Saints, Brees finally hit high gear, take apart Bucs

NEW ORLEANS -- Drew Brees snapped out of his recent rut, New Orleans' defense transformed into a turnover-producing machine, and the Saints proved how good they could be this season, even if it's probably too late to matter.

Brees passed for 307 yards and four touchdowns, and the Saints recorded their first shutout in 17 years in a 41-0 rout of Tampa Bay on Sunday, extending the Buccaneers' losing streak to four games and ending their playoff hopes.

"Even though maybe that Super Bowl trophy can't be ours this year, we still have a lot to play for," Brees said. "We have a very prideful group of guys, but also we have a group of guys that understand the big picture, and that is that we're going to be together for a long time and we can start building the foundation of something now that will carry over for years to come."

Brees avoided an interception for the first time in three games and connected on his scoring passes with tight end David Thomas, running back Darren Sproles and receivers Lance Moore and Joe Morgan. Mark Ingram added an 11-yard touchdown run.

Josh Freeman endured one of his worst outings of the season for Tampa Bay (6-8), throwing four interceptions and losing a fumble. Jabari Greer made two interceptions, Rafael Bush and Isa Abdul-Quddus the others. Cameron Jordan forced Freeman's fumble on a sack and recovered it.

"It's my job to make sure everybody is educated as to what the play is. I've got to do a better job," Freeman said. "Some of those turnovers were really odd. Chalk it up to miscommunication."

New Orleans (6-8) also bottled up standout rookie running back Doug Martin, holding him to 16 yards on nine carries as the Buccaneers lost for the fourth straight time and suffered by far their most lopsided drubbing this season.

"We got our butts whipped, and that's it," Bucs guard Donald Penn said. "You can't sugarcoat it. We didn't perform today, and it's really tough and frustrating because we have so much talent."

The Saints will still be alive for a playoff berth when they kick off at Dallas next Sunday, but will have to finish in a multi-team tie at 8-8, which would require several other teams to lose their last two games. While the Bucs could finish 8-8, their conference record would be 5-7, dooming them to lose all possible tiebreakers.

"I didn't get this team ready to go today for whatever that reason is," Bucs coach Greg Schiano said. "They fought their guts out. It's just that I didn't do a good job of getting ready and we didn't play well."

Although many fans emptied out of the Superdome by the fourth quarter, those remaining howled as the Saints stopped Tampa Bay at the New Orleans 10, preserving the club's first shutout since a 12-0 win in the 1995 season finale against the Jets in New York.

The shutout meant a lot to a unit that came in ranked last in the league, in large part because of high yardage totals allowed early in the season while adjusting to the scheme of new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

"We've come a long way. Our defense the first four or five games was on pace to be one of the worst defenses ever," Saints linebacker Jonathan Casillas said. "It's just good to finally get a game to where we can be like, `All right, defense. This is us. This is what we're really all about."'

Brees had been intercepted nine times during New Orleans' recent three-game skid. That he would rebound well against Tampa Bay made sense; the Bucs came in giving up a league-worst 311.6 yards per game. Brees eclipsed 200 yards by halftime but eased off after his 34-yard touchdown to Morgan in the second half.

Ingram finished with 90 yards rushing and the Saints had their third-best total on the ground this season with 149 yards against a Tampa Bay rushing defense that came in first in the league, allowing 78.2 yards per game.

"We all, earlier in the week, I know offensively just kind of decided that, you know what? We haven't really put one together that we really want to hang our hat on," Brees said. "We just wanted to put our best out there."

Brees finished with more than 300 yards passing and four TDs for the 17th time in his career, more than any quarterback in NFL history. Dan Marino had done so 16 times.

Trailing 10-0, the Bucs' squandered a chance to close the gap when Freeman missed badly on two straight passes, the first to an open Mike Williams in the end zone. The next was his second interception of the first half. Bush grabbed the errant pass at the 9 and returned it 40 yards, and that led to Brees' second TD toss, a 2-yarder to Sproles.

Brees put one more scoring drive together in the half after Sproles returned a punt 37 yards to the Tampa Bay 38 with 1:04 left. Moore's 8-yard TD grab made it 24-0 at halftime.

Notes The Saints had a halftime presentation for former left tackle Willie Roaf, who last summer became only the second Saints player inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Roaf was given the customary Hall of Fame ring as he stood behind his bronze bust, which will be returned to Canton. The only other Saints Hall of Famer is linebacker Rickey Jackson, inducted in 2010. Saints LT William Robinson made his first-career start with Zach Strief sidelined by a right ankle injury. The Saints last home shutout was Dec. 16, 1991, against the Los Angeles Raiders, 27-0.

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Fujita final player suspended for Saints' bounties to meet with Goodell

NEW YORK -- Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for about one hour Friday about his suspension in the New Orleans Saints' bounty case that was temporarily lifted earlier this month.

Fujita was suspended for three games for his role in the bounty program while he played for New Orleans. He missed a meeting last week with Goodell while recuperating from a knee injury, and was not granted a video conference meeting with the commissioner.

Previously, Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith, still with the Saints, and Anthony Hargrove, now a free agent, met with Goodell after an appeals panel ruled Goodell must redefine the parameters of the suspensions, showing they were for an intent-to-injure program.

Vilma was suspended for the entire season, Smith for four games, Hargrove for eight.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Week 3 Judgements: Time for winless Saints to start panicking

OK, New Orleans, it's time to panic. Not only are the Saints winless; they lost to three opponents who haven't beaten anyone else. You can look it up: Washington, Carolina and Kansas City are a combined 3-6 ... but 3-0 vs. the Saints and 0-6 vs. the rest of the league.

2. Yeah, I know, it's bad enough that New Orleans allowed the Chiefs to score 21 unanswered points ... at the Superdome, no less ... but what in the name of Drew Brees happened to that offense? I mean, the Saints paid Brees a zillion bucks ... but not for this. The Saints didn't score a friggin' point in their last six series Sunday, and they not only had zero first downs in their last five; they produced a grand total of -- 16 yards.

3. A torn ACL for Darrelle Revis? Say goodnight, Rex.

4. This is why you should pay attention to Arizona: Defense, particularly its pass defense. Sunday's game marks the 10th time in the past 12 games the Cards allowed no more than 20 points, and they won all 10. Moreover, look what they're pass defense is doing this season -- namely, holding opponents to a completion percentage of 53.8 percent, with 12 sacks of opposing quarterbacks and only two TDs allowed all year.

5. I'm not sure what's more astonishing: Tennessee hanging on to upset Detroit or Lions' backup quarterback Shaun Hill producing 172 yards passing after entering the game with 1:16 left in the fourth quarter. OK, I lied: Shaun Hill, please step forward.

6. Just a hunch, but I bet the NFL wants to hear what Washington offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has to say about that Washington radio report -- ESPN 980, to be exact -- alleging that Shanahan berated an official at Sunday's game with the Bengals. Remember, it was the NFL office that last week warned coaches again not to bully replacement refs, which means it probably wants something other than a "no comment" from Shanahan and the Redskins.

7. And I bet it wants to hear what New England coach Bill Belichick has to say, too. It was Belichick who tried to grab an official by the arm after Sunday night's game, with the official escaping the arm tackle, and, no, that's not what the NFL had in mind when it issued last week's memo.

8. For the life of me, I don't know how Baltimore's Torrey Smith played Sunday night not after his brother dies earlier that day. But he did, and he caught 127 yards in passes and scored two of the Ravens' touchdown, with teammates mobbing him afterward. I know, it happens. I remember Brett Favre excelling on Monday night after his father passed away, too, but that doesn't make it any easier. I don't see how these guys do it.

9. I'm probably in the minority here, but I have no problem with Jim Schwartz going for it on fourth-and-1 in overtime ... even when he had a sure field goal to tie the game. Schwartz went for the kill shot on the road, and that's OK by me. But here's my question: If you're going to roll the dice, why do it on a quarterback sneak with a backup quarterback?

10. Now, more than ever, I believe Chicago ... not Detroit ... is the team to push Green Bay in the NFC North.

11. Good thing nobody excused Santonio Holmes from the huddle this time in Miami. The Jets wouldn't have had a chance. I don't care what you think of Mark Sanchez; that was one helluva throw to Holmes in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal.

12. For the record, that's five straight games for Kevin Kolb without an interception. I know a lot of coaches who subscribe to the philosophy that you don't lose your job by injury ... except it sure looks like John Skelton just did.

13. Congratulations, Chris Johnson. Only 55 more yards rushing, and you hit 100.

14. Call off the Mario Williams Watch. He had his first sack of the season; in fact, he had a sack-and-a-half. Better yet, the Buffalo Bills have nine sacks in their last two starts, which was the idea when they signed Williams and defensive end Mark Anderson, who also had his first sack of the year.

