Saints start off sluggish, but get ‘into the groove’
 

METAIRIE — After having a light day Friday and two days off following Thursday’s preseason loss to the New England Patriots, the New Orleans Saints returned to the practice field Monday to begin their final week of training camp.

Predictably, the Saints appeared a bit sluggish in the early stages of the 21/2-hour outdoor practice. But interim coach Joe Vitt said things picked up shortly after that even as the temperature soared into the 90s.

“We were just a little sluggish to start this practice, but we came back a little stronger after that,” Vitt said. “We got into the groove as practice went on.”

Breaking even
The Saints continued their training camp installation with an emphasis on short-yardage and goal-line work.

In two periods of short-yardage drills between the starters, the offense won the first series with the defense taking the second.

The offense converted four of five plays on third-and-1, including three on runs. Drew Brees connected with tight end David Thomas for another first down with the only stop coming when defensive end Will Smith slammed into running back Mark Ingram in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.

Later, on third-and-2, the defense rose up after Brees threw for first downs on two of the first three plays.

However, Brees had two passes tipped at the line — one by defensive end Cameron Jordan — and another pass broken up by linebacker Jonathan Casillas before cornerback Patrick Robinson intercepted a deep pass down the left sideline for wide receiver Marques Colston.

Eye-catching
Robinson’s interception against Colston, who appeared to have a step on him as Brees launched the pass, was easily the play of the day.

Robinson, who was practicing fully for the first time since injuring a shoulder on July 29, quickly broke on the pass and snatched it away just as Colston was about to make the reception.

Earlier, in seven-on-seven drills, Brees was also intercepted by free safety Malcolm Jenkins, who had Lance Moore well-covered on a route across the middle. Jenkins tipped the ball with his right hand, then pulled the pass in and ran it in for a touchdown.

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Re: Saints start off sluggish, but get ‘into the groove’
 

Great things to hear about on Smith Jordan and Robinson.

Although Robinson can probably read Drew pretty well as often as he sees him.

Re: Saints start off sluggish, but get ‘into the groove’
 

How many picks has Malcolm Jenkins been getting recently

I count 3 in training camp and one in hall of fame game!

No idea where he rented a pair of hands from but they are working!

Re: Saints start off sluggish, but get ‘into the groove’
 

It's a short term lease.:p
He's dropped just as many though.