Transcript of Sean Payton's Minicamp Press Conference
Canal Street Chronicles — ... finally gets back here? "Fortunately, he has graduated and he's flying in tonight. He was able to get his exams done and he'll be in tonight and you guys will see him on the field tomorrow. That's pretty important. That gives us Saturday, it gives us Sunday and that gives us all these OTAs coming up, and he's already been at the rookie minicamp. I think the learning curve for him will be smaller than it would have been had he had to wait longer."   Did Mike Bell seem impressive to you out there? "He has been ...

Sean Payton and Reggie Bush Press Conference Transcripts from Day Two of Saints Minicamp
Canal Street Chronicles — ... "I just haven't seen that much of a change to begin to look at it. Mike Bell and I talked yesterday about his weight. He has played halfback before at about (2)18 or (2)17. He's probably (2)28 now. He's a guy that's a little bit heavier than what he's used to playing halfback at. Before these guys leave here in three weeks, we'll spend a lot of time assigning the reporting weights to these players. That's a pretty important topic because it's something that you want to be on with. You don't want to be too low or too high with the specific player's body ...

2009 Saints Minicamp: What Have we Learned?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... minicamp and it's been a major theme of this weekend. The Saints defense has been given an extreme makeover worthy of Fox's The Swan. We're seeing different fronts and blitz packages. Gregg Williams was even tinkering with the 3-4 this weekend. I caution everyone to try and curb their enthusiasm because different doesn't necessarily mean better. It does, however, raise a million questions about what to expect this season.   Mike Bell Running Away With It The battle for that third running ...

Horse Tracks 6/12/09
The Mile High Report — ... quotes from Shannon Sharpe about the Dolphins after their meeting in the 1998 Playoffs. Always fun to revisit... CBS4 - Former Broncos Receiver Rod Smith Helps Out Students Who Lost Japan Trip NH - Browns minicamp: Foster hoping he can catch on George Foster is trying his luck with the Brownies. Reading this article, I actually kind of feel bad for the guy... WWL - Kristian: Will the Bell ring for Saints in 2009? Mike Bell is hoping to stick with the Aints as their third-down back. ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-di-Links
Canal Street Chronicles — ... . We'll find out where Mike Bell is at, find out where some of these other young players are at - Lynell Hamilton and then the two college free agents. There is a lot to be evaluated; you can go into each position group. You can look at tight end and there's a mixed bag of players there young and old that we have to gauge where they're at. The good news is that we have a good period of time in front of us to do that." ...

Saints Training Camp Update: Day Two
Canal Street Chronicles — ...  Morning practice about done. A lot of work on running game. Mike Bell might've tweaked his groin. Gotta check. ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-di-Links 8.2.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ... take the 15 carries if they wanted to give them out, I could take the pounding. And I could do it for weeks. I tried to show them last year that I could do it. And hopefully coming into this year I can show them that I can be the guy they need." -Pierre Thomas "I don't want to put a lid on the container," Bell said "I'm excited. If I can stay under 220 the whole year, I feel like I'm going to be a force to be reckoned with." -Mike Bell  Saints attempting to ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-di-Links 8.5.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ... The best example of the back-and-forth competition came when the second-team units were on the field. Tailback Mike Bell was shoved out of bounds by a group of defenders, leading to some jawing back and forth. Then on Bell's next carry a few plays later, he lowered his head and drove into linebacker ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-di-Links 8.7.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ... "That’s how I’m going to play no matter what I’m always going to play like a bottom feeder. Right now I don’t have a role yet because I haven’t proven myself. "I think I became too content in Denver. They named me the starter and I ran for all those yards and led the team in touchdowns. I felt like almost that I was owed something, but in all actuality, it’s a privilege to play in the NFL so you should do whatever they ask you to do." -Mike Bell "It helps me feel more ...

2009 Saints Training Camp: Best and Worst of Week One
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Robert Meachem has been having a lights out camp and living up to the expectation. It's only taken him three years to finally prove his worth as a first round draft pick but hey, better late than never. I enjoy thinking about the power house that will be the Saints receiving corp this upcoming season with Meachem firing on all cylinders and the usual talent around him. Runner-up - Reggie Bush   Play of the Week Mike Bell putting his head down, knocking down Mark Simoneau and ...

