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Thomas Morstead ‏Thank you @USNavy for the private tour of Pearl Harbor

Thomas Morstead ‏“@bradsuttonpr: @thomasmorstead Gung Ho!” My Good Man

Dave Zirin ‏I just wrote this @thenation: “It’s a New World”: The Super Bowl Becomes a Platform for LGBT Equality http://bit.ly/WXRe1Y

Pierre Thomas ‏Appreciate it, proud to be a Saint “rt @LesFillingameII: @Pierre_Thomas you’re a great role model, proud you’re a saint!”

Justin Drescher ‏Not much better than cooking my own steak while looking at beach. #chef #Hawaii pic.twitter.com/XGEFJvIU

Wendell Pierce ‏@iWillSmith and @WendellPierce #SuperBowl #nola event Feb1 4gr8cause! tickets here… http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5167989596/ …” Watch Will and I on ESPN Monday.

JUNIOR GALETTE ‏Miami #LOUD 😎

Lance Moore ‏But I’m sleep

Wendell Pierce ‏MardiGras season in New Orleans: Award season in L.A. Caught Krewe of Oshun Parade last night,Checking out the Hollywood crew today.Bizarre

JUNIOR GALETTE ‏🌝RT @BriittTude: 😔 It sucks when u can have everyone but the one u want

Jeff Darlington ‏Just watched Eli Manning discreetly give several hotel workers at Pro Bowl each $100 bills, calling them by their first names. That’s class.

Jimmy Graham ‏Thanks to Michael Bay for opening your house up and being such a great host. Was a great honor and a good time.

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Defense Wins Championships

New Orleans Saints reach out to former Chiefs Coach Romeo Crennel in defensive coordinator search, source says | NOLA.com
Larry Holder – No surprise Romeo Crennel is being linked to Saints defensive coordinator job.

PFT Live Video: Payton, Saints take step forward | ProFootballTalk
Mike Florio talks with newly-reinstated Saints coach Sean Payton about the release of Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator, how he spent his time away from the game, his opinion of former DC Gregg Williams, and much more.

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Saints in the Pro Bowl

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham had to turn down Pro Bowl after wrist surgery | NOLA.com
Mike Triplett – Graham had surgery to repair lingering wrist injury after 2012 season, according to league source.

New Orleans Saints punter Thomas Morstead enjoying ‘surreal’ moments at Pro Bowl | NOLA.com
Larry Holder – Saints punter’s charitable efforts may top Pro Bowl experience.

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The Road to New Orleans

Joe Flacco, Colin Kaepernick go from Senior Bowl upstarts to Super Bowl 2013 quarterbacks | NOLA.com
Larry Holder – Saints director of college scouting recalls how well Flacco, Kaepernick performed in annual college all-star game week.

San Fran Taking Steps To Prevent Super Bowl Violence – WWL | AM870 | FM105.3
Associated Press – San Francisco officials are taking tougher measures to prevent potential fan violence on Super Bowl Sunday when the 49ers battle the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans.

Ray Lewis is example of troubled athlete who was able to shift personal narrative | NOLA.com
Rachel Whittaker – Lance Armstrong, Manti Te’o may have harder road ahead, experts say.

Super Bowl 2013 spurs business bustle in New Orleans, but economists differ on the net gain | NOLA.com
Mark Waller – As the Super Bowl 2013 crowds stream through New Orleans in the coming days, teams of survey takers dispatched by University of New Orleans economist Janet Speyrer will patrol key junctions.

New Orleans Super Bowl MVP flashback: Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1975 | NOLA.com
Rachel Whittaker – Set Super Bowl record with 158 rushing yards.

New Orleans Super Bowl MVP flashback: Randy White, Harvey Martin, Dallas Cowboys, 1978 | NOLA.com
Trey Iles – Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman were the first – and only – co-MVPs in Super Bowl history.

Peter Finney’s Super Bowl memories, 1978: Dallas 27, Denver 10 | NOLA.com
Dallas won big with its defense, mercilessly pounding former Cowboy Craig Morton.

