Dattitude with Jim Derry

There are plenty of question marks for the New Orleans Saints entering training camp, but the receiving corps is not one of them. Is this unit the strength of the team’s offense, and could Chris Olave become a real star in the NFL? After Rashid Shaheed, is Cedrick Wilson or AT Perry the WR3? Also, it’s time to look at the Pelicans, who are 2 months away from their own training camp. Does the trade for Dejounte Murray change the trajectory for the team, or will the lack of a starting big man be a detriment? Is Zion Williamson ready to become an MVP candidate? All these questions are answered, as Jim Derry brings in WDSU-TV sports anchor Fletcher Mackel on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 254) presented by Evangeline Securities. Also, before Fletcher heads to Paris for the Olympic Games, we ask the local angles he’ll be covering, and in Jim’s ‘Extra Point,’ he says Paul Skenes might already be the best pitcher in baseball after just 11 major-league starts.

The New Orleans Saints had the oldest starting lineup in the NFL entering the 2023 season, but what about 2024? Does it matter? And if they have a rough start, will they start making some changes? Also, we have been talking about how tough the first six games are on the team’s schedule, but maybe it isn’t as bad as we think it is? On a scale of 0 to 5, how hot is Coach Dennis Allen’s seat? Will the new offensive coaching staff make a difference? Lots of questions means lots of answers for Jim Derry and his Monday guest, WWL-TV sports director Doug Mouton. They have plenty to talk about on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 253) presented by Evangeline Securities, Jim ends the show with a special ‘Extra Point’ that offers a tribute to local football star Jacoby Jones, who died suddenly this past weekend just 3 days after his 40th birthday.

Training camp for the New Orleans Saints begins in less than 2 weeks (rookie report next week), and we have plenty of questions about this team. Will Alvin Kamara return for the start? Will the offensive line overperform their low expectations? How hot is the seat of Coach Dennis Allen? But even with all that, there are reasons one could be optimistic … what are they? Summer break is over, and Jim Derry is back. He is joined on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 252) presented by Evangeline Securities by sports writer Hart Pisani, who also shares details of his new podcast, “When the Lights Go Out.” And in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim loves the gesture by Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen sent out to fans of the team.

All seemed to be going swimmingly with the New Orleans Saints, as they entered the final day of minicamp and were set to head off into vacation relatively problem free. Then Alvin Kamara dropped a bombshell and abruptly left the team in an apparent contract dispute. What does this mean for the team, and can they get the problem ironed out before the start of training camp in about 5 weeks? Is it a big deal Coach Dennis Allen says he hasn’t talked to Kamara? And what about tight end Juwan Johnson needing foot surgery? How long will that linger? We’ll try to answer those questions, as host Jim Derry brings in Saints beat reporter Luke Johnson on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 251) presented by Evangeline Securities. And in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim celebrates Fathers Day by remembering his own dad and reading notes from his 12- and 8-year-old daughters.

We’re just about to that point in the offseason schedule where members of the New Orleans Saints will heading out for one final vacation before the 2024 fall campaign really gets going. Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore have returned, which certainly is a good thing, while we still wonder about the offensive line and whether some rookies such as Kool-Aid McKinstry will contribute right away. The good news is host Jim Derry has brought in NOLA.com and The Times-Picayune Saints editor Zach Ewing for his insight on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 250) presented by Evangeline Securities to go through those points and more. Also, Jim wraps up the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ asking one simple question: “What do Joey Chestnut and Caitlin Clark have in common.” Don’t worry … he gives you the answer, too.

Just a few days of mandatory minicamp, and then Dennis Allen and the New Orleans Saints will take their final break before the 2024 season begins in earnest with training camp in late July. There certainly are more questions than answers, as Klint Kubiak installs a new offense, and we still don’t know three of the five pieces on the line outside of Erik McCoy at center and Cesar Ruiz at right guard. And what about the aging defensive line? Can the linebackers step up, and could Willie Gay be a diamond in the rough? Is the defensive backfield the strength of the team? All questions Jim Derry poses to WWL Radio Saints/NFL analyst Mike Detillier on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 249) presented by Evangeline Securities. And Jim finishes the show with a booming ‘Extra Point,’ as he goes back 28 years to the greatest home run in LSU history – a game-winning blast by Warren Morris in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, a runner on third base and the Tigers trailing the mighty Miami Hurricanes by one run. It was Morris’ only home run in 1996, and really, the only one he needed to hit.

