New Orleans Saints Forums - blackandgold.com - NOLA.com Charles Brown sews up New Orleans Saints' left tackle position

Remember the New Orleans Saints' left tackle competition, that supposedly sticky wicket in the offensive line that once caused Sean Payton to lose sleep at night?

Well, what was supposed to be one of the most scrutinized battles in Saints training camp, a chained-linked octagon between Charles Brown, Jason Smith and Terron Armstead, has become a non-issue. Nary a word is mentioned about it these days, largely because Brown has taken the job by the throat and claimed it for his own.
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The competition was over before it began.

"I thought once we got into pads and got into the second and third week of training camp you'd begin to see this position competition a little bit clearer," Payton said. "I think that's been the case with us right now.

"I would say he's (Brown) certainly ahead of the other guys."

Brown's solid performance has been one of the pleasant surprises of camp. Not because team officials didn't believe in him. After all, the club selected Brown in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft and allowed his predecessor, Jermon Bushrod, to leave in free agency.

Still, Brown remains a largely unproven commodity. He's started just eight games in his three-year career and now he's charged with protecting Drew Brees' blind side at left tackle, a spot where he's started just once.

Brown had to take notice when the Saints selected Armstead in the third round of the NFL draft in April and signed former top-five pick Jason Smith in free agency. Instead of shrinking from the challenge, he's embraced it.

"The pressure is what it is," Brown said. "I can't gauge it. I'm just trying to be the best left tackle we've got on this team and then do a good job during the season."

Brown played well in limited duty against the Chiefs in the exhibition opener. Kansas City features two of the best young pass rushers in the league -- Tamba Hali and Justin Houston -- and both were silent against the Saints. The performance was a continuation of Brown's strong play throughout training camp.

"That's one of those positions where no news is usually good news," Payton said. "He's been real consistent.

"I think he's playing well."

Brown understands what's at stake this season. Four of the five men who have held the job before him were Pro Bowl players: Bushrod, Jammal Brown, Kyle Turley and Willie Roaf. Wayne Gandy was the lone exception. His other four linemates are proven NFL starters. He knows this could be a make-or-break moment in his career.

To ensure success, Brown stayed in New Orleans during the offseason for the first time in his career. He worked out with Saints strength and conditioning staff and spent extra hours in film study. He added about 10 pounds of muscle to his lean 6-foot-5 frame and is noticeably stronger. He'll play at 300 pounds this season, the heaviest he's been in his football career.

The knee and hip injuries that ended his 2011 and 2012 seasons are things of the past.

"I feel good," Brown said. "I think I'm playing good, and I'm just enjoying myself. I'm excited. "It's a dream come true."

Obviously, Brown has a long way to go to solidify his spot as a regular. One preseason game does not a career make. Atlanta's Osi Umenyiora, Tampa Bay's Adrian Clayborn and Miami's Cameron Wake will test his mettle right away.

We'll learn a lot more about Brown after the first month of the season. By then, we should know if he's an answer or a question for the Saints and their high-powered offense. Until then, though, he'll continue to operate in relative anonymity, just as the quiet Southern Cal product likes it.

With so many injuries on his embattled defense, Payton still might not be sleeping soundly these days. But thanks to Brown, the left tackle spot isn't causing the insomnia.

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