Sports Betting Writer, NOLA.com / The Advocate / The Times-Picayune. Play-by-Play Announcer, Varsity Sports Now.
The “glass half full” fan says after the New Orleans Saints' 26-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday: “Well, we were in it all the way until the end with a chance to win.” The “glass half empty” fan says: “0-2 is 0-2.” Which is closer to reality? Host Jim Derry speaks his mind in his weekly “Derry's Dime,” and the Dat Family has plenty to say on another “Mano E Monday” edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 415) presented by Evangeline Securities. Spencer Rattler had his best game of his young career and Coach Kellen Moore had a better game plan, but what's up with the defense? Meanwhile, LSU coach Brian Kelly got a little hot with a local reporter after the Tigers used five interceptions to beat Florida, while Jim has nothing but love for Tulane and its fans following his visit to Yulman Stadium on Saturday for the Green Wave's win over Duke. Gabe Henderson is here to talk college football and share his picks for Monday Night Football.
Did the New Orleans #Saints catch the break of the year? The San Francisco #49ers come to town all banged up, and Mac Jones will start at QB for Brock Purdy. George Kittle also is out. Another 'Fun Friday' previews #NFL Week 2 and #CFB Week 3 (including #LSU-#Florida and #Tulane-#Duke), and Jim Derry, Zach Ewing, Gabe Henderson and Uncle Big Nick make their best bets of the week. We debut our new weather segment with meteorologist Damon Singleton, and it's all on Dattitude (Ep. 414) presented by Evangeline Securities.
No. 3 LSU heads into their SEC opener vs. Florida with lots on their minds, such as last year's loss in Gainesville. But one can easily assume there's even greater focus for the Gators, who were embarrassed last week by South Florida. What plays a larger role? And is Florida playing for Coach Billy Napier's job? All questions that will be asked and answered with host Jim Derry on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 413) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim also gets a lot of help from Gabe Henderson, as the duo also talks a little Tulane and makes Thursday Night Football predictions. As for the New Orleans Saints, the line has shifted with news that not only will San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle miss Sunday's game, but that quarterback Brock Purdy might also be out, which would mean Mac Jones starts in his place. What would that do for the Saints chances, and what does Spencer Rattler need to change for Week 2?
There were reasons to be optimistic and reasons to be concerned after the first game of the Coach Kellen Moore era that resulted in a 20-13 loss for the New Orleans Saints to Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. And what do we think of the play of quarterback Spencer Rattler? Host Jim Derry has his first “Derry's Dime” of the new season, and the Dat Family speaks their mind on another “Mano E Monday” edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 412) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim also gets into social media experts ripping into tight end Juwan Johnson and the breaking news Monday morning that safety Julian Blackmon could be out for the season. On the LSU and Tulane front, both teams played what could be considered letdown performances in wins against inferior opponents, but they have little time to figure it out with tougher games this week against Florida and Duke, respectively. Gabe Henderson has his thoughts on the weekend, including what the Tigers must do to improve.
We have waited seven long months since the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs here in the Superdome to become Super Bowl champions. It's been even longer when talking about a meaningful New Orleans Saints game. But the wait is over! It's our first “Fun Friday” of the year, as Saints editor Zach Ewing joins host Jim Derry for a preview of the Saints, LSU vs. Louisiana Tech and Tulane vs. South Alabama on week-ending edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 411) presented by Evangeline Securities. Zach and Jim also will make their picks for all three of those games and the marquee games in the NFL this week: Chargers-Chiefs, Packers-Lions and Ravens-Bills. And what would a Pick Em show be without our regular handicappers, as Gabe Henderson and Uncle Big Nick try to beat Jim in a new way to score our predictions. They each make their three best bets and have fun with it, and Jim talks a little about the NFL season opener on Thursday, as the Eagles squeaked past the Dallas Cowboys.
After the start of college football last weekend and the NFL's Opening Day on Sunday, football is finally in full swing. Who better to talk about it with us than Mike Detillier of WWL Radio? Jim Derry and Mike will spend Wednesday's Dattitude (Ep. 410) presented by Evangeline Securities reviewing No. 3 LSU and Tulane, while looking ahead to the New Orleans Saints hosting the Arizona Cardinals.