We have spent most of the late spring and early summer talking about the potential for the New Orleans Saints’ new offense under Klint Kubiak. But what about Dennis Allen’s defense? They were not good last season against the run and had virtually no pass rush. Will they be better? Can they find depth on the defensive line, and is this the last year for Hall-of-Famer to be defensive end Cameron Jordan? Jim Derry talks to his old friend, Larry Holder of The Athletic, on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 248) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also offer their early top surprise picks in the NFL and potential disappointments, as well as Jim’s and Larry’s Super Bowl predictions (which they reserve the right to change before September). Lastly in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim looks back 33 years to when LSU baseball started its run in becoming the premier program in the country and Skip Bertman became a legend, as they won their first national championship over Wichita State.

The New Orleans Saints have finished their 2024 voluntary OTAs and they look ahead to next week’s mandatory minicamp. The highlight of the past 3 weeks clearly has been the installation of Klint Kubiak’s new offense and all the different things the team might do this season. Will Derek Carr thrive, and what will Taysom Hill do? Also, should there be optimism for this makeshift offensive line, and will there be any more personnel changes before the start of training camp? Jim Derry brings asks Matt Moscona of ESPN Radio on Thursday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 247) presented by Evangeline Securities, as they also put a wrap on the LSU baseball Tigers and look at who might be back in 2025 and who definitely will be gone. Lastly in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim looks back 80 years to the anniversary of D-Day and why it is such an important day in American history and how it affected sports.

It has come down to this for the LSU baseball Tigers. Defeat North Carolina for the second straight day and return home to The Box for a Super Regionals matchup against West Virginia. Lose, and it’s the end of the line for this special team and for many of its stars. Who will pitch? Who will be the star? Will it be one of the usuals like Tommy ‘Tanks’ White or Steven ‘Monster’ Milam, or will it be a Michael Braswell or Brady Neal or Josh Pearson? Will someone come out of the bullpen and make it 4 or 5 innings? Jim Derry brings in LSU baseball beat writer Koki Riley, for Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 246) presented by Evangeline Securities. And in Jim’s ‘Extra Point,’ he sympathizes with fans of the Atlanta Falcons (not really) for the punishment they are about to receive for tampering with quarterback Kirk Cousins.

With less than 2 months until the start of training camp for the Saints, we have had plenty of local opinions on what might happen in the 2024 season. Now, it’s time to get a neutral expert from outside of the New Orleans area. How will Klint Kubiak’s offense be different from Pete Carmichael? Will Derek Carr thrive, and will Taysom Hill play a larger role? Jim Derry has plenty of questions for one of the football world’s top handicappers in Adam Chernoff, who joins Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 245) presented by Evangeline Securities. We also talk Saints over/under win totals, and Jim asks Adam for some surprise teams in the NFL this upcoming season. Spoiler alert: One of them is in the NFC South. Jim also talks a little about LSU baseball, and in the ‘Extra Point,’ we go back 39 years to quite possible the most important day in the history of the Saints: The day Tom Benson bought the team for a measly $70.2 million.

The New Orleans Saints have another major injury on their defensive line, as it was learned Tanoh Kpassagnon will almost surely miss the start of the regular season and beyond with a torn Achilles tendon. That pairs up with Chase Young’s neck injury that could have him sidelined into Opening Day. What does this mean – especially with the tough schedule early in the season? That’s a major topic of discussion for Jim Derry and his guest Garland Gillen of Fox-8 Sports on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 244) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will talk about the offensive line projections and whether the Saints will make any moves before the start of training camp. And what about LSU baseball, as they head to North Carolina for the Chapel Hill Regional, and is it possible they could host a Super Regional if they make it that far? On the 'Extra Point,' Jim is thrilled of the retirement news from Angel Hernandez, the worst game official in the history of sports.

The first week of voluntary practices for the New Orleans Saints is in the books, and there were several notable no-shows. Among them were two of three running backs – Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams. Is there significance to this, and how key is it for them to get there to learn Klint Kubiak’s offense and to gain some cohesiveness? Does it matter if they don’t get the offensive line problems solved? Also, LSU baseball is in the SEC Tournament semifinals, and could be primed to make a run. So many topics to talk about for Jim Derry who goes it alone on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 243) presented by Evangeline Securities. Finally in a very important ‘Extra Point,’ Jim shares his opinion on the landmark announcement Thursday that the NCAA and the Power-5 schools are settling with past college athletes for $2.8 billion. How will this affect current and future student-athletes and the landscape of college sports? Spoiler alert: This could be the most significant thing to happen to the NCAA since Title IX.

On Tuesday, New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen said All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore will be back in 2024. Not saying we’re not sure, but is it a big deal we have heard nothing from Lattimore’s camp? What about how the team is lining up on the offensive line in OTAs, and what should we expect from Alvin Kamara, who also is a no show this week. Host Jim Derry will ask WWL-TV sports director Doug Mouton on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 242) presented by Evangeline Securities. Doug also will share his thoughts on what Klint Kubiak is doing thus far and a big difference we might see in the role of Taysom Hill, as well as his viewpoint of the schedule and prediction for 2024. They also talked about LSU baseball live as they were whooping up on Kentucky in the SEC Baseball Tournament. On the 'Extra Point,' Jim thinks the “double first base” the SEC is experimenting with could be done quite differently. Is it safety or silly?

