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New Orleans Saints Guard Ben Grubbs
Post-Practice Media Availability
Saturday, July 27, 2013

Ben, who handles all the checks? Does the center?

“Well, a lot of the responsibility lies on the center and the quarterback. However the more that I am getting comfortable in this system, the more I am able to communicate as well. If any of the O-linemen see something than we communicate it. The thing is, I always tell my guys is if you see something let me know.”

With the possibility of having maybe a new or inexperienced left side of the line, how much is it important to make sure communication gets all the way down the line especially on that end.

“It’s very important. If there is something that needs to be said on the right side and is said, then we need to relay that message to the left side. That goes the same if it is initiated on my side. Whether he is inexperienced or not communication holds value.”

A minute ago, one of the players told me how the defense is coming in at all angles and is making it difficult for the offensive line with their checks. Can you talk about that?

“The defense is doing a good job. The more we practice the more we are able to get adjusted to it. Right now its bullets and they are flying everywhere. It’s good to have that right now in practice, because when we get to the game its easy because we have been practicing.”

Coaches can say improve the running game. Fans could say it would be nice to do it. How do you go about improving the running game especially at this time of year?

“It does not matter how many times we run the ball, (but) we need to be effective when we do it. By being effective it will take much pressure off the passing game and we will become more of a balanced offense. It starts right here, it started in OTA’s (and) minicamp and this is just another step to becoming an effective running game offense.”

New Orleans Saints Quarterback Luke McCown
Post-Practice Media Availability
Saturday, July 27, 2013

Is there a solidified depth chart of your position yet? Is it too early to tell? Where would you say things stand at this point?

“Well, that’s not a question for me. It’s always my understanding that when the roster is not set for the 53 then there is always competition and that’s the only way you should look at it, because that takes you to another level when your mind is set, and your preparation, and how you approach each play on the field, and how you work out.”

What is your level of comfort in this system?

“High, very high. I got a jump start on it last year when I spent some time in Atlanta. It is very familiar to me because this is the system that I grew up in. The bulk of my years and really my growth as a young quarterback took place in Tampa in the same sort of system. And so that allowed me the opportunity to come back and kind of re-familiarize myself with something like this and so my comfort level is high.”

Can you talk about the first two days for yourself?

“It’s been good. The first two days (are the) same as anywhere else. Getting back into the groove of what you are seeing and the defense is always tough because you’re not always scheming against the defense, so you are getting some looks that maybe break some of your rules as far as for a quarterback and (with) protections (and) things of that standpoint. So you have to be able to adjust on the fly especially on the first two days. There is a lot of (scenarios where I think), ‘Okay I remember that from the spring, I remember that back from the OTA’s or minicamp’ and then you have to adjust from there. First two days have been good, but a lot of improvement to be done.”

There are so many receivers that try to get themselves into that higher part of the rotation right now. Can you talk about the Andy Tanners and a few of the other guys that one might say are on the fringe, but what have they shown you in the first couple of days?

“Well one of the first things that I said back in April when I got back or when we started OTA’s was man I can’t wait to get into the preseason with guys like Chris Givens, Nick Toon, and Andy Tanner because those guys can really play. Now it is tough for them because the other guys we have here are pros. We already have those positions but it is also a great opportunity to see how it’s done at a high level consistently, in practice, in the weight room, on the field and learn from those guys. So I am super excited to play with them, (and) grow with them, and the sky is the limit for each and all of the receivers that are on the roster. They can all play and they all have proven themselves to some extent through practice, minicamp, or OTA’s.”

Read more: New Orleans Saints player transcripts from Day 2 of training camp

ChrisXVI

We did the same thing last year though with him so it's even.

|Mitch|

He was on the Saints practice squad, released and then the Falcons had to sign him...

ChrisXVI

He was with us last offseason and the Falcons signed him after we cut him.

homerj07

Doh