15. OK, I'll lay off Blaine Gabbert. That's two come-from-behind touchdown passes in the last minute of this year's games. One he lost; the other he won.

16. Nick Foles, please stand by. I just don't see how Michael Vick lasts given the punishment he's taking. The poor guy's been sacked nine times and absorbed a spate of vicious hits -- with none worse than that shot he took in the back from blitzing safety Kerry Rhodes at the end of the first half. Vick fumbled, the Cards returned it for a touchdown and you know the rest of the story.

17. Please, don't start cranking on Miami coach Joe Philbin for calling that timeout to ice Jets kicker Nick Folk. I know it cost the Dolphins a game-saving block, but it happens. A year ago, the Cards called a timeout to ice Dallas kicker Dan Bailey, and he nailed the field goal. So he tried it again and missed, and Arizona won in OT. Like I said: It happens.

18. I swear, I'm backing Matt Schaub on the road from now on. Reason: In his last seven road games he has 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. Plus, he just beat Peyton Manning at home -- and, yes, that's the same Peyton Manning who entered the game 16-2 vs. Houston.

19. Credit Minnesota's Leslie Frazier for making the tough call early. I'm talking about his decision to go for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1 on the Vikings' opening series. Frazier could've settled for the field goal, especially after Adrian Peterson had been stuffed for no gain on third, but he didn't ... and let's hear it for him. His decision sent a message to his offense that he believes in it, even when it's vs. the league's best run defense.

20. Maybe what we're seeing in Carolina is just Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation at work.

FIVE THINGS I LIKE

1. Arizona in any uniform. Those black tops Sunday were the third different wardrobe for the Cards this season, proving that it doesn't matter what they look like. They win.

2. Mike Nolan's defense. Matt Ryan draws most of the attention in Atlanta, and I get that. But what about Nolan? The Falcons' defensive coordinator shut down Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers in successive weeks, and he kept the Chargers out of the end zone after a short week and a cross-country trip.

3. Romeo Crennel going for it on fourth-and-1 in overtime. The ball was on the New Orleans 44, and Crennel didn't flinch. He kept his offense on the field, and his players responded -- with Jamaal Charles running for three yards to keep the game-winning drive alive. Hey, why not?

4. Larry Fitzgerald vs. Philadelphia. In five career games vs. the Eagles, including the playoffs, Fitzgerald has 33 catches for 570 yards and nine TDs -- including 23 catches and six TDs in his last three. I don't know, but if I'm Philadelphia, I think the one guy I don't let beat me is Larry Fitzgerald.

5. Sebastian Janikowski from any distance. The guy's virtually automatic from 60 yards on in, so that 43-yarder to beat Pittsburgh? Little more than a wedge shot.

FIVE THINGS I DON'T

1. Greg Williams' chances of coaching again in this league. That sworn affidavit pointing a guilty finger at Jonathan Vilma clinches it. There's not a player out there who will trust Williams to cover their backs. Not after this.

2. The Cincinnati defense. A week ago, coordinator Mike Zimmer admitted he was so disappointed with his unit that "every aspect of it surprises me." I can't imagine he feels much better today, though the Bengals just held off Washington. Through three games Cincinnati has hemorrhaged 102 points, and that's not good for any coordinator's resume. But give the Bengals this: They produced six sacks and stiffened when they had to on Washington's last drive. What's more, look at their next three games: They play Jacksonville, Miami and Cleveland, and that's guaranteed to help.

3. Replacement officials. There were 24 penalties for 218 yards called in Sunday's Baltimore-New England game, and please don't ask Belichick what he thought of the crew. If you can lip read, you could figure out what he was saying on the sidelines.

4. RG3's chances to make it through 16 games. I watch hits like the one the Redskins' quarterback took from Manny Lawson and wonder how long before the guy bows out. Either that, or how long the Redskins keep him running that quarterback option.

5. Philadelphia's ball security. What ball security? The Eagles have a league-high 12 turnovers, which translates to 64 for a season. No, they're not going to reach that, and, yes, they're getting better. They had five in the season opener, four last week and three Sunday. Nevertheless, it's way too much if these guys are serious about winning their division.

FIVE GUYS WHO HAVE SOME 'SPLAINING TO DO

1. Cincinnati cornerback Terence Newman. It was his late shot on Washington's RG3 that provoked a 15-yard penalty and put the Redskins in business on that last drive. Newman nailed Griffin with a blow to the shoulders as the quarterback was running out of bounds, and it could've cost Cincinnati dearly ... only it didn't. Live and learn, Terence.

2. Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. His unit allowed Oakland to score the last 13 points, and, OK, so Antonio Brown fumbled, and the Steelers' offense didn't score a fourth-period point. But these are the Steelers. Moreover, these are the Oakland Raiders, a club that couldn't put up more than 14 in any game this season. The Raiders scored 27 vs. San Diego and Miami; they scored 34 on Pittsburgh. Huh? "Their defense made the stops when they needed to," said Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark, "and we didn't."

3. Washington coach Mike Shanahan. He called for an onside kick trailing by seven in the fourth quarter, and that's fine ... except there was 3:35 left. I don't care that Washington had no timeouts left. Drill the ball deep, bottle up the Bengals and take your chances. Sorry, but I don't like the decision. Too early.

4. Miami kicker Dan Carpenter. Bad enough that he hooked one field goal wide. But he hooked two, with the second a 48-yarder in overtime, opening the door to a Jets' victory. "I let the team down," Carpentersaid later. I'd say that about sums things up.

5. Detroit linebacker Bill Bentley. It was his holding penalty that kept Tennessee's game-winning drive in OT going, and it happened after the Titans failed to convert a third-and-16. I dunno, maybe Bentley's still feeling the effects from that concussion in the season opener, but you have to be smarter than that, Bill.

JUST ASKING BUT...

• How long before Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton starts getting national attention?

• What in the name of Tony Romo is wrong with the Cowboys' offense?

• Is Minnesota for real?

• Who's the favorite in the AFC West?

• What do you think of Kevin Kolb now?

NUMBERS TO REMEMBER

0 -- Touchdowns allowed by Philadelphia's defense in the second this year
3 -- Randy Moss catches in his return to the Metrodome
5 -- Tennessee TDs of 60 or more yards Sunday
6 -- Plays of 46 yards or longer in the Tennessee-Detroit game
10 -- Touchdown passes allowed by Washington this season
13 -- New England first-quarter points, the most vs. Baltimore at home under John Harbaugh
64 -- Peyton Manning 300-yard games, an NFL record
510 -- Yards Kansas City put up on New Orleans
1974 -- Last time the Cards started 3-0

MY TOP FIVE

1. Houston
2. Atlanta
3. Arizona
4. Green Bay
5. Baltimore

MY BOTTOM FIVE

32. Cleveland
31. New Orleans
30. Indianapolis
29. Miami
28. Kansas City

NEXT WEEKEND'S THREE BEST GAMES

Giants at Eagles ... Now, more than ever, the Eagles need to hold on.

New England at Buffalo ... Now we find out what Mario Williams does for Buffalo.

Chicago at Dallas ... It's Jay Cutler's chance to make up on national TV.

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Charles, 6 FGs help Chiefs send Saints to 0-3

CBSSports.com wire reports
Sep. 23, 2012

NEW ORLEANS -- Remember the hard-luck Saints of old -- that mistake-prone franchise that routinely crumbled in crunch time?

In their first three games since coach Sean Payton was suspended in the NFL's bounty probe, the Saints have started to resemble that franchise again, and even Drew Brees has been helpless to do anything about it.

The Saints were unable to protect an 18-point, third-quarter lead, and fans in the Superdome watched in dread as Kansas City's Ryan Succop booted his club-record sixth field goal to lift the previously winless Chiefs to a 27-24 overtime victory over New Orleans on Sunday.

The Saints have now lost twice in the Superdome, where they were unbeaten a season ago, and which will host the Super Bowl next February.

But New Orleans now looks like a long shot to be playing for a championship after opening with losses to three 1-2 teams.

"We are far from talking about the Super Bowl right now," Brees said. "What we need to focus on is getting one win."

Next week, the reeling Saints (0-3) travel to Green Bay.

The Chiefs (1-2) meanwhile, went home feeling a lot better about not only getting their first victory, but the resolve they showed to get it.

"The best part is our guys never gave up," said Succop, a perfect 6 for 6 on kicks ranging from 25 to 45 yards. "We kept fighting, it was a huge team win and I'm just really excited to have had a part in it."

After Jamaal Charles' 91-yard touchdown run -- the longest running play in Chiefs history, and the longest given up by the Saints -- started Kansas City's comeback, the Chiefs defense thwarted a Saints scoring chance when Stanford Routt intercepted Brees' underthrown pass for Devery Henderson near the Kansas City goal line late in the third quarter. Brees, who was 20-of-36 for 240 yards and three TDs -- never had another completion after that, and only attempted six passes because the Saints also never got another first down.

Charles, who finished with 233 yards rushing and 55 yards receiving, scored the only touchdown the Chiefs needed. The rest of the scoring came on field goals, as well as a safety on Justin Houston's third sack of the game.

"This team needed a win, and a win like that really helped out in particular," Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said. "There were a lot of doubts about what we could do and they showed a lot of character."

Tiring of answering questions about the effects of the bounty scandal on their season, the Saints were once again in no mood to discuss whether things might have been different if Payton were still around.

"All I can say is Sean Payton is a great football coach," Brees said. "But he's not here, so the rest of us have to find a way."

Instead, the Chiefs found a way after their sack of Brees for a safety got them the ball, down 24-21, with 5:33 to go.

Matt Cassel's spinning scramble and 11-yard pass across the field to Jon Baldwin on third-and-10 extended the drive, which also included Cassel's completion to Dwayne Bowe on fourth-and-5 before Succop's 43-yard game-tying kick with 3 seconds left.

In one of several lowlights for the crew of replacement officials working the game, New Orleans was briefly ruled the winner on the field in overtime when running back Shaun Draughn lost the ball stretching for a first down and safety Roman Harper picked up the ball and ran to the end zone.

The fumble was overturned on video review, but the spot came up a half-yard short of a first down. Charles easily converted a fourth-down run to extend the winning drive.

"We knew coming in that we could run against this defense," Charles said. "It was an opportunity we had to take advantage of."

The Saints scored first when Lance Moore's leaping 9-yard catch capped an 83-yard, game-opening drive.

After that, however, no team got in the end zone for the rest of the half, which ended with the Saints up 10-6.

New Orleans appeared to be taking command in the third quarter thanks to a pair of turnovers by the Chiefs.

First came a fumble by Dexter McCluster, who hurt his shoulder while falling on his own after a short catch, then let the ball go moments before he would have been touched down by cornerback Jabari Greer. Officials initially ruled McCluster down while linebacker Jonathan Casillas scooped the ball and ran to the end zone. The Saints challenged and won a reversal on replay review, giving them the ball on the Chiefs 19. That set up Brees' 1-yard TD pass to tight end Jimmy Graham.

New Orleans then went ahead 24-6 on Brees' 6-yard swing pass to fullback Jed Collins, capping a short drive set up by Greer's interception and 28-yard return to the Kansas City 7.

After that, the Saints fell apart in a way they had not in making the playoffs -- and winning one title -- during the past three seasons.

"We're obviously disappointed, but not disheartened," Saints interim head coach Aaron Kromer said. "We don't know how we're supposed to act right now."

Notes Along with McCluster, the Chiefs lost starting C Rodney Hudson to an apparent right knee injury and RB Peyton Hillis to an ankle injury in the third quarter. Saints LB David Hawthorne left with a hamstring injury in the first half and did not return. Brees now has TD passes in 46 straight regular season games, one behind Johnny Unitas' record of 47.

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Panthers' Smith, Stewart questionable; Rivera expects both vs. Saints

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he expects wide receiver Steve Smith and running back Jonathan Stewart will play Sunday against New Orleans, although both are listed as questionable on the team's injury report.

Both practiced on a limited basis Friday.

Smith has been wearing a brace this week in practice because of soreness in his right knee. However, Rivera said Smith had a good day of practice and that "I'd be surprised if he doesn't play."

Stewart missed Sunday's game against Tampa Bay with a sprained right ankle but Rivera said he's making better cuts. Rivera says barring any setbacks Stewart will play. Without Stewart the Panthers were limited to 10 yards rushing in last week's 16-10 loss to Tampa Bay.

Guard Mike Pollack is doubtful with a shoulder stinger.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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2012 NFL Awards Week 1: Redskins rack up kudos after shocking Saints

2012 NFL Awards Week 1: Redskins rack up kudos after shocking Saints - CBSSports.com .swear,.swearOn{display:none;}.swearOff{display:inline;} // hack to fix chrome warning from jqeury use of layerx/y until upgrade to 1.7.x$.event.props = $.event.props.join('|').replace('layerX|layerY|', '').split('|'); Register/LoginHelpShopTVMobile LIVE ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK:
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2012 NFL Awards Week 1: Redskins rack up kudos after shocking Saints By Will Brinson | Senior Blogger

05:42 PM ET September 11, 2012  

Week 1 NFL AwardsExpertOffenseDefenseSTeamsCoachFreemanManning49ersSundbergShannyJudgeRG3DRCAkersRyanBrinsonRG3ReedWalshShannyKatzowitzRG3PorterAkersShannyWilsonFlaccoPatriotsKaedingRyan

Awards time! And you won't be stunned to know that the Redskins -- who were the stunners from Sunday's action -- managed to rack up on awards after their upset of the Saints in New Orleans.

Peyton Manning got plenty of consideration (and so did Joe Flacco ... IS HE ELITE?) but ultimately it was Robert Griffin III who nailed down the Eye on Offense Award.

All of our experts were split on the Eye on Defense Award which, as always, means "tie goes to the guy Brinson picked," so congrats to Ed Reed for picking up the award as he neared 1,500 interception-return yards.

David Akers and his mind-blowing 63-yard bonk of a field goal were good enough to win the Eye on Special Teams Award.

And Mike Shanahan narrowly edged out Rex Ryan for the Eye on Coaching Award.

Eye on Offense AwardMike FreemanClark Judge Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos
Has had about 17 neck surgeries, no meaningful game for almost two years, and goes out and beats a very good Steelers defense.Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins
He not only won his first game as a quarterback; he beat the New Orleans Saints ... in the Superdome ... after Bountygate ... after Will Smith returned. RG3 had two touchdowns, no interceptions and one huge upset. The other four rookie quarterbacks? Try a combined two touchdowns, 11 picks and no victories.Will BrinsonJosh Katzowitz Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins
RG3 went down into New Orleans and lit up an angry, emotional Saints team to stun the world in his first career start. Mike Shanahan should get props for the planning, but Griffin executed that plan to perfection.Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins
His NFL debut was fairly solid. He threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns. He ran for 42 more yards. He started a trend. Things could not have gone better for RG3 and the Redskins.Ryan WilsonJoe Flacco, QB, Ravens
If the rest of the season looks anything like the Bengals game, Flacco could end up as the NFL's highest paid quarterback. He was in total control from start to finish, ran the no-huddle like he was Peyton Manning, and showed accuracy and a touch that should have the rest of the AFC worried.Eye on Defense AwardFreemanJudge49ers, DST
A total butt kicking for San Francisco on Sunday. It's rare for the Packers to be completely out-classed offensively like that but the 49ers flat out intimidated Green Bay.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Eagles
He had two interceptions and four pass breakups in the Eagles' escape of Cleveland. Somebody had to come to the club's rescue, and it wasn't going to be Michael Vick. It was DRC and a defense that produced four takeaways.BrinsonKatzowitzEd Reed, S, Ravens
Yes, it was all about the O in Baltimore on Monday. But the Bengals were keeping things close against the Ravens until Reed picked a pass and did what he's done so very often: take it to the house. Reed's pick six also gave him 1,497 interception return yards for his career. That's mind-boggling.Tracy Porter, CB, Broncos
With the way Porter played Sunday, it's fair to ask: why did the Saints let him to escape in free agency? Porter had five pass break-ups, and he pick-sixed Ben Roethlisberger for a game-sealing touchdown with 1:58 to play. This was the reason he drew such interest on the free agent market this offseason.Wilson Patriots, DST
I know, big deal: they slowed up a Titans offense starting an unproven young quarterback and without WR Kenny Britt. Here's a stat for you: RB Chris Johnson had four yards rushing. On 11 carries. At that pace Johnson would've needed 275 carries to reach 100 yards for the day. Both New England's rookie first-rounders, DE Chandler Jones and LB Dont'a Hightower, contributed right away; Chandler's strip-sack of Jake Locker was recovered by Hightower who scored a touchdown on the play. Eye on Special Teams AwardFreemanJudgeNick Sundberg, LS, Redskins
Easy. Not even close. Long snapper Nick Sundberg broke his left arm in the first half against New Orleans and still played the entire game. It was an incredible feat of mind over pain. David Akers, K, 49ers
After hitting a 61-yarder in warmups, he nailed a 63-yard field goal at the end of the first half to tie a league record. Akers later described it as "a little bit of a miracle," but there was nothing miraculous about the victory. The 49ers hammered the Packers for the first time at Lambeau in nine tries.BrinsonKatzowitzBlair Walsh, K, Vikings
If you're a rookie kicker and you can walk out onto the field and nail a 55-yard field goal with time expiring during regulation, then come back and hit a 38-yarder in overtime that eventually wins the game, all while being perfect on your kicks (4-for-4), you have onions, sir. ONIONS.David Akers, K, 49ers
It's not very often somebody smacks a 63-yard field goal (it only had happened three times in NFL history before Sunday), but David Akers accomplished it with a sweet ricochet off the cross bar in which the ball softly landed on the grass behind the goal post as the second quarter expired.Wilson Nate Kaeding, K, Chargers
Kaeding, who hasn't played since suffering a knee injury in the 2011 opener, went 5-for-5 in the Chargers' win over the Raiders. Oakland punter Shane Lechler finished a close second for the award because of the bravery he displayed while backup long snapper Travis Goethel skipped him medicine balls after starter Jon Condo left with an inury.Eye on Coaching AwardFreemanJudgeMike Shanahan, HC, Redskins
I've been hard on Shanahan. Part of me believes that Shanahan built his legacy off the back of John Elway. But the way Shanahan had not just RG3 prepared but the entire Redskins team ready to go in a hostile environment was impressive. Rex Ryan, HC, Jets
His Jets have been compared to a circus, with Rex the ringleader. Worse, they're supposed to be a circus that doesn't know how to perform. So with critics ready to pounce on Rex, Sanchez, Tebow, you name it, the Jets put up 48 on a Buffalo team that is supposed to leap frog them for the playoffs. Not based on what I just saw.BrinsonKatzowitzMike Shanahan, HC, Redskins
It's close between Rex and Shanny, but I gotta give the nod to the Redskins coach (and his son Kyle, the offensive coordinator) for getting RG3 ready to head into the dome. The Shanaclan tailored the 'Skins' offensive gameplan around RG3's strengths and scripted a confidence-building drive to start the game and kickoff his career.Mike Shanahan, HC, Redskins
He couldn't have picked a better gameplan to introduce Robert Griffin III to the world. The first six RG3 passes were actually behind the line of scrimmage, allowing Washington to make significant yardage after the catch and taking the pressure off Griffin. Hey, Mike, this guy might be better than Rex Grossman and John Beck, eh?Wilson Rex Ryan, HC, Jets
Ryan said this might be the best Jets team he's coached. That idea sounded ridiculous as recently as Sunday morning. Now, not so much. Maybe these are the same old Jets but they hung 48 on the Bills and that can't be overlooked. The Power of Tebow, indeed.