Saints Training Camp Update: Black and Gold Scrimmage
Canal Street Chronicles — ... "I'm anxious to look at the tape. It's a two-fold deal when you ask the head coach - when we put it on the ground, you're disappointed offensively but you took it away defensively and that's a positive. The fumble by Mike Bell was discouraging because it looked like he just didn't have it put away cleanly. But I thought we made some plays on the ball defensively, which was encouraging." ...

Out with the Old, In with the New
Canal Street Chronicles — ... The first thing to do is keep in mind that this is just training camp. But here is more food for thought: Perhaps Duncan's got it all wrong and the run defense isn't really that bad. Maybe...just maybe...the Saints running game is actually that much better. Mike Bell appears to be a camp standout and Payton has spoken highly of remaining running backs Lynell Hamilton, ...

Today is the Greatest, Day I've Ever Known: 5 Things to Watch Tonight During Bengals @ Saints
Canal Street Chronicles — ... being held out of the game tonight but Jason David, Randall Gay and Leigh Torrence are also in the mix at cornerback. At safety, Chris Reis has started making a name for himself and Usama Young's transition to the position will certainly be interesting. Don't get caught looking in the backfield when these guys are on the field.    Running Backs Like the revamped secondary, this is a crowded race with Mike Bell, Lynell Hamilton, P.J. Hill and Herb Donaldson ...

Predicting the Saints 53-Man Roster
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mark Brunell Joey Harrington RB Pierre Thomas Reggie Bush Mike Bell FB Heath ...

New Orleans Saints 38 @ Houston Texans 14: The Morning After
Canal Street Chronicles — ... ground attack becoming a problem this season but those fears have been put to bed based soley on the performance of Mike Bell last night. Bell ran with authority, made some nice cuts and did it all with quickness.  ...

New Orleans Saints 38 @ Houston Texans 14: Who Dat Say!?
Canal Street Chronicles — ...  Great game by those Saints tonight. In the preseason I love to see the new guys get a chance then take advantage of it. Big game Mike Bell!    ...

Horse Tracks 8/23/09 - Broncos lose to Seahawks 27-13; Orton performs well
The Mile High Report — ... Washington Redskins 17 Campbell 1 for 7; Skins run well in penalty-mired game. NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24 at Jacksonville Jaguars 23 Huge game from WR Troy Williamson and David Garrard; solid running by Derrick Ward. NFL - Buffalo Bills 21 at Green Bay Packers 31 Rodgers again looks exceptional; Packers D forces 5 turnovers. NFL - New Orleans Saints 38 Houston Texans 14 Big game from old friend Mike Bell; Texans give it away 3 times. AFC West ...

New Orleans Saints 38 @ Houston Texans 14: Making the Grade
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell - Is this really a surprise to anyone? I'll spare you any hyperbole or bell ringing cliche's and keep this short. Yesterday's "Player of the Game" poll says it all with Bell receiving an overwhelming 95% of the vote (currently). But let's also give it up for the offensive line. They looked pretty solid in the run blocking department and deserve just as much credit.  ...

Shallow Thoughts & Nearsighted Observations
The Mile High Report — ... f.   Old friend Mike Bell had 10 carries for 100 yards for New Orleans, including a 46 yard TD run.  He's the type of runner I think the ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-de-Links 8.27.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ...    Saints' Bell staying humble, expecting unexpected - WWLTV "The funny thing is that when I was in Houston, I felt like I had a good opportunity there and in Denver," Bell said. "Both times I got cut, I was like, ‘Really, I got cut?’ I think maybe that’s why I got cut – because I was thinking like it couldn’t happen. "Now, I always expect the unexpected and I always work like that." -Mike Bell "Like a weight lifted off my ...

Drew Brees Q&A
Canal Street Chronicles — Here is a Q&A with Drew Brees performed by the NFL and found right here on WWLTV.  Q: Can you give a scouting report on Mike Bell? A: Mike's a guy ever since he's gotten here, he's been better and better, the more opportunities he gets and the more comfortable he gets with the offense as we become comfortable with him. He showed what he could do the other night and just ran hard and took advantage of these opportunities. He's the guy who might be the MVP of training camp. I think he ...

Caption This Photo!
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Give your best shot at a photo caption for this wonderful picture of Saints running back Mike Bell. Bonus points for including the last name of the photographer.