Super Bowl stirring up Roesler memories | The Advocate
Ted Lewis – The Super Bowl is coming to town for the 10th time next week. And for the first time Bob Roesler won’t be taking part.

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Lagniappe

Top 10 Plays of the 2012 Season: #2 – Jonathan Vilma’s Pick Six | thesaintsnation.com
Andrew Juge – As awesome as this play was, the symbolism behind it made it more special.

President Obama’s inauguration a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith | NOLA.com
Larry Holder – Saints defender couldn’t pass up a trip to Monday’s inauguration.

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Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

In an unlikely turn of events, it appears the Saints are interested in handing their new 3-4 defense over to the same man who rocked the franchise with scandal and allegations nearly a year ago.

Sources close to both parties have confirmed, Gregg Williams may return as defensive coordinator for the Saints in 2013 pending reinstatement from the NFL. It is still uncertain who reached out to who initially.

An anonymous source familiar with the Saints, who just recently fired Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator after just one season, have said the team feels the move to a 3-4 scheme is as big a change as the team can take right now.

“The organization feels they need a familiar face and voice to carry this defense to success under a brand new scheme.”

A recent piece chronicling the former NFL coach after his indefinite suspension has surfaced. This piece from the Excelsior Springs Standard sheds some light on what Williams’ plans may be going forward.

Williams grew tired of the courtroom battles and being away from the game he loved.

“I couldn’t just sit around and watch wrasslin’ and nature shows on TV anymore. I needed to be around football. I’m a football coach.”

Williams had a revelation while attending his nephew’s Pop Warner football game this past summer.

“The kids were using this 3-4 defense and then it just hit me, I thought if I use this 3-4 that gives me one more linebacker to blitz with!”

The smile on his face was undeniable. “These kids were using it all wrong though. That coach had to go. I gave him a remember me shot in the parking lot after the game and the next day I took over, for free of course. This is for the kids.”

It took no time at all for the kids to grasp. By the first game under Williams they were routinely sending eight defenders at the opposing quarterback.

“It was easy,” said safety Jimmy Harris. “Coach just told us not to think and to just run at the quarterback.”

Williams said he truly enjoyed his experience teaching the kids and he found their motivation pretty easily.

“The kids loved the Power Point presentations I made. And they really appreciated the time and effort that went into them.”

He laughed as he explained his key to success, “Motivating these kids cost me a fortune! They got candy if they made a kid cry, ice cream if they got one to wet himself, and McDonald’s if a kid was carried off the field by his mommy.”

His crowning moment as a leader of young men came when he lead his team to a county title.

“We kicked some butt that day. Let’s just say that the opposing quarterback must’ve got a fortune from the tooth fairy that night!”

Unfortunately, Williams’ team had their title forfeited due to excessive taunting and poor sportsmanship.

Williams seemed sincere in his final plea. “I’m ready to take this 3-4 scheme to the NFL. All I’m asking for is a chance.”

Williams is on record saying he relishes the opportunity to feature Roman Harper as the centerpiece of his blitz-heavy 3-4 scheme. He intends to move Harper to free safety to fill the ball-hawking role the Saints most desperately need.

One major obstacle remains, however, and that’s NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. The Saints must await approval from the commissioner’s office before moving forward with the potential hire, as Williams will need to have his indefinite suspension lifted.

Commissioner Goodell declined an interview for this piece but did say, between uncontrollable laughter, that he is quite eager to approve the Saints request.

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

Sean Payton and the Saints have decided to switch their defensive scheme to a conventional 3-4, and rightfully ditch the 4-3 that landed them as the NFL’s worst defense in history. There has always been contention that the Saints retain much more strength in their linebacker core, so this is no surprise.

With the additions of players like Curtis Lofton and Martez Wilson over the last few years, and potential rookie-ready draft picks looming, who will serve as the Saints front seven in the 2013 season?