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Saints place re-instated linebacker Vilma on PUP

METAIRIE, La. -- The Saints have placed recently re-instated linebacker Jonathan Vilma on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he'll be out through Week 6, even if he has not been served a new bounty suspension by then.

The Saints have also brought back fifth-year receiver Adrian Arrington, who had been cut on Saturday after struggling with right knee soreness heading into Week 1, and signed offensive tackle Bryce Harris from Atlanta's practice squad.

Vilma is rehabilitating his surgically repaired left knee and did not play Sunday, two days after his suspension stemming from the NFL's bounty investigation was vacated, but not permanently voided, by an appeals panel. The panel directed NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to reconsider punishment of all four players sanctioned in New Orleans' alleged pay-for-pain bounty pool.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Saints remain defiant after post-bounty loss

METAIRIE, La. -- Malcolm Jenkins and Zach Strief appreciate that the Saints' season-opening loss did nothing to change the minds of those who expect the bounty scandal and related suspensions to undermine their 2012 season.

The team captains would point out only that New Orleans was not immune to poor performances during previous playoff seasons, either. Even then, they had a few games that looked a lot like their out-of-sync, turnover- and penalty-ridden 40-32 loss to Washington on Sunday.

"You're going to lose at some point in the season. That's just the reality of it," Jenkins, a starting free safety, said calmly after a Monday film session breaking down the defense's performance in Sunday's defeat. "I'd rather lose early. You find out what you're team is about. You find your identity, what your strengths and weaknesses are and you correct them."

Two seasons ago, there were losses to Arizona on the road and Cleveland at home. Last season, one week after putting up 62 points against Indianapolis, the Saints lost to St. Louis, which came into that game 0-6.

The loss to the Rams included six sacks of Drew Brees, two Brees interceptions and a blocked Thomas Morstead punt. New Orleans rebounded to win its last eight regular-season games and set numerous offensive records.

Now, however, it remains to be seen whether the Saints will rebound in a similar fashion while coach Sean Payton is suspended and banned for the whole season from lending even a shred of advice to his remaining staff.

Interim head coach Aaron Kromer said he could only imagine what Payton was thinking, assuming he watched the game on television.

"I'm sure he was disappointed that we didn't play better than we did and he should have been," Kromer said. "We were all disappointed -- players, coaches, everyone."

Kromer conceded that the months of buildup to the season opener since the bounty scandal erupted last March might have at least subconsciously affected the Saints in their season opener. When he addressed the team Monday morning, he said he saw too many instances during Sunday's loss of players "doing someone else's job and not doing their own job."

"That's when you try to make a play that's not yours on defense instead of just doing your job and staying within the scheme," Kromer said. "That's when you try to make a pass that isn't needed at the time, because you're trying to press to throw a deep ball to get us in the game right now as opposed to two plays from now. That's when a lineman is trying to help his buddy block a guy by doing something differently. There are plenty of examples within the game."

The Saints have been largely defiant in the face of bounty sanctions, saying their team remains built in Payton's image, that they intend to be in the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season and contend for the Super Bowl, which will be played on their home field in February.

In retrospect, they wondered if they were trying too hard to prove that point in their home opener.

"There was a lot of emotion going into the game," Brees said. "At times, when emotions are so high, you get into the game and you can have a lapse."

Jenkins said it looked to him like some of the corrections began even before the game ended, which is why New Orleans was able to make it a one-possession contest late in the fourth quarter.

"We finished well," Jenkins said. "To have over 10 penalties, to lose the turnover battle and not really have a rhythm the entire game -- to really have a chance to tie it up at the end of the game is encouraging. That just shows us what we have if we really play smart football."

In order to avoid an 0-2 hole and a divisional loss at Carolina next Sunday, the Saints must make a number of corrections quickly. They must recognize what they could have done better against rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III, whose dual-threat capabilities present some of the same challenges defenses face against the Panthers' Cam Newton. They must get more comfortable with the scheme installed by new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The offense, meanwhile, need to be more in sync, eliminating pre-snap penalties and missed blocking assignments.

"You wish you didn't have that game where you have to come in and refocus," said Streif, a starting right tackle who has been with the Saints since 2006. "Sometimes that's hard to see and maybe guys are not looking in the mirror like they should, but at the same time, that's the benefit of them building a locker room with character.

"I tell you right now, the practice on Wednesday will be a good practice, and that's speaking from experience here of what happens after these [difficult] games," Streif added. "We'll get closer and we'll respond."

Notes

The Saints placed recently re-instated LB Jon Vilma on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he'll be out at least six games. Vilma is rehabilitating from offseason left knee surgery. ... The Saints also brought back WR Adrian Arrington, who had been cut Saturday, and signed OT Bryce Harris off of Atlanta's practice squad. .. Kromer said CB Johnny Patrick's right leg injury, which forced him from Sunday's game in the second quarter, is "hopefully not as bad it looks." Kromer said the same appears to be the case with WR Devery Henderson, who was hit in the back of the head, and LB Scott Shanle, who left the game with an undisclosed leg injury.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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Monday Observations: Bills, Saints, Eagles looking at big-time holes

I hate to put too much emphasis on opening week, and this was just one of 16 games for everyone in the league after all, but if I'm the Bills, Saints or Eagles I might be a little worried right now. Of all the action over the weekend, I found their displays most disconcerting, especially for clubs with elevated expectations.

Pretty much everything that could have gone wrong for the Bills, did go wrong. The Meadowlands ravaged them. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick came out throwing picks all over the place and actually trying to challenge Darrelle Revis. Fred Jackson suffered another knee injury early, and David Nelson went down late. The "new-and-improved" pass rush went out with a whimper with Jets right tackle du jour Austin Howard handling Mario Williams, the highest-paid defensive player in league history.

It was beyond ugly, and the score doesn't do justice to just how thorough this beating was. Short of C.J. Spiller putting up form fantasy champ stats, largely in what amounted to garbage time (anything beyond the early part of the second quarter would qualify as GT in this instance), it was a total washout for Buffalo. The injuries could have lingering ramifications and, for a team that was planning on making a move up the AFC East standings, getting drubbed by the under-duress Jets is a double whammy; now Mark Sanchez and company have some swagger back, while the Bills have to be wondering if it's the same 'ol situation up in Western New York, bloated payroll or not.

