Cue the 2nd line music; Preseason is officially over for the New Orleans Saints. The Saints ended things on a high note, beating the Miami Dolphins 7-0 in front of a hometown crowd. Marques Colston and Devery Henderson were among the few starters who took the field in the fourth and final preseason game.
While it was nice to see the Defense force a shut out, the real story is rookie Pierre Thomas, who showed all the signs of a triple threat. Thomas rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, racked up 47 receiving yards and even made a big play on special teams. The trick will be finding a way to fit Thomas into the Saints already crowded corps of running backs.
As for Miami, well they can pride themselves in the fact that they didn't get manhandled like Mississippi State against LSU. As we predicted, the spankin' in Starkville got ugly long before the second half.
Final Score: Tigers 45 Bulldogs: Zilch
Next up for the Saints, the Big Kahuna aka the regular season opener against the Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts. It's (Sean) Payton vs Peyton (Manning) in a battle of wits. Set your Tivos people. You just might be in for a preview of Super Bowl XLII.
Fin-ished!
August 29, 2007
Today we find ourselves faced with two options:
Option 1: Write a depressing post about the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina while drawing parallels between the Saints resurgence and New Orleans' recovery.
Option 2: Dig up some videos that truly capture the spirit of our city, the resilience of its people, and the pride we have for our team.
We went with option 2.
Enjoy...
Less Nancy Grace, More Football
Mission #1: Make it through a week of football without having to mention the name of a certain embattled quarterback.
Mission #2: Forgive ESPN for spending more time doing commentary on said quarterback during Monday night's football game than actually showing the game.
Mission #3: Ask our Saints for forgiveness for the temporary diversion of attention to an unnamed enemy team and it's (fallen) star player.
Mission #4: Get pumped about the fact that tomorrow we can watch the first round of football games that actually count toward a team's record.
Yes, we realize the NFL season doesn't officially start until September 6th which is a whole week away. (We're Chicks, we're not stupid...no matter how bad Ms. Teen South Carolina made us look.) Tomorrow marks the long awaited return of College Football, the pacifier of sorts for those of us NFL junkies who can't help but whine about the tawdry tease that is preseason.
While tomorrow's NCAA lineup won't exactly feature any must watch rivalries on par with the likes of say UCLA v USC, we will get our first glimpse at #2 LSU's beefed up squad. The Tigers take on Mississippi State in what is sure to be a beat down before you've gulped down your first beer. Though the Chicks love a good butt kickin as much as the next guy, we'll have to skip this one as the Saints will be delivering a beat down of their own versus the Dolphins in the Dome. And as much as we're over preseason, we're NEVER over watching our Saints, no matter how frustrating it is to note that the efforts of their spellbinding offense will count for nought.
This week also signals something else sure to capture the attention of Saints fans everywhere. It's the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. With that said, we may need to skip our pregame tradition of hard liquor and stick to beers, or things might get real ugly, real fast...
Vick's Apology: Do We Buy It?
Yes and here's why.
1)Chicks like us can smell bullshit from a mile away. Don't you think we'd have a dog shit detector?
2)So yeah, he gave us the equivalent of the "I'm sorry baby" line that most guys whip out after they mess up big. But there was something about the discomfort in his tone that made us think he really meant it. Is he sorry he got caught? Hell yeah! But you have to believe that he legitimately feels bad for all the kids he let down...for the "role model gone bad" cliche he's lived up to. After all, this is the same guy whose foundation raises money every year for disadvantaged children in Virginia and Georgia. This is the same guy who works closely with kids in his hometown to help mold them into the NFL stars of the future and provide for them the father figure he didn't have.
3)He didn't read from a speech. Had he been coached? He'd be a fool not to get coached. But this guy couldn't have transformed himself into Johnnie Cochran over night. Many of those words were from the heart. Although, we certainly noted he was careful not to get specific on what exactly it was he felt a need to apologize for.
4) He didn't cry. Any lawyer or PR pro will tell you nothing's better than a case of the water works to get the public back on your side. But he didn't go there. It didn't even seem like he was trying to go there. It seemed like, if anything, he was just trying to get through it. He was just trying to survive the moment.
5) He said what the Chicks have been saying all along.
"I hope that every young kid out there in the world watching this interview right now who's been following the case will use me as an example to using better judgment and making better decisions."
What does he need to do now? Practice what you preach Michael Vick. Do your time, stay involved in the community, and be prepared to have to earn your way back into the NFL. Don't let us down. And remember, hell hath no fury like a Chick scorned.
Bonafide Love Fest
The Saints have certainly come a long way since the “Joe Horn, did you bone my wife?” era. The franchise, once known for having more locker room drama than an episode of Desperate Housewives, may have finally found a way to translate their on-field chemistry into off-field friendships.
Coming off one of the most successful seasons in franchise history will do that to you, not to mention being the product of good leadership in the form of Sean “Tough Love” Payton and the ever humble Drew Brees. During the 2007 Meet the Saints luncheon, The Chicks played witness to male bonding between the teammates, at its finest. The traditionally good natured event took on an even more laid back vibe this year. It was almost like crashing a party full of poker buddies who just love giving each other a hard time.
Take for instance the Water Park Distance Champion Award, presented to Defensive Lineman Scott Fujita who famously injured his knee during a team field trip. During his acceptance speech, Fujita told the crowd and his teammates, “I already felt like an ass but now I feel like an even bigger ass.” He also thanked Charles Grant for saving his life by being in the way as he came down the slide, preventing him from going all the way through a fence. (It’s a fact that Grant apparently reminds him of quite regularly.) Fujita also used the opportunity to announce his retirement in the Water Park Distance Olympics.
The awards kept coming and not all of them were of a tongue and cheek nature. Will Smith gave credit to his teammates for his honor as the Defensive Player of The Year. Steve Gleason was happy to accept the award for being the Special Teams Player of The Year, a bittersweet honor given his season ending knee injury. Deuce McAllister was given the Saints 2006 Ed Block Courage Award, a distinction voted on by the teammates. Deuce was honored for his rehabilitation during the difficult 2005 season following his ACL injury and his strong comeback in 2006.
Alright, enough of the mushy stuff…back to the heckling!! Veteran sportscaster Jim Henderson led the revelry as Master of Ceremonies. Below are just a few Chick Picks of Henderson’s far too G-Rated nitpicks:
Henderson On #7 Steve Weatherford’s Celebrity Crush: “Why does Steve Weatherford wear a Dukes of Hazzard jersey to sleep each night? Well, rumor has it that Jessica Simpson wears a #7 jersey to bed.”
Henderson’s Nickname for Reggie Bush: King of All Media
Henderson On Newbie Kicker Olindo Mare: “What was Miami thinking let you go? They obviously weren’t!”
Henderson On Scott Fujita’s Slip-n-Slide: “Next year you may want to stick to the kiddie pool with some floaties to stay out of trouble at the water park.”
(If this were an 80’s sitcom, we’d cue the laugh track, freeze frame, and call for a credit roll.)
A Tale of Two Michaels: If Vick Were a Wife Beater, Would We Still Love Him?
The masses stand in line ready and willing to beat up on Michael Vick (the Chicks included) for his admitted role in a dogfighting ring. He's been labeled everything from a monster to a pig, lost a giant endorsement deal with Nike, and faces an uncertain future in the NFL. But if Vick had beaten his girlfriend instead of forcing dogs to beat up on each other, there's a good chance he'd be getting ready for his closeup in Nike's next ad campaign and taking the field in the Falcons Monday night matchup against the Bengals.