Looking at the 2012 roster, the leading candidates for the tall task in 2013 look to be Jonathan Casillas (OLB), Jonathan Vilma (ILB), Curtis Lofton (ILB), Martez Wilson (OLB), Will Smith (DT) Sedrick Ellis (NT), and Cameron Jordan (DT) if all cap issues are handled.

But things can change quickly. The Saints will certainly pick up at least three more linebackers and three more defensive tackles in the offseason, both through the draft or free agency.

So how will the roster shake out and who will wind up being the starting front seven for the Saints defense in 2013? More important, will this abrupt scheme change be enough to turn the tides for the NFL’s worse defense?

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

Tweets

Media members covering the Super Bowl: you will be greeted by a Mardi Gras Float in Radio Row #SB47 pic.twitter.com/o5bOAYUp

A banner of each Super Bowl ring hangs in the New Orleans Convention Center. Your favorite one: pic.twitter.com/InhmKgXb

Two defensive coaching candidates the Saints will consider adding to staff include Eric Mangini and Romeo Crennel, per…http://say.ly/sKG52jD

For those asking about Romeo Crennel, he has drawn plenty of interest (at least 6 teams). Just a matter of his interest/plans going fwd.

2 ways to win a trip to the Super Bowl from @DrewBrees:http://bit.ly/Vcj49E & @ThomasMorstead: http://bit.ly/QtCQyS

Check out this Lombardi Trophy display near the @MBSuperdomehttp://twitpic.com/by6owr #NOLA #SB47

Honey was found in the tombs of Egyptian Pharoahs. It was tasted by archaeologists & found edible. It does not spoil! #MindBlown

Dave makes a good point. Old Vilma is not Young Vilma.http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2013/1/25/3914124/what-does-the-3-4-switch-mean-for-jonathan-vilma …

Tickets still available for Super Bowl Media Day next Tuesday. Meet@MalcolmJenkins, @DarrenSproles & @Saintsations:http://bit.ly/149Adr2

A DC that makes a 3-4 work in Nola again will be a hero right up there with Payton #nostalgia

RT @ripengler: @scottshanle just like @scottfujita99 , I will always consider you a Saint….thank you! Feeling is mutual

Good morning to all you cloistered, close-minded pre-Katrina#Saints fans.

Hire Ray Horton for DC, draft Te’o and call next year’s defense Horton Mantivirus. *ba dum bum* #illbehereallweek

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Steve Spagnuolo fired after one terrible season as Saints DC

Saints fire defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo | wwltv.com New Orleans
“As I looked at the team last year, I thought we needed to mix up our fronts,” Shanle said. “Martez (Wilson) and Junior (Galette) could have been outside in a 3-4 with Jonathan (Vilma) and Curtis (Lofton) on the inside. I think the personnel makes sense.”

Handwerger: Payton took little time to regain control | wwltv.com New Orleans
Though not with the franchise this past season due to his bounty-related suspension, it’s likely Payton was hoarding information about the defense in his “off” time, striking his forehead with the palm of his hand time and again.

Sean Payton Fired Steve Spagnuolo and Will Switch to 3-4 Defense, What Impact Will It Have? | The Big Lead
In the case of New Orleans, if the New Orleans Saints get the average impact that teams switching to the 3-4 defense have received, they will be Super Bowl contenders again in 2013. New Orleans has rarely had a good defense in the Sean Payton era. When they have been merely closer to average than horrible, they have been contenders. In the three seasons since 2006 when New Orleans has ranked in the bottom 8 in points allowed, they have never had a winning season. In the other four seasons, they are a combined 47-17 with four playoff appearances, two trips to the NFC Championship Game, and one Super Bowl title.

Saints fire defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo
Saints switching to a 3-4 scheme after finishing last in yards allowed this past season.

PFT Live: Sean Payton, PFT Planet | ProFootballTalk
We hoped to have Saints coach Sean Payton on PFT Live on Thursday, but it didn’t work out. So we’ll have him Friday instead. Payton has returned to work following his reinstatement and didn’t waste any time shaking things up.