For all the preseason hype about the Bills, Fitzpatrick scared me, and Sunday was a prime reason why. He threw three picks, his ball looked sloppy, his accuracy was off. He simply has not been the same cat since signing his extension, and this goes beyond Fred Jackson being hurt or bad luck or whatever. Since Nov. 1, 2011, Fitzpatrick has a 1-9 record. He has thrown an NFL leading 19 interceptions in that span (John Skelton and Matt Stafford are tied for second most, with 15 since November). He's completing 58 percent of his passes in that 10-game sequence, with only 13 touchdowns and a woeful 66.5 rating -- 25th in the league).

I'm not sure that just gets quickly corrected. I also have a hard time believing that Dave Wannstedt is going to be the guy to galvanize Buffalo's defense and get them attacking the quarterback and turning teams over the way their roster indicates they could.

And I'm also not so sure all that ails the Saints can be righted immediately.

Some scouts in the NFC South believed the biggest area in which the loss of coach Sean Payton would be felt was in regard to Drew Brees' decision-making. The quarterback has a tendency to force things at times -- and when you are ridiculously as good as he is, you want some of that. But Payton is the guy to reel him back him, set him straight and correct things.

Without that influence, as games played out, and if things were not going the Saints' way, these scouts felt like that trait might end up undermining the team, and there certainly were times Sunday that Brees seemed to be trying to do too much, too soon. The offense never really got in sync until it was desperation time, and Brees nearly got Jimmy Graham killed by sailing some throws over the middle. Everything was a bit off.

On the other side of the ball, that defense is in trouble. Even getting Will Smith, their pass rusher, back on his suspension reprieve, they lacked any real bite. People who have worked with new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo point out it generally takes a team half a season to catch on, and then the results can come quickly. There is a definite adjustment period going on here.

The Redskins came out essentially running the Baylor offense to get Robert Griffin III comfortable: screens, a few slants, very basic stuff. The Saints could mount no sort of pass rush (if Cam Jordan doesn't step up, that's going to remain an issue). They got gashed in the run game, Say what you want about Gregg Williams, but his scheme covered up a lot of warts there, and if this bunch isn't well versed yet in this new defense, that's going to be a problem.

I was bullish on the Saints coming into the season, and I'm not ready to kick them to the curb after one stinker of a home opener. But the more they seem less invincible at home, and if they can't score into the 40s every time they show up, that margin for error gets pretty tight.

As for the Eagles, pretty much anyone who has paid attention to football could determine that Mike Vick -- his health, his decision-making -- held the key to their season. Maybe that Kevlar he was wearing caused a bizarre reaction in his brain, but he was going arm for arm with Fitzpatrick on Sunday, matching him with each ill-conceived throw.

Vick ended up with four interceptions, pretty much single-handedly keeping the Browns in the game (Cleveland's offense actually found a way to make 2011's putrid game film look scintillating), and he could have easily thrown a half dozen picks. Opposing coordinators want to squeeze him in the red zone, because as the field gets smaller his mistakes and misreads get magnified, and he was dead-set on challenging Browns stud corner Joe Haden with the game on the line, throwing into bad matchups, forcing a ball into double-coverage in the end zone in the dying seconds still trailing by six inside the 10-yard line.

Full props to him for the check-down that resulted in the winning touchdown, but I can only imagine the angst and bloodletting going on in Philadelphia talk radio today coming off this opening debacle. How long before the calls for Trent Edwards begin?

Some general managers aren't sure that some of that will ever go away with Vick, and that this is simply who he is. Yes, Vick was masterful a few years back -- healthy, reading defenses well, playing to such a high level that he was rewarded with a new contract. But that was a long time ago. Not sure he's getting back there. And at some point the loss of star left tackle Jason Peters is going to manifest itself.

Still a lot of football to be played here, and the Eagles have abundant talent. Vick won't be this poor every week. But if the quarterback play doesn't elevate greatly I can't see Philadelphia going as far as some have suggested. Like the Saints, I still see playoff potential. But some major corrections are warranted.

Can't help but notice the speed with which the Pats are playing with now on defense. Wasn't that long ago that plodding guys like Tedy Bruschi and Junior Seau were running around there linebacker, but the entire pace and tenor of that group has changed. Their selections of Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower paid immediate dividends against the Titans, as they were overwhelming at times. Bill Belichick has more weapons to tinker with there than he has in a long time, and I still can't help but think at some point Andre Carter is healthy enough to be re-signed (and Brian Waters still may end up back at guard for them on the other side of the ball, should the sides be able to find a reworked contract and work conditions that get him back on the field).

• The Titans and Panthers better spend some time on the run game this week. Heard rumblings in Tennessee that Mike Munchak worked them pretty hard late in camp, and maybe some legs on the offensive line and in the backfield were getting heavy. Of course, in this era of no two-a-days, I’m not sure how many sympathetic ears there would be in that regard. These two teams are still throwbacks in a way, and without a physical run attack, they are going to suffer.

• Kevin Kolb makes an easy target to criticize, but not enough is being made of what he pulled off Sunday when Skelton went down late in that game. Kolb was masterful coming in cold, leading a winning touchdown drive and got the Cardinals a big divisional victory that could turn things for the better there. After all of his struggles the past few years, and his lost preseason, he deserves some kudos here. As much as the locker room may lean more to Skelton, the coaches there want nothing more than for this Kolb experiment to work, and at some point I see him starting there again, possibly quite soon.

• Blaine Gabbert managed to take his improvements from the preseason into the regular season. He continues to look much more at ease in the pocket, no more happy feet, keeping his eyes up. He damn near led a winning drive with a late touchdown, but the Jags had me scratching my head in overtime, on fourth and 3, when rather than run some slants and several underneath options, Gabbert was forcing things to a double-covered receiver deep. And Maurice Jones-Drew will be starting by Week 2, after becoming a big factor for the Jags over the weekend as that game went on, despite his 38-day holdout.

• Gonna be a long, long season for Brandon Weeden and Ryan Tannehill. I mean a long season. They were totally overwhelmed, and Weeden looks very rote and raw. How he translates from his college offense to the NFL is a big question. Wouldn't be surprised if one of these teams is drafting a quarterback in the first round again next year.

• Watching more offensive linemen go down in games yesterday I can't help but wonder when someone signs veteran guard Montrae Holland. He is fully recovered from a triceps injury, had what sources told me was a great workout for the Cowboys recently, but the sides could not come to terms on an incentive package and thus the deal got scuttled. He could add a burly element to a team in need, and with the Rams losing a few linemen and New England being a little short at guard, at least until or unless Waters shows up, I would think Holland's phone would be ringing soon.

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Saints' Payton opens up in newspaper interview

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton has said very little publicly since beginning his season-long suspension in April for his part in the bounty scandal.

But in an extensive interview with the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Mike Triplett, Payton noted he has watched the Saints' preseason games and taken notes on the games.

Payton is running the offense for his son's sixth-grade football team in the Dallas area. The Liberty Christian Warriors are 1-0 start after a 30-0 victory on Saturday.

Here are excerpts from the Times-Picayune interview:

• On what the time away has been like: "I think probably a lot of what I expected. I have a chance now from afar to really study the game. Of course, I'm following the Saints real closely with the TV copy and the coaches tape and all those other things. But there are still days where obviously you miss it, because this is what you've done for so long. But really overall, looking from afar, the preseason seems to have gone well. Everyone has really come together.

"There was only one I didn't watch live because we had a football practice, on the Thursday night against Tennessee. But, yeah, whether I'm in Dallas or in New Orleans I'm going to watch games live and then go back and get a copy and watch again. ..."

• On whether he'll be working on television or anything similar in the fall: "No. The challenge is, because of the football schedule of my son's team, I really didn't want to find myself trying to travel around that. We play on Saturdays, practice Tuesdays and Thursdays. I talked with one network about working around that, but ultimately I decided I'd rather not. I don't want to take off on Saturdays an hour after we play. I'd rather spend my time and focus there, and on how the Saints are doing on Sundays. ...

"Absolutely [the best thing about the suspension] is the time it's allowed me to spend with the children. One of the things about what we do, so many times you're missing things, getting pictures of things we miss, phone calls of what you missed."

• On his role on the team on which his son, Connor, plays: "I run the offense. .. We have 12 plays on the wristband. The terminology is the same as we used in New Orleans. The kids said, 'This looks hard.' But I said, 'I've seen your homework. That's a lot harder.' And they've done a great job with it."

• On why he's stayed quiet regarding the bounty allegations and penalties and whether that has been difficult: "Listen, it's hard to do. And we're in a much different position than the players, in regards to players having a union. I think ultimately our goal is to get reinstated at the right time. Yeah, it's frustrating at times to sit back and hear a lot of things that have been painted in a certain way that you know aren't true. But that being said, I support every one of those guys and pay close attention to what's going on with Jon [Vilma] and the rest of those players and Mickey [Loomis] and Joe [Vitt] and everyone."

