If Sean Payton’s play-calling prowess isn’t on full display in the Saints’ preseason opener against San Francisco tonight, blame the lockout. If the play on the field is sloppy, that’s another matter. Payton says he shortened his playbook for the first exhibition game because he didn’t want to rush things, and instead dictated a deliberate pace to make sure players got the things they were working on right. “They’re in good shape,” Payton says. “I think they’re ready to handle the snaps that they’re given, and we’ll go from there.” The Saints have had only seven full practices since the league’s collective bargaining agreement was ratified last week, opening the way for veteran free agents acquired after the lockout to get back on the field. The club did not hold a scrimmage, as it has done in every other preseason since Payton arrived in 2006. Full tackling has been allowed during only one portion of one practice on Tuesday. The Saints kick off at home against the 49ers at 7 p.m. in a game that will be televised on CST.
Today’s poll question: How will the New Orleans Saints do in the upcoming NFL season?