We're veering from the path of repetitiveness and talking (mostly) about something other than Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, but there's plenty to discuss when it comes to the New Orleans Saints. Like what will their final record be, and what did we think of the final 53-man roster? It's Friday, so that means Saints editor Zach Ewing is joining host Jim Derry for a special birthday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 409) presented by Evangeline Securities. The duo will make their picks for the Saints season, as well as the eight NFL division winners and who will take home the Lombardi Trophy following Super Bowl LX next February. Also, Gabe Henderson comes on the show to share his picks for the college football season, as he and Jim pick who will be the final four teams left standing in January, and who will win it all.
Spencer Rattler has been named starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, and the drama finally is over. Or is it? Does that tough early stretch of schedule play a role into the decision made by Coach Kellen Moore? Host Jim Derry asks a guy who covered the team for many years what he thinks, as longtime New Orleans broadcast journalist Eric Richey joins Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 408) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, we talk about the other cuts the team made and the surprises on the “final” 53-man roster. Gabe Henderson is here to talk about LSU, as we ask, “How hot will the Brian Kelly's seat be if the Tigers lose the opener to Clemson?” And how important is it that Tulane is a favorite over a power-conference team for the first time in many decades?
Here we are at the end of preseason and less than two weeks before the New Orleans Saints kickoff their 2025 season against the Arizona Cardinals, and we still don't know whether Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler will be under center. However, while it might be the most important question for Coach Kellen Moore, it's certainly not the only one. What do Saints fans think? Jim Derry will find out on our weekly Mano E Monday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 407) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim has ‘Derry's Dimes' to offer his opinion (which hasn't changed much in four months). Also, Gabe Henderson is here to answer the most important question this week around here in college football: Are LSU and Tulane facing must wins in their openers this Saturday? How hot will Brian Kelly's seat get if the Tigers lose?
The New Orleans Saints have some obvious, glaring needs, and this week they did what they could to fill at least two of those holes. First, they traded DT Khalen Saunders to the Jacksonville Jaguars for backup center Luke Fortner. Then, they dealt 2026 draft picks in the fourth and seventh rounds to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Devaughn Vele. Were either or both moves a little too high a price to pay? Host Jim Derry asks Times-Picayune and Advocate Saints editor Zach Ewing what he thinks on Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 406) presented by Evangeline Securities, and the Dat Family weighs in, as well. Also, with Spencer Rattler being announced as QB1 for Saturday's preseason finale vs. the Broncos, does that mean he has won the job over Tyler Shough? Gabe Henderson is here to make a prediction for college football's Week 0, and he offers his opinions on Jim's predictions for the AFC North and NFC North this week.
The New Orleans Saints will end the preseason Saturday vs. the Denver Broncos, but they remain the last team in the NFL to decide who their starting quarterback will be. In fact, Coach Kellen Moore says “it's very, very close” between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler. What will one more exhibition game do to change his thinking? Host Jim Derry asks The Athletic's Larry Holder what he thinks on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 405) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, we get Larry's predictions for the winner of the QB1 race, the Saints final record, the NFC South winner, and who's going to win Super Bowl LX. Also, Gabe Henderson shares his thoughts on Daniel Jones winning the Indianapolis Colts QB1 job over incumbent Anthony Richardson.
Supposedly, the race between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler continues, at least according to the New Orleans Saints and Coach Kellen Moore. Did anyone's opinion change after a 17-17 tie against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at the Caesars Superdome? Saints fans had plenty to say, and Jim Derry let them roll on our weekly Mano E Monday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 404) presented by Evangeline Securities. While Rattler threw the best AND worst passes of the day and led the team on a great 2-minute drive to tie the score, Shough just sort of did his thing. Jim has ‘Derry's Dimes' to offer his opinion, but he also talks some about what's more concerning: the play of the offensive line. Does the trade for Jags backup center Luke Fortner help? And has Kendre Miller wrapped up the RB2 job behind starter Alvin Kamara?
Most of the talk this offseason and into the preseason when it comes to the New Orleans Saints, but what about the defense? More specifically, can the combination of Chase Young, Carl Granderson and the newly acquired Davon Godchaux help get this unit back to the top half of the NFL, which is where they were just two seasons ago? Host Jim Derry has plenty of questions on his weekly chat with Times-Picayune and Advocate Saints editor Zach Ewing on Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 403) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, we have more QB1 talk and preview the preseason game Sunday vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Caesars Superdome. Gabe Henderson shares his thoughts on the punishments to the Michigan football program, and he offers his opinions on Jim's predictions for the AFC West and NFC West this week.