Baby Got Backs
Canal Street Chronicles — ... running game; Kenny and the caller agreed that Mike Bell has proved to be the better straight-ahead, every down running back over ...

CSC Interview: Sports Illustrated's Damon Hack
Canal Street Chronicles — ... CSC: What's your take on the Saints running game? How does Mike Bell figure into it? ...

Don't Fear the Reaper: Saints Final Roster Cuts Loom
Canal Street Chronicles — ... job security. Probably the most difficult decision of the day - if the coaching staff decides to keep six receivers - is between Arrington and Roby. Arrington has shown flashes of brilliance as a receiver and tremendous upside, making him incredibly difficult to part with. On the other hand, Roby's special teams and return abilities give him a shot to crack the lineup. I'd keep Arrington...Bush and Harper can return punts.   Running Back Crunch Mike Bell is a lock for the third spot behind Reggie Bush and ...

New Orleans Saints Announce Roster Cuts
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Drew Brees Mark Brunell RB Pierre Thomas Reggie Bush Mike Bell Lynell Hamilton FB ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-de-Links 9.08.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ... "Mike Bell certainly is a guy that has had a good camp and played well for us. We kept Lynell Hamilton because we thought he had a good preseason. He came back after the fumbles early in the preseason and he has worked hard. It gives you some depth at a position that where often times it's necessary." ...

Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints: Keys to the Game
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell - Mike Bell looked amazing during pre-season but let's be real...that was one game. With ...

Canal Street Chronicles: Fleur-de-Links 9.10.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ... do you match up with a receiver like Calvin Johnson? "He's definitely a big receiver. He's a guy that you have to be mindful of on every snap. He has size; he has great speed and hands. If you just look back through the history of the draft as he came out he was unique with his skill-set and he has taken that to our level and still showed that same rare ability to make plays down the field as well as underneath coverage." What is your comfort level with Mike Bell getting a lot of carries? "He has handled his ...

Five Questions with Canal Street Chronicles
Pride Of Detroit — ... If Pierre is out of the lineup, I would expect to see Mike Bell get a bulk of the carries on Sunday. He's looked great in pre-season and is a more than adequate substitution. Fantasy football fanatics, consider yourselves warned. ...

Friday Football Hatefest!
Canal Street Chronicles — ... I predict the Saints will look fantastic and the national media will completely ignore it. Oh and there will be a fantasy stampede for Mike Bell after he has a huge game because ...

Drew Brees Torches Lions, Leads Saints to 45-27 Win in Season Opener
Pride Of Detroit — ... had a field day and tore apart the Lions' secondary.  He ended up with 6 touchdowns in all, which set a new career high for him.  He wasn't the only one who had a great game for the Saints on offense, though, as Mike Bell, who was filling in for ...

Detroit Lions 27 @ New Orleans Saints 45: The View from Section 140
Canal Street Chronicles — ... It was a very rainy afternoon today as fans made their way into the Superdome. I am so grateful that the Saints play indoors. My new seats are right behind the famous fan "Voodoo Man." The defensive starters were announced during introductions before the game.  I don't mean to toot my own horn but earlier this week when I discussed the keys to today's game my two players to watch were Mike Bell and Darren Sharper. Both had good games. Please hold the ...

Drive-By-Drive Breakdown of Saints' 45-27 Win Over Lions
Pride Of Detroit — ... The Saints started to get the ball moving on the proceeding drive, this time by handing the ball off to Mike Bell.  The drive came to an abrupt end, however, when Bell was handed the ball and then tossed it back to Brees for a flea flicker.  Brees heaved the ball downfield to Henderson, who had a few Lions around him.  ...

Detroit Lions 27 @ New Orleans Saints 45: Who Dat Say!?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... quotage and videoage.  Linkage Saints and Lions Notebook Sept 13 - New Orleans Saints official website Saints Tame Lions 45-27 - New Orleans Saints official website "I am blessed that they have given me an opportunity here," said Bell. "The thing I take out of the game is the opportunity I had and the great job our offensive line did. The fumble is disappointing to me and I can’t do that." -Mike Bell     Saints win ugly ...

