10 things to know about Saints
November, 25, 2009
By Mike Reiss
1. They are 10-0. Home games have come against the Lions, Jets, Giants, Falcons and Panthers. Road games have been played against the Eagles, Bills, Dolphins, Rams and Buccaneers.
2. Head coach Sean Payton is in his fourth year, and he calls the offensive plays. He previously coached on Bill Parcells’ staff in Dallas after stints with the Giants (1999-2002) and Eagles (1997-98).
3. Pete Carmichael Jr., who grew up in Medway, Mass. and graduated from Boston College, is the offensive coordinator. Gregg Williams is the defensive coordinator.
4. They have a league-high 29 takeaways, led by safety Darren Sharper’s seven interceptions.
5. On the flip side, they have lost 10 fumbles, with only one team losing more (Oakland, 12).
6. Quarterback Drew Brees is having an MVP-worthy season: 218 of 320 for 2,746 yards, with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His 68 percent completion rate would set a career high.
7. Pierre Thomas (105 carries, 584 yards), Mike Bell (115 carries, 514 yards) and Reggie Bush (55 carries, 277 yards) spearhead an impressive three-pronged running attack.
8. Marques Colston is the leading receiver (44 catches, 687 yards, 6 TDs), followed by tight end Jeremy Shockey (39 catches, 461 yards, 3 TDs).
9. Categories in which they lead the NFL include: Points per game (36.9), total yards per game (420.5), total passing yards per game (266.2), percentage of opponents passes intercepted (20 INTs).
10. Injuries at cornerback are a primary concern, as starters Jabari Greer (groin) and Tracy Porter (knee) did not play last Sunday against Tampa, and top reserve Randall Gay left the game with what he said was a hamstring injury. They signed veteran cornerbacks Chris McAlister and Mike McKenzie over the last two weeks.
Showing posts with label Reiss. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reiss. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Good info
Stanback, Arrington gain some security
By Mike Reiss
In promoting practice squad players Isaiah Stanback and Kyle Arrington to the active roster over the last two weeks, the Patriots did not just fill spots on their current 53-man roster. They have also ensured that both players will be with the team in 2010.
Both Stanback and Arrington inked two-year contracts.
Stanback's deal includes a $25,000 signing bonus and has base salaries of $460,000 in 2009 and $560,000 in 2010. There is also a 2010 offseason roster bonus of $25,000. That is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad and might reflect how the Patriots appreciated Stanback's contributions as their third quarterback while he was on the practice squad. While on the practice squad, Stanback traveled with the team as if he was on the active roster and helped with sideline management.
Arrington's deal does not include a signing bonus. It has base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010. There is a 2010 offseason workout bonus of $57,000, in addition to a $50,000 roster bonus in 2010. Like Stanback's deal, this is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad. One factor might have been the Cleveland Browns' interest in Arrington, as they were attempting to sign him to their active roster.
Practice squad players become free agents after the season. While Stanback and Arrington could have re-signed with the Patriots, the team would have faced competition for their services.
By Mike Reiss
In promoting practice squad players Isaiah Stanback and Kyle Arrington to the active roster over the last two weeks, the Patriots did not just fill spots on their current 53-man roster. They have also ensured that both players will be with the team in 2010.
Both Stanback and Arrington inked two-year contracts.
Stanback's deal includes a $25,000 signing bonus and has base salaries of $460,000 in 2009 and $560,000 in 2010. There is also a 2010 offseason roster bonus of $25,000. That is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad and might reflect how the Patriots appreciated Stanback's contributions as their third quarterback while he was on the practice squad. While on the practice squad, Stanback traveled with the team as if he was on the active roster and helped with sideline management.
Arrington's deal does not include a signing bonus. It has base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010. There is a 2010 offseason workout bonus of $57,000, in addition to a $50,000 roster bonus in 2010. Like Stanback's deal, this is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad. One factor might have been the Cleveland Browns' interest in Arrington, as they were attempting to sign him to their active roster.
Practice squad players become free agents after the season. While Stanback and Arrington could have re-signed with the Patriots, the team would have faced competition for their services.
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