New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - Article Postcard from camp: Saints a CNNSI report

Setting the Scene
The Saints hold camp at their headquarters in Metairie, La., which is about seven miles northwest of downtown New Orleans. Unsurprisingly, their immediate environs reflect the joie de vie of team and town. Next-door neighbors include the town's minor league baseball team, the Zephyrs, and a Budweiser distribution plant. The convivial confines would seem to give the Saints a built-in excuse to kick back and laissez les bons temps rouler, but the team has been all business, and traveling for work too. Earlier this month they flew to New England for three days of joint practices with the Patriots; on Tuesday they took a morning road trip to the Superdome to break in the stadium's freshly laid turf in advance of a three-day joint workout and a Saturday exhibition game with the Texans.
Three Observations
1. The Saints offense can improve. Now, you wouldn't think that given how off the charts the unit was in '09, when it led the league in yards (403.8 per game) and points (510). But quarterback Drew Brees singled out giveaways and third-down efficiency as areas the Saints can shore up. "We were middle of the pack as far as turnovers [16th, with 28], so I think we can definitely be better there," said the reigning Super Bowl MVP, who wasn't taking much satisfaction from New Orleans' sixth-place rating in converting third-down situations [44.7 percent] either. "If we get one, two, three, four, five percentage points higher in third-down percentage, that's another conversion in a crucial situation during an important game where we can score [at least] three more points in a game."
He underscored his commitment to perfection in Monday's practice. After the morning session ended 25 minutes early, Brees stayed on the field to get in some extra work with his receivers -- all of whom were in pads for the first time since the beginning of training camp. Among the returnees was Robert Meachem, who missed two weeks while rehabbing from right toe surgery.
2. Ladell Betts can improve the Saints' run game. The ninth-year back agreed to a one-year deal Monday, and his addition resolves perhaps the lone offensive depth concern for the Saints, who lost leading rusher Mike Bell in free agency in March and Lynell Hamilton to a season-ending knee injury last week. In Betts, who played his previous eight years with the Redskins, the Saints get a hard-nosed inside runner and blocker who has soft hands to boot. (He snagged 53 balls in 2006, good for third-most on the Redskins.)
In his first practice as a Saint, Betts caught a few passes in warm-ups, but was otherwise was a pad-less spectator. He showed no hitch in his surgically repaired left knee, which he blew out 10 games into the '09 season. "I felt pretty good running and cutting out there," said Betts, who's eager to reprise his '06 form, when he also led the Redskins in rushing (with 1,154 yards). "I am not sure when I will play; it's up to the coaches. Once they see what I can do, I am sure they will use me to my strengths."
3. Anthony Hargrove has improved by leaps and bounds. So says Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who has watched the sixth-year defensive lineman's transformation from end to tackle with pride. "I'm really looking forward to watching him this year because I think he'll be light years better," Williams said.
Last year Hargrove approached career highs in tackles (30), sacks (five) and set a personal best in fumble recoveries (three). Williams thinks Hargrove can post even better numbers now that he understands his assignments in this defense. "He really didn't know how to play [defensive tackle] last year, but he played hard and tough," said Williams, who'll be leaning heavily on Hargrove to help stiffen New Orleans' limp run defense. "Now with a year underneath his belt and the whole offseason to develop, he's already playing much smarter and with better anticipation."

Read more: New Orleans Saints training camp postcard - Andrew Lawrence - SI.com