. I don't expect the Lions to repeat an 0-16 season in 2009 and neither does anyone else. What everyone in the Motor City is hoping for is a Miami Dolphins like revival. After all, if the Dolphins can go from 1-15 to 11-5 and a division title who's to say Detroit can't do the same. Don't hold your breath but in the weeks preceeding and NFL season, hope is a good thing.

2009 Saints Tickets Hit the Spot

All 2009 New Orleans Saints tickets are sold out. Saints tickets have been selling out since the Superdome was re-opened after Katrina and I expect that to continue for the next few years. Why? Because as long as Drew Brees is around the Saints will be in every game and they'l be plenty of offense.
2009 Saints tickets have everything an NFL fan could ask for. First, there's the impetus of being an under achieving team for the past two years. While generating some bad feelings, it also creates an atmosphere of anticipation, as if everything Saints fans want is just within their grasp. Realistically, that's probably a justified feeling.
What kept the 2008 New Orleans Saints from a playoff spot? A bad defense and no big back. Talented as he is, Reggie Bush is no bruiser who will get the tough yards. Compounding the problem was a defense that gave up the big play in the secondary at crucial times on a madeningly consistent basis. Add them up and the Saints offense just couldn't score as many points as the defense could give up.
In 2009 Saints ticket holders can pin their hopes on improvement in those twpo crucial areas. The Saints defense should benefit from the health og Charles Grant and Will Smith, both of whom battled injury last season. In the secondary the Saints will be seeing some new faces. Jabari Greer will challenge for a starting spot at corner while 1st round draft choice Malcolm Jenkins seems like a lock on the other side. Darren Sharper, brought in as a free agent, will provide veteran experience at safety. Roman Harper, who was really coming on before being sidelined with injury, is also expected to be healthy.
On the offensive side of the ball there are also several factors playing into the excitement surrounding Saints tickets. Running back Pierre Thomas has bulked up in a big way. He should be able to carry the load in short yardage situations. With fullback Mike Karney being replaced by Heath Evans, Drew Brees has another weapon in the passing game. Yes, Reggie Bush will figure heavily in the Saints attack, but I'm thinking of him as more of a return man and pass catching threat than an every down back. On the other end of Brees' passes I believe Marques Colston and Lance Moore are will team up to be one of the best tandems in the NFL. Colston was hampered by injury last season but looked very good in mini-camp. For speed threats the Saints can feature Devery Henderson and former #1 pick Robert Meacham. Finally, Jeremy Shockey should benefit from being in the system for a full year and his recovery from a sports hernia. Add it all up and Saints ticket holders could see improvement in an already potent offense along with some defensive respectability.

Later we'll look at some of the Saints tickets drawing the most attention in 2009. There's some doozies.