— There’s lots of talk about how this is Roman Harper’s year, and that he’s going to benefit most from this defensive scheme change. All I have to say is I hope the coaches are right. For all the promise he’s shown with big hits and sure tackling (sometimes), he’s also been victimized on deep balls as much as the scapegoats Josh Bullocks and Kevin Kaesviharn. There’s more coverage depth this year on the team, so the idea is that will allow him to blitz and play more freely at strong. Harper (pictured left) still needs to prove he can play well more consistently.
— No major injuries so far, which is a good thing (outside of the achilles tendon tear for Stanley Arnoux). Dan Morgan and Scott Shanle have minor calf injuries which have increased the reps for Jo-Lonn Dunbar. Randall Gay, Jammal Brown, Pierre Thomas, Darnell Dinkins, Lance Moore and Dave Cambpell are all dinged up – but they should all be fine. Marques Colston and Reggie Bush have been practicing.
— The Saints have added a 3-4 package for special plays with Smith-Ellis-Grant playing as the ends, and Bobby McCray coming off the edge as a blitzing linebacker. That was something I lobbied for the entirety of last season. Finally someone gets it.
— Anthony Hargrove is really turning heads with his pass rushing ability and athleticism. Can he keep his nose clean?
— Meachem has been looking pretty good, and is in terrific shape. Fans have to feel pretty good about the Saints’ receivers, 1 through 4. Not too many teams have 4 solid receivers at their disposal. We know Colston and Moore can play, but if Henderson and Meachem start to become more reliable that is only going to make Brees more dangerous.
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