Which leads us to this question: When an athlete beats his wife, why is the public so willing to turn the other cheek?
Before Vick entered his guilty plea on conspiracy charges in the dogfighting case, animal rights groups had already started reaching for their billy clubs and torches to hunt down this "evil presence" in the NFL and stop him in his tracks. And it wasn't hard for them to pick up support along the way. The public, clutching their Labradoodles tight, demanded immediate action against the fallen star long before he could have his day in court.
But where was this dramatic outcry for justice in 2003 when Tampa Bay running back Michael Pittman was arrested for deliberately ramming his Hummer into a Mercedes-Benz driven by his wife and carrying his 2-year-old son. It was his third domestic violence related arrest and it earned him a 3 game suspension. According to the St. Petersberg Times, Pittman's wife told investigators she was subjected to 30 to 40 incidents of domestic violence that were not reported. Meanwhile, Pittman not only continues to play for the Bucs but is highly regarded as one of the most versatile and respected backs in the league. Translation: "Beating...what beating?"
What about former Indianapolis Colts Defensive back Mustafah "Don't Call Me Steve" Muhammad, who was convicted in 2000 of beating his pregnant wife with his stepson standing by? Apparently that's only enough to earn you a 2 game suspension in the NFL.
Kansas City Chiefs star Larry Johnson has been arrested twice on domestic violence charges. Once for allegedly brandishing a gun during an argument with an ex-girlfriend and a second time on charges he grabbed his girlfriend by the shoulders and shoved her to the floor. Punishment: No suspension and 120 hours in community service. Oh, and he'll also be featured in a new line of commercials for Campbell's Chunky Soup starting this fall. So much for "Hard Knocks"...
While no one will deny the repulsive nature of Michael Vick's crimes, you can't help but wonder if the NFL, and its fans for that matter, would sleep a little easier knowing the Falcons phenom had used his wife as a punching bag instead of two precious pooches. Has the health and well being of man's best friend somehow taken precedent over man's girlfriend? History seems to dictate so.
When recently asked if I could accept Michael Vick ever playing in the league again, I looked at my black and white Border-Lab mix, a Katrina rescue, and sighed "Maybe, I don't know." (I tried to ignore the "Et tu Brute?" look in my mutt's big brown eyes.) And while I'm still unsure, what I know for certain is that I am among the millions of NFL fans who have done nothing to call for the dismissal of convicted wife beaters given the liberty to redeem themselves both on and off the field. I for one am not ready to say that domestic abuse is a more forgivable crime than dogfighting. And though I know it's true that two wrongs don't make a right, neither does one wrong.
Who Dats 'n Who'Dettes
What’s a room full of muscle bound men in suits without a gaggle of chicks to admire them?
The Touchdown Club of New Orleans graciously granted Chicks in the Huddle an all access pass to the 40th Annual Meet the Saints Luncheon. The event took place this month at Hilton Riverside New Orleans. Donations from the event will help raise money for various non-profit organizations, including the Ray Hester Cancer Research Fund through the Ochsner Clinic Foundation.
Saints like Reggie Bush and Mike McKenzie looked down right heavenly all decked out in their Sunday best...but we won't show you there pics just yet. First, we're shining a spotlight on the Who’dettes young and old who turned out in full force to support the boys in black and gold.
Check out these pics of a few feisty Chicks flaunting their Fleur-de-Lis fever.
A Storm of Trouble Hits the Other Mexico
Cartoonist: Gary Varvel
Mr. Peabody is only telling us half the story. Michael Vick will learn Monday just how many dog days lie ahead of him inside a jail cell. But as of tonight, he knows his immediate fate in the NFL. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended the Falcons quarterback indefinitely without pay. This came just hours after Vick filed a plea agreement in Federal Court. In the agreement, Vick admits he funded a dog fighting operation called Bad Newz Kennels and was involved, though not directly, in the killing of dogs.
Hand Caught in the Ookie Jar
Vick's attorney likely hoped the wording in the agreement would distance his client from the most egregious aspects of the indictment, like you know...murdering animals and gambling and stuff. But it looks like Goodell's watched enough episodes of Law and Order SVU to fall for that move. The commissioner is quoted as calling Vick's actions "cruel and reprehensible." He went on to acknowledge that Vick's admitted role in the dogfighting ring violates the NFL's player conduct contract.
More Bad Newz
Goodell's decision clears the way for the Falcons to recover more than $20 million of Vick's $37 million signing bonus. And, as expected, Nike didn't wait any longer to kick Vick to the curb; they just did it. Vick signed a $130 million contract with the Falcons in 2004, so even with these financial setbacks, you won't see him in line at the soup kitchen anytime soon.
Mike-raphone Check
While everyone and their grandma has likely already weighed in on Vick and his fate, we have yet to hear from the man himself. That could all change next week when Vick heads to court to learn his sentencing. His lawyers have promised Vick will make a public statement and there are plans for him to appear on the Tom Joyner Morning Show the day after his sentencing. (A live audio stream of the show is available by clicking on the 'Listen Live' button on BlackAmericaWeb.com ) A heartfelt interview to a sympathetic audience could be just what Vick needs to begin the long process of repairing his image in the public eye.
Bird Watching
As the case against Ron Mexico slowly comes to a close, new issues arise concerning the future of the Falcons organization. Will Joey Harrington have the presence of mind to flip off Falcons Fans after the Saints put the smack down on 'em in the Georgia Dome later this year? Will Falcons receivers be denied an opportunity to drop the many passes thrown their way? And what of the fairweather flock of Falcons Fans. Shouldn't they at least get to wait until midseason before abandoning their team? These are dark times indeed my friends.
A Hot Mess
What breaks our hearts almost as much as the thought of senselessly killing animals is that we feel obliged to no longer praise Vick for his God given hotness. As much as we hated the pain he afflicted on our beloved Saints with his natural talent, we couldn't help but marvel at his chiseled features, rock hard abs, and mysterious charm. Now, we realize drooling over #7 would make us little more than big fat zeroes. So, like the rest of the NFL nation, we wait to see how this ordeal will shake out. Will Vick emerge from jail a changed man, truly remorseful for his actions, and determined to regain the trust of his fans and his league? One could only hope. Until then, we mourn for the wasted talent and potential and pray the athletic phenoms of the future are paying attention to just how quickly one's star can fall.
Hey "Show Me" State, we'll show you alright...
With so many highlights from last night's Saints trouncing of the Chiefs, it's hard to know where to start. Could it be Drew Brees completing 17 of 19 passes? How about Pierre Thomas rushing for 90 yards on 11 carries and scoring 2 TDs? Perhaps the fact that the game was a shutout up until the final two minutes? Oh boys in Black and Gold, how you move us so!
Earn It:
With each game, the Saints seem to be taking their new mantra more seriously. Since the Hall of Fame debacle that kicked off preseason, Payton's offense has begun showing that same spunk and talent that made them top rated in '06. With each game comes more points, more big plays, and more signs that they're out to earn more than respect, but a shiny ring and matching trophy.
