Questions abound at Saints training camp

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By Christopher Gordy

Last week, the New Orleans Saints officially began the first week of their 2009 training camp in New Orleans. For the past few seasons, Coach Sean Payton has opted to move the Saints' football operations to Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss. for training camp, but due to a fluxing economy, he decided to keep the team in New Orleans this year.

While the Saints practice daily until their first preseason game on August 14th, Saints fans continue to be filled with excitement and optimism for what this season will bring. But with that excitement comes many questions.

Will the Saints high-powered offense rank first in the NFL once again with 410 yards per game? Can new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams turn around a defense that ranked 23rd in the league last year allowing 339 yards per game? Can running back Pierre Thomas take on the role as full-time starter now that Deuce McAllister is gone? Unfortunately, we won't know any of these answers until the season begins. But with plenty of offseason moves, it appears the Saints are headed in the right direction.

After years of suffering with dismal defenses, it looks like the Saints are ready to finally get defensive. After firing defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs in the offseason, former Jaguars coordinator Gregg Williams took over. Known as an aggressive defensive guru, Williams will have a tough task with this unit.

In '08, the Saints had only 28 total sacks, 15 interceptions and no defensive touchdowns on the year. The Saints ranked 18th in total tackles as well. Williams brings an attitude that has already been infectious at Saints camp where defenders have already been playing highly aggressive. Williams offers a very complex blitzing package that may take some time for players to adapt to.

In addition, the Saints brought in former Bills cornerback Jabari Greer and drafted Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins to join corners Randall Gay and Tracy Porter. They said goodbye to safety Josh Bullocks and brought in gritty veteran Darren Sharper to team up with Roman Harper. Many wonder if Jenkins can beat out Porter or Gay in the secondary, while some question Sharper's health for a full season.

The Saints face a tough situation when it comes to the defensive line as well. Starting ends Charles Grant and Will Smith both appear to be facing four-game suspensions for using banned substances. Backup Bobby McCray and veteran acquisitions Paul Spicer and Anthony Hargrove appear to be viable options to fill in, but many question how much this could hurt the defensive continuity. Sedrick Ellis and Kendrick Clancy are good in the middle, but there is very little depth behind them. Watch for someone to emerge at defensive tackle during camp.

While Saints fans take joy in knowing their offense is safe in the hands of quarterback Drew Brees, there are still many questions regarding the running back position. Pierre Thomas appears to be ready to take over as the starter, while Reggie Bush will serve almost as the "second starter" at tailback. Former Bronco Mike Bell is in the mix, while youngsters P.J. Hill, Herb Donaldson and Lynell Hamilton will all vie for playing time. Fullback Heath Evans replaces Mike Karney and could serve as a short yardage back. Competition will be the highest at tailback during training camp.

The bonus for Saints fans of having their team practice at home in the offseason is that many of the practices are open to the public. The Saints will practice almost every day until August 14th when they will host the Cincinnati Bengals in the Superdome for their first preseason game. The Saints will close training camp on September 1st before opening up the regular season at home against Detroit on September 13th.

Originally Published: Issue 807 - July 8, 2009

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