Horse Tracks 9/14/09 - Broncos win on last-second tip, no new injuries reported
The Mile High Report — ... a punt for a TD. NFL - New York Jets 24 at Houston Texans 7 Mark Sanchez had a fine debut, while Thomas Jones had a big game for the Jets, who dominated the clock. NFL - Jacksonville Jaguars 12 at Indianapolis Colts 14 Reggie Wayne was the star of the game, while the Colts D held the Jags to 228 yards. NFL - Detroit Lions 27 at New Orleans Saints 45 Drew Brees? 6 touchdowns. Old friend Mike Bell racked up 143 yards rushing. NFL - Dallas Cowboys 34 at ...

Detroit Lions 27 @ New Orleans Saints 45: Prediction Results and Voting
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell gets 2 rush TDs. Jon Vilma gets first turnover of year – INT or fumble recovery. Colston catches Drew’s first TD pass of year. ...

Detroit Lions 27 @ New Orleans Saints 45: Loose Ends
Canal Street Chronicles — ... ready to go for this Sunday's game against Phildelphia but I am doubtful. The seriousness of Pierre's knee injury has still got me skeptical. Whenever he does return, however, the Saints will have a wonderfully tough decision to make with Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and their running back rotation. How will it work and who is considered the starter? Embedded in that same question, of course, is another old, old question, though it's an implied one: How does Reggie fit in and how should the Saints use him? Personally, I think the way Payton used Bush and Bell ...

New Orleans Saints @ Philadelphia Eagles: Game Preview
Canal Street Chronicles — ... why the possibility of not being suspended all year is a good thing for the Saints. I'll admit that after rewatching the Detroit game I wasn't giving the defensive line enough credit. but it still wasn't enough for my taste. Hurrying the quarterback is one thing; putting his face two feet into the ground is that much better. The Saints secondary has done a pretty solid job so far but more help from the front four could do wonders.    Keep Ringing, Mike Bell We haven't heard anything about Pierre's knee yet ...

Philadelphia Eagles opponents preview - New Orleans Saints
Bleeding Green Nation — ... is back and figures to be a factor in the red zone having scored two TD’s against the Lions. On the ground they have RB’s Mike Bell and ...

When Will Pierre Thomas Return?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... . While Mike Bell has been a pleasant surprise, I'm not so sure he can keep up this pace. So when will Pierre make his triumphant return to the football field and start what many have hoped will be a huge season for him? Does his injury worry you? Has Pierre been overshadowed by Bell? When he does return, how effective will he be? Lot's of questions, even ones I haven't asked. Let's hear your answers.  ...

Your OFFICIAL Arrowhead Pride PARADEBULATION: Something's Changed Edition
Arrowhead Pride — ... better put, Cutlerfuck shat the bed.  We may have been a little caught up in the giddiness over McDaniels off-season ABRONCOLYPSE and overlooked that Cutler's still massively overrated regardless of what division he's in.  Still, we'd hold on to Olsen and see if that don't pay off down the road, mmmkay? But, for this week we'll try to be a little more strategic.  Nah fuck it, more Broncos schadenfreude! via cache.daylife.com Mike Bell, former Bronco is holding it down with the Saints, and ...

Can the Vikings Prolong the Misery in Motown?
Daily Norseman — ... 3) Hang on to the football - Much was made of Adrian Peterson's nine fumbles in 2008.  Of those nine fumbles, four of them occurred in the two contests against Detroit, and that played a part in allowing the Lions to hang close with the Vikings.  We saw last weekend exactly how dominating #28 can be once he gets rolling, and against a Lions' defense that allowed Mike Bell to go off for 143 yards last weekend, you would think that Adrian Peterson might be able to improve on that just a little bit.  There's no reason to think that he ...

New Orleans Saints 48 @ Philadelphia Eagles 22: Now Can We Get Some Respect?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... The only one thing that really worries me following today's game is the injury to Mike Bell and the future of the running game. Bell has been listed with a knee strain and will be getting an MRI tomorrow. Pierre is not ready yet and Reggie is not the same type of runner. If Bell's injury is serious, does Hamilton get the nod? Everything has been going so well, I would hate to see the Saints lose that wonderfully balanced offense they've been able to finally create.    ...

New Orleans Saints 48 @ Philadelphia Eagles 22: Who Dat Say!?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... feels so good to be back, this is a special TEAM. Who Dat!!!!!     Linkage New Orleans Saints running back Mike Bell upbeat despite knee injury - Times-Pic "It’s definitely not an ACL," insisted Bell, who said he was "more scared than anything else" when he went down with the injury, then limped off the field with help from the training staff. "I think I could have gone back in." -Mike Bell "I think they really wanted to see how I was ...