Love it:
The Saints offense racked up 479 yards. (That's in one game baby!) Wide Receiver David Patten had all of us asking "Hollywood Who?" But what really got us giggly was that mighty "D." Will Smith and company taught the Chief's O-line what the Hard Knock life is really all about. (We hope your cameras were rolling for this one HBO.)
Croyle Spill:
The Chief's Rookie QB Brodie Croyle is learning it ain't always easy playing with the big boys. He's now 16 for 36 in 3 preseason games. Last night he completed only 5-of-17 passes for 45 yards, not to mention his interception.
So it's only a preseason game, it doesn't count, and come September 6th, it won't matter. But if the Saints can keep this momentum going into opening week, they just might make Manning and Company look like Rex Grossman leading a pee-wee football team in a game of street ball.
Next stop: A date with the Dolphins in the Dome. Hey Chef Who Dat...these Chicks are suddenly in the mood for tuna!
Chief Concerns
Preseason is like a bad date with a bimbo: it goes on forever and you can only get so excited if you score.
Tonight’s fourth preseason game against the Chiefs only serves to remind us that the real deal, the season opener versus the Colts, won’t be here for another two weeks. Alas, preseason football is better than no football…or arena football for that matter. So, the Chicks forge ahead and breakdown game 3 of another game that doesn't count.
Knocked Up – The Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp is currently featured on the HBO series, Hard Knocks. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have lost both preseason games. Are the coaches and players too focused on their close ups or were they missing their star running back, Larry Johnson? Johnson just signed a 6-year extension and started practicing with the team again. But the Chiefs may be missing Johnson for a while longer because he announced that it will probably take him more than the two and a half weeks until their first regular season game to be 100% ready for a full workload.
Special Sauced – The Saints’ special teams squad looked less than special in the first 3 games, committing 10 penalties. Two penalties were actually committed during one play on Saturday night. The block in the back penalty was declined by Cincinnati, but the holding call counted. It ended up negating the run back for a touchdown by Tramain Hall. Sean Payton focused on the special teams workout during the morning practice on Tuesday and he is reportedly demanding a lot more crispness and precision from this group in the final two preseason games.
City of Troy – Outside Linebacker Troy Evans spent 5 seasons with the Houston Texans before joining the Saints. His name popped up often as a standout at camp and he has played well in the first three preseason games. Evans is known for his quick movement to the ball and was solid on special teams during his time in Houston. Evans is hoping to be the new spark on special teams in place of Steve Gleason. Gleason, the Saints 2006 Special Teams Player of the Year, is on injured reserve for all of this season due to a knee injury. Evans has big shoes to fill but if he turns out to be the Saints new Special Man..."Let him have it!"
The Huddle Hottie Watch: The Final 5
#25 was kinda cute...#13 made us look twice...#6 made us weak in the knees...but #1 makes us giggle like school girls, blush when we say his name, daydream about his tight little tush, and wish we could be a football just so he'd hold us tight!
Here are the top 5 of the 25 hottest players born in the NFL over the past 25 years.
#5 Tony Curtis, TE Dallas Cowboys
Born: 02/11/1983
Tight end indeed my friend...
#4 Calvin Johnson, WR Detroit Lions
Born: 9/25/1985
He's got a baby face, but that body is 100% m-a-n!
#3 Brady Quinn, QB Cleveland Browns
Born: 10/27/1984
Who wouldn't want to join this Brady's Bunch?
#2 Matt Leinart, QB Arizona Cardinals
Born: 05/11/1983
Even celebrity chicks are lining up for a spanking from this brand new baby daddy. 
#1 Reggie Bush, RB New Orleans Saints
Born: 03/02/1985
What better way to round out the top 25 than with #25? (Yeah, we know you saw this coming a mile away.)
This abs-olutely spectacular specimen is the total package. Looks, charm, and a body that just won't quit. If this running back ever looks tired on the field, maybe it's because he's been running through our minds all day long!
Thank you Reggie for a six pack that gives us six more reasons to LOVE this game!
Super Bowl XLI: Part Deux
A brief assessment of Monday night's Super Bowl rematch:
Rex in Effect: Grossman is still gross, man. The QB fumbled three times, threw an interception deep in Chicago territory and carried twice for minus-1 yard on a touchdown drive.
Peyton's the Man-ning: The Colts' offense is still a force to be reckoned with.
Come September 6, Saints better bring their A game to Indy.
Dirty Jail Bird
Michael Vick is ditching his red and black uniform for black and white stripes. The former Falcons QB is pleading guilty to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. The plea deal means he'll likely do about a year of jail time. We won't know just how long he'll be sent to the slammer until his sentencing hearing next Monday.
Who could forget just a few weeks ago when Vick urged the public not to rush to judgement in his dogfighting case? He followed that up by professing his innocence in a statement read by his attorney. Not since "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" has a man's own words come back to bite him...doggie style!
Meanwhile, the Chicks are left to ponder...what will become of our most hated NFL opponent? Joey Harrington will obviously take over as the Falcons starting QB this season. But we'll get far less pleasure out of seeing Charles Grant lay Lil' Joey on his back than we would #7. The Falcons and the NFL remain mum on Vick's future with the franchise. But that's sort of like when you crash your mom and dad's car while breaking curfew and they immediately give you the silent treatment. In other words, just cuz you haven't been punished yet doesn't mean you won't get grounded.
For Vick, "grounding" will likely come in the form of being kicked off the Falcon's team and possibly having to turn over a portion of his $100+ million dollar contract. Plus, his admission of guilt pretty much means he lied to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell like a "Coach" bag for sale on a Canal St sidewalk.
Vick's also guilty of violating the NFL's conduct policy, big time, making his future in the NFL that much more uncertain. What team would want this kind of drama? Will fans, dog lovers, the media, etc. ever forgive him? Will becoming the girlfriend of some 300 pound inmate who likes to be called "Bertha" kill his spirit and rob him of the moves that made him famous? Only time will tell.
It's probably best we also take this as an opportunity to do a PSA of sorts to athletic stars of the future. DON'T BE STUPID!!! Making millions of dollars as an NFL star means you no longer have to prove how "hard" you are. If your old friends don't accept the new you, then buy new friends!!!! When you feel the urge to do something stupid, reflect on this moment. Thank you.
Cappin’ Crunch
It’s the middle of preseason: do you know where your roster spot is? The Saints play their third preseason game tonight against the Cincinnati Bengals. For all those who haven’t yet secured a spot on the lineup...better keep the butterfingers at home. The cuts are about to come fast and furious as every team pares down the roster to the required 53 players before the start of regular season. The New Orleans Saints have many positions still in flux and lots of questions to answer as we approach the first game that counts.
Left His Heart in San Francisco?
It doesn’t seem like tight end Eric Johnson (#82) is missing his former team. Word is that he and Drew Brees have quickly established a tight rhythm on the field and he has already become one of the go-to guys for our fave QB as he goes through his pass progressions. We may see some of this developing chemistry during the first quarter which is slated for plenty-o “Cool Brees” action.
WKRP (Will Kaesviharn Really Produce) in Cinncinnatti?
While Safety Kevin Kaesviharn (#43) prepares to play his former team, we’re left wondering, “Where’s the guy who made 6 interceptions, 58 tackles and 4 sacks with the Bengals last season?” He’s got a compelling test this week against one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league, Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (pronounced: Who’s Your Mama). He scrimmaged against them for the last few years so he should be very familiar with their moves and tendencies. This intimate knowledge might give him the edge tonight.