Has the New Orleans Saints first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers changed anyone's mind on whether Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler will win the QB1 job? It's time to ask someone outside the building for their opinion? Jim Derry brings in Ross Jackson of the “Locked on Saints Podcast” of his thoughts on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 402) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will talk about what's going at RB2 – is it Kendre Miller, Cam Akers or Clyde Edwards-Helaire who wil backup Alvin Kamara? Does Velus Jones have a chance to get in there? And what's up with all these injuries? Also, Gabe Henderson has an interesting hypothetical question for Jim, and the Dat Family – as usual – has plenty of comments and questions throughout the show.
We told you last week there were signs Tyler Shough is the leader in the New Orleans Saints race for QB1 over Spencer Rattler, and our opinion hasn't changed. One preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers did nothing to change that. But what do fans think? Host Jim Derry hears from the Dat Family on another Mano E Monday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 401) presented by Evangeline Securities. Did they agree, and is anyone changing their opinion on ANYTHING after an exhibition game? Jim has ‘Derry's Dimes' and also talks about his concern at the injuries the Saints suffered Sunday, especially with Trevor Penning and Will Clapp on the offensive line. What does our neutral observer, Gabe Henderson, think? Is there a race at kicker between Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth? And was the defense simply too vanilla to learn anything from?
“Pigs have flown!” “Hell has frozen over!” “Get ready to party with the Lombardi!” All lines that have been cemented in the brain of every New Orleans Saints fan on the planet. And that's just a small sliver of the career of legendary broadcaster Jim Henderson. We're happy to say that Jim joined Jim Derry on Friday's Dattitude Podcast presented by Evangeline Securities to celebrate the 400th episode to talk about his 47 years in New Orleans, including how it all started. What was it like to work with Archie Manning, Hokie Gajan and Deuce McAllister? How much grief did he take when he replaced Hap Glaudi, and how did he get past it? So many questions, and so little time! Also, Jim previews the Saints-Chargers preseason game coming up Sunday, and later asks Gabe Henderson for his analysis on his NFL team predictions from the AFC East and NFC East done earlier this week.
The first depth chart of the 2025 season came out this week for the New Orleans Saints, and the word “or” showed up quite a bit, especially at the quarterback position. Will we find out more from watching the first preseason game Sunday vs. the Los Angeles Chargers? Also, the team will be spending 10 days practicing in Irvine, Calif., where it will be (slightly) cooler. Hopefully, that will allow them to get more done and get some of those aforementioned questions answered. Jim Derry tries to beat Coach Kellen Moore to the punch with Wednesday's guest, FOX-8's Garland Gillen, on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 399) presented by Evangeline Securities. The duo also will talk a little LSU and Tulane, and Gabe Henderson has thoughts on Shedeur Sanders being named the starter for Cleveland's first preseason game and the NFL making a deal with ESPN. We also preview show No. 400 with Jim Henderson.
It is most likely a minimum of two weeks before we find out who the starting quarterback will be for the New Orleans Saints when they take the field on Sept. 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. But are there subtle signs that it will be Tyler Shough and not Spencer Rattler? That's what host Jim Derry presents to the Dat Family on another Mano E Monday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 398) presented by Evangeline Securities. When should Coach Kellen Moore announce the decision? Should the team have plenty of time to prepare when they find out? Also, with Nick Saldiveri being out for the season, how much does that hurt the depth of the Saints' O-Line? Gabe Henderson is here to offer his thoughts on the Shough / Rattler debate (which is a bit different than Jim's view), and he also shares his opinion on the initial college football coaches' poll, which was released Monday morning.
Do you remember the first time you stepped inside the Superdome? For some fans, that was quite a long time ago. Since then, some of the greatest events in sports have taken place there: football and basketball championships, boxing titles, big-time concerts, Mardi Gras extravaganzas, etc. In other words, there's plenty for Jim Derry and Times-Picayune and Advocate Saints editor Zach Ewing to talk about on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 394) presented by Evangeline Securities. This comes ahead of Sunday's release of a special section celebrating 50 years of the Dome. Jim and Zach also have plenty to say on the media and fans already writing off quarterback Tyler Shough after just 10 days of practice and how some are saying Shedeur Sanders should have been drafted instead. Also, Gabe Henderson is here to share his thoughts on the Saints QB situation and the MLB trade deadline.
