Jonathan Vilma says Saints’ conditioning ahead of Super Bowl season

It’s no surprise the NFL teams in the best condition as the lockout continues into June are the ones with the most-seasoned rosters and the best on-field leaders. The New Orleans Saints, just two years removed from a Super Bowl victory, fall into that category, and linebacker Jonathan Vilma is a big part of their leadership core.

“I feel pretty comfortable saying that almost every player on the Saints is in terrific shape,” Vilma told CBSSports.com. “We could take the practice field tomorrow in full pads and be fine. This group of guys is in better shape than we were at this time when the Saints won the Super Bowl. … We’re more committed than other teams.”

“I feel pretty comfortable saying that almost every player on the Saints is in terrific shape,” Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma told CBSSportsLine.com.

Those are strong words considering this year’s offseason model doesn’t have the luxury of preparing for the 2011 season at the team’s facilities, but there is good reason for Vilma’s confidence.

The Saints have been one of the most visible teams during the league’s labor impasse. Drew Brees has been the headliner, but Vilma, along with safety Darren Sharper, offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb, and fullback Heath Evans have been right there with the quarterback to keep their teammates in line. That included bringing about 35 more of them together for a good series of unofficial workouts at Tulane University in early May.

It’s no wonder then, to try to match the Saints’ commitment, their NFC South rivals also have kicked up their preparations without aid from their coaches. Brees’ QB counterparts, Matt Ryan and Josh Freeman, have been the face of the Falcons’ and Bucs’ workouts, respectively, to help maintain those teams’ status as above-.500 powers. The Panthers, who finished 2-14 last season, started their first organized sessions last week with rookie quarterback Cam Newton reportedly among the attendees.

Let’s hope the lockout won’t prevent a full division slate of games from being played this season, as the NFC South has been one of the league’s most competitive divisions over the years. This year’s race for first place would be wide open between Tampa Bay (10 wins last season), New Orleans (11) and reigning champion division Atlanta (13).

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(cincysportsfanatix.com)