Mickles: Sean Payton gets right back at it with Saints | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA
If Sean Payton was looking for a blessing in disguise during a season-long suspension from his team last fall, he found it when he went bac…

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Saints are switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Who will lead it?

Report: Saints interested in Crennel and Mangini | ProFootballTalk
Crennel and Mangini have worked together before and both run the 3-4 defense that New Orleans is looking to put in place this offseason. Both men were on Bill Belichick’s staff in New England when the Patriots won three Super Bowls before Crennel moved to Cleveland to become their head coach. Mangini took over as defensive coordinator and then jumped to become the Jets head coach in 2006. Mangini wound up replacing Crennel with the Browns before moving to ESPN and Crennel was fired by the Chiefs on New Year’s Eve.

Saints take whole new direction on defense with dismissal of Spagnuolo
Spagnuolo’s still-to-be-named replacement (Joe Vitt?) will oversee the transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4, a move that Payton announced just two days after being reinstated from a season-long suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Sean Payton says New Orleans Saints will take their time before hiring next defensive coordinator | NOLA.com
Payton explains reasons for firing Steve Spagnuolo, switching to 3-4 defensive system

Five defensive coaches to watch as the New Orleans Saints search for a defensive coordinator | NOLA.com
Former Chiefs Coach Romeo Crennel could be the early favorite to become defensive coordinator

Payton’s in no hurry to hire a new defensive coordinator | ProFootballTalk
With the 2013 hiring cycle nearing a conclusion, the Saints are just getting started in their search for a new defensive coordinator. But coach Sean Payton isn’t concerned about that. He says that the team will take its time in finding someone to run its new 3-4 defense.

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Saints interview transcripts

Sports Radio Interviews ” Blog Archive ” Drew Brees Believes The Saints Can Create A Legacy Of Winning Multiple Super Bowls And Is Excited To Have Sean Payton Back

Sports Radio Interviews ” Blog Archive ” Sean Payton: “There’s No Promise of us Being an 11- or 12-Win Team just Because the Head Coach is Back”

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Today’s brilliant Jeff Duncan rant brought to you by the Angry Who Dat. Bravo, sir!

Jeff Duncan Is A Pretentious Goddamn Moron Troll, Episode 1,573 (featuring Fake Jeff Duncan) The Angry Who Dat
Jeff Duncan is a miserable, self-loathing troll who f***ing hates his job and his readership and loves the penises of powerful commissioners and Sports Illustrated blowhards.

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Lagniappe:

Tattoo artist living his dream with the help of Colin Kaepernick as his canvas – Yahoo! Sports
From Yahoo! Sports: Nes Andrion’s work on the body of San Francisco’s new starting QB has garnered a great deal of attention.

NFL doesn’t always put the highest-graded officials in the Super Bowl | ProFootballTalk
For the 49ers and Ravens, the path to the Super Bowl was clear: They won their divisions, then won their playoff games, and now they have a chance to earn the right to be considered the best team in the NFL.

Some officials cry foul over Jerome Boger refereeing the Super Bowl | ProFootballTalk
Jerome Boger will referee Super Bowl XLVII, but some of his colleagues think he was the wrong choice. Several officials told Eric Adelson of Yahoo Sports that they believe the league office first decided it wanted to give the game to Boger, then changed his grades so that he would come out as the…

New Orleans Pelicans Announcement
New Orleans Saints and Hornets Owner Tom Benson announced on Wednesday, January 24, 2013 that at the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, the name of the Hornets will become the New Orleans Pelicans.

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Video

Drew Brees has some Pro Bowl fun – NFL Videos

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees mic’s up during Pro Bowl practice and chats with Russell Wilson, displays his elite skills and has some fun with his fellow teammates.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees: ‘We want to get this thing back on track’ – NFL Videos
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees joins “NFL Total Access” from Pro Bowl practice in Hawaii to give us his thoughts on Sean Payton being reinstated as the Saints head coach.

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

Wow. What a train ride Saints fans have had this past season. What seemed to be the end of the ride now appears to have been just a pit stop on its way to an exhilarating ending full of uncertainties. One thing we do know, is that Steve Spagnuolo has departed the train.

