New Orleans Saints

With each new NFL season comes restored hope for fans of every team in the league, excited about the possibility of success for their favorite franchise. But depending on the team, expectations are most likely set accordingly. Jaguars fans are probably just hoping their team doesn't leave town in the middle of the night while Patriots fans likely expect nothing less than an undefeated Super Bowl run. Those are opposite ends of the spectrum. But what about the Saints? Today I raise a simple question in the interest of starting a good-natured debate: What is the one barometer of success for the Saints in the coming season? In other words, what needs to happen for you to deem the 2013 Saints season a success? Do they absolutely have to win the Super Bowl? Or would you simply be happy if everyone gets a participation trophy at the end of the year? Maybe the only thing that matters to you is that the Saints destroy the Falcons twice a year? The potential answers are endless and I can't wait to hear them. For me, a trip to the NFC Championship Game would be my ideal scenario, but anything short of a playoff berth would just be disappointment. What about you?

The NFLPA and a number of corporate partners held their annual Rookie Premiere Event in Los Angeles this weekend, in which the rookies signed memorabilia, gave interviews, and participated in rookie trading card photo shoots. Twenty-five of the 32 NFL teams were represented by players from this year's draft class, and Kenny Stills of the Saints made the trip. SB Nation sent a few guys to cover the event, and Ryan Van Bibber (who covers the Rams for Turf Show Times) tweeted out some words from Stills on Friday, which will add to the Kenny vs. Kenny storyline that CSC is keeping an eye on: Kenny Stills on Kenny Vaccaro: people have a hard time telling us apart. We're both light skinned, we both have lots of tattoos ...— ryan van bibber (@justRVB) May 17, 2013 Kenny Stills says Vaccaro has better tattoos ... "Austin has better tattoo places"— ryan van bibber (@justRVB) May 17, 2013 Van Bibber fleshed out the quotes a little bit more in THIS QUICK HIT from SB Nation from Friday afternoon that's also on our front page right now. "Kenny and I are actually really cool," Stills said Friday at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere. "We're trying to figure out a way for people to differentiate us because we're both light skinned and tattooed and named Kenny." SB Nation's Dan Rubenstein tweeted out a link to this first ever pic of Stills in his Saints uniform near the autograph table: Kenny Stills's Saints uniform debut @soonersoftball instagram.com/p/ZdWwedP4HI/— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) May 18, 2013 Dan also noticed this during one of the earlier rookie events... At an elementary school where draft picks are talking to kids. Healthy contingent of younger lady "reporters" here dressed with a purpose.— Dan Rubenstein (@DanRubenstein) May 16, 2013 Here's Stills geeting cheeky: "@kayteepea: @kstills4 gets sassy in the @toppscards tent! @toppsfb #RookiePremiere #saints twitter.com/KayteePea/stat…"— Topps Football (@ToppsFB) May 18, 2013 ...then retweeting Rubenstein's pic of him (look at his cartoon profile pic...) RT @danrubenstein: Kenny Stills's Saints uniform debut @soonersoftball instagram.com/p/ZdWwedP4HI/—Kenny Stills (@KSTiLLS4) May 18, 2013 And fun in the sun at the Rose Bowl... Designing sketch cards for @paniniamerica fans! @kstills4 @genosmith_12 @mike_glennon @nyjets @saints @tbbuccaneers twitter.com/PaniniAmerica/…— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) May 18, 2013 So, with Stills and Vaccaro getting the rookie trading card treatment so far so far, it made me think of my humble football card collection, and through the wonder of cell phone cameras, my artistic flair, and uploading asset technology on CSC, I bring you this "all access tour" only available to you privileged few... But first, some context. I began collecting football cards at the end of high school (1988-89), and used to buy individual packs at retail locations (Wal-Mart, Target, grocery stores), then moved up to actual entire boxes of packs, too. I'd rip open the packages, and quickly sift through the cards to find and set aside all the Saints cards, then the rookie cards, and then build my annual sets for Pro Set, Score, and Upper Deck and store them in cardboard boxes sized for them and put the special cards in individual hard plastic sleeves. I'd make lists of which cards I had, which ones I still needed complete the sets, and I enjoyed this hobby for a few years. As I got older, I had less disposable income and less time on my hands, so I drifted away from it. But then with the excitement of the Ricky Wiliams draft of 1999, and the fact that I went to a Kentucky Derby party where it was rumored Ricky Williams MIGHT BE THERE, I purchased some of his rookie cards and stashed them and a sharpie in my pocket, hoping to get an autograph or two. Well, he never showed up, but my interest in football card collecting sure did. Ever since then, I have purchased Saints rookie cards and team sets each

