In the run-up to the Saints’ historic appearance in Super Bowl XLIV, the NFL picked an unlikely fight with local fans and New Orleans merchants by claiming it owned the rights to the team’s signature “Who Dat” chant.

The NFL soon backed down, and the dispute over Who Dat disappeared from the front page.

But the nation’s most powerful sports league is still engaged in the Who Dat fight, not as an aggressor claiming it controls the phrase but as a defendant in a suit by two men who say their ownership of Who Dat dates back to the days when the Saints were lovable losers.

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If you want to let Gwen know what you think make sure you contact Gwen Filosaca at gfilosa@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3304.

Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune

Arlington, Texas — The New Orleans Saints played poorly in the second half, but got the one drive then had to have and beat the Dallas Cowboys 30-27 at Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day.

The Saints dominated the first half and had a 20-6 lead at halftime. But Dallas fought back in the second, and led 27-23 with less than two minutes remaining.

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COLUMN By TIM COWLISHAW / The Dallas Morning News
wtcowlishaw@dallasnews.com

When Cowboys owner Jerry Jones turns his gaze to the opponent’s sideline today, he’s likely to be struck by two thoughts about Saints coach Sean Payton.

One. “I used to have him.”

Two. “How do I get him?”

Possible answer: He already has him. Again.

When Jason Garrett was hired as offensive coordinator in 2007 – actually he was just hired, period, before a head coach was named and then the coordinator title came after – he talked about his influences. Payton, who was offensive coordinator when Garrett played in New York, ranked right at the top.

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Saints running back Reggie Bush widely was expected to play on Sunday against the Seahawks.  On Saturday, he first heard that Bush may not make his return in Week 11.  By Sunday, it became official.

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We just wanted to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving today.  This is the time of the year when you sit back and take a look at all you have to be thankful for, and of  course one of the things is the New Orleans Saints and the entire Who Dat Nation.

So have a great Saintsgiving : )

John DeShazier, The Times-Picayune

A few thousand jaws slacked inside the Superdome when Seattle Seahawks receiver Mike Williams hauled in a 68-yard pass from Matt Hasselbeck about six minutes into the first quarter Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, and maybe twice that many joined in when Ben Obomanu and Hasselbeck combined on a 42-yard completion with about 84 seconds left in the quarter.

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James Varney

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton released the team’s final injury report Wednesday prior to the Thanksgiving Day game against the Cowboys, but cautioned the report in some cases was more a projection than a firm indicator because of the unusually short practice week.

Running back Reggie Bush, whose reappearance on the field since cracking his fibula against San Francisco in week two, was listed as limited and questionable for Thursday’s game. Bush said he feels good but declined to make any predictions on whether he would play against the Cowboys. He felt ready to play against the Seahawks last Sunday, he said, and was scratched.

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Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

Jermon Bushrod knew the questions would be coming Tuesday.

In fact, the New Orleans Saints left tackle said he’d been anticipating them ever since he first learned that the Dallas Cowboys would be on the 2010 schedule.

He knew he’d have to rehash his most forgettable night as a pro – when he allowed two sacks and several more quarterback hurries against the Cowboys’ perennial Pro Bowl pass rusher, DeMarcus Ware, in a 24-17 loss in the Superdome last December.

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Lauren Wilbert List, NOLA.com Community Producer

It’s another indication to the New Orleans Saints the the Who Dat Nation that we’ve made it. The team will play the Dallas Cowboys on one of the most premier game day slots in America – Thanksgiving Day.

For some Southern Louisiana families – who usually eat Thanksgiving meals in the late afternoon – the 3:15 p.m. game fits in perfectly with their holiday plans

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By Pat Kirwan

The defending champion Saints started 2-0, and then Reggie Bush got hurt. The offense sputtered and New Orleans dropped three of its next five games. It took time to adjust without Bush, but the Saints are now 7-3 and coach Sean Payton expects the dynamic running back to return on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys.

That’s terrific news for the Saints … and bad news for opponents. With Bush back, defensive coordinators around the league can’t be too happy. Whether he’s getting the ball or, even more importantly, being used as a decoy to set up other phases of the offense, he is a problem. A big one.

The first issue is where Bush lines up. He has four alignments on offense and the fifth is as a punt returner. They all tell a different story about what a defense should fear most. Here are the key alignments to keep an eye on as the Saints make a late-season run at the Super Bowl.

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