What's it like to cover high school sports and writing stories about thousands of games and state championships over the course of a 45-year career? Well, there's only one person who can answer that, and the GOAT of prep writers – Robin Fambrough – is here. The Hall of Famer joins host Jim Derry on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 396) presented by Evangeline Securities to talk about her career that brought her from Kentucky to Louisiana. She also goes through some of the top moments from her 34 years at The Advocate. Jim also talks about the Saints first day in pads at training camp and an injury to tight end Juwan Johnson. Gabe Henderson is here to talk about the 2026 class of Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates, including Drew Brees.
Just one week into the start of New Orleans Saints training camp, and already there is plenty of interest and debate on who will win the QB1 race: Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. Also, we discuss who might be the primary backup behind running back Alvin Kamara, who turned 30 years old this past Friday. Will it be Cam Akers? Kendre Miller? Clyde Edwards-Helaire? Devin Neal? It's time to get feisty on a Mano E Monday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 395) presented by Evangeline Securities. Host Jim Derry also gets a little fired up discussing comments made by podcaster Bill Simmons and his “buzz” from around the NBA that the Pelicans might move. Lastly, Gabe Henderson is here to share his personal odds on whether the Saints could have a 10-win season and what he might do if he is incorrect.
You know training camp is beginning to get into full swing when you see your first fight. That's what happened Thursday when wide receiver Brandin Cooks got into it with some of the defensive backs. Is it a big deal? And what about the quarterback battle between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler? Do those practice completion percentages mean anything? Host Jim Derry has a wide variety of topics for Times-Picayune and Advocate Saints editor Zach Ewing on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 394) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim and Zach also preview how Fridays might look in the fall on Dattitude. Also, Gabe Henderson is here to share his thoughts on QB practice completion percentages and offer is best bet of the weekend.
So this is how the 2025 season starts for the New Orleans #Saints? On Tuesday, safety Tyrann Mathieu, who also played at LSU and St. Augustine High School, retired from football. The team quickly turned around and are close to signing veteran Julian Blackmon to replace him. Is that enough? What else can happen? New Orleans radio icon Eric Asher is here with host Jim Derry to offer his input on Wednesday's Dattitude (Ep. 393) Podcast presented by Evangeline Securities.
There are many more questions than answers when it comes to the 2025 New Orleans Saints, but the good news is we can begin to turn that corner with the start of training camp on Tuesday. We dive into what those questions might be with Times-Picayune and Advocate sports columnist Jeff Duncan on Monday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 392) presented by Evangeline Securities. Host Jim Derry also has some thoughts of his own and takes plenty of comments from the “Dat Family” before and after Jeff's segment. Now that Tyler Shough has signed his deal, is the anointed one at quarterback over Spencer Rattler? Who is going to step up at running back behind Alvin Kamara and wide receiver behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed? What about on defense? Can Alontae Taylor be a No. 1 cornerback?
With just 4 days remaining until the start of Saints camp, it's time for the expert to join our show to answer some of the big questions: Can the offensive line actually be one of the team's strengths? Who will step up behind Alvin Kamara at RB? Is Rashid Shaheed ready for the next step? What about Bryan Bresee on defense? WWL Radio football analyst Mike Detillier joins host Jim Derry to discuss all these topics and more on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 391) presented by Evangeline Securities. Mike also will offer a prediction for the NFC South and what he thinks about the odds to win the SEC. Also, he discusses the importance of LSU's opener against Clemson on Aug. 30. Gabe Henderson is back, and he talks UFC in New Orleans and his best value plays in college football.
With just 6 days remaining until the New Orleans Saints open their 2025 training camp, despite the low expectations, most fans are excited about new Coach Kellen Moore and all the changes that are set for this season. But what should we expect? Is a losing season – or even a 4- or 5-win type of campaign OK if there's improvement each week? Host Jim Derry has fun with WDSU-TV sports anchor Fletcher Mackel on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 390) presented by Evangeline Securities, as the pair breaks out the crystal ball. Also, Jim picks Fletcher's mind on the Pelicans and if the odds seem low for 2025-26. Will Willie Green make it through the season as coach? Will Zion Williamson not only stay healthy but take the next step in his career as a veteran? What are the chances of the playoffs?
