Saints LB Vilma wants to play more against Denver

Playing for the first time while appealing his season-long suspension for his role in the New Orleans' bounty program, Vilma played 18 snaps last Sunday against Tampa Bay.

"I felt a little rusty, especially with the new defense, getting used to some of the new guys on the team and not being around them," he said. "I didn't get a chance to practice in OTAs or training camp or preseason, so for me this is a crash course in everything — the new defense, the new guys, playing, getting into shape."

The fact that he is playing at all is somewhat surprising.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for the season in May. Even after he got a reprieve two days before the season opener against Washington when a three-man appeals panel vacated that suspension and asked Goodell to clarify the rationale, the Saints placed Vilma on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to a lingering left knee problem.

Goodell suspended him again on Oct. 9. Vilma declined Friday to talk about any bounty-related topics leading into his appeals hearing Tuesday with former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who will decide whether to uphold Goodell's ruling.

Vilma readily talked about his health and playing against the Broncos.

He said his knee, and his entire body, held up very well after the Tampa Bay game. He did not make a tackle but had one deflection and forced a near interception by pressuring Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman as New Orleans won its second in row, 35-28, after losing its first four.

"It's a great feeling," Vilma said. "Aside from all the other stuff going on outside of football, it was just really good to get our second victory. We're starting to play a little bit better. We're definitely playing a lot harder with a lot more conviction, and it shows on the field."

Vilma played almost exclusively in the nickel package and never at his accustomed middle linebacker spot. Curtis Lofton, the Saints' leading tackler, took over that role soon after he signed in March.

But just having Vilma on the field can help the Saints' struggling defense, which ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed.