METAIRIE, La. -- New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma hopes to play a bigger role on the Saints defence in his second game of the season. 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 defence, getting used to some of the new guys on the team and not being around them," he said. "I didnt get a chance to practice in OTAs or training camp or preseason, so for me this is a crash course in everything -- the new defence, 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 Goodells 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. "Its 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. Were starting to play a little bit better. Were 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 defence, which ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed. "Leadership is something that you really cant coach and really cant fake," safety Malcolm Jenkins said. "Hes a great, natural-born leader, so whenever he steps out there his presence does bring a sense of leadership that you really cant get out of other people." For the first time since 2008, when the NFL allowed a defensive player on each team to wear a headset connected to a coach on the sideline, Vilma went without the earpiece against Tampa Bay. That did not stop him from dictating formations while he played. "I dont have the headset, so thats different," Vilma said. "But lining up the guys, making checks and all that, that never changes." The headset was the only part he did not enjoy about playing middle linebacker for former Saints defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams. "Im actually kind of relieved," Vilma said. "Gregg used to tell me like a million things and wouldnt tell me the play, and then finally hed tell me the play with like five seconds left. Im in my own world now. Im not in Greggs world. Im in my head." He will face one of the headiest NFL quarterbacks in Denvers Peyton Manning on Sunday. Because he is playing in the nickel, and because teams usually defend the Broncos no-huddle offence in nickel formations, Vilmas play count should rise significantly. The last time the Saints played Manning, they beat him and the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV. Saints interim coach Joe Vitt estimated this week Vilma called defensive audibles in that game about 45 per cent of the time, matching wits with Manning. Despite his rustiness, Vilma cant wait for another opportunity. "Im dead serious -- unless they take me out, Im staying in," he said. "Ill find a way to make some plays." Notes: Vitt said tight end Jimmy Graham, who has a sprained right ankle, would be a game-time decision. Graham was limited in practice all week after missing the Tampa Bay game. Said Graham: "I think Im ready now, and hopefully theyll allow me to play." . Vitt labeled linebacker David Hawthorne a game-time decision, too. 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Cheap nfl Jerseys .ca NHL Power Rankings, for the fifth time in the last six weeks, ahead of the New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings.Istanbul, Turkey (Sports Network) - The WTA has rewarded CEO Stacey Allaster with a five-year contract extension through 2017. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the new deal will make Allaster the second-longest serving CEO in WTA history. "I am honored to continue to lead womens tennis and work with the worlds best female athletes on continuously improving our fans experience," Allaster said in a statement from the WTA. "Together with our players, tournaments, lead global sponsor Sony Ericsson and our roster of world class partners, my management team and I plan on building on our great momentum to service our fans, sponsors and members." Since assuming the role of Chairman and CEO in 2009, Allaster has helped the WTA secure $80 million of total revenue. There has been a 36 peercent increase in WTA tournament prize money, with total prize money now at an all-time high of over $90 million -- including Grand Slams -- and a scheduled increase to $96 million in 2012.dddddddddddd "Stacey understands players incredibly well, most importantly when it comes to player health and player marketing," said WTA legend Venus Williams, who serves as chairman of the Players Council. "She has worked effectively with players by working in collaboration with us, and our tournament partners, to advance our collective interests and those of our fans and partners." A record number of players are projected to earn more than $1 million in 2011 and attendance has jumped to record numbers, including a 12 percent increase at the WTAs Premier events from 2010 to 2011. ' ' '