blacksaint

Payton seems to be unconcerned about quarterback depth Sunday, July 29
2007

By Jimmy Smith

JACKSON, MISS. -- When Sean Payton went searching for a training camp site after becoming the 14th head coach in Saints history in 2006, he knew exactly the type of atmosphere he wanted.

Nothing too cushy. A place where his team would bond over a month of grueling practices, a camp that would set the tone for the long season ahead. Maybe someplace hot.

Newly acquired tight end Eric Johnson came to Millsaps College for his first Saints summer camp after six years with the San Francisco 49ers, who spared no expense in making their annual training camp in Santa Clara, Calif., rather luxurious.

"This is unbelievable; this is not what I'm used to," Johnson said about the weather after Saturday morning's workout. "But it's pretty good. It brings everyone together because you're just fighting to stay alive out here. And you've got to focus on football. So when we get into games, it'll be that much easier to do it."

Asked to compare the two training camps, Johnson wasn't ready to pen a Michelin guide. But he offered his thoughts.

"Santa Clara, we stayed at a nice, new Hilton, king-size beds, room service if you want it, and 75 degrees every day," Johnson said. "I don't know if I have to explain here. I don't know what temperature it is. You're in college dorms with no rugs. It's an experience. You've just got to get into it and love it."

Johnson missed Friday afternoon's practice with a migraine -- "I get about one a year," Johnson said -- but returned full speed Saturday and participated in both workouts.

QBs SET? There has been some offseason handwringing over the quality of the quarterback position beyond Drew Brees.

But Payton on Saturday endorsed the three backups on hand -- Jamie Martin, Jason Fife and Tyler Palko -- though he wouldn't completely close the door on the possibility of another quarterback passing through.

"I'm not looking specifically at any veterans right now," Payton said. "I don't think you ever rule out 'ever.' Right now, we've got four guys we're working with. We may bring another young player in to work out occasionally and take a peek at. But we're pretty comfortable with the guys we have in house."

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