Trade Bait?
Running back Aaron Stecker (#27) is facing some tough competition in his bid to stay with the Saints. Deuce and Reggie are the premier running pair in the NFL so Stecker would be the number three back at best. Plus he’s got rookies Antonio Pittman (#24) and Pierre Thomas (#23) battling hard against him. Stecker, a seven-year veteran, is recognized as a solid, experienced running back and a versatile player thanks to his special team’s expertise. Just the kind of guy the Bengals may be looking for after losing rookie running back Kenny Irons for the whole season when he tore a knee ligament in their first preseason game. Irons was supposed to be the Reggie to Rudi Johnson’s Deuce. The Bengals reportedly have their eye on Stecker to fill the need for a runner who can give them an outside option. Stecker just might be out to impress coaches on both sidelines come game time.
Worth Watching
Rookie Linebackers Marvin Mitchell (#50) and Desmond Sims (#46) were regularly working with the first team defense during drills at training camp. Mitchell, our 7th round draft pick, and Sims, a free agent, are poised to make some key plays against the Bengals’ offensive line which is currently missing both of their starting tackles from last season.
Keep Your Enemies Closer
Tonight the two teams dubbed potentially the Saints biggest competitors in '07 faced off in a nasty preseason battle. Well, it was actually only nasty for one team: the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers looked like Sylvester the Cat in a losing battle with Tweety Bird in their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Final Score: Panther 10 Eagles 27 (Can someone cue Akon's "Smack That" song?)
The game also signaled Donovan's McNabb return to the field for the first time since a season ending injury in week 11 of 2006. McNabb looked calm, confident...and still bald. He completed six of nine passes for 138 yards and played the entire first quarter. As for former Saint turned Carolina Cajun Jake Delhomme, don't be surprised if fans start calling for him to "geaux" right back to Breaux Bridge after his disappointing first half performance.
On an a side note, did anyone else notice the Eagles Cheerleaders appeared to be auditioning for jobs at Rick's Cabaret? Their "uniforms" consisted of a white bra top and coochie cutters bloomers. If you plan on visiting the Linc this season, make sure you pack a wallet full of dollar bills!
Payton's Posse
If he were a cast member on Grey’s Anatomy, they’d call him McFeisty. Coach Sean Payton earned his title as Coach of the Year not just by leading the Saints to their first NFC Championship appearance but earning the respect the fans and his team. We fell in love with him due largely to his knack for getting in the player’s faces when they seemed to be exhibiting an Aaron Brooks-like IQ. But when it came to strategizing that high-power offense, Payton didn’t pull it all off alone. Today the Chicks salute the men behind the man. (And not in a gay way…not that there’s anything wrong with that…)
Doug Marrone – Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line
Doug Marrone’s first year as Offensive Coordinator was solid gold. The Saints were the #1 offense in the NFL for the first time in team history in 2006. Drew Brees threw for over 4,000 yards which was another team first with a league-high 4,418. Reggie Bush set an NFL record for a rookie running back with 88 catches. And Reggie and Marques Colston combined for their rookie duet record of 158 receptions. In addition to the high level of production and success at the skill positions, Marrone orchestrated a fusion of five new starters on the front line. Jammal Brown, Jahri Evans, Jon Stinchcomb, Jamar Nesbit and Jeff Faine, dubbed The O-Jays, meshed quickly under Marrone’s guidance and gave stellar protection allowing Brees to regularly find an open man. Marrone is considered a strong candidate for a future NFL head coaching position. Saints fans want him to stay right here with us so our offense continues to top the charts for years to come.
Joe Lombardi – Offensive Assistant
He may be a new kid on the block with the Saints’ staff but Joe Lombardi’s got a lifelong connection to NFL greatness. The trophy awarded to the team that wins the Super Bowl is named for his grandfather and football legend, Vince Lombardi. Joe Lombardi played tight end at the United States Air Force Academy and after serving his required four years in the military, the football blood in his veins took over. He recognized that he missed football and decided to pursue a career in coaching. He gained experience coaching offense and defense in his stints with Mercyhurst College, the XFL New York/New Jersey Hitmen, Virginia Military Institute and the University of Dayton. Lombardi’s first NFL coaching gig was last year in Atlanta as a defensive assistant. If the other coaches can forgive him for his short time with the Dirty Birds, we can too! His duties with the Saints include: working with the offense and the quarterbacks and during games he keeps a close eye on opponents' pass coverages from the press box.
Gary Gibbs – Defensive Coordinator
When Sean Payton got the call to take over the 3-13 New Orleans Saints, Gary Gibbs got the nod from Payton. They worked together as part of the Dallas Cowboys coaching squad under Bill Parcells. With Payton in control of the offensive magic, he knew he needed Gibbs to handle the defensive sorcery. Gibbs’ scheming made it possible for the Saints to surrender 17 points or less in half of their regular season games and they gave up 76 points fewer than the year before. The Saints D had 38 sacks and 10 players recorded over 50 tackles. Hopes are high that with the additions of Dhani Jones, Kendrick Clancy, Kevin Kaesviharn and Jason David, Gibbs can keep the defensive mojo working all through the 2007 season and into the playoffs.
Marion Hobby – Defensive Line
In 2006, Marion Hobby was a rookie with the Saints and as an NFL coach. He quickly proved himself by making the Saints’ front four a highly disruptive force to opposing offenses. Defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant along with tackles Hollis Thomas and Brian Young were key components in the team’s second place finish in the NFC in fewest first downs allowed (262) and sixth in the league in third-down efficiency allowed (34.7). Will Smith was voted into the Pro Bowl after his standout season thanks in part to his 10.5 sacks; the first defensive end from the Saints to be so honored since 2000. Hobby played three seasons in the early 90’s for the New England Patriots and perfected his coaching technique at colleges all over the South including University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Tennessee, Mississippi and Clemson.
Joe Vitt – Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers
Joe Vitt is the wise man on the Saints staff after being a coach in the NFL for 28 years. He realized that the players and coaches needed to put the success of 2006 behind them. He suggested a jazz funeral so that the group could send out the previous season New Orleans-style and then turn their collective focus to the challenges awaiting them in the new season. Joe Vitt heads into 2007 with his linebacker corps intact. Scott Fujita, Scott Shanle and Mark Simoneau were all new additions to the roster last year. Vitt’s experience and influence helped them become a stalwart and speedy unit that consistently made big plays at crucial moments in key games. The trio made 8.5 sacks and 309 tackles, caught 3 interceptions and forced 3 fumbles. While in Canton for the first preseason game, Vitt brought his linebackers together in the NFL Hall of Fame for a group photo under the bust of linebacking great, Dick Butkus. Vitt’s got a feel for the past but his eye is on the future of a Saints’ team poised for another successful season.
"We're talking about practice man. We're not talking about the game!"
Yes Allen Iverson, we're talking about practice indeed. The Saints and the Bengals hit the field today to face each other in a preseason, pregame matchup. The team's haven't practiced together since we were all counting down to Armageddon in 1999.
You can catch a few of the snaps by heading to the Bengals' website. Although most of what they show is very "Bengals-Centric," you might spy a few glimpses of how our defense held up against the likes of Ocho-Cinco himself, Wide Receiver Chad Johnson. Lest we forget how Johnson burned our corners like toast at an I-Hop during the '06 regular season game.
