SmashMouth

The New Orleans Saints hit the practice field this morning at 10:15 to begin their annual mini-camp. The Saints went through an installation period at the start of practice and then the team began to stretch at 10:46. (My full recap follows, and scroll down to view the video of what The "Cajun Cannon" Bobby Hebert had to say about the practice!)

The Saints defensive players wore all black today while the offensive players were in white jerseys and black shorts. After stretching, the Saints broke off into individual groups. While the Cajun Cannon walked over to check on what the offense was doing, I focused on the defensive players.

One of the bigger moments at today’s first practice came in the final team period on the far practice field. Wide receiver #11 Jarred Fayson hauled in a pass and then was roughed up by #38 DB Rod Sweeting. Fayson did not appreciate the way he was handled by Sweeting, prompting a little pushing between the two. Cooler heads prevailed and the team quickly got back to work.

Rookie CB Rod Sweeting was very active at practice this morning. “He’s out there trying to make plays. And that is what you have to do in order to make the team,” said Bobby Hebert. Sweeting had an interception, picking off QB Luke McCown.

New secondary Coach Wesley McGriff worked with his DB’s right in front of me. Coach McGriff is a vocal coach that can be heard from just about anywhere on the practice field. “Don’t put your lunch on the ground,” McGriff said.

McGriff was explaining in his own way to his players to catch the football when a chance at an interception happens. “Right now all the guys are working hard. We are just trying to get better each day and I like our energy,” McGriff told me and Bobby Hebert.

Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan was close by watching his fellow coach instruct his core of defensive backs. As the team came together on the far field in front of the fans, the first team session began. Saints running back Pierre Thomas would reel off a nice run to begin the team portion of practice.

QB Drew Brees connected with tight end Jimmy Graham for a nice gainer, then Mark Ingram ran the ball, followed by two more runs from RB’s Darren Sproles and Tavaris Cadet. Back-up QB Seneca Wallace would complete a pass to TE Keavon Milton in the team period as well.

“The catch of the day was a fade stop play when Drew Brees connected with TE Jimmy Graham,” said the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert. Graham made a beautiful one handed grab over DB Rafael Bush.

After that team period of practice, the Saints worked on special teams, headed up by Coach Greg McMahon.

DE Martez Wilson had an interception at the morning practice. “Wilson showed his athletic skills making that play. That was a very good head up play by Martez,” Hebert said.


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QBREES9

It's here, it's here, FOOTBALL season is here

Rugby Saint II

It couldn't get here fast enough for me.

homerj07

Sounds good

foreverfan