Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

In his “gut,” New Orleans Saints safety Darren Sharper said he feels ready to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. But the Saints have not yet announced any decisions on his playing status after he returned for his first practice Wednesday.

Sharper spent the first six weeks of the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list after he spent the entire summer recovering from an arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which included some microfracture techniques.

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Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

The decision to place New Orleans Saints cornerback Randall Gay on injured reserve with lingering concussion symptoms was mostly precautionary, according to both Coach Sean Payton and Gay’s agent, Albert Elias.

Elias said Gay might have been ready to play within a week or two. But he applauded the Saints for not trying to rush Gay back too quickly.

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Sent to us from a fan… not sure where it was posted.

Powerful Pass Protection and Run Blocking Puts Saints’ O-Line in Contention for a Second Shot at Madden MVP Award Presented By Prilosec OTC

CINCINNATI, OH (October 20, 2010) – Playing their most complete game of the season, the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints picked up a season-high 475 yards of total offense, including a season-best 212 yards on the ground on their way to a 31-6 victory over Tampa Bay. By doing so, the Saints offensive line has joined this year’s list of contenders for the 2nd Annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award, presented by Prilosec OTC. The award honors the NFL’s best offensive line and will be presented during the week of Super Bowl XLV which will be played on February 6, 2011 in North Texas. Last year, the Saints offensive line was the first-ever winner of the award.

The Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award recognizes the fundamental role offensive linemen play in their teams’ success by providing consistent and reliable protection day in and day out, just as Prilosec OTC provides 24-hour heartburn protection when used as directed. For more information on the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC, visit http://www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com.

Undrafted rookie running back CHRIS IVORY (Tiffin) filling in for the injured REGGIE BUSH (Southern California) and PIERRE THOMAS (Illinois) rushed for a season best 158 yards. Quarterback DREW BREES (Purdue) threw for 263 yards and three touchdowns, while completing passes to 10 different targets. The 158 rushing yards represented the most yards by a New Orleans running back since DEUCE McALLISTER (Mississippi) ran for 165 yards on November 30, 2003 at Washington.

Providing the powerful protection up front for the Saints this season are tackles JERMON BUSHROD (Towson) and JON STINCHCOMB (Georgia), guards JAHRI EVANS (Bloomsburg) and CARL NICKS (Nebraska) provide the interior blocking while JONATHAN GOODWIN (Michigan) handles the center position. Nineteen-year coaching veteran AARON KROMER is now in his third season as the Saints’ offensive line coach and has helped develop the skills of several Pro Bowl blockers during his time in New Orleans, including three Pro Bowlers in 2010 (Evans, Goodwin and Stinchcomb).

The New Orleans O-line was dominant from the start as the Saints scored points on their first three possessions and led 17-0 at the half. Brees, who was not sacked the entire game, reaped the benefits of a strong running game and methodically picked apart the Tampa Bay secondary completing 21 of his 32 passes, while converting nine of 12 third-down attempts.

“The Saints offensive line performance Sunday reminded me of how well that group played together last season leading the team to the Super Bowl,” said Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach JOHN MADDEN. “Yesterday, New Orleans protection up front was exceptional, leading the way for a punishing ground game and not allowing a sack.”

Other offensive lines from around the league delivering powerful protection during Week 6 of the season included the MIAMI DOLPHINS (381 total net yards including 150 yards rushing and 231 net yards passing), PITTSBURGH STEELERS (257 yards passing and 121 yards on the ground), and the SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (353 total net yards including 242 yards passing while not allowing a sack).

NFL fans who want powerful 24-hour protection against frequent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs two or more days a week, can take a 14-day course of Prilosec OTC to maximize game day fun.

Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune

Dreadful news for the rest of the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints have another offensive star to worry about.

Just when you thought the Saints’ offense couldn’t emit any more star power, a dreadlocked rookie from Longview, Texas, by way of Tiffin, Ohio, bursts on the scene like a zenith from a far-off galaxy.

The game film of Chris Ivory’s 158-yard breakout performance Sunday in a 31-6 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers undoubtedly will create nightmares for NFL defensive coordinators as they consider ways to stop the Saints’ high-powered offense.

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By Pat Yasinskas

Some thoughts on the New Orleans Saints‘ 31-6 victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

What it means: They say that water seeks its own level and the Gulf of Mexico got back to its normal balance Sunday as the “slumping’’ Saints looked like champions again and the “red-hot’’ Buccaneers no longer looked like the surprise team of the season. With Atlanta losing to Philadelphia, the Saints and Falcons each are 4-2 and the Buccaneers are 3-2, but you can see the NFC South probably will be a two-team race.

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NFL.com

The New Orleans Saints will be down at least two starters — running back Pierre Thomas and cornerback Randall Gay — when they play the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on Sunday.

Both were declared out of the NFC South matchup Friday, and defensive end Will Smith (groin) was a limited participant in practice and is listed as questionable.

It will be the third consecutive game Thomas has missed because of a sprained left ankle.

“I’m a little frustrated, but hey, it’s coming along,” said Thomas, who told the Times-Picayune his ankle is “starting to look like a normal ankle again.”

Thomas said he’s doesn’t want to risk a setback by returning before he is ready.

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Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Saints (3-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Kickoff: Noon at Raymond James Stadium. Coaches: Saints’ Sean Payton (41-28 in five seasons, all with Saints); Buccaneers’ Raheem Morris (6-14 in two seasons, both with Buccaneers)

TV: Fox. Radio: 870-AM, 105.3-FM and 830-AM (Spanish broadcast)

KEEP AN EYE ON …

Josh Freeman

Tampa Bay’s 22-year-old quarterback appears to be developing quickly in his sophomore season. And his late-game heroics last Sunday at Cincinnati earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor.

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Gwen Filosa, The Times-Picayune

Last year, New Orleanians rose up with one voice and beat back the mighty National Football League when it tried to assert ownership of their beloved Saints’ signature slogan.

Turns out, maybe “Who Dat” belonged to a couple of guys in San Antonio all along.

Brothers Steve and Sal Monistere make no claim that they’re owed royalties anytime someone chants the phrase, but they do say that when it’s exploited for commercial purposes, they should get a cut. A lot of businesses have decided they have a point.

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