The trip to Cincy signals the official end of training camp at Millsaps College in Mississippi.
Saints Get a Little Bit Country
Just when you thought Carrie Underwood was the only country star turned NFL groupie...
Kenny Chesney is trading in his boots for cleats, his cowboy hat for a helmet, and his wife beater for a Saints Jersey. The Academy of Country Music’s 2007 Entertainer of The Year will suit up with the Saints for a workout in Cincinnati. Chesney hopes to catch a few passes from Drew Brees on the playing field before performing Thursday night in the Flip Flop Summer Tour.
A few hits by the Saints defense will probably hurt less than his breakup from Renee Zellweger after only four months of marriage in 2005.
Who Dat Say Dey Gonna Steal our Chant? “Who Dey! Who Dey!”
As the Saints prepare for their next preseason game against those Correctional Facility All-Stars known as the Cincinnati Bengals, we find this to be an appropriate time to vent on a long standing feud of the “What came first: chicken or the egg” variety.
While watching an episode of Inside the NFL in 2006, I happened upon a post-game pep rally in the Bengals locker room which involved sweaty, muscle-bound men clad in mere towels. While it was an obvious sensory overload for the eyes, my ears couldn’t help but burn at the sound of a bastardized version of an oh-so familiar chant. “Who dey? Who dey? Who dey think gonna beat them Bengals? NOBODY!” I thought to myself “My beefcakes in towels, why have you forsaken me?”
“Who Dey Think Dey Are?”
Shocked and appalled, I raced to the phone to find anyone else who’d witnessed this blatant display of chant robbery. (And if anybody knows about robbery, it’s the Bengals.) Alas, I discovered that this offense by the Bengals’ Offense was yesterday’s news. Turns out, the Bengals had been spewing their “Who Dey” venom for decades. And not only that, the team claimed to be the inspiration for the Who Dat creed I’d built my entire football fan motto on since I was a wee girl in black and gold booties.
Ain’t “Dat” the Truth
Armed with this new information (new to me at least) I hit the internet in search of not the truth, but ammunition. You see, I knew with 100% confidence that there was no way in Ocho-Cinco’s Mohawk a town known for… (Wait, what the hell is Cincinnati known for?) could come up with such a colorful creed. They’d obviously ripped it off from the Saints well known “Who Dat” chant and made up a lamer version to call their own. All I needed to do now was gather enough information to prove that “Dey are who we thought dey were!”
As I suspected, many before me had been on the case. But the facts never seemed to add up. Here’s what wikipedia had to say about “Who Dey.”
“Although the exact origin of the phrase is disputed, it had been made popular by 1981 in Bengals fans’ cheers for their team during their run to Super Bowl XVI. Some fans would do the chant and other fans would reply, “Nobody!”…One possible source is a 1980 commercial for Red Frazier Ford of Cincinnati, which used this tagline: “Who's going to give you a better deal than Red Frazier? Nobody!” Cincinnati fans who had seen the commercial many times may have just copied it when cheering.
The point of origin that has been disputed on a local Cincinnati radio station is that the phrase came due to a locally distributed beer at the time called Hudepohl. It is said that as beer vendors went up and down aisles at the Bengals games during their first run at the Super Bowl, instead of yelling out "Beer here!" or some other call to let fans know that they had beer, they would yell out "Hudy!" as an abbreviation of Hudepohl.”
Who dat think dat don’t make sense?
Is that a Bengal or a Copycat?
Even if “Who Dey” does trace back to 1981, we know for certain that “Who Dat” originated long before Luke and Laura’s wedding on General Hospital. In fact, “Who Dat’s” been around since long before the Bengals and even the Saints. It actually became a common element in vaudeville acts and minstral shows in the 1800s and early 1900s. Fast forward a few decades, and the cool cats on New Orleans Jazz scene had incorporated it into their everyday vernacular. In the 60s and 70s is where things get sticky. Some say fans would shout out “Who Dat” at games between New Orleans Public High Schools. LSU fans insist the chant started on their campus in the late 70s with the black sports fans chanting “Who!!!” so the crowd could respond “Dat!” Members of the faithful “Who Dat” nation say the chant caught on with Saints fans in the 70s but only gained widespread popularity in the 80s during the Bum Phillips era. There are even claims “Who Dat” can be found on a label of a 70s can of Falstaff Beer.
Who Dat Think this Debate Will Ever End? NOBODY!!!!
Can anyone actually provide hardcore evidence as to the first time a Saints fan chanted “Who Dat” and a Bengals fan chanted “Who Dey?” Unlikely. But do we really need that evidence? “Dat,” “dis,” “dem,” and da rest of the “Butchering the English Language Gang” have been apart of Southern culture since before you could find grits above the Mason Dixon line. I mean c’mon. How many people from Cincinnati do you know who say “Dat” or “Dey” on a daily basis? (Moreover, how many people do you know from Cincinnati?) Clearly a phrase with this much soul had to come from the South.
When it comes right down to it, none of this seemed to matter until both of these teams broke free from obscurity and made it on to the national spotlight. The “Who Deys” admit to having abandoned their cheer during their "Bungals" days. And while “Who Dats” stood strong and chanted loud even in the "Aint's Era," it seems no one was listening.
While the debate rages on, we look forward to a battle where we know there’ll be a clear winner: Saints v Bengals, August 18th at 6:30pm. Who Dat say their blood will curl if they hear a “Who Dey” chant from the stands? Who Dat? Who Dat?
Madden Madness (a.k.a. Curse Countdown 2007)
Should we start the "Vince Young Season Ending Injury Watch" now or wait till regular season? The Titans QB made his debut on the cover of America's Favorite fake football game today..Madden '08.
But as Spiderman taught us, with great power comes great responsibility. Previous Madden Coverboys have found themselves faced with the challenge of staying healthy for the duration of their Madden Game Reign. In 2003, cover athlete Michael Vick broke his leg just one day after the game hit the shelves. Similar cases of "dumb luck" (aka gris gris) struck previous Madden Models Marshall Faulk and Donovan McNabb.
Needless to say, we'll keep you in our prayers #10!
It Is SO On!
Check out Reggie & Peyton in NBC's NFL Countdown Commercial.
Gotta love Reggie's attempt at southern twang!
The Fujita Monologues
It's been nearly a week since the Saints took that wet and wild trip to a water park that left two players injured. Now starting Saints Linebacker Scott Fujita is ending "water-gate" so to speak and revealing how he ended up with a heel injury that forced him to miss the team's preseason game.
Fujita fessed up in an interview with S.I.'s Peter King:
"So there was a lot of talk about who could beat the great champion Scott Fujita on the water slide. There was a lot of trash-talking back and forth, just good, fun team stuff. When it was time for me to go, I really had a good slide going, and the slide wasn't long enough. I probably went 20 feet further than the end of it and slammed feet first into some 2-by-4s. Luckily, my foot went right through it because I was going so fast. Who knows how bad the injury would have been if the wood didn't break.
"So I go crashing through the fencing, and there's just silence for a few seconds. I was OK, but a few seconds later, my foot was throbbing. It turns out I hurt my plantar fascia in my right heel. And right now, still, I'm having trouble putting my full weight on the heel."
Fujita is expected to make his triumphant return within a few days.
The Chicks' recommendation: Save that competitive edge for the field.