New Orleans Saints 48 @ Philadelphia Eagles 22: Predcition Results and Voting
Canal Street Chronicles — ... 1. Brian Westbrook exceeds 100 total yards from scrimmage. 2. Mike Bell scores the Saints’ first rushing TD of the season. 3. DeSean Jackson finishes the game with more all-purpose yardage than Reggie Bush. ...

Sean Payton Press Conference Transcript: 9.21.09
Canal Street Chronicles — ... 's hamstring. The good news today is that it doesn't seem real significant at all. We'll see where he's at on Wednesday. Mike Bell has a sprained MCL. Again, the news on his knee was positive. I don't want to put a time frame on it. I really won't know it until Wednesday, but it's a lot less severe than maybe we anticipated. I don't know what that does for his status this week. It's only Monday right now. The doctors seem to feel pretty good about the nature of that injury. Those are the two players we talked about after the game. ...

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 9/22
Buffalo Rumblings — ... / Kawika Mitchell Thnx 4 the love yesterday Bills fans! The Ralph was rockin! They couldn't hear ish out there. Love it! Let's go BUFFALO! Twitter / Bills Toronto Series Be one of the 1st 1000 to follow the Bills Toronto Series and you could win a pair of tix to the Dec 3 game vs the Jets in T.O. Twitter / Aaron Maybin back to work today. film, workouts, ice tub.....rest Twitter / Adam Schefter Saints say Mike Bell's knee injury and Lance Moore's hamstring strain not as bad as they thought. ...

New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills: Scouting Report
Canal Street Chronicles — ... that we have a good bunch of guys and guys that want to win and are willing to go out there and do what it takes to win.   Sean Payton From the New Orleans Saints official website.  Opening Statement: "Going through the injury report real quick - Jammal Brown (left hip) did not practice and he'll be out; Darnell Dinkins (left foot) did not practice and he'll be out; Mike Bell (right knee) did not practice; Lance Moore ...

Bills vs Saints: Five questions with Canal Street Chronicles
Buffalo Rumblings — ... been great in the elements. Naturally, you would think the Saints would try to keep the ball on the ground more than usual, but head coach Sean Payton has shown a stubbornness to try and get it done through the air, regardless. The Saints are lucky to be playing in Buffalo early rather than later this season, but bad weather could certainly be an equalizer. Reggie Bush was the No. 2 overall pick, but the Saints' ground game has been more about Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell of late.  What exactly is Bush's role in this ...

Web Rumblings: Buffalo Bills Links, 9/25
Buffalo Rumblings — ... and andre reed for hof 2010! dont we all wanna go back next year? Twitter / Daniel Jeremiah Bills Whitner vs Saints Brees... Brees is the best at moving safeties with his eyes and creating space. Whitner can't allow that. Twitter / gregg rosenthal Looks like a lot of RAIN in Orchard Park for Sunday. different ball game if it does. Twitter / Adam Schefter Not expecting him this week. RT @Blakemoran: @Adam_Schefter what's the word on Mike Bell?? Twitter / Adam Schefter Expecting so, yes. RT ...

Bills Fantasy Friday: Week 3 Start 'Em/Sit 'Em
Buffalo Rumblings — ... Mike Bell - Bell is currently 4th in the NFL in rushing yards with 229 on 45 carries.  However, he's probably not going to play after spraining his MCL.  He would have lost touches to Thomas anyways.  Keep him stashed on your bench and hope he gets a shot again when he's healthy. Verdict: Sit 'Em ...

New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills: What to Watch
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Lynell Hamilton - With Mike Bell listed as out, the word on the street is that Hamilton has been taking most of the reps with the first team this week and expects a big load against the Bills. That also means ...

Five Questions With Canal Street Chronicles
Gang Green Nation — ... , Mike Bell (injured) and Lynell Hamilton get a bulk of the standard running back carries. The key is not to put Reggie in that same category.  His role does include a little bit of the standard running back stuff, but it also includes so much more than that. His mere presence on the roster forces opposing teams to game plan and spend a lot of time figuring out how to deal with him, leaving a lot of opportunity for the rest of the play makers on this offense. ...

