Darren Sharper, Jonathan Vilma Say New Orleans Saints Ahead Of Others

Chris Granger/The Times-Picayune :: Darren Sharper plans to be out of his knee brace by training camp.

Darren Sharper is worried that “football might not be playing at the level it was in previous years” because of the lockout.” He also predicted many pulled hamstrings and injuries, along with rusty offenses. Sharper said he is “licking his chops” thinking about the young, unprepared quarterbacks that will be hurt by the lockout.

 
Sharper appeared on NFL Total Access as an ambassador of the league and a leader of the Saints organization to speak about the NFL lockout and Saints free agency, among other topics.
 
One of his main concerns was for the youngsters of the 2011 NFL Draft.  ”The learning curve is huge,” Sharper said, and without organized practices “Rookies don’t have that time to prepare themselves.”
 
Jonathan Vilma recently told CBSSports.com that “I feel pretty comfortable saying that almost every player on the Saints is in terrific shape.  We could take the practice field tomorrow in full pads and be fine.  This group of guys is in better shape than we were at this time when the Saints won the Super Bowl.  … We’re more committed than other teams.”
 
NFL Total Access pointed out that the NFC South was the only division last season to have three teams with ten wins or more.  With the talent level only rising, the Saints can use all the preparation they can get.
 
If these two leaders are correct in saying that the overall quality of football will be down next season, and the Saints are in better shape now than they were going into their Super Bowl season, then bring on another round of Super Bowl rings.
 
On a slightly different note, Sharper also answered questions about the playoff loss to the Seahawks last year, as well as his thoughts on Reggie Bush’s status.
 
Sharper thought the Saints “Weren’t able to sustain the run during that game” and “couldn’t finish.” He also gave credit to the 12th man in Seattle and to running back Marshawn Lynch for having a great game.
 
On Reggie Bush, Sharper feels that he is a “Pivotal player” who is “Dynamic in the return game” and “His future is extremely bright.” “I think he will be back.”