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By Tim Roberts
Sun, Aug 20, 2006
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will have recharged weapons at his disposal tonight, at least for most of the first half, as he prepares to face his most recent ex-employer the Dallas Cowboys.
Quarterback Drew Brees is slated to play the first two quarters, and running back Deuce McAllister and wide receiver Donte Stallworth will make their preseason debuts. Add Reggie Bush into the backfield and the Saints have a loaded first team for at least the first quarter.
“We’ve got a lot of talented athletes here,” Bush told reporters after Friday’s practice. “There should be no reason why we shouldn’t be putting points up on the board and scoring touchdowns.”
The Saints march into Shreveport as 1 ½-point dogs for the first half of tonight`s game, with the halftime total set at 18.
The first quarter line is less friendly to Saints backers (+ ½ point) but has a lower proportional total (seven points) for bettors eyeing a quick start from the Bayou talent.
McAllister will test his surgically repaired knee for at least a quarter. The Times-Picayune says Payton will use McAllister like he used Brees in the Tennessee game - three offensive series and done.
Payton expects a regular-season effort from McAllister, playing for the first time since Week 5 almost a year ago.
“You just don’t sit your guys in the preseason and wait for the first game of the year… with no execution, no timing and no rhythm,” he told the paper.
Stallworth, who caught 70 passes last year for 945 yards and seven majors, is playing for the first time following offseason shoulder surgery and groin problems in the early part of training camp. He wants to hold onto the No. 2 receiver slot behind Joe Horn and looks to impress Payton and the rest of the Saints staff.
Payton was hired as the Cowboys’ quarterback coach in 2003 and was promoted to passing game co-ordinator, during which he called the Cowboys’ offensive plays.
Dallas expects their former playcaller to take advantage of his fresh arsenal in front of a national television audience.
“We know what coach Payton is going to do,” safety Roy Williams told reporters. “This is his big highlight game, it’s a Monday night and he’s going to show us up, and we’re looking forward to it.”
New Orleans remains a 2 ½-point dog for this game, with the total bumped up to 35 points.
Sun, Aug 20, 2006
New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton will have recharged weapons at his disposal tonight, at least for most of the first half, as he prepares to face his most recent ex-employer the Dallas Cowboys.
Quarterback Drew Brees is slated to play the first two quarters, and running back Deuce McAllister and wide receiver Donte Stallworth will make their preseason debuts. Add Reggie Bush into the backfield and the Saints have a loaded first team for at least the first quarter.
“We’ve got a lot of talented athletes here,” Bush told reporters after Friday’s practice. “There should be no reason why we shouldn’t be putting points up on the board and scoring touchdowns.”
The Saints march into Shreveport as 1 ½-point dogs for the first half of tonight`s game, with the halftime total set at 18.
The first quarter line is less friendly to Saints backers (+ ½ point) but has a lower proportional total (seven points) for bettors eyeing a quick start from the Bayou talent.
McAllister will test his surgically repaired knee for at least a quarter. The Times-Picayune says Payton will use McAllister like he used Brees in the Tennessee game - three offensive series and done.
Payton expects a regular-season effort from McAllister, playing for the first time since Week 5 almost a year ago.
“You just don’t sit your guys in the preseason and wait for the first game of the year… with no execution, no timing and no rhythm,” he told the paper.
Stallworth, who caught 70 passes last year for 945 yards and seven majors, is playing for the first time following offseason shoulder surgery and groin problems in the early part of training camp. He wants to hold onto the No. 2 receiver slot behind Joe Horn and looks to impress Payton and the rest of the Saints staff.
Payton was hired as the Cowboys’ quarterback coach in 2003 and was promoted to passing game co-ordinator, during which he called the Cowboys’ offensive plays.
Dallas expects their former playcaller to take advantage of his fresh arsenal in front of a national television audience.
“We know what coach Payton is going to do,” safety Roy Williams told reporters. “This is his big highlight game, it’s a Monday night and he’s going to show us up, and we’re looking forward to it.”
New Orleans remains a 2 ½-point dog for this game, with the total bumped up to 35 points.