Before we can talk about what the Saints might do in the immediate future, we want to take a look at the past and see if there are any similarities for the starting point of Coach Kellen Moore. The past five coaches to start a season as the team's head coach – Dennis Allen in 2022, Sean Payton in 2006, Jim Haslett in 2000, Mike Ditka in 1997 and Jim Mora and 1986 – all were very different. Is Moore like any of those guys? Can he do anything similar to what Payton and Haslett did in finishing 10-6 with multiple playoff games? Host Jim Derry is ready to ask Saints historian Jim Rapier, who just happens to be a former Times-Picayune sports writer. It's all fun looking back on Monday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 389) presented by Evangeline Securities, and Gabe Henderson has a very unusual fact to present when it comes to the potential signing of quarterback Tyler Shough and his fellow second-round draft picks.
We're back! And following our summer break, we're diving right into the most important questions Saints fans have just 11 days away from the start of training camp. Those include: Who will win the starting quarterback job? Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler? And will the winner be a long-term solution, or will the team be back in the same boat next year? What about depth at running back behind Alvin Kamara? And is there enough at wide receiver? Host Jim Derry brings on our local expert to answer those questions, as Louisiana's “Beat Writer of the Year,” Luke Johnson, joins Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 388) presented by Evangeline Securities. Gabe Henderson also is back from his vacay to weigh in on the Saints and offer his thought of the day.
Once again, LSU has done its thing thus far in the College World Series, but there's still a long way to go. Can the Tigers get past Arkansas on Wednesday night and avoid playing a do-or-die game Thursday to make the CWS championship bracket? Why is that extra important for LSU? Host Jim Derry gets answers from WWL-TV sports director Doug Mouton on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 387) presented by Evangeline Securities. Doug also has ideas on Kade Anderson, Bear Jones and Jay Johnson, among other Tigers. Also, the duo will spend some time talking about where the Saints are just one month before camp begins, and why Doug is ecstatic over the breath of fresh air Coach Kellen Moore has brought. Lastly, Jim has a mini-farewell before summer vacation begins for Dattitude. NOTE: The show will take a break and return on Friday, July 11.
The LSU Tigers were dominating on Saturday night in their College World Series opener vs. Arkansas. Well, maybe we should say pitcher Kade Anderson was dominating. Can Anthony Eyanson do something similar Monday night vs. UCLA, and how important is it the Tigers remain in the winners' bracket? Host Jim Derry has a nice chat with Advocate and Times-Picayune LSU beat writer Koki Riley on Monday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 386) presented by Evangeline Securities. They'll also talk about an interesting stat in which the Tigers are nearly unbeatable if they score a certain amount of runs, and is Coach Jay Johnson about to step into Skip Bertman territory? Jim also has thoughts on the importance of the Saints signing running back Cam Akers and whether he will play a role for this team. Lastly, Gabe Henderson has a few things he wants to talk about and his opinion on Akers, who is a former Houston Texan.
While the outlook from media pundits on the upcoming season for the New Orleans Saints is a bit bleak, the fans seem to be relishing in the fact that at least it's different. And with a new regime under Coach Kellen Moore and a new quarterback – either Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler – there is plenty to be positive about. Host Jim Derry brings in FOX-8's Garland Gillen for his take on both the Saints and LSU, which enters their quest for College World Series Title No. 8, on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 385) presented by Evangeline Securities. We know Tigers fans will secure another Jello Shot Challenge at Rocco's in Omaha, but will the pitching be the key for Coach Jay Johnson? Can the hitting follow up with a similar performance as they did in the Super Regionals last weekend? Lastly, Gabe Henderson has some thoughts on the incredible Stanley Cup Finals and the College World Series.
Who will be the primary backup to Alvin Kamara in the RB room, and is Spencer Rattler taking the lead on Tyler Shough during Saints minicamp? Meanwhile, LSU baseball is on their way to Omaha as they will try for their eighth national championship. It's a jam-packed Wednesday edition of Dattitude (Ep. 384) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim shares his experience from the Super Regionals in Baton Rouge this past Sunday, and Gabe Henderson also has thoughts on the College World Series.
While the current state of the New Orleans Saints quarterback room is up for debate, what isn't is the standing of the franchise if one were to put together a list that encapsulates this entire century to date. It's not if the Fleur de Lis are in the top 10, but where? And are they top 5 with Drew Brees, Aaron Brooks and Derek Carr? Jim Derry and Gabe Henderson have some fun with their first “Dat List” on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 383) presented by Evangeline Securities. Interestingly, their lists are very similar except in a few spots. They go into detail on their top 12 and have fun interacting with the live audience. Also, we ask a nearly impossible question: “How could a baseball team possibly go 59-0 through an entire season?” Luckily, there is someone who can answer that question, and it's LSU-Shreveport coach Brad Neffendorf, who just guided the Pilots to a perfect season and a NAIA World Series. He shares his thoughts and experiences from the past few months and some vignettes.
