Catch of the Day lifts Meachem’s confidence

By Darrell Laurant  |   Friday, August 17, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

New Orleans Saints
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Whether Tyler Palko makes the New Orleans Saints doesn't matter. Robert Meachem will always remember the southpaw quarterback from Pitt fondly.

It was Palko who collaborated with Meachem on his first NFL touchdown reception last Friday night against Buffalo. The ball was feathered into the corner, and the former University of Tennessee star established position on Riley Swanson, made the catch, and got both feet down as he tumbled out.

It was, Meachem said later, the same kind of play they used to run for him at UT.

"That's one of the greatest feelings in the world," he told the New Orleans Times-Picayune later, "besides having my little girl."

Meachem, an All-America wideout on some lists last season, also caught an 18-yard pass in the third quarter. Unfortunately, the play came on third and 19.

Just the day before, though, he had been described as "hobbling" with a practice field knee injury. Clearly, it wasn't too serious.

As with all rookies, this has been a humbling few months for Meachem, who caught 71 passes (second best in Tennessee history) last season for 1,298 yards and 11 touchdowns.

His most emphatic welcome to the NFL came in the Hall of Fame game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He made his first catch as a Saint in that contest, and was feeling pretty good. Then, on the next play, he was blasted by Steeler cornerback William Gay, sending the ball in one direction and Meachem in another.

Meachem showed his toughness, though. He was helped off the field after the hit, then returned a few series later -- only to drop the next ball thrown to him.

There are a number of similarities between Meachem and 2006 Saints rookie receiver Marques Colston, who turned out to be the steal of the draft. Both are tall and physical, both have excellent speed.

The difference is that not much was anticipated from Colston last year, allowing him to slowly build up his stock.

In Meachem's case, he said, "Coming into the league as a first-round draft choice, people expect a lot out of you."

The stopwatch says that the Tulsa, Okla., native has the speed to succeed, however, and the play against Buffalo says that he has the hands.

Maybe Meachem can make a DVD of that touchdown catch -- or maybe he already has. He did keep the football.
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