After coaching a defense that allowed 7,042 total yards of offense, a record worst, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been fired. You would think this would come as no surprise. But because of the extreme circumstances surrounding the Saints in 2012, I, along with many other Saints fans, figured he would be given a pass. Well, I guess not.

We have also learned from coach Payton that the Saints are switching their defensive philosophy to a 3-4 alignment. For those that don’t know, a 3-4 is made up of three down lineman – a nose tackle and two ends – and four linebackers. Personally, I feel that this is a great move because it allows for more versatility and speed due to the substitution of another linebacker.

We all know that it would be foolish to think that this switch will suddenly completely fix the Saints’ defensive woes. This will have to be a two or three year process before major success is returned. Like John Maxwell said, “You can pay now and play later, or you can play now and pay later. Either way you will pay.”

The Saints are choosing the “pay now” approach in hopes of future success. But just because the defense technically will be rebuilding doesn’t mean that it will be sliced and diced again this year. Who knows? This project might have immediate prosperity.

With the switch to a 3-4 alignment comes a switch in personnel. The nose tackle position now becomes as important as ever. Whoever the Saints choose to play this position must be huge and must be able to take on a double team. Basically, this player will be a giant plug. The defensive ends in a 4-3 defense are generally smaller than the defensive tackles, and are speedy pass rushers. In a 3-4, however, the ends must be bigger because their first priority is to stop the run.

The linebackers will need be a little different as well. The middle linebackers should be the biggest of the group, while the outside guys will need to be smaller and speedy so they can rush the passer. Some of these personnel changes can be made by switching around the guys that they have now, but a few will definitely need to be new acquisitions. Jarvis Jones from the University of Georgia now seems to be an applicable first round draft pick for the Saints.

And then there’s the grand finale. Who will be the new defensive coordinator? Because of the change in defensive philosophy, the Saints will obviously have to find a play-caller that corresponds to the alignment. The problem is, there are only a couple premier, NFL-experienced options that would fit well.

The two that stand out the most to me are Mike Singletary and Romeo Crennel. If it were up to me, I would take Romeo in a heart beat. He helped take the Patriots to three Super Bowls victories in 2001, 2003, and 2004. That alone proves he is a supreme defensive mind. As a team clean off of this alignment switch, I think it would be in the Saints’ best interest to bring in Romeo because of his success with the 3-4.

With all of this said, what’s next guys?

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

With news yesterday of the Saints‘ switch to the 3-4 defensive scheme, we should all be prepared for further change and definitely more fallout. Specifically on the personnel side. We could be in for a lot of roster shuffling in the coming months.

One player who could become a casualty is linebacker and defensive leader Jonathan Vilma. He’s always been a strictly 4-3 kinda guy. He doesn’t match well with a 3-4 scheme. In fact, when Eric Mangini took over the Jets – Vilma’s former team – in 2006 and brought with him a switch to the 3-4, Vilma’s production suffered seriously over the next two years. So much so that in 2008 the Jets let him shop for a trade, one that brought him to New Orleans.

Now that the Saints are moving to a 3-4 defense themselves, it would be fair to expect Vilma to experience the same problems again.

But that may not be the case. In the 4-3 defense that Vilma has become accustomed to, the middle linebacker is a sideline-to-sideline player with plenty of freedom to cover a lot of ground. The 3-4 defense, however, is significantly more restrictive for the linebackers and requires more discipline.

So while it wasn’t a good fit for Vilma in his younger days, it could be perfect for him now that he finds himself in the twilight of his career. Less responsibility. Less ground to cover. Good for an older player who’s lost a step. Remember, too, that under Gregg Williams the Saints mixed in a little of the 3-4, so it’s not as if he’s never played it.

Does the switch to a 3-4 defense mean the end for our dear old Jonathan Vilma or will he be able to adapt and survive? It will be interesting to find out.

