Where are they now?

I know that for most Saints fans we were pre-occupied by the homecoming game we had last week, but did anyone else notice that Donta Stallworth sat out Sunday's game against the 49ers with a strained hamstring. Only a matter of time. Also, has anyone else noticed that Jim Haslett's Rams defense is ranked 18th and giving up about 130 rushing yards per game. Seems like he's still having trouble stopping the run. As for other Saints that we could do without this season, Aaron Brooks has been injured since the second week of the season with wait for it...shoulder issues. Much like he had his second season with the Saints. Maybe that's why he overthrows everyone and has a tendency to toss a couple backwards.

Panther vs. Saints

This week is a big test for the Saints. Coming off a shortened week of practice and facing another top notch divisional foe the Saints once again must prove they are for real. The main test will be to establish the running game because looking back at Carolina's two losses they were run all over the field. It'll be important for the Saints to utilize Duece and Reggie once again while trying to stretch the field with Colston and Horn. Plus with LB-Dan Morgan still out for Carolina (concussion #5 or 6 or 7) this could mean the Saints will have a good chance of attacking the middle of the field. I was unhappy to hear that Rob Ninkovich was seriously hurt on a kickoff coverage last Monday night. He is one of my favorite rookies for the Saints this year. Seems like he could be out for a while with torn ACL, but will have to wait for MRI results. He is was a valuable special teamer not to mention a good rotation guy for our d-line. I would like to see us cover kickoffs a lot better this week because we gave up too many big returns last Monday. McKenzie will be matched up with Steve Smith for most of the game, but I think the Saints will have Roman Harper back there to help with coverage. It's going to be a fierce, aggressive, hard hitting game. If the Saints can establish the run and keep their defensive intensity up for 60 minutes we have a chance to walk out of Charlotte with a win. No matter what it will be a field goal or less deciding this game.

Each week the Saints keep getting underestimated maybe this is the week we show everyone in the NFL that the Saints are not a pity team. I dislike that most of the media seem to be wary of judging the Saints because of what they saw during preseason. Now it looks like many of the writers and sportscasters are noticing that the Saints have some weapons on offense, and the defense is slowing coming together. John Fox said yesterday in a press conference that the Saints are the team to beat because they are hot and playing with an attitude. That's all due to Sean Payton's influence on the team. Let's go Saints!!! Who dat!!!