New York Jets Run Defense vs. New Orleans Saints Run Offense
Gang Green Nation — ... are surprisingly balanced in their play calling. They run it about as often as they throw it. They also run it really well, a 5 yard clip per carry. Former Bronco Mike Bell has been hitting his holes hard, running at a 5.1 yards per carry clip, but he's out with a knee injury. ...

Saints Quarterly Election: Offensive MVP
Canal Street Chronicles — ... 2009 - Mike Bell 2 45 229 114.5 5.1 23 1 1 9 4.5 9 9 0 How long does it take to ...

Just About Every Former Chiefs Star Will Be In The House Sunday
Arrowhead Pride — ... Tony Adams, Derrick Alexander, Kimble Anders, Gary Barbaro, Bryan Barker, Mike Bell, Chris Burford, Keith Cash, Deron Cherry, Walt Corey, Jerry Cornelison, ...

Ending The Bye Week Blues
Acme Packing Company — ... GB rushing vs. DET defense: Detroit's run defense was one of the many weak points in 2008.  Thus far in 2009, it hasn't been fixed.  The Lions give up 4.9 yards per attempt on the ground.  That includes performances of 142 yards by Mike Bell, 92 yards by Adrian Peterson, 121 yards by ...

NY Giants @ New Orleans Saints: Transcripts Galore
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Opening Statement: "Let me first go through our injury report for today: Jahri Evans did not practice with a big toe;Leigh Torrence (hamstring) did not practice; Malcolm Jenkins (ankle) did not practice; Rod Harper(foot) did not practice; Pierre Thomas (hamstring) was limited; Kendrick Clancy (knee) was full;Darnell Dinkins (foot) was full; Mike Bell (knee) was full; Jermon Bushrod (knee and ankle) was ...

KA1Z3R's Previews and Predictions: Week 6
Silver And Black Pride — ... Brees and the passing game actually shouldn't be getting the most praise on offense. That honor belongs to Mike Bell and the Saints running backs who rank as a very startling 2nd in rushing yards only behind the ...

The Beat-Down, Part 5
Canal Street Chronicles — ... • Mike Bell didn't rush for all that much; but he runs harder than just about any running back I've ever seen. I can't recall any other rusher who leads with his head so much. He looked like a bighorn sheep on every play. ...

Some Monday morning thoughts
The Phinsider — ... and Mike Bell, with some Bush mixed in.  This is the NFL's most dangerous offense coming into Miami.  And they pose matchup problems all over the field for the Dolphins. ...

Saints Offensive Player Grades vs. Giants
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell: B- (3.34) Mixed bag from Bell. Right before the 4th down Pierre Thomas run mentioned previously, he was stopped on 3rd and short from the goal line. He also converted a crucial 4th and 1 from the 2 yard ...

NY Giants 27 @ New Orleans Saints 48: Prediction Results
Canal Street Chronicles — ... 1. J-Shock has 1 TD to complement his 5 catches 2. Mike Bell gets a TD and 80+ yards 3. THERE WILL BE A BS PENALTY AGAINST THE SAINTS. I’ll say personal foul on the defense. ...

Five Good Questions: New Orleans Saints
The Phinsider — ... can mainly be attributed to a renewed effort by head coach Sean Payton to dedicate his team to running the football. A balanced offensive attack was something he seemed to pick up on only late last season. Prior to that, it seemed he felt only Drew Brees could win games. That was also the time the Saints picked up Mike Bell, who had a great training camp this season and filled in remarkably for ...

Saints @ Miami: Transcripts! Get Your Transcripts Here!
Canal Street Chronicles — ... it this week to hold on to the ball for more time? "I think that you have to defend the run. They do a good job; they're first in the NFL in rushing the football, and that's really not by accident. They are right now running the ball better than any other team in the league. They're also a team that's in the top ten defending the run. Those numbers can relate right to time of possession and that's a big challenge for us." Last week was the first time you had Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush ...

New Orleans Saints 46 @ Miami Dolphins 34: Adjustments, Adjustments, Adjustments
Canal Street Chronicles — ... After getting trounced for a quarter and a half by Miami's run-heavy offense, Williams was able to get the defense to tighten up, scoring points with a pick six and allowing the offense to get it done. Following an obviously failing attempt to pass the ball and exploit Miami's usually susceptible secondary, Payton turned to Mike Bell and the running game to put points on the board and gain some momentum. Both coaches were able to take what was given them and turn it into something positive.  ...