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

My very first article for CSC was about the hiring of Steve Spagnuolo. I was all for the hire from the outset. Just like many other Saints fans, I was done with Gregg Williams. Not just the “bounty” situation but the on-field results he was generating without Darren Sharper leading the defense. A change had to be made and Spags seemed like a good choice.

Spags was like the anti-Gregg. Cerebral, non-demonstrative, and highly accountable. No “look at me” antics from this guy and most importantly, not the same predictable defensive scheme. Spags led the 2011 Rams, the NFC’s worst team, to a stunning win over these Saints the season before he was hired. The defensive effort and scheme was outstanding that day, featuring a relentless pass rush without the need for excessive blitzing.

It could have been a perfect marriage. Sean Payton’s unstoppable offense paired with Steve Spagnuolo’s disciplined defense. What could go wrong?

Instead, what didn’t go wrong? Payton missed the entire season, the draft picks were slim to none, and the defense just couldn’t “figure it out.” The 2012 New Orleans Saints gave up the most single season yards in NFL history, by a mile. A sure thing became a flat out bust.

Despite all of his on-field failings last season, I still respect Steve Spagnuolo as a man and a football coach. It just wasn’t meant to be. Wrong place, wrong time I suppose you might say. He always took the heat and he believed in this team. He didn’t make excuses or throw any players under the bus, it’s unfortunate that same courtesy wasn’t extended to him.

Spags was always at a disadvantage. He was saddled with “Gregg’s guys” and there weren’t enough draft picks or cap space to change that very much. He did the best he could with what he had. Well, his best sucked in 2012. He made chicken s*** out of chicken s***, to be frank. Spags trying to teach the post-Gregg Williams defense to be cerebral was an exercise in futility. The brutal simplicity of the constant blitz scheme was etched into their minds, it was motor reflex after three seasons. In hindsight, it just wasn’t going to work.

In the end it’s unfortunate things ended like this. The results of this past season will undoubtedly hurt Spagnuolo’s prospects going forward. Spags will find work somewhere and rebuild his reputation I’m sure. I wouldn’t be surprised if this guy is leading one of the NFL’s better defenses somewhere down the road. Success for Spags and the Saints was never meant to be. He was a stand up guy and he never embarrassed the organization even though his defensive effort certainly did.

Spags, despite the records set last season I wish you luck in the future. The Saints desperately needed a change on defense and with coach Payton back at the helm, there’s no better time than now.

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been fired by Sean Payton and the Saints this evening, reports Larry Holder of the Times-Pic.

“I personally want to thank Steve and Ken for their contributions during what was an unprecedented 2012 season,” Payton said in a statement. “Philosophically we are changing our defense to a 3-4 alignment and right now is the best time to accomplish this transition.”

Let me be the first to say, “Whoa!” I guess we know now that Sean Payton really didn’t like what he saw from the Saints last season. I’m surprised Spagnuolo has turned out to be a one-and-done defensive coordinator here in New Orleans, but if his style really doesn’t fit a 3-4 scheme than I suppose the move makes complete sense.

Gotta say this is exciting. I think this means we can expect some sweeping changes this year, which is great news considering how terrible 2012 was. I just hope making the switch to a 3-4 doesn’t mean taking one step backward before taking two forward.

How are you feeling about the move?

Read more of this Saints News post via Canal Street Chronicles - All Posts

Tweets

Landrieu says changing to the Pelicans gives New Orleans the final step in making the team the city’s.

Landrieu: I’m pumped up about the #Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans’ logos http://twitpic.com/bxxy0f #NOLA#PelicansNBA

ALCU sues to block Super Bowl ”clean zone” in N.O. http://bit.ly/WXjUqn

Dennis Lauscha, team president, says pelicans represents the city and the region.

Lauscha says the font for New Orleans was inspired by Bourbon Street

Their secondary logo is a “Bird de lis.” The fleur de lis shaped like a pelican.

Here it is, your new logo. pic.twitter.com/92pEVxGE

The Pelicans’ colors will be blue, gold and red #PelicansNBA#NOLA

Off we go.. pic.twitter.com/B80QB8x7

Haha RT @UberFacts: The rhyme “Step on a crack, break your mother’s back” was originally “Step on a crack and your mother will turn black.”