So it didn't quite go as smoothly as fans of the LSU Tigers baseball team would have hoped in the Regionals, but it worked out in the end and the team is two wins away from Omaha and the College World Series. How will they fare in the Super Regionals against West Virginia, and what are the keys to victory? LSU beat writer for The Times-Picayune and The Advocate, Koki Riley, joins host Jim Derry on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 382) presented by Evangeline Securities, as they also rehash Monday's victory over Little Rock. Jim also talks to Loyola second baseman Brandon Mooney, who might have been the best college baseball player no one heard of this season. Oh, and the Wolf Pack's – and his – underdog story is well worth the listen. In Jim's unofficial ‘Last Word,' he celebrates a very special 40th anniversary for Saints fans.
It's tough to put into words just how unlikely LSU's loss to Little Rock was on Sunday night, but let's just say if it were to happen again Monday, it would be historic. Can Coach Jay Johnson and the Tigers turn up the focus and get rolling quickly, and is Sunday (June 1) a microcosm of other problems for this team or simply an anomaly? We get into it on Monday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 381) presented by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry chats with Times-Picayune and Advocate sports columnist Scott Rabalais. If LSU wins this one, what do they need to do to get past West Virginia in the Super Regionals and back to Omaha? Lastly, Gabe Henderson has a strong opinion on the silliness of the way they choose home teams in regionals, and Jim shares his thoughts on LSU-Shreveport winning the NAIA World Series with a perfect 59-0 record. He also finishes the show with a segment on the Saints and how Coach Kellen Moore can win over the QB room.
It didn't seem to take long for Coach Kellen Moore to make common sense of his offensive line situation: Move Taliese Fuaga to right tackle and Trevor Penning to left guard, and then let the ninth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Kelvin Banks, play his native left tackle. Is that a permanent solution? It's one Jim Derry has been advocating since Banks was picked a month ago. It's also the lead topic on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 380) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, Jim shares the news about LSU-Shreveport making college baseball history at 58-0 and how they can finish it off, along with big brother LSU opening the Baton Rouge Regional on Friday afternoon. Lastly, Gabe Henderson is here, and The “Last Word” offers a belated Happy 90th Birthday to former Coach Jim Mora.
So, Aaron Rodgers says he wouldn't consider playing for the Saints. Interesting, because to our knowledge no one here wants him – neither the team nor the fans. The biggest question on this hypothetical is: Can you imagine the circus that has-been would bring here? Let's have a little fun with it on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 379) presented by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry brings in local radio icon Eric Asher for a chat, as the duo also discusses the state of the QB race between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler. And what's the ceiling for wins in 2025? Lastly, Gabe Henderson and Jim have their own rankings for where this QB room ranks in the NFL, and then get into an interesting debate on just how good Bears QB Caleb Williams was in his rookie season and how much better he'll be – or won't be – under new Coach Ben Johnson.
The first official set of OTAs under new Saints coach Kellen Moore is in the books, and there as one might expect, there are as many questions as answers. Will Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler be QB1, and does either have a leg up in the early going? What about the lineup along the offensive line? Will Kelvin Banks be at tackle or guard, and the same question goes for Trevor Penning? What about the depth at running back and wide receiver? Host Jim Derry gets into it right away and later asks Saints editor Zach Ewing on a Friday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 378) presented by Evangeline Securities. Gabe Henderson is here to preview an upcoming segment called the “Dat List,” and Jim's “Last Word” proves you can teach an old dog new tricks, but you can't get him to stop saying, “Get off my lawn!”
Two local college baseball teams have lofty goals: One is used to being here, and the other is looking to make school history. LSU heads into the SEC Tournament as the 'Top Cat,' while Loyola is on the way to Idaho for its first-ever NAIA World Series. Tigers beat writer Koki Riley and Loyola baseball coach Jeremy Kennedy are here on a Wednesday episode of Dattitude (Ep. 377) presented by Evangeline Securities. Gabe Henderson will chime in, and Jim will start (and end) the show with a little Saints talk.