New Orleans Saints 46 @ Miami Dolphins 34: Who Dat Say!?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... "Obviously,  you've never seen me play hoops, " said the 6-foot-tall Brees,  when asked if he was surprised he had that in him. "There are times in a game when a team needs an emotional lift . . . and I felt like I had to do something to get everybody hyped up. Obviously,  you don't see that a lot from a 6-foot guy." -Drew Brees "It was a team effort. There was no individuals involved, " -Mike Bell "I have to give them credit, they came ...

New Orleans Saints' Offensive Player Grades @ Miami Dolphins
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell: A- (3.42) Bell didn't play in the 1st half, but ripped a monstrous 35 yard gasher on his first carry in the 2nd half. He ran with brutal authority, and continues to have that violence about him that always get extra yards at the end of his carries. He did everything the Saints asked of him and finished with 12 carries for 80 yards. Give him credit for milking some clock as the Saints had the lead late. The only regret was him not scoring on a couple goal line carries inside the 5, but ...

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints: Chat with the Enemy
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Dave the Falconer:  Do you foresee the Saints using the ground game early, or is going to be all Drew Brees in the beginning? Saintsational: The Saints just seem to be a pass first team. As long as it's working, I'm okay with that. You always hear about teams using the run to set up the pass. I think the Saints do the opposite. I think they pass to set up the run later in the game. The nice part is that with Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell, they can always get fresh legs in the game. We're loving it ...

Talking Saints With Canal Street Chronicles, Part One
Sports Page Atlanta — ... and Mike Bell, they can always get fresh legs in the game. We're loving it right now here in New Orleans. ...

Dolphins vs Jets: Miami's Keys to Victory
The Phinsider — ... Dolphins were ranked in the top two for stopping the run?  It was.  And while the Dolphins are still ranked pretty high - 4th in the NFL against the run, allowing just 87 yards per game on the ground and just 3.7 ypc - they haven't been nearly as dominant defending the run in their past two games. It all started against the Jets, too, giving up 138 yards rushing to the Jets during that Monday night classic.  Then last week the Dolphins let Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and company gain 138 yards on the ground, averaging over 5 yards ...

New Orleans Saints Offensive Player Grades vs. Falcons
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell: C- (3.07) Bell's grade plummeted as the game wore on. In the first half he was his usual bruising self, finishing runs hard and gaining lots of positive yardage. In the second half, though, he was stuffed on almost every running opportunity. His fumble at the end of the game was inexcusable. Like the MNF crew said, the only responsibility in that scenario is ball security. Just 49 yards despite 17 carries for Bell. One thing I haven't liked about Bell is that every time he is in the game the Saints run the ball. That's more the staff's fault for ...

Carolina Panthers Hump Day Prognostication (Panthers at Saints edition)
Cat Scratch Reader — ... The Saints running game has been even better than their passing game averaging a 4th best 153.3 yards per game on the ground. They are utilizing a true three headed monster with Mike Bell (392 yards, 2 TD), ...

Atlanta Falcons 27 @ New Orleans Saints 35: Prediction Results and Voting
Canal Street Chronicles — ... 1. Drew Brees will have 300+ yards passing and 3+ TDs 2. Mike Bell will score a rushing TD 3. Saints Def will have +2 in turnover margin ...

Panthers vs. Saints: Blogger Q&A
Cat Scratch Reader — ... the pressure that is sure to come in those 3rd and long situations. Question 2: It would appear the Saints are running the ball better this season using the trio of Bush, Thomas and Bell. Is there any one of these guys that is more important for the Panthers to stop than the others? If so, how should they do that? What's the Saints bread and butter running play? Saintsational: Well, I think Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell deserve most of the credit for the success of the running game. ...

Carolina Panthers 20 @ New Orleans Saints 30: The View from Section 140
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Devery Henderson taking a breather. Literally.    Taken after the Meachem touchdown.    The tradition lives on.    Hargrove walked over and took this from a fan in my section after the game. The other side he's showing off says, "History Begins Today. 8-0."   Mike Bell stopping by after the game.    ...

Saints Offensive Player Grades vs. Panthers
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell: C+ (2.95) Bell converted twice on 3rd and short, so give him credit for powering through with his aggressive running style. Otherwise he just had 5 carries for 17 yards. Quiet day. ...