• On what he feels he did wrong: "When you're the head coach, you've got to pay attention to all areas of your football team. I'm going to leave it just at that. ... There's a lot that went into this, and I think fortunately there's a lot more that's come out after the fact and I think will continue to surface."

• On what the NFL got wrong in its allegations or penalties: "I'd rather not get into it specifically, because we could elaborate for an hour. I think it's better to just leave it at that. There's a lot at stake still for guys like Jon Vilma. They're working hard to get the correct ruling. ... But I think the timing (when the allegations first surfaced in March) and all of a sudden the chain of events and when they happened and when we first were in New York (visiting with league officials), I think that caught myself and all of us off guard for how quickly that all happened."

• On how much he'll be missed with the Saints: "I think the stability aspect of the program is so strong. There's so many players and coaches that are there now that have been involved since '06. I think it'd be much more difficult if this was early in our tenure here. But I've seen where we're the only team with the same ownership, GM, coach and quarterback all have been the same since '06. And all that lends to that stability and allows you to handle challenges."

• On whether he would take it personally if the Saints go 15-1 and win the Super Bowl without him: "No, I'm going to be on the edge of my chair rooting for them every game. This is our team. Not any individual. A group of people have worked very hard together to have success. We've always preached about eliminating the 'I's' and 'mes' and creating a team element to the sport. Coaches, offensive line, defensive line, the whole building. Everyone's got a part in it. Collectively we've been able to have a lot of success, and a lot of people have worked hard to make that happen."

Copyright (C) 2012 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.

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Kromer formally takes over as Saints' interim-to-the-interim head coach

METAIRIE, La. -- Aaron Kromer began his first day in charge of the New Orleans Saints' coaching staff by providing his players with a dose of perspective.

The images of flooded homes, schools and businesses in the south Louisiana communities hit hardest by Hurricane Isaac last week provided all the material he needed.

"I talked to the team this morning about adversity, and that this isn't adversity: Having a new coach [in] Game 1, having Joe Vitt during the preseason, having Sean Payton have to leave when he did," Kromer said. "That's an opportunity for all of us to step up.

"Adversity is when your house is flooded and you can't go home," Kromer continued. "That's what we talked about ... and our guys over time have realized that the fans and the people in this area can always bounce back -- and we live by that."

Kromer will be the figurehead of the coaching staff for the first seven weeks of the regular season, starting with the opener against Washington this Sunday and including the bye week between the fifth and sixth games.

Monday was the first official day of his ascension, and also marked the beginning of suspensions for Vitt (six games), general manager Mickey Loomis (eight games) and defensive end Will Smith (four games) in connection with the NFL's bounty investigation.

Payton, the Saints' banished head coach, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma, a former defensive captain, were already serving suspensions running the entire season.

In the meantime, the Saints sound as confident about their chances to contend for a fourth consecutive playoff appearance as they would if there had never been a bounty probe.

"We've established a culture here that everyone has bought into, and when you've established a culture, no matter who's at the top of it, it's always the same," said safety Malcolm Jenkins, one of the defensive captains for 2012. "The Saints organization is not about Sean Payton. It's not about Mickey Loomis. It's not about Joe Vitt or a certain person. The New Orleans Saints have a culture in what we do. So the way we practice, the way we meet, the schedule in which we do things all have a purpose and everybody buys into it."

When the Saints opened practice on Monday on their indoor field, Kromer, an offensive line coach, stood with a group of linemen near the corner of one end zone as he always has, running that position group through individual drills. When the team went to 11-on-11 drills, a portion of practice closed to media during the regular season, Kromer said he took on more of an oversight role.

"I'm following the formula," Kromer said, referring to the way the Saints have run practice, meetings and other functions throughout the past six years under Payton. "Any time you have a plan, you have a good sense that things are going to go well. And we have a good plan here.

"We have great leaders. We have five great captains. We have a wonderful coaching staff," he added. "It's going to be a collective effort in this situation, so I feel good about that."

Right tackle Zach Strief, also a captain, said the team is aware things will seem different sometimes.

"You can't expect coach Kromer to be Coach Vitt or Coach Payton. There will be times when his message might not be exactly what Coach Payton's message was," Strief said. "When we're on the field, we know the offense. We know how the offense functions. We know how we adjust. That stuff won't change for us."

Before their time away from football began, Loomis and Vitt attended a team dinner Sunday night in which team captains were announced.

"It was emotional for them, really, and it was emotional for our guys because we are going to miss those guys," Kromer said.

However, Loomis and Vitt decided against delivering any parting speeches, players said.

"The idea is, let's not make it a bigger deal than it already is. Let's not have this dramatic, rah-rah, everyone-starts-crying speech," Strief said. "We have to deal with it, and I think that the advantage here is we've dealt well with adversity in the past.

"We have faith that this will be no different."

One reason for such faith is the experience across the roster.

Starters including quarterback Drew Brees, receiver Marques Colston, running back Pierre Thomas, guard Jahri Evans, safety Roman Harper, linebacker Scott Shanle, defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, Strief and Jenkins all have been on the squad at least four years and have won many games together, including a Super Bowl.

There has also been an infusion of new talent in recent years -- players like tight end Jimmy Graham, running back Darren Sproles and new middle linebacker Curtis Lofton.

"Whenever you put all that together," Jenkins said, "There are not many kinks in the armor."

Notes

Lofton (left ankle) and starting CB Jabari Greer (groin) both rode stationary bikes during practice, but both said they expected to play against the Redskins on Sunday. ... After missing all five preseason games because of arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee, WR Adrian Arrington ran routes at practice and said he will be fit to play this week. ... LB David Hawthorne, a projected starter who had arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee two weeks ago, returned to practice and appeared to be running with the first team. He said trainers are monitoring him closely but that he hopes to play in the opener.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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NFL denies retractions of key witnesses in Saints bounty probe

Roger Goodell denies placing gag orders on Saints employees. (AP)

NEW ORLEANS -- The NFL is denying accusations that it covered up retractions made by key witnesses in its bounty investigation, or that Commissioner Roger Goodell has placed gag orders on Saints employees and others who could help punished players clear their names.

Lawyer Peter Ginsberg, who represents suspended Saints player Jonathan Vilma, made the accusations when punished players appeared earlier this week for an appeal hearing, a full transcript of which has been obtained by the Associated Press.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says claims of a gag order are "completely untrue," and that no potential witnesses were instructed by the league to stay away from Monday's hearing.

The transcript also shows that the NFL Players Association formally asked Goodell to recuse himself from ongoing appeal proceedings, contending that he is incapable of ruling "without the appearance of bias."

"The commissioner has publicly appeared on television and in other (forums) defending the discipline," NFLPA attorney Jeffrey Kessler said. "We would ask that the commissioner step down, to the extent that these proceedings continue, as the decision maker and that a neutral decision maker be appointed in his place."

The early portions of the transcript detail a series of verbal jousts that Ginsberg sought to deliver to the commissioner before leaving the appeal hearing early in protest.

In discussing witnesses he has been unable to speak with, Ginsberg told Goodell, "You have made threats to keep them from talking to us. You have refused to have them even participate in today's proceedings."

Ginsberg and the NFLPA had asked the NFL to compel several witnesses to appear at the appeal hearing, including Saints head coach Sean Payton, assistant head coach Joe Vitt, general manager Mickey Loomis, former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, and former defensive assistant Mike Cerullo.

While the NFL declined to require anyone to attend the hearing, Aiello said the players and their representatives "were free to bring any witnesses of their choosing, including any coaches if they agreed to appear."

Ginsberg further asserted that Williams and Cerullo offered retractions of some of their initial statements to the NFL in the investigation, and that the league has neglected to share that information. Aiello denied such retractions were ever made.

Ginsberg also accused the NFL of distorting evidence introduced at the appeals hearing, including an email from marketing agent Mike Ornstein to Williams, who the NFL says ran a bounty program from 2009 to 2011.

In the email, Ornstein tells Williams he gave him "1,500 last week, I will give you another 1,500 the next four game (sic) and the final 2,000 the last 4." Ginsberg asserts that the NFL included the email as evidence even after Ornstein told Goodell the email related to a Gregg Williams charity.

The NFL declined to comment beyond its assertion in Monday's hearing that the total amount of money the email discusses - $5,000 - matches the amount listed next to Ornstein's name on a note outlining pledges made as "seed money" to a performance incentive pool that rewarded big plays as well as injurious hits.

Ginsberg told the commissioner he imposed a "misplaced punishment" which "cast a shadow not only on Mr. Vilma personally and professionally, but, I dare say, on the NFL and on the office of the commissioner in engaging in these proceedings."

