NFL notebook: David to face former team
During his first three NFL training camps, Jason David, a former Washington State star, won a starting job with the Indianapolis Colts based on his ability to defend passes from Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison.
So what exactly did the new Saints cornerback learn about the Colts’ offense before he left the reigning Super Bowl champs to play in New Orleans?
“If I knew, I’d tell … but I don’t think anybody has the real answer as to what’s going on on that side of the ball,” David said. “So like I say, you’ve just got to stay poised and play ball.”
David expects to match up primarily against wide receiver Wayne during the NFL’s Thursday night opener between the Saints and Colts in Indianapolis.
That will be no easy task. Wayne, entering his seventh season in the NFL, had his best year in 2006, making 86 catches for 1,310 yards and nine touchdowns, earning him a spot on the AFC’s Pro Bowl squad.
Of course, David’s 2006 wasn’t so bad. He was in on a career-best 53 tackles, recovered a fumble and intercepted two passes while helping the Colts finish second in the NFL in pass defense.
His reward was a four-year, $15.6 million offer sheet from the Saints last winter. David, then a restricted free agent, signed it and the Colts declined to match it, providing the Saints with what would seem to be not only a good pass defender, but a useful scouting tool for their season opener.
David said he has taken numerous questions from Saints defensive backs about facing the Colts’ prolific passing attack, but won’t admit to being able to share any major secrets.
“I don’t have an edge. I don’t know the secret codes. I don’t know what Peyton Manning’s doing up there,” David said. “All I know is they’re a great offense and they’re going to have some big plays or try and attempt some big plays during the game.”
David did have a warning of a more general nature for his teammates, saying they must guard against getting caught napping when Manning seemingly shows no interest in throwing the ball to parts of the field they’re defending.
“The one thing I tried to explain to them is playing against this offense, you try not to get lulled to sleep,” David said. “Every play you’ve got to feel like you’re under the gun whether you’re a safety, corner or even a linebacker. Their offense is so explosive you never know who’s going to get the ball or when a big play is going to come.”
Saints coach Sean Payton said the benefit of having an opponent’s former player help with scouting is “overrated.”
“There’s a lot of film on both teams,” he said.
Strahan may play opener
Michael Strahan dropped thoughts of retirement and returned to the New York Giants for a 15th NFL season because his desire to play football and his love of the game were rekindled.
He also, not incidentally, still wants a Super Bowl ring.
Strahan, who accumulated fines in excess of $500,000 during his holdout, left open the possibility he will play beyond the 2007 season, which begins for the Giants on Sunday night in Dallas.
Neither Strahan nor coach Tom Coughlin was certain if he would play in Dallas. The Giants have a two-game roster exemption in case he isn’t ready.