And to Coach Payton, how 'bout we opt for a more low key team bonding experience. A day of beer and porn on the couch ain't never hurt nobody!
Bald Eagle
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Courtesy: philadelphiaeagles.com
Eagles QB Donovan McNabb will be sportin' a new do at tonight's Monday night matchup against the Ravens. Helmet hair wouldn't have been an issue even if McNabb hadn't whacked his bush. That's because Eagles Coach Andy Reid sidelined the QB for the preseason opener in Baltimore. Donovan gets to give his knee a little more healing time and the Eagles get to see what their top draft pick Kevin Kolb is working with.
Also getting some key playing time tonight is Olympian/Model/Wide Reciever/Hottie Jeremy Bloom. Bloom spent his rookie year with the Eagles on injured reserve.
As for our take on Donovan's ode to Kojak...anything beats his Buckwheat look of a few years back.
Bills vs Saints a.k.a "Points Schmoints"
Here's the good news: Unlike Game 1, Game 2 in no way looked like an NFL team versus it's cheerleaders.
Bad news: The first stringers couldn't "take it to the house" in their two trips to the red zone. And there are still troubling signs the secondary needs to tighten it up.
The final score of last night's exhibition game: Bills 13 Saints 10. But let's keep it real. Do we really care who wins or loses these scrimmages? It's really all about player performances and how well our starters are "seizing the moment" during their limited time on the field. Besides, the Bills needed that confidence boosting win a hell of a lot more than the Saints did.
This game did yield some noteworthy, if not praiseworthy performances. Below the Chicks break down some Saintly highlights and sinful lowlights from the Bills v Saints extravaganza.
Saintly: The Saints definitely showed signs that their high powered offense is intact, if not improved. Drew Brees started the game 10/11 on completions. Reggie Bush showed his versatility as both a brilliant back, go-to-receiver, and all around stud.
Sinful: Olinde Mare's blocked 37 yard field goal in the first trip to the red zone.
Saintly: The Defense didn't just suit up, they actually showed up. The aggression we yearned for in Canton reared it's head in the dome. There were a couple impressive defensive stands, particularly on the Bills second possession. DT Antwan Lake got in a good bat down. Charles Grant was all over the place. Even second stringers like Troy Evans got his number called a few times for sacks and pressure on the QB.
Sinful: Does Jason David think the wide receivers have cooties?
He appeared to be playing a cover 2 defense even though there was no man-to-man coverage from the corners on the receiver.
Chicks Translation: He gave the the receivers way too much breathing room, denying himself an opportunity to play for the ball.
Saintly: Rookies like Antonio Pittman and Lance Moore, who played like men with a burning desire to play an integral part on this team.
Sinful: Special teams play by Lance Moore that forced the Saints to start drive from their 1 yard line.
Saintly: QB Tyler Palko's confident performance
Sinful: QB Tyler Palko not being able to lead team into the end zone on Saints final drive.
Overall, definitely more noteworthy positives than negatives from this preseason performance. Continue working out the kinks boys. Come opening night, we hope to leave Peyton for once wishing he was Eli.
Friday Night Lights
There’s no denying it; the Saints looked as flat as Mischa Barton's chest during their preseason debut. But we all know the team’s energy level will be much higher tonight because they are playing in front of fired up Saints fans. Fans, mind you, who’ve been waiting seven long months to cheer their boys on in the Dome.
The coaches expect to see intensity on the field and playmaking around the ball. They want players to get more experience with timing on routes in a game situation. But because it’s preseason, they are also concerned about avoiding injuries. So we won’t see the starters in for too long but there are many players who have a lot to prove on the field as they joust for recognition and the promise of permanent roster spots. Below the Chicks break down tonight's "what to watch."
Fat Chance: Defensive tackle Kendrick Clancy (#92) was moved up to the first string this week taking over for Hollis Thomas (#99). Thomas, last year’s sizzling run stuffer, seems to have stuffed his face with too much home cooking in the off season. He’s been battling weight and conditioning issues since training camp started, meriting some not-so-favorable comments from Sean Payton. Clancy was signed as a free agent in June and played last season for the Arizona Cardinals. This is his chance to show Payton and defensive coordinator, Gary Gibbs, that he is finally ready to be a starter after being the second string guy in Arizona and Pittsburgh. It may be difficult for him to achieve a starting position if Thomas can do a quick turnaround and regain his girlish figure of last season. But Clancy has the opportunity to make a very favorable impression as long as Thomas is out of Payton’s good graces.
A Nickle of Quarterbacks- The Saints have five – count ‘em – five quarterbacks on their roster right now after signing Matt Baker on Tuesday. Baker who will be wearing (big surprise) #5 adds to the competition for the spot behind Drew Brees. There’s no way that all of these guys are sticking around so look out for fireworks from the second quarter on as Baker, Jason Fife (#11) and Tyler Palko (#3) try to prove their mettle and push 13-year veteran Jamie Martin (#10) out of their way.
Feel the Burn: Even though it was only the first preseason game, it was hard not to have that “Here we go again” feeling watching right cornerback Fred Thomas (#22) floundering and left cornerback Mike McKenzie (#34) meandering all over the field as they got stung early and often by the Steelers offense. Safeties Jay Bellamy (#20), Josh Bullocks (#29) and Kevin Kaesviharn (#43) did not inspire confidence either. Strong safety Roman Harper (#41), a spark plug of the secondary, is coming back this week for the first time since the sixth game of last season following his lengthy rehab from an ACL tear. Harper’s return could fire up his teammates and spur them to a better performance than last week. But look for this group to remain under the harsh glare of the microscope with coaches, press and fans all preseason if their play doesn’t improve.
Just for Kicks: Punter Steve Weatherford (#7) rocked the Superdome in the playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles after evading a tackle as he went to punt the ball and sprinted for a much needed first down. Weatherford was thought to have a firm grip on the job before training camp started but former Pro Bowler Chris Hanson (#6) has performed well so far. Payton dubbed the competition between Weatherford and Hanson as “wide open” and announced that Hanson will punt in the first half and Weatherford in the second on Friday night. Weatherford needs to rock the house again during preseason or Hanson may just MMMBop him out of a gig.
Also on the must watch list: Wide Receivers Robert Meachem (#17) and Lance Moore (#16), running backs Antonio Pittman (#24) and Pierre Thomas (#23), and linebackers Mark Simoneau (#53) and Brian Simmons (#51).
Game Day Chick Tip: What NOT to Wear
They are as common at a football game as a missed tackle, a complaining wide receiver, and a chubby beer guy. And unlike a hold committed during a kick return, this kind of foul can be spotted almost immediately. That’s right, we’re talking about the ultimate personal foul; the dreaded Fan Fashion Faux Pas.
You see them all the time in the form of tube tops threatening to fall down, short skirts threatening to ride up, and flabby, hairy men who always seem most prone to opt for body paint over an actual shirt. (Why can’t the Brad Pitts and Tyson Beckfords of the world ever be die-hard enough to go topless?)
While real fans know fashion statements shouldn’t be a top priority, it’s definitely something worth a few seconds of thought if you plan on watching the game somewhere other than on a couch. Below are a few fashion fouls for all us Chicks to review so as to avoid a game day beat down!
