<span> <span style="">Practice Notes</span>: The team practiced for two hours this morning and will work for an hour and 40 minutes later this afternoon (4:20-6:00 pm).
*Two 50-yard field goals, one each by Martin Gramatica and Taylor Mehlhaff, highlighted the morning special teams practice.
*Also speaking on special teams, Head Coach Sean Payton said this morning following practice that he was generally pleased with the special teams units on Thursday night. He mentioned Pierre Thomas' 59-yard kickoff return and the special teams coverage units, specifically when discussing the special teams.
*P Steve Weatherford uncorked a 65-yard punt in practice this morning.
*CB Randall Gay had two passes defensed against the first-team offense this morning. "I am feeling more and more comfortable in the system now. The defense is becoming second nature for me, as opposed to during the first week when I was thinking about everything the entire time and felt I was just a step slow in getting there. Right now I hear the call, and just go. The thinking and adjusting is just second nature to me right now and that's always a good feeling because I believe that's where you pick up that extra step that allows me to get closer to the receivers and the football."
*DT Antwan Lake recorded a sack in team drills.
*S Roman Harper had a nice pass defensed in team drills.
*TE Billy Miller made a nice reaching grab on a pinpoint pass from Drew Brees that picked up 23 yards.
Play of the Day: WR Lance Moore made a leaping reception 25-yard down field on a pass from QB Mark Brunell.
Overheard: WR Robert Meachem on his 4 reception, 129 yard effort on Thursday at Arizona: 'It feels great to be here (talking to reporters) today and talking about positive things. It has been a year in the making for me. I give a lot of credit to the great throws and to my teammates that have been so positive for me and helped me every step of the way. I have been told a thousand times by my position coach (Curtis Johnson), Marques Colston and David Patten to keep fighting and get better and better each practice. I don't want to say I have arrived, but I sense I am getting better and want to keep building on it."
*Payton mentioned C Jonathan Goodwin and LB Marvin Mitchell as two players that graded out highly after reviewing the game film from Arizona.
Injury Report: Nearly every player is expected to participate this afternoon, with the exception of receiver Adrian Arrington (turf toe) and defensive end Josh Savage (shoulder).