He then concluded his statement by urging Goodell to "rescind any punishment against Mr. Vilma and to apologize in public for what you have done."

Not long after making those statements on the record, Ginsberg, who is also representing Vilma in a separate defamation lawsuit against Goodell in federal court in New Orleans, left the hearing with Vilma in protest, They did not return for an afternoon session.

Later in the hearing, Kessler said the remaining three punished players -- Saints defensive end Will Smith, Green Bay defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, and linebacker Scott Fujita -- would listen to the remainder of the hearing, but would decline to participate because they believed the proceeding lacked elements required to meet the standard of a "fair hearing" under the NFL's current labor agreement.

"The essence of that hearing contains certain matters that are being denied to the players here," Kessler said. "In particular, we're not being given the opportunity to confront and cross-examine the actual witnesses who have evidence on this."

Kessler made an additional point that the NFL has already stated publicly that Williams, the defensive coordinator, ran the Saints' incentive pool, and that punishing employees for something their employers instructed them to do is "contrary to established legal principles."

The NFL continued its portion of the hearing in which it reviewed evidence against the players.

Goodell did not recuse himself and it did not appear he would consider doing so after league attorney Adolpho Birch responded to Kessler that an arbitrator already ruled Goodell has the authority to hear the appeal.

Copyright 2012 by STATS LLC and The Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and The Associated Press is strictly prohibited.

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No smoking gun but plenty enough to shoot holes through Saints' case

Sunday June 03, 2012 - 2:46 PM

Vilma (right) has allegedly been involved in bounties since his Miami days. (Getty Images)

The ledger.

It is not a visually impressive document. Two sources described it to CBSSports.com but gave conflicting accounts of its significance. One said the ledger has dates, amounts -- sometimes in the thousands of dollars -- that chronicle the Saints' bounty system. It's proof, this source said, that the team ran a system that rewarded players for illegal hits. Some of the Saints called the person who kept the document "The Bookkeeper" after the character from the movie The Untouchables.

Another source who has seen the ledger said it contains errors and doesn't have exact proof that players were paid to injure. Yet the person, a strong doubter of the NFL's case against the Saints, admitted the ledger "looks bad for the Saints."

It isn't a smoking gun, but the ledger -- and other recent evidence -- is another piece of a picture showing Saints guilt.

And this is what some of the latest news to come out about the Saints demonstrates overall. There continues to be a piling of circumstantial and specific evidence of wrongdoing.

All of this continues to show one thing: The Saints are busted. Now there will be people who dispute this, and that's fine, but the problem remains the Saints players and their supporters keep fighting like none of this information matters.

The players keep saying: Show us the evidence. There's already plenty. There's so much that if this were a court of law, the Saints would have been denied bail and Shawshanked down to the cell block.

The recent news includes two other things besides the ledger, one recent, one a blast from the past that has been forgotten, but has great significance.

The producer and the voicemail: Filmmaker Sean Pamphilon may be a rabid self-promoter -- check that, there's no maybe -- but the voicemail he provided to CBSSports.com RapidReporter Larry Holder is one of the more interesting pieces of proof in the bounty case. Yes, proof.

Because on the voicemail, Drew Brees acknowledges he knows of that vicious Gregg Williams audiotape, when all along Brees has played innocent to all aspects of the bounty scandal. This leads to a fair question: What did Brees know about the bounties and when did he know it? He knew about the tape, clearly, so why can't people assume he know about other things, like the ledger?

"Just be truthful," Pamphilon told Holder. "Don't worry about how this affects your marketing campaign. Don't worry how it's going to affect you in the public arena. ... He is supposed to be an advocate for player health safety. I want him to do his job."

The ledger, the tape…again ... not smoking guns, but pivotal and circumstantial pieces of the larger picture.

The booster.

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma has sued Goodell for defamation, claiming he has never been involved in a pay-to-injure scheme. What almost everyone has forgotten is that this isn't the first time Vilma has been accused of such a thing.

Yahoo Sports reported on notorious booster Nevin Shapiro, who spoke at length about Vilma.

Shapiro said he gave Vilma, when at the University of Miami, over $2,000 for bounties. One, Shapiro said, was a $1,000 hit on Florida State quarterback Chris Rix in 2002 that led to a personal foul penalty. Shapiro claimed he offered $5,000 to any Miami player who knocked Rix out of the game.

Shapiro is a cad, liar and criminal. Believe him at your own peril, but in the Yahoo story, he offers explicit details, and comes off as believable (and bitter). There was also this from Rix himself.

"I do remember a few late hits -- some of them were called, some of them weren't," Rix told Larry Brown Sports. "I remember one specifically in the 2003 BCS Orange Bowl game, after I had thrown a pass [Vilma] came in and led with his hand. He got it inside my facemask and gave me a black eye. I don't remember that being called as a late hit. Other ones were at the bottom of piles, yelling expletives at you and trying to get their hands in your facemask -- get your eye. I'm not the first football player that's happened to and I'm not the last. That happens a lot in those rivalry games.

"If I saw [Vilma], I really don't know what I'd say. I'd say 'I know you got offered $5,000 to take me out of the game. While you got a lot of good hits on me, you notice you never took me out of the game -- I always finished. So I'm sorry you never got the full $5,000 check for taking me out of the game.'"

The ledger. The tape. The booster. None of this is that exact bull's-eye, but there sure is a great deal of recent smoke, and anyone who believes otherwise, especially the Saints, isn't paying attention.

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NFL has copy of ledger detailing Saints' bounty earnings

Posted: 06:37 PM ET June 01, 2012

By Ryan Wilson | NFL Blogger

The plot thickens in the never-ending bounty saga. (Getty Images/US PRESSWIRE)
The intrigue surrounding the Saints bounty scandal continues. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has punished the organization from top to bottom, suspended linebacker Jonathan Vilma has sued Goodell for defamation, and on Friday, documentary filmmaker Sean Pamphilon implied that New Orleans players Drew Brees and Scott Fujita (now with the Browns) said that he should to release the damning audio recordings of then-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

And now there's this: The NFL has a copy of a ledger detailing weekly bounty earnings of Saints players, CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman has confirmed. The ledger shows both money earned from "cart-offs" ($1,000 payouts) and "whacks" ($400), as well as deductions for "mental errors" ($100), Yahoo.com's Jason Cole reported. Sources told Cole that the NFL presented the ledger during meetings with some of those involved in the scandal.

In one meeting, two entries from the 2009 season were highlighted, Cole writes. Facing the Bills on Sept. 27, 2009, "there were three $1,000 awards. ... And, in a game against the New York Giants on Oct. 18, there was a $1,000 bounty awarded for one cart-off."

It gets worse, allegedly: an opposing player who had been carted off and landed on injured reserve had an exclamation point next to his name in the ledger. "The players knew what their actions were for," the source said.

More via Cole's report:

"The players clearly knew what was going on each week with the payments," a source told Yahoo! Sports. In fact, multiple sources admitted that Saints defensive players would regularly encourage teammates to put money earned from the bounty system back into the pool. It's unclear if that was to increase the potential winnings or eventually use the money for some other purpose.

NFLPA spokesman George Atallah told Cole via text that the NFL "made mention" of the ledger during a meeting with the union in April but that the NFLPA hadn't yet seen it.

"I guess it either qualifies as evidence, which means fair due process was violated because [the] players didn't get to see it before they were punished or it is not hard evidence because they didn't get to see it and cross examine the validity of that piece of evidence," Atallah wrote to Cole.

Goodell said Thursday that bounties in the NFL shouldn't be an issue going forward. We were skeptical in light of several NFLPA grievances filed against Goodell as well as Vilma's lawsuit. Now, however, it seems the commissioner may have been onto something.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Ryan Wilson on Twitter here: @ryanwilson_07.

Tags: Drew Brees, Jonathan Vilma, Scott Fujita, Ryan Wilson, New Orleans Saints, NFL

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Saints coach Joe Vitt 'confident' Drew Brees will be at training camp

Posted: 06:00 PM ET May 31, 2012

By Will Brinson | Senior NFL Blogger

Vitt's 'confident' that Brees and the Saints will work something out in time for training camp. (Getty Images)
The Saints appear to be through the majority of the offseason turmoil (and boy has there been a lot), but one, gigantic elephant is kicking it in New Orleans: Drew Brees remains unsigned.

Brees was given the franchise tag by the Saints in the offseason but has yet to sign it. And there isn't much out there to provide inspiration for a quick return. But interim coach Joe Vitt says he's "confident" that Brees will be with the Saints for training camp.

"I feel confident he's going to be here,” Vitt said, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. “He'll be here."

Vitt was asked why he's so confident in Brees making it to camp and drew some laughter with his response.

