Finally, the worst offseason in NFL history ended Sunday night. The New Orleans Saints kicked off the 2012 NFL preseason in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals. The Saints defeated the Cardinals 17-10.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Game
As a Saints fan, the Hall of Fame Game couldn't arrive soon enough. I had never been so excited about a preseason game in my life. Although I couldn't completely escape the bounty talk thanks to the NFL Network announcers, it was great to see New Orleans Saints football again.
The game could have ended after the first drive and I would have been happy. Saints QB Drew Brees proved how meaningless OTAs are by leading a perfect TD-drive on the Hall of Fame Game's first possession. Brees was 4-5 and all of New Orleans' RBs were impressive.
Despite my desire to see the Saints pummel the Cardinals with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in attendance, I received a stark reminder early on of the dangers of preseason. Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb went down with a rib injury and never returned.
I was impressed with the Saints first unit defense. S Malcolm Jenkins intercepted a poorly thrown pass and the front line played well against the run and pass. The best thing about New Orleans' pressure was that it mainly seemed to come on base defenses instead of all-out blitzes.
On offense, Travaris Cadet was outstanding for New Orleans. I don't know how Mickey Loomis finds these guys. Cadet ran like a fast steamroller and he returned kicks very well. Cadet lit up the Cardinals for 80 yards receiving on eight catches and he had 49 total return yards on a punt and kickoff.
On defense, the conversion of Martez Wilson from LB to DE is right on track. Wilson recorded 1.5 sacks for New Orleans. Tyrunn Walker was also in the Cardinals backfield all night as he made five tackles and had a sack.
After winning the Hall of Fame Game, the New Orleans Saints will practice and play against the New England Patriots this week. The march to Super Bowl 47 in New Orleans is right on track!
Patrick Michael lives in New Orleans and has always been a big fan of the New Orleans Saints. Patrick's favorite Saints season was 2009 when New Orleans won Super Bowl 44. Follow Patrick Michael on Twitter at patmichael84.
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