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It had been more than five months since the Saints finished the 2013 regular season having permitted the fourth-fewest yards and points on defense while amassing the fourth-most yards on offense. It had been that long since the Saints allowed the second-fewest passing yards on defense while passing for the second-most yards.

Yet strong traces of that symmetry persisted at the Saints’ three-day minicamp last week in Metairie. Whether it was the first-team offense or the “1s” on defense, one side frequently got the upper hand — and then the other seized the momentum right back.

Some of the minicamp’s final moments Thursday vividly illustrated that. With temperatures hotter than they had been all minicamp and players undoubtedly fatigued, the atmosphere at the Saints practice facility was relatively muted — until veteran receiver Robert Meachem roared past third-year defensive back Corey White and caught a line-drive throw toward the middle of the field from quarterback Drew Brees for a long gain during a 7-on-7 drill.

The play drew the heartiest “oohs,” “ahhs” and claps till that point.

But then, in 11-on-11, Brees sought out Meachem again. Meachem’s body was facing the ball, and he was poised to haul the throw in — until cornerback Keenan Lewis reached an arm around the receiver and emphatically swatted it to the ground, prompting louder “oohs,” “ahhs” and applause.

It was even louder when safety Kenny Vaccaro intercepted Brees on the first snap of 11-on-11. But the loudest came last, when Brees directed a 13-play, 70-yard, two-minute-drill drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to receiver Kenny Stills on third-and-goal from the 4.

Read more: Analysis: In minicamp, Saints were clicking on offense and defense | Sports | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

Rugby Saint II

From all the reports that I have read the defense won the upper hand most often. If Armstead progresses and Goodwin still plays at a high level. This O line could be a top five group again.

Danno

You can't practice power running in shorts and a helmet.

Jack Vegas

Well, Payton has already said he's not changing the offense, so don't get your hopes up.