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Starting fullback Mike Karney will be out 2 weeks after injuring his calf. Keith Joseph will be out 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL. The Saints will be scrambling to find a fullback to block for their fine running backs.
The New Orleans Saints started the season off well today. The defense was swarming and the backs were running all over the Browns defense. Drew Brees managed the game well, and threw effectively. For the game Brees completed 17 of 31 passes (54.8%) for 176 yards with a TD and one interception. RB Deuce McAllister ran well, carrying the ball 22 times for 90 yards (4.1 ypc). Reggie Bush had a excellent start to his NFL career. Bush carried the ball 14 times for 61 yards (4.4 ypc) and caught 8 passes for 58 yards (7.3 avg). Rookie WR Marques Colston caught 4 passes for 49 yards (12.3 avg) and a TD.
The defense played a great football game. The D was thought to be a weakness of the team, but you would never think that after watching this game. The run defense held the Browns to 85 yards rushing on 22 carries (3.9 ypc). The Browns connected on 59.3% of their passes, but only netted 101 yards passing. Bullocks and Fujita both picked off a pass from Frye.
The Saints played a complete game and Coach Payton has to be happy to start his career 1-0.
The Saints brought in four kickers this week, as they are seeking a replacement for 42-year old John Carney. Todd Peterson, Billy Cundiff, Nick Novak and Kurt Smith were all brought in for tryouts, but all of them walked away without a contract offer.
The end of Carney’s long career could be right around the corner.
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The Browns are loaded at the skill positions on the offense. On offense, Charlie Frye is the only question mark. The Browns will be able to run at will against the Saints defense. Two of their starting linebackers were acquired for late picks in next year’s draft (Mark Simoneau and Scott Shanle). Reuben Droughns will easily get 100 yards rushing against this soft defense. Look for alot of play-action passes to wide-outs Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius. TEs Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden will work the middle of the field. The Browns secret weapon will be Jerome Harrison catching passes out of the backfield.
The Saints could be about to run outside against the Browns with McAllister and Bush. OLB Willie McGinest is getting up there in age and Matt Stewart is a little on the slow side. All of this changes if the Browns play Kamerion Wimbley alot in the opener, as he is almost as fast as Reggie Bush. The Browns have a soft spot, and it’s at safety where Brodney Pool and Sean Jones will start. Both are young and can be tricked, which is something that Drew Brees is a master at. Brees arm strength is questionable for long passes though.
I look for the Browns to win this game simply because they’re the better team.
Payton doesn’t have any head-coaching experience. Payton was the offensive co-ordinator of the New York Giants from 1999-2002, and the assistant head coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 2003-2005. Payton will bring a wide open offense to New Orleans this season and they will be fun to watch.
Drew Brees has a career record of 30-28 (51.7% wins) as a starter and has an 0-1 record in the playoffs. Brees has a career QB rating of 84.9.
Jamie Martin has a 4-4 career record as a starter and a 81.9 career QB rating.
The Saints cut Bouman Saturday. Adrian McPherson will be the #3 QB for the Saints.
The Saints looked good on defense, but not too hot on offense. Drew Brees completed 8 of 12 passes for 78 yards. Jamie Martin completed 11 of 14 passes (78.6%) for 98 yards. Todd Bouman completed 5 of 12 passes (41.7%) for 57 yards and a pick.
Deuce McAllister carried the ball 4 times for 12 yards. Reggie Bush had 4 carries for 14 yards. Jamal Branch ran well again, carrying the ball 14 times for 51 yards (3.6 ypc) and a TD.
WR Devery Henderson played a good game, finally, catching 5 passes for 51 yards.
The Chiefs ran for 138 yards on 35 carries (3.9 ypc) and completed 63.2% of their passes for 112 net yards.