Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

KEEP AN EYE ON …

PIERRE THOMAS

The New Orleans’ tailback likely will play a bigger role today in his second week back from a lingering ankle injury — on offense and potentially as a kickoff returner. Thomas might have to serve as the Saints’ lead runner, depending on the health of tailback Chris Ivory. He also is a valuable weapon for the Saints on screen passes, which is one of the best ways to attack the aggressive Ravens’ defense. And judging by the temperature in Baltimore, Thomas is bound to have a big day. The Chicago-area native and former Illinois standout always has thrived outdoors in cold weather during his NFL career. His breakout game came at Chicago in his rookie year in 2007, when he gained 105 yards rushing and 121 yards receiving. In 2008, he gained more than 140 yards from scrimmage at Kansas City and Chicago late in the season. And in 2009, he ran for 126 yards and two touchdowns in the second half during a balmy day at Buffalo. “I feel like I feel great out there in the cold weather,” said Thomas, adding that you don’t get tired as quickly. “It’s something I’m used to, something I was raised in. So I know I’ll be good.”

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Jeff Duncan

If you’re looking for the most improved aspect of the New Orleans Saints in the Sean Payton era look no further than the pass defense.

In 2007, opposing quarterbacks passed for 32 touchdown passes and an average of 257 yards a game against the Saints. Their combined passer efficiency rating was an astounding 96.9.

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James Varney

New Orleans Saints safety Roman Harper arrived at work this week to find two empty gas cans at his locker, a gift from anonymous teammates honoring his tiptoeing out of bounds with a fumble recovery against the Rams with opposing quarterback Sam Bradford closing in.

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James Varney, The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints maintained a fairly lengthy injury list Thursday, and buried within it was a mix of good and dicey news for the team as it prepares to face the host Baltimore Ravens this weekend.

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Mike Triplett, The Times-Picayune

The New Orleans Saints will likely enter Sunday’s game at Baltimore as underdogs for the first time all season – depending on how the Ravens perform tonight at Houston. But Saints Coach Sean Payton insisted that he won’t use the “underdog” edge as motivation for his team.

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Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune

Saints free safety Malcolm Jenkins will be named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for his two-interception performance in a 31-13 win against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.

The NFL will official announce the honor on Wednesday.

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Great video from the Sean Payton show.

The Sean Payton Show Episode 213_Part 3 from Horizon Entertainment on Vimeo.

New Orleans Saints return man Courtney Roby has been taken to Ochsner

New Orleans — Kickoff return man Courtney Roby was carried off the field in the final 1:37 of the first half in the New Orleans Saints game against the St. Louis Rams.

The update was that he has feeling in his extremities and was alert when taken off the field. He was sent to Ochsner for observation.

Roby had returned a kickoff after the Rams had scored on a 45-yard field goal to cut the Saints lead to 14-6 and was hit in the head by a tackler’s knee. He fumbled the ball and it was recovered by the Rams.

Story from NOLA.

Kevin Spain, The Times-Picayune

New Orleans — The New Orleans Saints kept pace with the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday with a 31-13 win against the NFC West-leading St. Louis Rams.

From the start, the Saints dominated this game with accurate passing of Drew Brees, who was 25-of-40 for 221 yards and three touchdowns; big catches of Marques Colston, two touchdowns; and good running by Chris Ivory, who had 47 yards rushing on seven carries before leaving the game with some type of leg injury.

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