Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints / Image: Zuma Press

The Saints amassed just under 500 yards of total offense in scoring 38 points—even without slasher back Reggie Bush. Drew Brees was as close to perfect as a quarterback can be in this league. And the defense forced two Tom Brady interceptions and held the Pats to just 17 points—without starting cornerbacks Jabari Greer and Tracy Porter. That’s impressive.

Of their five remaining games, only the Dallas Cowboys appear to pose a serious threat to an undefeated New Orleans Saints season. And that particular game is in the Superdome. So I’m going to go ahead and give the Saints a perfect 16-0 record with home field advantage heading into the playoffs. As far as the road to Super Bowl XLIV is concerned, I’ve got to say—advantage Saints.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Will the New Orleans Saints Go Undefeated?

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The New Orleans Saints signed former Minnesota Vikings safety Darren Sharper today. Terms of the deal weren’t known at the time of this post. At 33-years-old, Darren has no doubt seen his best years, but he will probably give the Saints some much needed leadership in their defensive secondary. After all, he’s been to four Pro Bowls and has 54 career interceptions, which is more than any other active player. He seemed pretty excited to be leaving Minnesota to play for new Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams:

“He’s excellent. I talked to guys around the league, and they loved playing for him. He doesn’t get caught up in, ‘This is my system.’ He utilizes his players to the best of their ability, and that’s something that I’ve been looking for the last couple of years. It’s a chance to go the Super Bowl. We have the best offense in the league. We needed to add some things, and I think we did.”

The Saints were, as Darren said, first in total offense last season but 23rd in total defense. Hence the additions of coach Williams and free agents Paul Spicer (defensive end), Jabari Greer (cornerback) and Darren. How much this defense will be improved is yet to be seen, but they’ve certainly made some positive steps to catch up with their high-powered offense.

Sources: NFL.com, TwinCities.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Saints Sign Darren Sharper

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

As any National Football League backup will tell you, he’s just one play away from being the starter. And when given the opportunity, you’d better make the most of it. Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback Leodis McKelvin did just that today. Leodis has been a difference maker on special teams this season, leading the NFL in kick return yardage (1,140). But as a starter in the Bills secondary this afternoon, Leodis intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown in a 54-31 blowout win at Kansas City:

“It felt like I was in college. My first pick in college went for a score. I’m just out there trying to do my job.”

Not only did Leodis fill-in nicely for injured cornerback Jabari Greer, he probably took his job. In the NFL, it’s not what you’ve done. It’s what you’ve done lately. And when Leodis was selected 11th overall in this year’s Draft, it was so he would eventually take over one of the starting cornerback positions. That time has arrived.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

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Leodis McKelvin Goes Carpe Diem

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Buffalo Bills first round Draft pick Leodis McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million deal (with $12.6 million in bonuses) late yesterday. He missed the first two days of Bills training camp, and while any time missed is significant, especially for a rookie, he should be able to get caught up quickly thanks to his participation in OTAs this past offseason. Leodis was understandably thrilled and ready to hit the field:

“I’m really happy. I’m ready to come to camp and get things started with the team and compete and help the team out. I’ve been ready. I just want to get out there and help the defense out and just play football. Things will go up another notch for me. I want to play so for things to go well for me I’m just going to come out here and work very hard and try to get the team to the playoffs. That’s everybody’s goal right now, try to get to the playoffs and try to win a Super Bowl. We haven’t been to the playoffs since ‘99 so we’re going to try to get to the playoffs. That’s the first step.”

Leodis is expected to challenge Jabari Greer for a starting cornerback spot opposite Terrence McGee. But whether he starts or not, one thing’s for sure. Along with CB Ashton Youboty, he’ll see plenty of playing time this season. With Leodis’ signing (amidst a flurry of activity recently), it leaves only three remaining 2008 first round Draft picks unsigned — #7 Sedrick Ellis (New Orleans), #8 Derrick Harvey (Jacksonville) and #9 Keith Rivers (Cincinnati).

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Bills Sign Top Pick Leodis McKelvin

The Buffalo Bills have had a tumultuous 2007 season. But with Monday Night Football returning to Buffalo for the first time in 13 years, the Bills were hoping to shock the undefeated Dallas Cowboys until a last second field goal handed them their second one-point defeat of the still-young season. Bills DB and last week’s AFC Defensive Player-of-the-Week Jabari Greer talks about the team’s adversity and outlook from a somber postgame locker room.

Shownotes: David Kindervater (host); Jabari Greer (NFL player guest)

• 0:38 – The Bills left their heart and soul on the field
• 1:11 – Too many mistakes, time to go back to work
• 1:42 – Confidence unconquered is always challenged
• 2:38 – Jabari playing some great football right now
• 3:03 – Overcoming adversity by getting better
• 3:47 – Playing the underdog role
• 4:29 – The Monday Night Football spotlight
• 5:21 – Preparation the same as any week
• 6:00 – Coach Jauron’s quiet influence by example
• 6:48 – AFC Defensive Player-of-the-Week
• 7:33 – Team chemistry and closeness

Links: BuffaloBills.com, NFL.com

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

BPR Home Team Edition Jabari Greer