Coffee being brewed in traditional Ethiopian style last night #delicious #houseparty #coffee

Dec 30, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) scrambles out to the sidelines looking for a receiver against the Carolina Panthers during second half of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Carolina Panthers defeated the New Orleans Saints 44-38. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports The NFL and NFL Network have started naming its top 100 players from the 2012 season, so what better way to celebrate than to create our own NFL power rankings with names from the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers? That’s exactly what we did with the help of other NFC South editors from the Fansided network. Leo Howell from The Pewter Plank, Fansided’s Buccaneers blog, and Ken Dye from Cat Crave, Fansided’s Panthers blog, helped us out with the Top 13 players. The following list was compiled after each editor entered his own rankings, the lists were combined to make an official tally. We picked 13 players because the division is 1/8 of the NFL as a whole, and 13 is 1/8 of a 100. Let’s take a look. 1. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints 2. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons 3. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons 4. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons 5. Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6. Darrelle Revis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers 8. tie: Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers and Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons 10. tie: Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints 12. Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers 13. Charles Johnson, Carolina Panthers Honorable mention: William Moore, Atlanta Falcons; Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers There aren’t many surprises on the list. The NFC South is a very top-heavy division when it comes to quarterbacks and receivers. You’d be hard pressed to find a division more stacked with wide receiver talent. It is a bit shocking to see most of the teams have an equal amount of players, besides the Saints of course. That’s what happens when you have the worst statistical defense in NFL history and only a few players on offense who stand out from the pack. If you couldn’t tell from the rankings, the NFC South should be ultra-competitive in 2013. Obviously this is only a fraction of the rosters, but it goes to show how spread out the top talent in the division truly is. What do you think of the rankings? Let us know in the comments section below or yell at us on Twitter @whodatdish or  on Facebook.

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Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports With the New Orleans Saints switching to a 3-4 defense, the team will need a defensive tackle to anchor the defense. The Saints were planning on using Akiem Hicks at defensive tackle, but they also drafted John Jenkins in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. Both players seem capable of playing the nose tackle in the 3-4 defense, but both are inexperienced in playing that position at the professional level. In order to add some depth, the Saints added defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui. Aaitui spent some time last season with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, and has only every played in the preseason with four tackles and a sack.  He will likely compete for a backup spot at defensive tackle, but having an extra player for the position will be valuable to the Saints. Aaitui has good size at 6-foot-4, 315 pounds and will be able to provide the team with some depth on the defensive line. Hicks will likely be the starting defensive tackle, but there was talk of using him as a defensive end as well. Even though he will only be a rookie, Jenkins could see some time at defensive tackle. The nose tackle position is arguably the most important position in the 3-4 defense and one of the most demanding. I don’t think it would be out of the question for the Saints to implement a rotation at nose tackle that features Hicks, Jenkins, and Aaitui. With a good training camp and preseason Aaitui could find himself earning some playing time during the regular season. However, only time will tell if Aaitui even makes the 53-man roster, but his addition gives the Saints some good depth at defensive tackle. Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports Even though it is only the offseason for the New Orleans Saints, that doesn’t mean that some starting jobs aren’t already set. There is no official word on which players will be starting where, but many people have a pretty clear idea of some positions. Some vital starting positions for the Saints will be on the defensive side of the ball. One thing that the Saints will need to focus on next season is improving their pass rush. The Saints had a chance to draft an effective pass rusher in this year’s draft, but instead opted for Kenny Vacarro to help their secondary. One player that will have to step up this season is outside linebacker Junior Galette. Galette had limited playing time last season but he will see his role increase next season as the team implements their new 3-4 defensive scheme. Galette is the favorite to win the starting weakside outside linebacker position, and perhaps his potential is part of the reason the Saints did not feel the need to draft a pass rusher with their first-round pick. In 12 games last season Galette was very productive as he managed 20 tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble. As a regular starter, Galette’s production could increase and he could become the pass rusher the Saints have been looking for. He has great size at 6-foot-2, 258 pounds and is the perfect fit for a 3-4 outside linebacker. Galette also has great speed and strength that will allow him to get to the quarterback and vastly improve the Saints’ pass-rushing attack. He will probably benefit the most from the switch to the 3-4 defense and could become a force on the Saints’ defensive line. Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312

