I thought it was a competent first preseason game.

Paul Connors / Associated Press

Robert Meachem reaches out for a catch against Arizona Thursday night.

Meachem certainly stood out with his nice catch on the long pass and with his run for the touchdown after the other catch, though there was some poor tackling on the play.

While both Drew Brees and Matt Leinart were mostly throwing dump passes and short routes, they did look sharp.

I was impressed with how well the Saints first team moved the ball without major weapons like Deuce, Shockey or Colston.

Reggie Bush did have a couple of nice runs that were called back by penalties and Pierre Thomas looked good in the return game.

I think Bush will be the number one punt returner, with Lance Moore getting some chances. I think in preseason that Skyler Green will get a lot of chances, but I still think he’s a longshot to make the team. I just don’t see him being a big factor in the passing game and I don’t think they would keep him just as a returner.

Pierre Thomas will be the top kick returner.

I was impressed also with tight end Mark Campbell. His main strength is supposed to be blocking, but he caught 4 passes for 42 yards and he took a real hard shot and got right back up. He looks real fresh after taking the time off last season for his injury. With Shockey, and if Campbell and Miller can add something, tight end can be a really strong spot.

I think in the receiving game it’s Colston and Patten as the definite 1-2. Meachem will compete for number three and then I think you’ve got Lance Moore and Arrington or Copper.

One thing that surprised me some was the fairly raucous Saints locker room afterward. Drew Brees hinted that the team was excited that they would soon be leaving the heat and humidity of training camp in Jackson and those two-a-days.