The LSU baseball Tigers took care of business this past weekend with a sweep of rival-Ole Miss at Alex Box Stadium, but is it enough for the defending NCAA champions to earn a berth into the Regionals? That is Question No. 1 on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 241) presented by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry asks The Advocate LSU baseball beat writer Koki Riley, before he heads to Hoover, Ala., for the SEC Tournament. Also, how do the Tigers matchup against Tuesday’s opponent, Georgia, and potentially for the rest of the weeklong tourney? Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim wishes a Happy 75th birthday to former Saints quarterback Archie Manning and goes through why Archie is one of the show host’s all-time favorite football players.

Dak Prescott. Jalen Hurts. Kirk Cousins. Patrick Mahomes. These are the quarterbacks the New Orleans Saints will have to face in succession over a four-game stretch early in the season. Can they navigate through that and find a way to a successful start? This is the No. 1 question posed by host Jim Derry to Times-Picayune and The Advocate sports columnist Rod Walker on a special, schedule-release Thursday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 240) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will talk about best- and worst-case scenarios, what the Saints need to do to make this season better than the past two and make their “far too early” predictions for 2024. And in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim goes back 39 years to a day when the future of the team was very much on the brink of whether they would remain in New Orleans and what Gov. Edwin Edwards did to step in and help save the efforts for Tom Benson to buy the Saints.

The NFL schedule isn’t officially announced until Wednesday night, but we have the inside scoop on who, when and where the Saints will lineup throughout the 2024 season. (And it ain’t pretty.) That’s the main focus for Jim Derry, as he welcomes in ‘Inside New Orleans’ show host Eric Asher on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 239) presented by Evangeline Securities. They will go through and talk about the toughest matchups and the waters the Saints will need to navigate through to have a successful campaign. Also, we ask Eric his thoughts on the addition of quarterback Spencer Rattler. On the 'Extra Point,' Jim looks back 6 years to when the US Supreme Court struck down a rule that outlawed sports gambling, leaving it up to the states to decide. Was that a good thing or bad?

The first NFL practices are done for the newest members of the New Orleans Saints, but how significant were they? Do we like what we hear from quarterback Spencer Rattler and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry? Do we make anything of Taliese Fuaga practicing at left tackle? We hear from Rattler, McKinstry and new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 238) brought to you by Evangeline Securities, as host Jim Derry shares his thoughts on the weekend. Also, former LSU slugger Cade Beloso joins the show to talk about what the Tigers need to do on the diamond in the near future to make this season a success. Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim goes back 22 years ago to the date Mickey Loomis was promoted to Saints general manager, which Jim says very well could be the most significant move in the history of this franchise.

Much like last year – but maybe worse now – the New Orleans Saints have a quandary along their offensive line. Assuming right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is a no-go for at least the beginning of the 2024 season, first-round pick Taliese Fuaga likely will start there. So what does that mean for the rest of the offensive line? Will Trevor Penning have a rebirth of sorts and be able to go at left tackle? What about recently signed Oli Udoh, who started 16 games for offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak when he was in Minnesota? Do the Saints need to get a left tackle in free agency? What about left guard? These are all questions host Jim Derry has for FOX-8 Saints beat reporter Sean Fazende on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 237) presented by Evangeline Securities. They also will talk about the potential 2024 schedule, which will be released Wednesday night, and what are the most intriguing matchups. And in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim goes back 22 years when it was announced the Charlotte Hornets were moving to New Orleans.

It has been a week many people in Pearl River won't soon forget. Hours before seniors from the school were graduating and the baseball team was pulling off an improbable comeback to advance to the semifinals, a senior classmate was killed in a car accident. How has the team dealt with the tragedy, and can this group of young men continue to uplift a community in their first trip to Sulphur for the state tournament? Coach Buddy Turnage joins Jim Derry on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 234) presented by Evangeline Securities, to talk about the journey, as well as his own long two-decade trip to this point in his life. Jim also shares his thoughts on Andrus Peat leaving the team to go to the Las Vegas Raiders and what would be the ideal schedule for the New Orleans Saints. And in the 'Extra Point,' he looks back 29 years to the great May 8 flood that dealt the city another blow.

