THOUGHTS FROM WEEK 1 IN THE NFL

SAINTS TRY TO FORGET

The Saints face the Tampa Bay Bucs this weekend. They can't fact them soon enough for Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Brees called last week's whipping by the Colts the “longest weekend of my life.”
The 41-10 loss to Indianapolis was in front of a national audience and the season opener for the league.
“Usually the good thing about losing on Sunday is that you get to regroup (on Monday) and you’re back to practice and a few days later, you’re already playing again,” Brees said.
Saints safety Roman Harper said the memory of the Colts’ loss was further from his mind.
“You have to put it behind you,” Harper said. “It’s gone, it’s forgotten. What game are you talking about again?”

PATRIOTS WAS STRAIGHT CHEATIN'

In New England, coach Brian Bilichick can blame himself for allowing his staff to cheat. A team video assistant illegally videotaped the New York Jets' defensive signals during New England's 38-14 victory in the season opener last Sunday -- League Commissioner Roger Goodell slapped 'em a good one though: He handed out one of the stiffest punishments in league history.

He fined Belichick the NFL maximum of $500,000 and ordered the Patriots to pay an additional fine of $250,000. In addition, the team will have to forfeit a first-round pick in the 2008 draft if it makes the playoffs this season, or a second- and a third-round pick if it fails to make the postseason. Currently, the Patriots have five first-day picks in the '08 draft.

RAVENS ARE HURTIN' AND BANGED UP, ALREADY

Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, quarterback Steve McNair and offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden all did not participate in team practice for the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday.
Ogden aggravated a hyperextended toe that has been bothering him since last year during Monday's loss to Cincinnati, and is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis. McNair pulled a groin muscle in the first quarter of Monday's game and was removed from action during the Ravens' final drive. McNair stated that he could be a game-time decision for Sunday's contest against the New York Jets. Lewis strained his triceps last week and has vowed to play through the pain.