Matthew Emmons – USA Today Sports Images The New Orleans Saints are a team that is looking for a big bounce back year in 2013 after their 2012 NFL season was marred by the “Bounty-gate” suspensions to key defenders for most of the season and their head coach for the entire year. They finished last year at just 7-9 and six games behind the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. However, the Saints offense didn’t miss too much of a beat last year, with star quarterback Drew Brees throwing for over 5,000 yards and more than 40 touchdowns for yet another year. There’s no question that they could put points on the board last year, even if it was largely through the passing game. The Saints threw 671 pass attempts last season, while calling just 370 rushing plays. They have been and will likely continue to be a team that heavily favors throwing the ball, largely because Brees is such a game-changer. Despite how great Brees is, though, having a consistent running threat would make him even better. However, the Saints didn’t have that last season. Their leading rusher last season was Mark Ingram, who got 156 carries and produced 602 yards. Pierre Thomas got the second most carries at 105, followed by Darren Sproles at 48 and the now-departed Chris Ivory at 40 carries. The Saints ran an obvious platoon at running back last season, but Ingram was the featured back in that system. Looking towards the 2013 season, though, that shouldn’t be the case anymore. In his first two NFL seasons, Ingram has 278 carries for just 1,076 yards, only good for a 3.9 yards per carry average. Meanwhile, Thomas has 215 carries over the past two seasons for 1,035 yards, making his yards per carry average 4.8. Thomas is five years older than Ingram, so the team is obviously trying to develop him. However, it seems like Ingram may just not be an effective enough back at the pro level. Though Sproles is used in the passing game out of the backfield more frequently than he’s handed off to, he can still help the Saints run a platoon if that’s the way they want to roll. Rookie Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet can also be developed as young running backs if New Orleans wants to continue to try and do that. The fact of the matter is, though, that Ingram has shown little signs of being an effective running back and the Saints should work on getting him fewer carries this season. Cody Williams is a Senior Writer with Rant Sports. Follow Cody on Twitter @TheSizzle20 and like his Facebook page.