With less than 4 months remaining until the LSU football Tigers take the field in Las Vegas to play USC in the Trojans’ first game in the post-Caleb Williams era, where does this team stand? How does Brian Kelly’s offense look with Garrett Nussmeier set to take over behind center and one of the most experienced O-lines in college football? Can the defense be better (It has to be!) Host Jim Derry brings in The Advocate’s LSU Sports beat writer Wilson Alexander on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 235), as they also talk about the the baseball team and whether Jay Johnson’s crew is back in the running to make a regional with three straight SEC series victories, including over No. 1 Texas A&M this past weekend at The Box. Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim brags about his big Derby hit this past weekend and looks back 46 years to May 6, 1978, when Affirmed and Alydar struck up one of sports’ great rivalries in the Run for the Roses and Affirmed’s first leg of what would be the last Triple Crown winner for the next 27 years.

It's nearly a week since the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix with their first-round selection and the eighth overall. That doesn’t make them better now, but the Las Vegas oddsmakers have not budged the odds in the NFC South and still have them as big favorites over the New Orleans Saints, the defending champs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers. Why? Does the draft mean nothing? Does the fact both the Bucs and Saints finished ahead of Atlanta last year mean anything? Does Kirk Cousins mean THAT much? What about the Saints adding Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry and the Bucs drafting needs, as well? We ask our friend Terrin Waack, who is a NOLA.com alum and currently serves as beat writer for the Dirty Birds at AtlantaFalcons.com to share her thoughts with host Jim Derry on Wednesday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 234). Also in the ‘Extra Point,’ Jim goes back 33 years to a doubleheader of big-time records in Major League Baseball on one day.

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and what grade to we give the New Orleans Saints? If one were to judge by the first two picks alone – Taliese Fuaga and Kool-Aid McKinstry, it might be as high as an A+. However, some of us think that “wasting” a fifth-round pick on quarterback Spencer Rattler drops it a bit. Is it a wasted pick, and does Kool-Aid for sure signal the end of Marshon Lattimore’s tenure in New Orleans? Jim Derry analyzes the weekend with Times-Picayune Saints beat writer Luke Johnson on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 233), as they also talk about the other third-day picks and undrafted free agents that could make an impact on this team. Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim is looking back to one of the signature drafts in recent memory, as on this date in 2006, Reggie Bush was a splash pick – the first by Coach Sean Payton – before others like Roman Harper, Zach Strief and Marques Colston – were picked. “Just one time for ya boy!”

Taliese Fuaga is the newest member of the New Orleans Saints after the team picked him with the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft. Was this the right choice, and where does he slot in as a starter? What were his thoughts after being picked, and what did Coach Dennis Allen have to say? It’s a post-first-day Friday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 232) presented by Evangeline Securities, as we also get into the possibilities for the Saints on Day 2 at pick No. 45. Wide receiver? Running back? Another offensive lineman? A cornerback in case Marshon Lattimore is traded away? Jim Derry shares his thoughts on the Saints and the laughable decision by the Atlanta Falcons to draft Michael Penix, along with some of the other Day 1 moments. He finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ which looks back 21 years at one of the top busts in team history, as the Saints traded their two first-round picks to move up and grab lazy, out-of-shape Johnathan Sullivan with the sixth pick.

We’re just hours away from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, and there has been some movement both in mock drafts and in odds on where offensive tackles might go Thursday night. Will Olu Fashanu, JC Latham or other targets still be there when the Black and Gold draft at No. 14? Will the team think they are forced to make a move up? Would they consider a guy like tight end Brock Bowers of Georgia if he is still on the board? Would they look at wide receiver or trade down? And what is in store for our 5-hour show Thursday night on all of our NOLA.com social media channels … including our Dattitude YouTube page? Jim Derry is on all that on a special Thursday edition of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 231) brought to you by Evangeline Securities, with Saints Editor Zach Ewing. We’ll also briefly touch on the Pelicans’ no-show performance in Oklahoma City in Game 2, and the ‘Extra Point’ goes back 31 years to when the Saints traded beloved Pat Swilling to the Detroit Lions for the rights to draft eventual Hall-of-Fame left tackle Willie Roaf.

It's the eve of the NFL Draft for the New Orleans Saints (and the other 31 teams in the NFL), but the biggest question is: How can this team check all the 'needs' buttons with so few early picks? Have no fear, NOLA.com Sports Columist Jeff Duncan is here with Jim Derry to answer that question. Of course, we have many other inquiries for Dunc, as well, and he shared his thoughts on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 230) brought to you by Evangeline Securities. Will the Saints stay at 14, and what could possibly force their hand to move up (God, please no) or give them an opportunity to move down? Is this a do-or-die draft for Coach Dennis Allen, and can the team become one of the league’s best simply with great days Thursday and Friday? How much will Klint Kubiak being here as offensive coordinator affect the decisions? Also, Jim wraps up the show with the 'Extra Point,' looking back to 1988 when the Saints drafted a “bull-deer” fullback named Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward.

