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New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees
Training Camp Press Conference
Monday, August 1, 2011

What has the transition been like working with C Matt Tennant?
“Tennant’s been great. Obviously, we’re a little short-handed on the offensive line right now. We’re trying to get some of the free agents back in here and get them signed, but Matt’s been doing really well. I know he’s been looking forward to this opportunity to get some reps and I think he’s making the most of it right now.”

What are your impressions of Jared Fayson and Devery Henderson so far?
Devery has been a consistent performer ever since he’s been here, which is going on six years now. Devery looks good. I’ve been really impressed with Fayson. I will note that he’s from the Big Ten, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s come out here and looked as good as he has. It doesn’t surprise me to see some of the young guys, especially young undrafted guys, come in and relish the opportunity to get better and find a spot. Fayson is taking advantage of every opportunity he gets with every snap.”

The wide receiver group seems like a hard group to break into on this team. Is he standing out?
“It’s tough to say because we’re only four days in. Those guys are getting a lot of reps. Of those young guys, I think he’s been a guy that has stood out.”

Can you talk a little bit about your relationship with Chase Daniel?
“He reminds me a lot of myself. If you look at our histories, we’re both from big Texas high school football programs. Neither of us was highly recruited coming out of high school. Both of us are the same in stature, except I am a little bit taller and he is a little chunkier. I mess with him like that all the time, but I just know how to press his buttons. Obviously, he was extremely successful in college and still goes undrafted. He goes to Washington and gets released, and then we pick him up. He’s another one of those guys that has taken advantage of every opportunity he’s been given here with us. I’m proud of him because there aren’t many guys that work harder than him. He pushes himself because that’s his nature. There’s a little chip on his shoulder. He’s kind of like me where there’s always someone out there that’s going to say negative things about you not being able to make it for whatever reason. He’s heard that plenty of times throughout his career and he’s always been able to overcome that and prove people wrong. He has the ‘it’ factor. He has moxie. I know he’s been looking forward to this camp and he’s been working really hard this offseason with me. We continue to push each other, and that’s what also helps me stay young.”

Full interview below.
Brees Talks Offense Line, Running Game

Beastmode

He didn't sound that strong on Ingram. Oh well, still early and he has a lot to get a grip on.

|Mitch|

I think we'll have enough offensive production, we could bring Ingram along slowly if we have to.
It's not like he is a necessity for us to win, as long as we can keep PT/Ivory healthy...

Crusader

I'm looking forward to Ivory as the opening day starter running over Matthews on his way to the endzone.

Euphoria

The problem about rookie running backs is that you're so overwhelmed and you are on a major learning curve. Learning the plays. Learning where to line up and your blocking assignments changes based on the D. It creates a bit of tunnel vision for you but Bree's is spot on he needs as many reps as he can so he picks up the offense so then his vision opens up and he can work his magic with what got him drafted in the first round.

Not worried about it at all at this point.

I don't think we have a pure RB!?!? what is that anyways these days.
Our guys are role players. Ingram is going to take those hard up the middle power runs mixed in with PT and Ivory and oh wait work in some Sproles it is just role players fitting into game plans and schemes.

The other great thing about this is that our RB's have a longer life span in the NFL.

E U P H O R I A

Budsdrinker

I'm not sure Ivory will be ready for the opener. But I think we have other backs that will do just fine.

Danno

Excellent excellent point. The easiest way to keep talented RB's around for an extra 2 or 3 years is by not over-using them. A running-back-by-committee approach probably adds 2 or 3 more years to a RB's career. Imagine if Earl Campbell had a complimentary RB that reduced his carries per game by 5-10 touches. He'd have played 2 or 3 more years easily.

Maybe teams are using the RBBC approach because of that, or maybe the position has just evolved into that. Either way I think its the new norm in NFL football.

Saint_LB

Ingram may be having a hard time picking up blocking assignments, etc...but if he is a RB he should know what to do when he is handed the rock.

papz

There's been some talk about him beginning the year on the PUP... which makes even more sense for the Sproles signing.

homerj07

I love Drew Brees. He knows the right things to say & do. I just hope he cuts down on the ints this year!!