Sean Payton Press Conference Transcript
Canal Street Chronicles — ... "I think the thing we tried to do this week a little bit more was involved Reggie (Bush) in a number of different aspects. The key is versatility with the backs. You don't want to send a running back in and have a defense say it's 70 percent run and 30 percent pass when that running back's in the game. I thought Reggie played pretty well. He had seven receptions and ran pretty well. Pierre (Thomas) gives you the versatility and we have to do enough with Mike Bell. The same way with  ...

Digging Deeper into the Box Score: Week 8
The Falcoholic — ... had no sacks, and no tackles – he is credited in the box score with one QB Hit.  I gave credit for two “Plays” for Coy Wire on what was really just one play – the one with less than 2 minutes left in the 4th Quarter where he had a Forced Fumble on Mike Bell (for a Stop/Defeat), and then came out of the pile with the Fumble Recovery himself (for a separate Stop).  Looks like a pretty nice showing from Vance Walker.  Considering how explosive the Saints Offense is, giving up 28 points (taking away the pick-6) is a ...

Saints Mid-Season Offensive Player Grades; Jahri Evans Awarded MVP
Canal Street Chronicles — ... time in the New Orleans Saints' offense through the first eight games of the 2009 season, ordered from highest GPA to lowest: Jahri Evans 3.29 (8 games graded) Pierre Thomas 3.22 (6 games graded) Jeremy Shockey 3.21 (8 games graded) Heath Evans 3.11 (6 games graded) Drew Brees 3.09 (8 games graded) Jonathan Goodwin 3.04 (8 games graded) Carl Nicks 3.00 (8 games graded) Mike Bell 2.95 (6 games graded) Marques Colston 2.92 (8 ...

New Orleans Saints' Offensive Player Grades @ Rams
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell: C (2.81) He finished with 8 carries for 30 yards. He showed decent effort. He didn't really get into the game or get a chance to show his stuff. ...

Chat with Canal Street Chronicles' Dave over Bucs/Saints game.
Buc 'Em — ... Dave:  It's been a roller coaster to say the least, even up to today, and it's a controversial subject among fans. The first two seasons he usually saw a fair number of touches on a very regular basis. I would often complain that the offense was built too much around Reggie. Earlier this season, however, his role was greatly reduced with the emergence of Mike Bell and ...

New Orleans Saints 38 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7: Who Dat Say!?
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Here are you post-game audio clips. First is our live post-game podcast with Ralph Malbrough, Kevin Held and myself. That's followed by audio clips from WWL. In order you've got Sean Payton, Mike Bell, Darren Sharper, ...

New Orleans Saints' Offensive Player Grades @ Bucs
Canal Street Chronicles — ... Mike Bell: A- (2.92) Bell ran with his usual aggression and authority. At one point in the game my wife said to me "I don't think I've ever seen him go backwards." She's right, the guy is a human wrecking ball. In fact, I think that should be his new nickname. Anytime he gets a full head of steam behind him (or any steam for that matter), there is no way you are hitting him for a loss. Bell got in the end zone twice and finished with 75 yards on 13 carries. He also caught a 5 yard pass where ...

An Exercise in Futility
Buc 'Em — ... looked like the pro bowler he is, but I was more than a little disappointed that we made journeyman Mike Bell look like Walter Payton in his heyday. ...

The Game Against the Patriots Began Yesterday
Canal Street Chronicles — ... If you're the Patriots defense, how do you game plan for the Saints? Think about the last few games we've played and how many different players have been featured and scoring in those weeks. Yesterday, it was Mike Bell, ...

New Orleans Saints 38 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7: Prediction Results and Voting
Canal Street Chronicles — ... 1- No sacks, no int’s for Drew this week. 2-Defense has 3 sacks & at least 1 int. 3-Pierre and Mike Bell each score a td. ...

A World Turned Upside Down: Week 11 in the NFL
Niners Nation — ... and Mike Bell combined to carry the ball 24 times for 167 yards and 2 TD's.  Saint's coach Sean Payton said in a post game interview, "I like where we're at."  Really!?  I never would have guessed that. ...

Comparing the Undefeated - Week 12
Niners Nation — ... and Mike Bell has taken the Saints' offense to new heights, and makes them a more complete offense when you compare them with Indianapolis. ...