Sean Payton re-booked for tomorrow’s PFT Live. Unless it actually turns out to be Ronaiah Tuiasosopo.

Goodell on reception he expects to receive in New Orleans after bounty case: “We’ll find out next week but we’re excited about being there.”

Here is my 1st synthetic speech from the Team Gleason House press conference via @megfarriswwl http://ow.ly/h4VGH -SG#ExcuseMySlobbering

Tickets still available for Super Bowl Media Day. @MalcolmJenkins& @DarrenSproles will sign autographs at the event http://bit.ly/149Adr2

Report: New Orleans Hornets> Pelicans announce new nickname, logo today (via Yahoo! Sports) ” http://bit.ly/10D3V36 still not 2 late! No! Ha

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Grandmaster Wang brilliantly responds to Jeff Duncan’s pretentious “Goodell should be hailed as hero” rant

moosedenied ” Blog Archive ” It’s a fine, fine day for a reunion…
Anyway, setting aside Roger’s self-serving ploy for retroactive redemption, this is simply the latest example of certain members of the Legitimate Media™ taking themselves (and by extension the situation) way, way too seriously. They’ve conjured up this horrifying image in their minds of a citywide angry mob unleashing all manner of incivility under the brightest of international spotlights, and they’ve taken it upon themselves to pre-emptively plead with us to behave. To condescendingly lecture us on how important it is that we somehow manage to control ourselves while the elites are among us. You know, for the good of the city. Wouldn’t want to project the image that we’re a bunch of butthurt lunatics at the mercy of our own misguided spite. Or something. Shove it up your ass, Duncan. You too, Mitch.

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Another great post bitch-slapping Jeff Duncan

Times-Picayune Columnist Jeff Duncan: ‘Roger Goodell Should Be Hailed As A New Orleans Hero’ | HOT 107.9
Look, I’m just a DJ who happens to love the Saints, my home state of Louisiana, and it’s crowned jewel that we know as the city of New Orleans – and I’m well aware that my opinion may not matter to most, but my message to Jeff Duncan is this: How dare you? Using the magnitude of Hurricane Katrina’s disastrous affect on the city of New Orleans as a platform to humiliate it’s residents is disgusting in every sense of the word. Criticizing them for their disgust with a man whose proven reckless and unfair handling of the very team that you credit as their savior of their city, shows just how flawed your logic is

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There’s a storm brewing in NOLA

WWL – AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports – ALCU Sues To Block Super Bowl ”clean Zone” In N.O.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana is suing to block the city of New Orleans from maintaining a so-called “clean zone”" where the use of banners, signs and flags will be restricted during Super Bowl festivities. The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit Thursday on behalf of an activist and a street preacher who claim the city”s enforcement of a new ordinance and a code enforcement guide will trample on their free speech rights and limit their activities in the days leading up to the Feb. 3 game. The ACLU claims the city adopted the new policies at the behest of the NFL. SATCH NOTE: Scared much, Roger?

Bountygate: The NFL owes New Orleans an apology | Washington Times Communities
Not only did the Saints not pay players to injure players on other teams; their rate of causing injuries was the second lowest in the League.

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Sean Payton back in charge

Saints put on notice by Payton with measured words upon return
It was clear the alpha dog in the Saints organization was sending a message to his coaches and players that a seven-win season was unacceptable.

Sean Payton was prepared for return to the spotlight | NOLA.com
New Orleans Saints coach was at ease in his first day back

MOBILE, Ala.: Saints’ Payton talks ‘closure’ at Senior Bowl – Football Wires – MiamiHerald.com
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton kept using the word “closure” during an extraordinary, 45-minute news conference Wednesday morning following the North team practice at the Senior Bowl.

Sean Payton returns to work at Senior Bowl | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA
MOBILE, Ala. — A day after being reinstated from a season-long bounty suspension, New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton strode confidently i…

Sean Payton Was Never Going To Leave The New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was never going to leave the team. Find out why he is a perfect fit for the Saints.