It seemed like it was all there for the New Orleans Pelicans to steal Game 1 on the road at Oklahoma City on Sunday night, but scoring just two points in the final 3½ minutes and hitting the free-throw line just nine times all night spelled a heartbreaking 94-92 loss. Can they rebound in Game 2? Will Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and others step up? The good news is it’s NFL Draft week, and Jim Derry gets things kicked off with FOX-8’s Garland Gillen on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 229), as they’ll also dive into the prospects of LSU receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas, and where they might go Thursday night. Oh, and maybe the best move for the New Orleans Saints is to trade down on Day 2 to get a couple more higher picks? Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim is all positive in looking back to the 2017 Draft that produced gems like Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk and other starters. And, of course, some guy named Alvin Kamara. We also look ahead to a busy week of Dattitude and shows on four mornings, including a preview of Thursday night’s live Draft show on NOLA.com.

Jayden Daniels continues to follow the lead of Joe Burrow, and although he won’t be picked No. 1 in Thursday’s opening of the 2024 NFL Draft, he almost certainly will be taken at No. 2 by Washington Commanders or at 3 by the New England Patriots. What kind of pro will the Heisman Trophy-winner be? That’s a lead topic for host Jim Derry, who brings on his old pal Larry Holder of The Athletic to talk about it on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 228) presented by Evangeline Securities, Also, do the New Orleans Saints have it in them and stick to the script of drafting a tackle at No. 14, such as Olu Fashanu or JC Latham? And will they make a move to fill in the void in the third and fourth rounds? Jim opens the show with a couple of anecdotes and shares a prediction on the Pelicans’ do-or-die Play-In game against the Sacramento Kings – a game they will have to play without Zion Williamson out. He finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ which focuses on yet another “they did what?!?” moment for the Saints in a past draft – this time when they selected cornerback Alex Molden over Hall of Fame running back Eddie George in 1996.

There’s no question the Atlanta Falcons have a major upgrade at quarterback with the addition in free agency of Kirk Cousins. And with Bijan Robinson’s rookie season in his rearview mirror, does that make this team the favorite over the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South with new coach Raheem Morris? Jim Derry gets into that on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 227) brought to you by Evangeline Securities with Bet.NOLA.com’s Gabe Henderson, and Jim also talks in his monologue about the possibility of the New Orleans Pelicans having to face the Sacramento Kings in the do-or-die Play-In game Friday without Zion Williamson, who was hurt in Tuesday’s loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Spencer the Guru is here with the weekly Fantasy Roundup to talk about waiver-wire pitchers and hitters in MLB and the top potential running backs in this upcoming NFL Draft. Jim wraps up the show with the 'Extra Point,' looking back a quarter-century to when Mike Ditka and the Saints traded their entire allotment of picks in the 1999 draft – and a first and third in 2000 – to move up eight spots and draft Heisman Trophy winning running back Ricky Williams.

After one of the most impressive road trips in recent New Orleans Pelicans history, they came home and once again laid an egg against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Can they turn things around in the Play-In Game on Tuesday? What’s wrong with this team? What’s so different about playing at the Smoothie King Center? What was up with Zion Williamson on Sunday? Host Jim Derry talks about it on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 226) brought to you by Evangeline Services with David Grubb, who is a host and CEO of “Hard in the Paint” podcast. Also, with just 10 days remaining until the start of the NFL Draft, will the New Orleans Saints make a pick that can change their fortunes as simply a “playoff-caliber” team? Lastly, on the 'Extra Point,' Jim and David talk about the importance of “Jackie Robinson Day,” and why it’s so much more than MLB players wearing No. 42 on Monday. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 3:15 Masters review 6:07 David Grubb joins 8:35 Pelicans disappointment 26:08 Are Pels too soft? 35:35 Saints and Draft talk 53:30 Extra Point: Jackie Robinson Day 1:01:40 Final thoughts

The New Orleans Saints will go into the 2024 season in a strange position: not favored in the NFC South. Instead, it most likely will be the Atlanta Falcons? Who should it be, and why not the defending-champ Tampa Bay Bucs? Jim Derry brings on Doug Mouton to talk about it on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 225) presented by Evangeline Securities, as they also talk about the Pelicans, who do the job on the road (again). Can they win their final two games and clinch the 6 seed in the NBA West to avoid the Play-In Tournament? And, wow, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum have turned things on with Brandon Ingram out. Jim finishes the show with his ‘Extra Point,’ which focuses on how The Masters has not been kind to Hall of Famer Greg Norman – both 37 years ago today – and this week. CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 4:20 Doug Mouton on Pelicans 20:55 Saints and NFC South odds 35:05 What will Saints do in 1st round 1:01:20 Extra Point 1:05:10 Final thoughts

Doesn't this NFL Draft seem foolproof for the New Orleans Saints? Whether they remain at No. 14 in the first round or trade down a few spots, there are plenty of offensive tackles to target who would fit in and immediately be ready to play. Who are those tackles? Jim Derry takes a look and shares his thoughts on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 224), and he also gives a positive update on the Pelicans, who moved back into sixth place in the NBA's Western Conference. Can they stay there? Uncle Big Nick is back to give us a Masters preview, and Spencer the Guru is here with the weekly Fantasy Roundup. Jim wraps up the show with a special 'Extra Point,' commemorating 50 years since Hammerin' Hank Aaron's 715th home run. To be a sponsor of Dattitude, contact Jim at [email protected] to see our current pricing and options, including segment sponsors and “friends of the show.”

