AZ Cardinals vs. New Orleans Saints in Hall of Fame Game Preseason Opener Tonight

To kick-off of the 2012 NFL season, the New Orleans Saints and the Arizona Cardinals will play in the first preseason game of the year on Hall of Fame Field in Fawcett Stadium tonight. Hear the game on 1130 The Tiger tonight at 6:30pm.

Every year, NFL fans look forward to the beginning of preseason. Then they are are sick of preseason by the end of August. But this preseason is different for the New Orleans Saints and their fans. It's much different.

You could say the Hall of Fame Game is divine intervention for New Orleans. It will will help Joe Vitt get ready for the regular season. Once New Orleans chooses Vitt's replacement, Don't be surprised to see him serve as head coach for the last preseason game in preparation for the season.

The New Orleans Saints are entering the Hall of Fame Game and preseason with a big chip on their shoulders. They will most likely play with more intensity than usual in this game.

The Saints want to send a message to their fans that they're not backing down this year, and send a message to the other 31 NFL teams that they had better be prepared to face New Orleans. And surely the Saints also want to send a message to Roger Goodell who will be in attendance at the Hall of Fame Game.

The 2012 Hall of Fame Game will be different for the New Orleans Saints. It will be very different.