It's still 2 months away from the start of NFL training camps, but many of the "experts" in sports media have already labeled 2025 a disaster in the making for the New Orleans Saints. (Jim Derry is one of them.) Are the predictions premature, or is it common sense with a QB room of Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener? That's the theme of another Mano E Monday edition of Dattitude of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 376) presented by Evangeline Securities. Gabe Henderson also is here to weigh in, and we also discuss whether LSU-Clemson is a must-win for the Brian Kelly, Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers in the opening weekend of college football play. In “The Last Word,” Jim goes back in time … like way back … to the time of DeLoreans and Doc Brown, as something big happened 40 years ago on this date.
The NFL released their 2025 schedule on Wednesday, and we found out when and where the new era of the New Orleans Saints will begin. The answer is Coach Kellen Moore will first take the field at the Caesars Superdome on Sept. 7 against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, and in fact, the team will play the first half of its home schedule by the time Week 6 is done. Just how tough is it? Well, the Saints will play their first three games against the NFC West, including a trip to Seattle in Week 3, before heading to the other side of the country the following week to play Super Bowl contender, Buffalo. The Saints won't face a division foe until Week 8, and the middle of the schedule is tough. How will they navigate through, and are we ready for (way too early) predictions? Times-Picayune and Advocate sports columnist Rod Walker is with host Jim Derry on a special Thursday edition of Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 375) presented by Evangeline Securities. Jim's “Last Word” offers where expectations on Tyler Shough should be by pointing out quarterbacks not drafted in the first round since 2014.
The official release of the 2025 NFL schedule doesn't come until Wednesday evening, but as always, there are plenty of leaks and rumors to talk about for the New Orleans Saints? We ask: Is it better for a rookie head coach in Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback in Tyler Shough to play the easiest parts first, or does it matter? That's what we get into first on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 374) presented by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry asks for thoughts from the Dat Family. Jim also says brings in local podcast host David Grubb for his expertise on the Pelicans picking seventh in the NBA Draft and whether there's a possibility of moving up. Will GM Joe Dumars make some other moves, and what's the outlook for Coach Willie Green? Gabe Henderson also has thoughts on the NBA Lottery, and in Jim's ‘Last Word,' he chastises Major League Baseball for waiting until the death of Pete Rose to let him back into the game.
A vast majority of Saints fans who wanted Derek Carr gone got their wish this past weekend when the 34-year-old QB abruptly retired. Now what? Well, there's no question the team is entering a rebuilding era, although General Manager Mickey Loomis and company don't want to call it that. How long will the honeymoon period last for both Coach Kellen Moore and his rookie quarterback Tyler Shough? And will they bring in a veteran to help in a QB room that is the only one without an NFL victory? Indeed, there's plenty to discuss on another Mano E Monday edition of Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 373) presented by Evangeline Securities, including the interesting timing of WHEN Carr and the team announced the move. Also, we hear from Shough, Moore and No. 1 pick Kelvin Banks after a weekend of rookie minicamp, and Gabe Henderson is here to help fill us in on the cap situation and what free-agent QBs are available. In “The Last Word,” Jim wonders if the ump who tossed LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson was a little quick on the trigger Sunday afternoon.
I was wrrrr. Wrrrr. I was wrrr. Wrrrrrong. There. I said it. As soon as the news was out Saturday morning that Derek Carr had retired from football, Jim Derry went into the back of the pantry and took out the blow torch to thaw out his crow for a po-boy and a party with his Dat Family. What other way should we start the weekend other than with a special weekend edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 372) presented by Evangeline Securities? The host says “common sense” never left, and of all the scenarios, no one really saw retirement coming. Meanwhile, commenters had a wide range of things to say – from well wishes to those who are ecstatic Carr is gone. We also ask the question: “Who starts now? Tyler Shough? Spencer Rattler? An unnamed veteran?”
With the Dallas Cowboys trading for wide receiver George Pickens late Tuesday night, it got us thinking: How many options out there do the New Orleans Saints have if they want to bring in a veteran wide receiver? Keenan Allen? Amari Cooper? The newly released Gabe Davis? That's our lead topic on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 371) presented by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry asks for thoughts from the Dat Family, and they have plenty of them. Jim also says the spotlight on this weekend's rookie camp won't just be on quarterback Tyler Shough, but where Coach Kellen Moore and his staff will start off with first-round pick Kelvin Banks. Oh, and we look forward to seeing linebacker Danny Stutsman and a couple others. To finish it off, Man vs. Machine has a pick in one of Wednesday's NBA playoff games, and in the ‘Last Word,' we talk about the best college baseball team in Louisiana – yep, LSU. Nope, not that LSU. Rather, the LSU that's 51-0. (Head north, young man.)