The New Orleans Pelicans have picked the worst time of year to settle into a slump. They finish off a horrendous homestand Friday night against the lowly San Antonio Spurs, but they may have to do it without Zion Williamson, who is day to day after injuring his finger Wednesday night. With just six games left – four of which are on the road – can they get it together and finish in sixth or higher? Will Brandon Ingram be back soon? How much do they miss him? What are their prospects for the playoffs? These are all questions we'll ask Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 223). Join us, as host Jim Derry also has a couple thoughts on school being cut in half for the solar eclipse on Monday and his 'Extra Point' goes back 31 years to the national championship game being played in the Superdome.

For Angel Reese, Kim Mulkey and the LSU women’s basketball team, Monday night did not go down as they had planned in a loss to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. And now with Reese announcing she is leaving LSU for the WNBA, we ask The Advocate’s Scott Rabalais about the future of the program and if the team could have done anything different. Also, Scott talks a little about LSU baseball and their slump, as well as The Masters, which he will cover for us beginning next week in Augusta, Ga. Can anyone beat Scottie Scheffler, and what sleepers should we be looking at? Host Jim Derry opens the show asking whether Wednesday’s game for the New Orleans Pelicans is a “must win” against the Orlando Magic, and just how close are they to dropping to the play-in game? Spencer the Guru is here for the “Fantasy Roundup,” and Jim has a special “Extra Point,” in which he explains why Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast is important to him and his family because it is Episode No. 222.

We are now just 4 weeks away from the start of the NFL Draft, and wheels certainly are already spinning in the war room of the New Orleans Saints. With so few offensive lineman on this roster, will this team do what most experts think is best – and draft a potential starting left tackle? That is topic A and B for Jim Derry and guest Fletcher Mackel of WDSU-TV sports on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 221), as they also talk about the resiliency of the New Orleans Pelicans and their bounce-back win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and the Boston Celtics coming to town on Saturday. Is this the most important homestand in franchise history? Also, we dive into the chances for the LSU women’s basketball team in the Sweet 16 against UCLA and possibly in the Elite 8 against potentially Caitlin Clark and Iowa. For the “Extra Point” Jim goes back 42 years to March 29, 1982 when he was 13-year-old boy in the terrace of the Louisiana Superdome watching the real GOAT become the GOAT … Michael Jordan’s shot that lifted North Carolina to a national championship.

Uh oh. Reading through the team leaves of New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen says to Who Dats the offensive line might be an even bigger concern than originally thought. And that ain't good. Jim Derry dissects Allen's press conference from the NFL owners meetings on Dattitude (Ep. 220) live at 2:30 p.m. on these social media channels and later on demand, as we go through some of the key moments, which also include Derek Carr and Klint Kubiak, veteran leadership and free agency and the backup QB situation. Also, the Fantasy Roundup and Wednesday's Extra Point focuses on MLB's Opening Day. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 6:50 New Orleans Pelicans 8:45 Derry’s Dime 13:10 Ryan Ramczyk update 22:15 Is Dennis Allen turning a corner? 24:05 Derek and David Carr talk Kubiaks 29:10 Saints backup QB 32:00 Fantasy Roundup 43:10 Extra Point 46:15 Final thoughts

It’s less than 5 weeks until the start of the NFL Draft, and it won’t be long before the New Orleans Saints are on the clock at pick No. 14. Is there a specific player they should be looking at or at least a specific position? Jim Derry certainly thinks so, and he has NOLA.com Saints editor Zach Ewing on to talk about it on Monday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 219). Also, we hope your bracket looks better than ours … What should we be looking for with some potentially incredible matchups in the Sweet 16. While we’re talking March Madness, the LSU women gave their fans a scare through 2½ quarters on Sunday, but then they pulled away from Middle Tennessee State and will face the UCLA-Creighton winner Saturday in Albany. Will they get to the dream Elite Eight game against Caitlin Clark and Iowa? Lastly in Jim’s Extra Point, he shares some incredible highlights from a wild and wacky local All-Star basketball game this past weekend that ended with a score of 119-105.