Fashion Faux Pas #1: Club Clothes Penalty: 10 yards
Unless you plan on joining the cheerleaders at halftime, there’s really no need to show up to a game in something that could have been pulled from a closet in the Playboy Mansion. With that in mind, we advise you to completely avoid the section of your closet that includes the following: daisy dukes, tube tops, prom gowns, the little black dress, and your favorite skirt from 8th grade.
No need to wear anything bulky or butch. Just keep in mind wardrobe malfunctions are meant for the field, not the stands.
Fashion Faux Pas #2: Color Blind Penalty: 15 yards
Not since wearing white after Labor Day has the color of your attire been so important. A true fan knows to either wear the team colors or avoid the opponent’s colors on game day at all costs. Imagine showing up at the Dome wearing green and yellow for a Packers game. You deserve to get the same kind of snowball pelting Eagles fans gave Santa Claus on that chilly Philly day in 1968.
Fashion Faux Pas #3: The Stiletto No-No Penalty: 10 yards
You can barely walk in them at work. What makes you think you can wear them to an event that requires you to stand up, cheer, dance, second line, and possibly throw a temper tantrum for 3 hours straight? Face it honey, Carrie Bradshaw’s about the only woman who can make a pair of stilettos look like Aerosoles Ballet Flats. Nobody wants to hear you whining and complaining about how much your dogs are barking when the team is down by 10 with 5:00 minutes left in the game. Chick Tip: Stick to the shoes you turn to for Christmas shopping on Black Friday. They’ve proven in the past they can go the distance.
The Huddle Hottie Watch Continues
We're counting down the hottest NFL players born in the past 25 years. We now present: #s 10-6.
#10 Travis Wilson, WR Cleveland Browns
Born: 02/11/1984
Who can resist an angry man in brown?
#9 Mike Bell, RB Denver Broncos
Born: 04/23/1983
A smile this bright deserves a little of the limelight!
#8 Kellen Winslow, TE Cleveland Browns
Born: 07/21/1983
Perhaps he's thinking "How did my arms get so damn cut?"
#7 LaRon Landry, S Washington Redskins
Born: 10/14/1984
Not exactly the face of an angel, but that bod's enough to make you feel downright devilish!
#6 #6 Jeremy Bloom, WR Philadelphia Ealges
Born: 04/02/1982
Who cares if he never gets to suit up. With this physique, he doesn't have too!
Two shirtless hotties for the price of one! Oh how we love the Top 10!
#5-#1 is just around the corner...
Camp's Out for Summer
Picture Courtesy: Michael DeMocker, TP Staff photographer
It's like getting to class only to realize it's been canceled, there's a substitute, or the printer ate your final exams. Saints Coach Sean Payton got all sappy at Millsaps today, suprising the team 15 minutes into their training camp workout with a field trip to a local water park. Payton pulled a similar stunt during training camp last season. Instead of two hours of sweating it out on the field, the Black and Gold Boys got to let off some steam at the Rapids on the Reservoir Water Park.
Oddly enough, a day of play proved just as dangerous as grinding it out at camp for two players. Linebacker Scott Fujita and Tight End Billy Miller both got banged up during their day of wet and wild fun. Fujita was seen on crutches with a taped up right foot following the team’s return to camp. Billy Miller injured his forehead and was spotted wearing a large bandage. (Just what exactly were they doing in that water...)
No word on the seriousness of their injuries and if this will impact potential playing time for either player on Friday night in the Superdome against the Buffalo Bills.
Taking a Bite Out of Crime
While Michael Vick remains in the dog house trying to avoid the big house, one trio of savvy businessmen has decided to use Vick's personal woes for their personal gain. The guys have teamed up to sell the ultimate in ironic pet treats, the Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy. According to vickdogchewtoy.com, the product is made of
"state of the art dog material...and is so strong and flexible, it will challenge every breed. Especially the Pit Bull."
The toy sells for $10.99 plus shipping and handling. Portions of the proceeds will go toward animal cruelty awareness.
Is it just us or does this toy share an uncanny resemblance to Louis Armstrong?
Every Chick Crazy Bout a Sharp Dressed Man
We love him in his uniform, we'd prefer him in his birthday suit, but it's his street clothes that earned Patriots QB Tom Brady a top honor from Esquire Magazine. Brady got the #1 one spot on Esquire's list of the Best Dressed Men in the world. His gorgeous accessory, aka girlfriend/supermodel Gisele Bundchen, may have played a role in boosting his rank. Esquire also praised Brady for his "All-American Kennedy-clan suits". Another NFL star making the list, San Francicso 49ers head coach Mike Nolan. Nolan, aka the Anti-Belichick when it comes to fashion, is known for sporting more suits than sweats on the sidelines. He earned the 11th spot on the list.
Other standouts include Rapper Jay-Z, who earned the #2 spot, Senator Barack Obama who came in fourth, and Mr. Longoria aka San Antonio Spurs Star Tony Parker, who landed at #23.
(Many apologies E.L. for the Mendes goof!)
Unhappy Campers
--The latest news out of Saints Training Camp was enough to bring fans to their knees. Starting Left Tackle (& Pro Bowler) Jammal Brown went down with what was thought to be a serious knee injury during practice today. It ended up being diagnosed as a bone bruise. It's unclear how long Brown's injury will keep him off the field but trainers are confident he won't need to go under the knife. (All together, now...PHEW!)
--The news isn't nearly as good for Colts Defensive Tackle Anthony McFarland. According to a report in the Indianapolis Star, McFarland has been diagnosed with a season ending knee injury. McFarland was considered a key figure in the Colts' stingy defensive performance during their 2006 Super Bowl run.
--Like a virgin on prom night, JaMarcus Russell ain't givin' it up, no matter how bad he may want to! The #1 draft pick has yet to sign with the Oakland Raiders in what will likely be a futile attempt to get more money. Word on the street is that he's looking for a $31 million cash guarantee. Russell and NY Jets Cornerback Darrelle Revis are now the only unsigned first round picks. Browns QB Brady Quinn finally ended his hold out. Guess he finally realized he was lucky just being asked to prom...why play hard to get?
How We Got Over the Saints' Preseason Loss...
Looks like Subway's newest spokesperson is packing a footlong! (To our male readers, sorry...we couldn't resist!)
Athletes Love Their T 'N A
Not since I swallowed four ghosts and a peach off one power pellet has a Pacman brought me so much joy. According to tnawrestling.com, Tennessee Titans Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones has signed a contract with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and will make his debut this Thursday. As we all know, Pacman was suspended from the NFL and forbidden from taking part in Titans training camp due to conduct violations. So what do you do when your athletic career is going down the tubes? Why, you sign up for a fake athletic career of course!
Neither Pacman (nor Ms. Pacman for that matter) have said whether he'll actually take part in any fisticuffs. But according to a Nashville newspaper, Jones recently installed a wrestling ring at his home. What we do know for sure is that NFL contracts prohibit non-football activities that could cause injury. Jones wouldn't be the first professional athlete to make his TNA debut. Chicago Bears Linebacker Brian Urlacher along with New York Yankees Outfielder Johnny Damon have both appeared on the wrestling program.
The last time Jones had his hands full with T. 'n' A. (and we're not talking the wrestling kind,) it ended with a fight outside a Las Vegas strip club. Let's hope Pacman doesn't gobble up more than he can chew this time around, otherwise it's "game over" with the Titans. Be sure to catch the cornerback's debut on Spike TV this Thursday at 9pm.