The only thing clear about this cloudy offseason standoff between the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Derek Carr is that no one – maybe not even the players involved – know the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Who will tell it first? Is either or both sides ready to move on, or are they simply playing an expensive game of chicken? Who better to ask than a raving band of Who Dats? We did that on another Mano E Monday edition of Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 370) presented by Evangeline Securities? Also, Gabe Henderson is back to chat and to offer his pick of the day in 'Man vs. Machine,' and in Jim's Extra Point, he has proof even the Saints themselves are trying to forget the past 18 months and strike it from the history books. (OK, maybe we exaggerate a little.)
It has been one week since the New Orleans Saints chose quarterback Tyler Shough with the 40th pick of the NFL Draft. It seems as if ever since, the media has already anointed him as the starter for the team's opener on Sept. 7. In other words, the same “experts” who said the Saints would not restructure Derek Carr's contract and would let him go are now saying Coach Kellen Moore will choose Shough and bypass Spencer Rattler, and at the same time dismiss Carr for real this time. What's true, and what isn't? What make sense, and what doesn't? Host Jim Derry spends asks Garland Gillen on FOX-8 on Friday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 369) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, Jim and Garland talk “way too early” over/under win totals, and Jim's “last Word” looks back 47 years to the May 3, 1978 flood.
There isn't a single fan of the New Orleans Saints who doesn't have an opinion on the Derek Carr saga. Will we ever find out the truth? Does it matter? Will he playin 2025, and if not, who takes his place: second-round draft pick Tyler Shough or last year's backup Spencer Rattler? How about a spirited debate on the subject? Well, that's what we get on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 368) presented by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry and ESPN Radio host Matt Moscona share their differing opinions, as do the involved Dat Family. The duo also talks about whether LSU actually has the No. 1 portal class, as Sports Illustrated has suggested. Also, Gabe Henderson has something to say about Taysom Hill, and has his daily best bet in ‘Man vs. Machine.' In his ‘Last Word,' Jim looks back 10 years to NOLA.com's first-ever live draft show when the Saints took Andrus Peat and Stephone Anthony in the first round. (Stephone Who?)
The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and things started wonderfully for the New Orleans Saints with the selection of Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks. But then … on Friday with the 40th pick, the team reached to draft Tyler Shough of Louisville as the third quarterback chosen. The big question is not necessarily about Shough, as it is “Did this team know about Derek Carr's problems all along and still restructure his contract – and mortgage the immediate future? Whatever the truth may be, host Jim Derry has his take in ‘Derry's Dime,' and a plethora of commenters follow suit on a Mano E Monday edition of Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 367) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, Gabe Henderson shares his thoughts on the talk of the weekend, and that's Shedeur Sanders falling to the fifth round. Gabe also tries to stay hot with his pick of the day in 'Man vs. Machine,' Lastly, on ‘The Last Word,' Jim begs the PGA to change the date of the Zurich Classic, or the people New Orleans will keep on not giving a rat's patoot.
Finally. We have finally made it to NFL Draft Day 2025. Of course we have a plethora of questions. Is it a sure thing for the Titans and Cam Ward at No. 1? Will the Jaguars and Bears make some sort of move before the thing starts? Who will the Saints go with at No. 9? Jim Derry has the Dat Crew together, as he, Gabe Henderson and Zach Ewing do their own mock draft and then explain each pick on a special Thursday episode of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 366) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also preview Thursday night's live draft show, where all of our Saints Insiders will be with us from team headquarters to update what's going on.
It's NFL Draft Eve, and all the “experts” have changed their tune anywhere from five to 15 times. What does Mock 5.3 say the Saints will take on Thursday night? Who cares? But it's looking more likely it won't be Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart at No. 9. Host Jim Derry wants to have some fun with the situation, so he brings in local radio icon Eric Asher on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 365) presented by Evangeline Securities. The duo also will talk about who they think makes the most sense for this franchise and all of its needs (what about Tyler Warren, Armand Membou, Will Campbell or Mykel Williams?) … And who will still be available when they pick? Will they live up to the latest rumors they will trade back up bottom of first round for a QB? Gabe Henderson also has his draft thoughts, and tries to get back at AI in ‘Man vs. Machine.' In his ‘Last Word,' Jim has a tribute for former ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Patrick, who passed away on Tuesday.