Here we go again. Just as it looked like the New Orleans Pelicans could be major contenders in the West, star guard Brandon Ingram injures a knee and is out at least 2 weeks. Is this team snakebit, or will this turn out to be not that big of a deal with just 1 month to go in NBA regular season? Jim Derry will talk about it on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 218) with Times-Picayune Pels beat writer Christian Clark. And Jim also welcomes in retiring Tulane women's basketball coach Lisa Stockton to talk about her 30 years leading the Green Wave. Lastly, in the 'Extra Point,' we remember Pete Rozelle, who announced his retirement as NFL commissioner 35 years ago today.

The New Orleans Saints made their biggest splash in free agency thus far by signing edge rusher Chase Young on Monday. Then on Tuesday, it came out that Young will need neck surgery and likely will not be ready for the start of training camp. How much did the team know? Is he still worth $13 million for one season of service? If so, does it allow the Saints to focus on one particular position in next month's draft? All things to talk about with ESPN Radio's Matt Moscona, who joins host Jim Derry on Wednesday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 217). Also, we'll give a quick update on the Pelicans and LSU spring football, and welcome in Spencer The Guru for the weekly 'Fantasy Roundup.' Bet.NOLA’s Gabe Henderson also is on to kick off a new segment. Jim will wrap up the show with a special 'Extra Point,' as he says Happy Birthday to one of the best players ever to suit up in Black and Gold.

March Madness is here, and the brackets are set. Can anyone unseat UConn on the men's side of things? What about South Carolina on the women's side? Did LSU get a raw deal? Jim Derry has plenty to talk about on Monday's Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 216), and he'll do it with college betting expert Thomas Casale, who just so happens to be the Bet.NOLA.com sports betting director. Also, Jim will discuss the social media scene and Saints fans wishing their team would have got in on the Justin Fields trade. And in the “Extra Point,” Jim asks whether Scottie Scheffler is on the same plane as Tiger Woods after winning a second straight Players Championship title?

While some of the biggest names in football seem to be flying around the league in deals to other teams, the New Orleans Saints have been as quiet as a mouse sneaking up on a piece of cheddar in the middle of the kitchen floor. How much more will the team do than Cedrick Wilson, Willie Gay and backup QB Nathan Peterman? Also, the Pelicans are playing a key game Friday night at The Blender, as we talk about all of it here on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 215). Host Jim Derry welcomes in Times-Picayune sports columnist Rod Walker, and Jim finishes his show with an 'Extra Point' that goes back 155 years.

Super Bowl-winning linebacker Willie Gay is headed to the Saints after signing with the team Tuesday. What impact will this have, and are there more big name free agents to come for the Black and Gold? Times-Picayune Saints beat writer Luke Johnson joins Dattitude (Ep. 214) on Wednesday to talk about it, as well as other possibilities the team might have now that they are under the salary cap. (How did that happen?) And what about Jameis Winston leaving, as well as Zack Baun? Also, Uncle Big Nick is back to preview 'golf's fifth major' in The Players Championship, while Spencer 'The Guru' Urquhart has his weekly Fantasy Roundup – talking the big moves in NFL free agency this week that will affect fantasy owners and his top 12 baseball pitchers to be targeting.

It seems as if Michael Thomas has accepted he is no longer going to be a part of the New Orleans Saints, and it's now time for us to look at the team's situation at wide receiver on Monday's Dattitude (Ep. 213, March 11), as host Jim Derry welcomes in WWL-TV Sports Director Doug Mouton. We'll also discuss the mess that went on at the SEC women's basketball tournament championship in Greenville, S.C., on Sunday, as LSU and South Carolina players got into it near the end of the game. Will the tussle have any repercussions? Will there be suspensions? Jim and Doug will talk about the Pelicans, who went 3-0 on their mini-road trip, and Doug gets a chance to brag about his trip to Arizona for MLB Spring Training. Jim finishes the show with his "Extra Point," which celebrates a special event that occurred on March 11, 1924.

Maybe someone should just tell Michael Thomas he should stay off social media for a little bit. During the season he was going at quarterback Derek Carr and his coaches. On Thursday, he wasn’t happy Times-Picayune sports columnist Jeff Duncan was reporting Thomas would be released from the Saints sometime late next week. What do you think? Well, we have our own thoughts on Friday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 212), and host Jim Derry brings in Eric Asher, who hosts “Inside New Orleans” daily on 106.1-FM The Ticket and weekly on WLAE-TV, to discuss that and the state of the New Orleans Pelicans and LSU baseball team (12-1) and set for a weekend series against Xavier (Ohio). In Jim’s “Extra Point,” he gives a shout out to his alma mater, the Archbishop Shaw High Eagles, who after going to the semifinals in football this past December and winning a state championship in wrestling last month, made it to the semis in the state basketball tournament for the third straight season.

