• Fantasy football alert: I'm predicting another 10-12 touchdowns from receiver Marques Colston this season, if not more. Even though he's coming back from knee surgery, he should be back in the flow by the start of the regular season, barring any setbacks. And when he's healthy, he's one of the most dangerous red-zone targets in the league.</p>
The Saints were working on red-zone situations during Thursday's practice, and Brees repeatedly fired the ball in Colston's direction. He caught one easy touchdown pass, using his size to shield the closest defensive back (who was obstructed from my view). On the next play, Brees scrambled away from pressure and threw high toward Colston in the back of the end zone over cornerback Jabari Greer. Colston leapt for it and wasn't able to reel it in - but that's a catch he'll make once he gets back in his rhythm. The important thing is that he's a target Brees trusts and looks for in those situations.</p>
• The Saints showed a glimpse of what their first-string defense might look like if defensive ends Smith and Charles Grant are out for the first four weeks. Bobby McCray and Anthony Hargrove lined up with the first unit.</p>
McCray batted a Brees pass during the red-zone drills that appeared to be intercepted by tackle Sedrick Ellis (again, our view was obscured). Hargrove turned heads at one point by shooting in toward Brees practically untouched. But it looked like Hargrove jumped offsides on the play.</p>
It looks like Hargrove might stick with this team. Payton said recently that the Saints have been impressed with what they've seen from him so far, and they don't think he'll be a character concern.</p>
• Brees let the ball fly on that Hargrove "sack," treating it like a free play. Cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted the overthrown ball. Even though it might not have counted, it was nice to see him show some playmaking instincts.</p>
• Brees hit tight end Jeremy Shockey deep down the middle of the field on a well-timed seam route. I think we could see a lot of that this year if Shockey stays healthy. The middle of the field has always been open for tight ends in this offense.</p>
• Backup quarterback Mark Brunell completed a deep touchdown pass to Courtney Roby over safety Chris Reis when the second units were on the field. ... Roby might never line up at receiver this year if the top four or five guys stay healthy. But he's not a bad alternative if the Saints need him in a pinch.</p>
The Saints were working on red-zone situations during Thursday's practice, and Brees repeatedly fired the ball in Colston's direction. He caught one easy touchdown pass, using his size to shield the closest defensive back (who was obstructed from my view). On the next play, Brees scrambled away from pressure and threw high toward Colston in the back of the end zone over cornerback Jabari Greer. Colston leapt for it and wasn't able to reel it in - but that's a catch he'll make once he gets back in his rhythm. The important thing is that he's a target Brees trusts and looks for in those situations.</p>
• The Saints showed a glimpse of what their first-string defense might look like if defensive ends Smith and Charles Grant are out for the first four weeks. Bobby McCray and Anthony Hargrove lined up with the first unit.</p>
McCray batted a Brees pass during the red-zone drills that appeared to be intercepted by tackle Sedrick Ellis (again, our view was obscured). Hargrove turned heads at one point by shooting in toward Brees practically untouched. But it looked like Hargrove jumped offsides on the play.</p>
It looks like Hargrove might stick with this team. Payton said recently that the Saints have been impressed with what they've seen from him so far, and they don't think he'll be a character concern.</p>
• Brees let the ball fly on that Hargrove "sack," treating it like a free play. Cornerback Tracy Porter intercepted the overthrown ball. Even though it might not have counted, it was nice to see him show some playmaking instincts.</p>
• Brees hit tight end Jeremy Shockey deep down the middle of the field on a well-timed seam route. I think we could see a lot of that this year if Shockey stays healthy. The middle of the field has always been open for tight ends in this offense.</p>
• Backup quarterback Mark Brunell completed a deep touchdown pass to Courtney Roby over safety Chris Reis when the second units were on the field. ... Roby might never line up at receiver this year if the top four or five guys stay healthy. But he's not a bad alternative if the Saints need him in a pinch.</p>
