Bounty:
I hope I never have to type that word again! Frankly, I'm sick of talking about it. However, it was the dominant theme of Saints camp this week after former commissioner Paul Tagliabue vacated the suspensions of former and current Saints players.
Coach Joe Vitt had little to say about the ruling other than "I'm happy our players were vindicated."
Quarterback Drew Brees had much more pointed comments. "I think the NFL and the commissioner were more concerned with an outcome than a fair process." Brees added that the commissioner mishandled the entire investigation. "Our coaches, and players were lied to the entire time by the league in their investigation."
Saints linebacker Jonathan Vima remains steadfast in his effort to clear his name, continuing to pursue his defamation lawsuit against Goodell.
Banged up team:
Six players, three of them starters, dotted the Saints initial injury report when the team returned to practice this week.
Safety Malcolm Jenkins (hamstring), OT Zach Strief (groin), and FB Jed Collins (toe) missed practice. OT Charles Brown (knee), DB Corey White (knee), and RB Chris Ivory (hamstring) are also fighting the injury bug.
At 5 and 8 the Saints are in unfamiliar territory in their recent history... not having a chance at the postseason at his point in the year. Three consecutive years of post-season play is coming to an end this year.