The New Orleans Pelicans rolled to a 41-point victory over the lowly Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, and while they upped their record to 37-25, they still are having trouble finding a consistent level of success. Why is that? Host Jim Derry asks 'Hard in the Paint' CEO and host David Grubb on Wednesday's Dattitude (Ep. 211). Also, Spencer the Guru is on for our weekly 'Fantasy Roundup' segment, as we talk NFL big-name free agents and their potential impacts, as well as the top 12 rankings for upcoming MLB fantasy drafts.

It is a bit early to call New Orleans Saints tackle Trevor Penning an all-out bust, but the team certainly has to figure out what they want to do at tackle before the NFL Draft begins in a little over 7 weeks. That has to be priority No. 1, doesn’t it? That is the lead topic of discussion on Monday’s Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 210), as host Jim Derry brings in FOX-8 Sports Managing Director Garland Gillen to talk about it, as well as a look at the rising stock of LSU wide receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas. Lastly, Garland and Jim will share their thoughts on Iowa’s Caitlin Clark surpassing the all-time point record in college basketball set by LSU’s Pistol Pete Maravich back in 1970. Should it be a record? Should Clark have an asterisk? Should they even be mentioned together? And in Monday’s Extra Point, Jim shows what Clark’s numbers would be had she played by the rules of the NCAA 54 years ago. Hint: She would be WAY off.

It's a brand new season for the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 209), and it goes way beyond that. Going forward, the show will encompass all the shows from Bet.NOLA.com, as well as take on a slightly different look and feel. While Jim Derry still will focus on the New Orleans Saints, being a fulltime podcast host means he will be able to book a more wide variety of top-notch guests from the local media and on the national scene. That starts with the Season 4 premiere, as WWL Radio’s Mike Detillier joins to discuss the state of the Saints just 8 weeks prior to the 2024 NFL Draft. Will Mickey Loomis, Jeff Ireland and the team make cap magic once again? What are priorities in the draft? Will Klint Kubiak make a difference as offensive coordinator? Where will Jayden Daniels go? Jim also shares his thoughts in his monologue and brings back an old favorite with the “Extra Point” to close it out, as he looks back to rookie Chris Paul and the New Orleans / Oklahoma City Hornets and something that had never been done in NBA history before or since back on March 1, 2006.

Super Bowl LVIII will be played on Sunday, which means it’s time for our final picks show of the football season, which just so happens to be the Season 3 finale of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 208). As he has for the past 5 months, The Athletic’s Larry Holder joins show host Jim Derry to talk about the big game. No spoiler alerts on their picks, but each has detailed reasons why they are on a certain side. And Jim announces two prop bets he thinks are incredible value and must be looked at. Also on the show, we discuss the Saints’ imminent hiring of Klint Kubiak as offensive coordinator, and Jim finishes the show with a tribute for his dad, Jim Derry Sr., who passed away last weekend in Florida.

In Jeff Duncan’s weekend column, he says the New Orleans Saints “are all in” on quarterback Derek Carr, and they plan to restructure the contract with their “ride or die” to make it so they are married to him throughout at least the 2025 season. Whether you like it or not, there are more good reasons to do this than not. We go through the reasons with The Athletic’s Larry Holder on Friday’s the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 207), and we discuss whether this is one of the reasons why the Saints have waited to hire a new offensive coordinator. Will it be Klint Kubiak or Brian Griese? Staying inside the building with Ronald Curry? And what about Super Bowl LVIII? Is there an early read on the game? How have the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers made it? Certainly not by coaching like it’s a game of “Madden NFL” like Dan Campbell did last week in the NFC championship game. Are we giving up on Lamar Jackson’s chances to make a Super Bowl?

It's very likely New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen has his job riding on who the team’s next offensive coordinator will be. With that, there are plenty of candidates, but on the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 206), we have narrowed the top three choices to Ronald Curry, Jon Gruden and Klint Kubiak. What are the plusses and minuses for each? And what about the choices for head coach in Atlanta in Carolina? Are Raheem Morris and Dave Canales going to keep Saints fans up at night, or are they in line with some of the teams’ past hires? What’s up in the NFC South? Lastly, what do we think about Sunday’s NFC and AFC championship games? Are the lines spot on, or do we expect an upset? Dat host Jim Derry and The Athletic's Larry Holder will talk about it all on this jam-packed episode.

While eight NFL teams are preparing for a shot at their respective conference championships, the New Orleans Saints have already begun to plan for the 2024. That plan opened a couple of days ago with General Manager Mickey Loomis announcing Coach Dennis Allen was staying for a third season, while the team would move on from Pete Carmichael and look for another offensive coordinator. Jim Derry and The Athletic's Larry Holder are here to discuss on the weekly Friday episode of the Dattitude Podcast (Ep. 205). They'll also offer their picks for all four playoff games this weekend in the Divisional Round, and will the duo agree as much as they did last week? (Let’s hope not.)