Wow, a lot going on this week!  First, Saints owner Tom Benson has purchased WVUE, the local FOX TV affiliate in New Orleans.  He says this can be taken as a good sign about the team’s future in the city (let’s hope).

If that doesn’t get you going, how about former MVP running back Shaun Alexander visiting the team?  Yes, this would be great insurance if Deuce is unable to go - but what does this say about Reggie Bush?

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We’re talking Sedrick Ellis, Tracy Porter, DeMario Pressley, Carl Nicks, Taylor Mehlhaff and Adrian Arrington.  All hail the draft class of 2008!

Episode Length: 23:23

It’s all about the 2008 NFL Draft!  We’ll recap what the Saints did and how it impacts the team.

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We’re talking about the draft, trade rumors (ie Jeremy Shockey and Lito Sheppard) and all the roster moves made since the last show.

Episode Length: 28:55

P.S. - My apologies for the technical difficulties.  I had some call recording problems and thus the sound quality isn’t as good as it could be.

Let’s spend some time catching up on what the Saints have been up to!  We’ll discuss the 2008 schedule, Deuce’s return and welcome a new backup QB to ‘Nawlins.

Please do join in the converstation:
The show is INTERACTIVE, meaning you can call in or join our chatroom.  All the details on how to participate are right here.  When the show is going on live, just check out the TalkShoe Player on the right side of this page to and click on the “Live Now” button, or visit our TalkShoe page.

Call Us When the Show is Live:

1. Dial 724-444-7444 (long-distance charges may apply)
2. Enter Talkcast ID: 5319
3. Enter 1#

Need some technical help to participate? Click here for some help!

NOTE: Can’t make it to the live show?  You can also send an email to me with your comments about the game and I’ll read it “on the air!”.

It’s right here!

Some highlights:
9/21/08 - @ Denver
We have the AFC West this year and Denver’s always a tough place to play.  Of course, being there in September is better than being there in December!

10/6/08 - vs Minnesota (Monday Night Football)
Our revamped linebacker corps will have a shot to show us how improved they are.  They get a chance to face Adrian Peterson in front of a national audience.

10/12/08 - vs Oakland
Will Jamarcus Russell have his homecoming as a starter?

10/26/08 - vs San Diego (in London)
Facing LT and the Bolts across the pond.  A big test, for sure.  But a win gives the Saints a lot of momentum heading into their bye week.

11/24/08 - vs Green Bay (Monday Night Football)
Hopefully Brett Favre will stay retired!

12/11/08 - @ Chicago (Thursday Night Football)
Seriously, does a year go by when we don’t have to go to Chicago?  Enough already!

Facing the AFC West will not be easy.  Heck, facing the NFC South is no picnic.  But the Saints have the talent to get it done.  Let’s geaux!

The running game is back - because it looks like #26 will remain a Saint for the 2008 season

Obviously, the Saints must be confident in Deuce McAllister’s recovery from his knee surgeries.  Hopefully he’ll be able to come back just as strong as he did from the last major surgery.

I know, it’s been forever since the last show!  Don’t ya hate it when life gets in the way of football?  Well, I’ll be broadcasting again very soon   Until then, keep those positive thoughts going and let’s look forward to the draft.

Speaking of the draft, the Times-Picayune has an idea of who our Saints should take with the #10 pick in the first round.

In case ya missed it, QB Mark Brunell has come in to take Jamie Martin’s spot and C/G Matt Lehr will compete for the starting center spot.

I have to admit, I know very little about Lehr.  So I’ll keep the focus here on Brunell.  I’ve seen a good bit of him with the Redskins and I think he’ll make a decent backup.  He didn’t have the best of runs in Washington as a starter, but he is a smart guy and well suited to back up Drew Brees.  Plus, the Skins aren’t really known as an offensive powerhouse so I’ll give him somewhat of a mulligan for his time in DC.

Three cheers for Steve Gleason, who retired after 7 years with the Saints!  Steve will always be best known for his blocked punt that led to a dramatic touchdown in the Superdome’s reopening back in 2006.  He’ll also be remembered for his long locks, his great special teams play and his committment to community service.  He says he plans to get married this spring and keep a home in New Orleans.

Good luck Steve and thanks for the memories!

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Larry Holder of the Biloxi Sun Herald joins me to discuss the Saints offseason so far and the upcoming draft.

THANKS LARRY!

Episode Length: 33:54

Update: In this episode, I stated that Randall Gay’s contract was a 5 year deal.  It’s actually a 4 year pact.  My bad!

By the way, in the next episode I will discuss the signing of LB Dan Morgan

More help for the defense is on the way!  Former Patriots CB Randall Gay signed a four year deal, while former Jaguars DE Bobby McCray signed a five year deal.

These are nice moves for the Saints.  Gay can come in and absolutely compete for a starting spot and although McCray probably won’t start, he’s a guy that has pass-rushing capabilities.

I definitely like the way the Saints are filling holes along their defense.