New Orleans Saints defensive struggles have been keeping Sean Payton up at night | NOLA.com

Payton didn’t reveal any planned changes but made it clear that fixing defense is an urgent priority

Sean Payton: ‘No interest’ in talking to Gregg Williams

The reinstated New Orleans Saints coach also said there was ‘no way’ he was going to coach another team

Reinstated New Orleans coach Sean Payton seeking ‘closure’ to Bountygate Scandal – NYPOST.com

MOBILE, Ala. — Wednesday was the first day of the rest of Sean Payton’s coaching career, and the Saints’ newly reinstated sideline boss was only looking ahead.Fresh from the early…

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton returns to work at Senior Bowl – NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN

Sean Payton returned to work Wednesday following a nearly yearlong suspension for his role in the Saints bounty program. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton returns to work at Senior Bowl

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Lagniappe

Former NFL cheerleader Sarah Jones’ libel lawsuit in jury’s hands – NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN
The attorney for a former Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader who had sex with her underage student is telling jurors they have an opportunity to send a message across the U.S. by finding that a gossip website defamed her in lewd online posts. Former NFL cheerleader Sarah Jones libel lawsuit in jurys hands

This Week in Saints History: January 23-29
2010—Saints defeated the Vikings in the Superdome, 31-28, in overtime to win the NFC Championship and advance to their first Super Bowl.

New Orleans? New York is already getting ready for the next Super Bowl, which will be in the Meadowlands – NY Daily News
The Big Apple will become the Big Pigskin this time next year, with 10 midtown blocks closed to traffic and dedicated to football fun and games ahead of Super Bowl XLVIII.

WWL – AM870 | FM105.3 | News | Talk | Sports – Feds Charge Former Saint Erxleben With Fraud
Federal authorities say former NFL kicker Russell Erxleben has been charged with running an illegal investment scheme that raised more than $2 million.

Malcolm Jenkins and Darren Sproles to Sign Autographs at Super Bowl XLVII Media Day
Media Day Fueled by Gatorade will take place on Tuesday, January 29, 2013

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Which, in your opinion, helps the Saints secondary more next season: a veteran with a decent track record (acquired through free agency) or more skilled young guys (acquired through the draft)? – Mike R.

Definitely a veteran. There’s always a learning curve for rookies, so unless they’re some supreme talent, you can’t expect them to become a significant contributor. Since you’re asking about an immediate impact and next season in particular, a veteran is going to give the Saints a better shot at immediate improvement.

What was to blame more for the Saints abysmal defense last year? Scheme or personnel? - Tim P.

Both. Definitely both. I think the new scheme took some getting used to for the players and I think the players as a whole aren’t the most talented in the league (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I also think Steve Spagnuolo needed to get more familiar with the players he had and learn how best to use them.

Is Drew in decline? - Sylvain G.

Just as we are all getting older, Drew is always heading toward the inevitable end of his career.

Will we win the SB in 2013? - J. Ricky

There are so many factors and so many things that have to go right for a team to win a Super Bowl. The chances are pretty slim, but I like to think the Saints will be in the running. I certainly expect them to be much improved.

Will I find true love? - Canu U.

Reply hazy, try again.

We all know that you’re a season ticket holder, Will you be attending the SB and who will you be pulling for? - Tac H.

Unfortunately, I will not. Being a Saints season ticket holder does not get you any rights or privileges for the Super Bowl. Since I hate the 49ers, I will be pulling for the Baltimore Ravens.

Will the Superdome or Saints ever replace the worst PA announcer in the NFL (Jerry Romig)? – T. Mac

Probably not until Jerry retires (which he probably won’t) or passes away. Jerry does make his fair share of mistakes but I can’t call him the worst in the NFL because I’ve never heard every PA announcer. I believe he gets help identifying players from his daughter while in the booth. Regardless, Jerry is a fixture and a critical part of Saints culture. He’s as crucial to the game day experience as the Who Dat chant.

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