"What else is he going to do?" Vitt asked, per our Saints Rapid Reporter Larry Holder. "He can't sing or dance."

Ha-ha! Not so funny is the clock ticking down on the July 16 deadline for the Saints to sign Brees to a long-term deal. If nothing's done by then, Brees will have to play on the one-year franchise deal. Vitt believes any sort of longer deal will happen at the "23rd hour."

"Pretty sure," Vitt said, via Rapoport. "Yeah, I know that. Listen, I don't think anybody thought this was going to be easy. We talked about the lockout last year, 'Well, they're going to come back then, they're going to come back here.' I think everybody knew it was going to come back to the 23rd hour and it would get done. There's a lot of revolving pieces Mickey (Loomis) has to get in with the cap and so on and so forth.

"This is going to get done, and it's going to get done when Drew and Mickey know what's best for our football team and we can move forward."

There's a number of factors that make Brees' case interesting, but most notable is the previous franchise tag he received from the Chargers in 2005. Not only did Brees end up suffering an injury on that one-year deal that put his career in jeopardy, but now the NFLPA is reportedly attemping to get Brees current franchise tag classified as a second tagging, which would increase his one-year salary.

Brees would then receive 120 percent of last season's salary, rather than the current tag amount he's slated to receive. Once that issue is resolved, it'll possibly make it smoother for negotiations to continue, if only because the two sides will have a clearer starting point.

In the meantime, Saints fans have to wait with baited breath, despite the confidence Vitt displayed on Thursday.

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @EyeOnNFL on Twitter, subscribe to our RSS Feed and subscribe to our Pick-6 Podcast and NFL newsletter. You can follow Will Brinson on Twitter here: @willbrinson.

Tags: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, NFL

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No Payton, no Brees? Hard to say it's no sweat for Saints these days

Thursday May 24, 2012 - 6:24 PM
By Larry Holder | CBSSports.com

Pete Carmichael is watching Chase Daniel (10) instead of Drew Brees running his offense. (US Presswire)

METAIRIE, La. -- It was the third day of the Saints organized team activities on Thursday.

Sean Payton wasn't here.

Neither was Drew Brees.

Instead, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael conversed with now first-team quarterback Chase Daniel with a play-call sheet and runs through the next offensive formation to run on the outdoor practice fields at the Saints facility in suburban New Orleans.

Not Payton. Not Brees.

Meanwhile, Payton's most newsworthy item occurred way earlier in the day. He attended a local prayer breakfast on Thursday morning for former wide receivers coach Curtis Johnson, who's now Tulane's head coach. Payton spoke to those in attendance saying, "Initially, I made a note here. I'm supposed to say, 'Curtis, we miss you.' "

There was a pause and a bellowing laugh from Johnson and the crowd.

"I mean I miss him, but I'm supposed to be telling him I miss him on Airline Drive [the location of the Saints practice facility]. The receivers ask about you. I can't say any of that," Payton said with a smile and to another chorus of laughter.

And what's the most newsworthy item of the day for Brees other than his lack of contract and absence from the Saints? Arnold Palmer.

Yes, that Arnold Palmer. I received an email on Wednesday that Brees is headlining a faux naming contest by Country Time Lemonade to rename the company's half-lemonade, half-iced tea mix. In other words, Brees is campaigning to rename the drink widely known as the "Arnold Palmer" and change it to a "Drew Brees."

"Summer is about getting ready for football and hanging with friends and family," Brees said in the press release. "Beyond that, everybody loves the feeling of the cool breeze from the ocean. How could you call it anything but the 'Brees?' "

This is the bizarre world that is the New Orleans Saints right now and for the known and unknown future as two of the organization's most important pieces ever are nowhere to be found on the practice field.

Of course, Payton's absence was expected. Expected is one thing. How to handle it once practices commenced was completely different. Acting head coach Joe Vitt said Thursday that he's still trying to sort out how to handle the transition.

New Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo poked fun at Vitt last week when Vitt was asked if he found himself thinking about what Payton would do if he were forced into one of the most bizarre scenarios any team has faced in recent NFL history.

"Every day," Vitt said without hesitation.

Then Spags chimed in without a hitch in his noticeable New England accent as if the two coaches had been coaching together for decades, "We catch him talking to himself a lot."

Vitt nodded in acknowledgement.

You almost wouldn't fault Vitt for walking around the Saints facility mumbling to himself like a lost soul in a padded room. Losing Payton for an entire season thanks to Payton's involvement and/or not stopping and/or lying to the NFL about the bounty scandal may drive someone batty. Losing your Super Bowl-winning leader on the sidelines and in the meeting rooms could be reason enough to drive any NFL assistant coaching lifer like Vitt trying to fill the void into a tailspin. Vitt has been here before, though. He filled in for an extended period for an ill Mike Martz in 2005 while with the Rams and briefly took over for Payton last season after Payton sustained a broken leg on the sideline in Tampa Bay.

So Vitt should settle down, right? You must have forgotten: This is the New Orleans Saints. There's no time to settle down because there has been storyline after storyline resonating from New Orleans and all offseason.

Not having Brees with the rest of his teammates throughout the entire offseason so far is the problem that has a solution and yet appears like there's no end in sight. Brees would be the calming effect a bounty scandal weary team and fan base could hang onto. Instead, Brees and general manager Mickey Loomis are stuck in park with contract negotiations.

Payton and Carmichael had admittedly been tied at the hip since the two arrived in New Orleans in 2006. Carmichael proved he can assume the play-calling and game planning duties last season as Carmichael had more freedom and more say so in the offense than ever. Carmichael can, for the most part, fill Payton's shoes.

Brees' absence matters more to the players than Payton's ban on the field and off it.

No matter how close Brees and Daniel are, and as much as Daniel may try to keep Brees in the loop after practices, no one can fill Brees' shoes. No one in the quarterback meeting room. No one in the organization. No one in the league.

Daniel said he understands his role right now with the Saints is to be a leader in the absence of Brees. But Daniel holds quite loftier goals than that.

"I don't want to step on anybody's feet or Drew's, but Drew knows, 'Hey, I'm coming after you each and every practice and each and every day,'" Daniel told CBSSports.com last week. "We're two of the most competitive people against each other. It will be a little bit weird and sort of an eerie feeling without him being on the field with us, but I've been here long enough and the guys trust me. ... [My role] is to try to get myself ready [for the season] as much as possible, however long this carries on and even when this ends and Drew is back. And when Drew gets back for OTAs, I'm still going to be competing with him for a starting job. That's what I've always taken into camp."

Delusion has at least faded for Daniel after his third OTA session.

"I'd say I'm No. 1B right now," Daniel said after Thursday's session. "Drew, I obviously know what my role is on this team. And right now it's to prepare like the starter and to take the No. 1 snaps. This is Drew's team. I'm just here to fill in and get ready and prepare like the starter, you know, like I have from 2009, when I started here."

Several teammates have said throughout the offseason that Brees is in such a rare situation where he holds almost the ultimate leverage in contract negotiations and that he has to take advantage of that. Considering that Brees is the only player on Payton's original roster in 2006 who played the entire life of his contract to this point without receiving an extension: Marques Colston (two new contracts -- 2008, 2012), Roman Harper (2011), Will Smith (2008), Jahri Evans (2010), Lance Moore (2011), Devery Henderson (2009) and Zach Strief (2011). And Payton has received two contract extensions through that time span.

"Drew Brees is a once in a lifetime kind of player. ... This time last year, Drew was paying for me to be in New Orleans (during player workouts at Tulane), be in a hotel, be with the team. ... To come this year and have him not be here is obviously tremendously difficult." fullback Jed Collins said.

Moore added: "The guy deserves whatever he wants."

You can insert just about any Saints players' name into the quotes above. It's a major bummer without Brees, but it's business.

Then there's the storyline that isn't.

The new Spagnuolo defense would have easily been the most pressing drama for the Saints this offseason had it not been for bounties and Brees contract troubles.

"It's funny," Spagnuolo told CBSSports.com on Thursday. "I'm so enthralled on what we're doing on defense that I haven't thought about it that much, but that's not to say I don't think about it. ... When I think of all of the reasons I chose to come here, those two [Payton and Brees] are the highest. And there not here right now, but things happen. Once I signed on, I was part of an organization and part of a team and you deal with the ebb and flow and you handle the adversity. I'm very hopeful that Drew will be back here. I know at some point Sean will be back here."

Then I pointed out that no Payton and Brees is more than simply ebb and flow.

"I know," Spagnuolo said laughing. "Which one is ebb and which one is flow. But that's OK. It's part of the league. It's been a different kind of offseason, but it's been exciting all the way through.

"Never a dull moment."

Dull is what the Saints could use at this point.

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