Twitter The Dalai Lama Visits New Orleans bit.ly/17LQjul #Saints— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 18, 2013 League source confirms Irvin suspended for aderall use. Did not appeal suspension. Out first 4 games of 2013— Dave Softy Mahler (@Softykjr) May 17, 2013 ##Whodatnation Do me A Favor And Follow Rookie #LINEBACKER @ctcard44 #WHODAT— NuLa C.E.O. (@JuniorG93) May 18, 2013 Good luck narrowing the Miami Mt. Rushmore to four wp.me/p14QSB-8Wwq— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 18, 2013 Wish J-Ice was here so we could go enjoy a frozen summer treat— Joseph Morgan(@jmthegreat) May 18, 2013 Stunning lack of sweet milf action at tee ball. D'oh.— Will Kill 4 Biscuit (@moosedenied) May 18, 2013 Back on beautiful @smu campus today for @andrewrgalloway professional MBA graduation.#HardWorkPaysOff#Brothers4Life twitter.com/thomasmorstead…— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) May 18, 2013 Smoothie king told me they don't accept smoothie king gift cards #what— Joseph Morgan(@jmthegreat) May 18, 2013 Thats complete bs RT @brandonfalgout: @jmthegreat they just quit here in Lafayette about a month ago!Smh...— Joseph Morgan(@jmthegreat) May 18, 2013 Beautiful @smu graduation out in front of Dallas Hall#Mustangs twitter.com/thomasmorstead…— Thomas Morstead (@thomasmorstead) May 18, 2013 The key to today's race is to try and not preak too soon.— skooks (@skooks) May 18, 2013 Congrats lil cuz on walking now go handle your business on the field this fall @macnificent31— deuce mcallister (@dmcallister26) May 18, 2013 Pool Party Coming Soon!!! Stay Tuned twitter.com/JuniorG93/stat…— NuLa C.E.O. (@JuniorG93) May 18, 2013 ________________ Saints Stuff Cameron Jordan ready to be more than the Saints’ silver lining | The AdvocateGary Estwick - Cameron Jordan is ready to move around the Saints’ defensive line, wherever new coordinator Rob Ryan needs him. Film of the NFC South chat - NFC South Blog | ESPN.comPat Y. - We had all sorts of great questions in Friday's NFC South chat. Here's a team-by-team look at some of the highlights. Friday's NFC South Chat with Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.comComplete transcript...in case you want to see what didn't make the highlight reel. Saints Positional Previews: Linebackers - Who Dat DishIan-Mitchell Dear - An in-depth look at the linebackers fighting for a starting spot in the 2013 New Orleans Saints new 3-4 defense. New Orleans Saints: Terron Armstead is Better Option at LT Than Charles Brown | Who Dat DishChris Roling Saints Nation: Ranking the Top 32 Quarterbacks Going into 2013 | thesaintsnation.comAndrew Juge - For the second consecutive year I'm taking a stab at ranking each team's trigger man starter going into the season. Dozens of current, former New Orleans Saints gather at Black and Gold Classic in Grand Isle | NOLA.comJeff Duncan - Hundreds of fans attended the barbecue and skeet shooting competition awards presentation at the third annual event on an idyllic night at Bridge Side Marina. The Dalai Lama Visits New Orleans | neworleanssaints.comAlex Restrepo - New Orleans Saints Owner/Vice Chairman of the Board Rita Benson LeBlanc was part of a group that had lunch with the Dalai Lama on Friday. Includes photo gallery. ________________ Lagniappe Falcons sign four draft picks - NFC South Blog | ESPN.comPat Y - (HansDat note: But they still haven't signed their whole draft class...) 111-Day NFL Warning: Wes Welker Switches Sides in the Brady-Manning Blood Feud | GrantlandWhat's that? You were wondering exactly how many days until the start of the NFL season? Well, you're in luck! We here at the Triangle are set to spend the next three and a half months providing a daily reason to get excited about pro football's return. Report: Bruce Irvin suspended for Adderall use | National Football PostBrad Biggs - A four-game suspension for Seattle Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin

Former New Orleans Saints tailback Reggie Bush compared his current Detroit Lions offense to that of the Saints during his time with the franchise. Here is an excerpt from Bush's interview with NFL AM on NFL Network: "As far as from an offensive perspective it's a lot like what we did in New Orleans," Bush said of the team he won a Super Bowl with in 2009. "It's a lot of spread-open passing. Obviously we can attack downfield, and with the running game, a lot of screens, draws and stuff like that. Basically what I did in New Orleans, so running this offensive system has been pretty easy for me." Reggie, c'mon now. It's over. You had some laughs, we had some laughs, but look we've been done for a while. We broke it off because we just couldn't depend on you. We remember when you went down to Miami because she gave you that chance we weren't willing to commit to. That was cool and we were happy for you but even she broke up with you after a while. Now you're hooking up with someone who reminds you of us? I know you would never do that, you're not like that, right?