Saints v Steelers Hall of Fame Game: The Chicks Break it Down
Highlight: Michael Irvin's touching Hall of Fame acceptance speech that made all of us say "What motel room with strippers and coke?"
Lowlight: Deion Sanders' suit
Highlight: No Saints starters did anything to get hurt
Lowlight: No Saints starters did anything (primarily because they were kept off the field to keep them from getting hurt.)
Highlight: Saints run defense held its own in the first few series
Lowlight: Saints pass defense looked like they'd barely survive a game at Tad Gormley, much less one in the NFL
Highlight: Okay night for Saints backup QB Jason Fife
Lowlight: Fabulous night for Steelers backup QB Charlie Batch
Lowlight: Final score Steelers 20 Saints 7
Highlight: It's only the first preseason game. Settle down, fairweathers!
Hot in Herrre!!!
While Saints fans are feeling all warm and fuzzy for Coach Sean Payton, a handful of other NFL coaches find themselves in the hot seat, before the season even starts. From unsigned draft picks to unrealistic fan expectations, the coaches listed below are learning the hard way it ain’t always easy to be the guy in charge.
Romeo Crennel – Cleveland Browns
Romeo, O Romeo! Wherefore art thou draft pick Romeo? Cleveland Browns Coach Romeo Crennel is trying to live up to the high hopes of the Dawg Pound following his successful years in New England as the defensive coordinator. The real question is, “What up with Brady Quinn?” The #22 pick is reportedly in Arizona, blowing his chance to be the starting QB with his foolish holdout from Browns’ camp. Crennel doesn’t need this drama in his critical third year. And Quinn doesn’t need this delay in learning the Cleveland system and establishing a rhythm with the offense. Somebody in The Brady Bunch needs to give Quinn a sound kick in the keister and tell him to shelve his dreams of being paid like he got drafted in the Top 10. Then he needs to pack his hair products and hightail it to camp. If the Browns have to go with Charlie Frye as their starting QB again this season, Crennel will almost certainly be looking for a new gig come January.
Tom Coughlin – New York Giants
Tom Coughlin has made the theme of Giants camp “Shut Up and Play”. He’s asked that the players talk to him about team problems and not rush to share internal issues with the media like they did last season. You can bet the fiery and ferocious New York press will only take this as a challenge and do even more to draw out controversial comments from Giants’ players.
This season’s mantra for Coughlin needs to be “Step Up and Coach”. He needs to focus on fundamentals, consistency and game planning. He needs to work with the players to cut down on penalties at key junctures in games. He needs to start leading and stop whining. If Coughlin can really take control of what’s happening on the field, then all griping and grousing by the players off the field should cease.
Jon Gruden – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jon Gruden’s no longer the fresh-faced offensive prodigy he once was. He’s looking a little worn and wrinkled in his attempt to regain the glory of winning Super Bowl XXXVII in his first year with the Bucs. He’s only had one winning season since that Super Bowl run. Many believe Gruden was the beneficiary of the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Tony Dungy, and doesn’t have the coaching skill to get it done again himself.
Things are already off to a shaky start at camp with both of the competitors for the starting QB position, Jeff Garcia and Chris Simms, dealing with early injuries. Garcia needs to be healthy and fully integrated into the offense so the team gets off to a strong start. Chuckie won’t be around for the full season if the Bucs get off to another woeful start like last year when they lost 7 of their first 9 games.
John Fox – Carolina Panthers
Panthers fans may be hungry for some Fox if their team doesn’t get back into the playoffs this year. Under the leadership of Coach John Fox, the Panthers have gone 7-9, 11-5, 7-9, 11-5, and 8-8 over the last 5 seasons. Following the team’s Super Bowl appearance, the Panthers were expected to emerge as the class of the NFC. But the team failed to rise to those lofty expectations due to their uneven play and those surprising upstarts, the New Orleans Saints. Fox needs to have a winning season this year and next to keep his job. So even if the Panthers manage to be this year’s surprise team in the NFC South (a big IF with the Saints looking even tougher in 2007), Fox will remain on the hot seat during the 2008 campaign in his effort to prove that he can achieve back to back winning seasons.
Jack Del Rio – Jacksonville Jaguars
If only it was enough to look suave in a suit on the sidelines, Handsome Jack. You’ve got to not just look sharp but your team has to play sharp. And that was not the case in 2006 when the Jaguars, coming off a 12-4 season, faltered in spite of having a lot of highly touted players in their lineup. Del Rio is another coach with quarterback issues. Questions continue to swirl about the staying power of Byron Leftwich through 16 games. Leftwich is in the last year of his contract so he needs to prove that he can last through a full rough and tumble season if he wants to be in a strong negotiating position in 2008. If Leftwich manages that, he and his head coach may both be in Jacksonville for quite a while.
Another worry for all these coaches involves a man with one of the meanest mugs in football, former Steelers coach Bill Cowher. Analysts suspect he’ll be a very attractive replacement option for struggling coaches since he sports the hottest of all NFL accessories, a Super Bowl ring.
Sizing Up the Competition
The Saints and the Steelers go head to head this Sunday in the 2007 Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH. While the coaches of each team are sizing up their players to see who deserves a spot on the roster, we're sizing up our competition and their fans in a character comparison you won't find on any stat sheet.
We now present to you:
Saints vs Steelers-The Black and Gold Bowl
QB CELEBRITY LOOKALIKES:
Big Ben=Chubby Actor Seth Rogen
"Cool Brees"= Hottie Actor Ryan Reynolds
PAST DEFENSIVE NICKNAME
STEELERS: The Steel Curtain
SAINTS: Dome Patrol
FANS' SIGNATURE MOVE
STEELERS: The waving of "Terrible Towels"
SAINTS: The waving of towels, napkins, handkerchiefs, and sometimes the shirts off their backs in a glorious 2nd line tradition around the Superdome, win or lose!
FIGHT SONG
STEELERS: "Here we go Steelers, Here we go!" (Could they be lamer?)
SAINTS: "Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints" (Sheer poetry)
STEELERS SUPER BOWLS: 5
SAINTS SUPER BOWLS (of gumbo served during games): How do you make the infinity symbol?
COLORS
SAINTS: Black and Gold
STEELERS: Black and YELLOW, not Gold...that color on your uniform is yellow...YELLOW!!! Thus, making the Steelers ineligible for the Black and Gold Bowl!
Well, there you have it. We don't even need the teams to take the field to know which is clearly superior. Our prediction: SAINTS 34 STEELERS 3
The Huddle Hottie Watch: 15-11
Our countdown continues of the hottest NFL players born in the past 25 years.
#15 Marques Colston, WR New Orleans Saints
Born: 06/05/1983 (Okay, so the ears are kinda big and the neck is kinda thick. Still, we felt he deserved some Black and Gold bonus points!)
#14 Hank Baskett, WR Philadelphia Eagles
Born: 09/04/1982 (All we saw was sweat and bulging muscles. His face, quite frankly, was a non issue!)
#13 DeMario Minter, CB Cleveland Browns
Born: 02/20/1984
#12 Brodie Croyle, QB Kansas City Chiefs
Born: 02/06/1983
#11 Ruvell Martin, WR Green Bay Packers
Born: 08/10/1982
Next Week: The Top 10! (Also known as some guarunteed shirtless action!)
And now back to your regularly scheduled football headlines....
