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The last week of the Saints' offseason program started Tuesday with the first day of minicamp practice.

Afterward, Sean Payton addressed the team's progress with reporters. The following is a copy of that availability, as transcribed by the New Orleans Saints:

Opening Statement:

“We were able to get out of the rain, fortunately, in time. Today’s schedule is a little bit different from the OTAs. The practice format’s somewhat similar, but the meeting times are longer. Again, there was an emphasis on the two-minute end-of-half or end-of-game situations and some other different game situations, (including) heavy personnel.”

Is Robert Meachem here on a tryout, or have you re-signed him?

“No, we’ve got seven or eight guys here on tryout. Robert is one of them. We worked him out a couple of weeks ago, and we wanted to see how he does here in this three-day period.”

There are no pads and (only) light contact. What can you learn about the guys at this point?

“We are through the OTAs, so we are into a lot of installation (such as) alignment assignment—how quickly they are picking it up. And there are certain elements that you have trouble replicating until you get to training camp. There are others that force you to think, and we get a lot out of it. Hopefully this installation pattern will be the exact same when we get back to training camp. We are kind of into our sixth install, if you will. But, I think enabling the player to know what to do, him understanding the situation, him understanding the defense or the assignment that’s asked of him—how he is getting the line and is he doing what we are coaching to do—(are things we can learn under these circumstances).”

Has Kenny Vacarro’s role changed much in this defense from previous years?

“I think with Kenny, it’s twofold. We know he’s a strong safety, and he also has the ability to play over at slot (corner) in a nickel role. Those are the two main things that we’ve worked with him on. Today, we saw him in some nickel situations, and earlier in practice we saw him working predominately at strong safety. Those would be the two facets that I think (he has). He has some versatility.”

How has Obum Gwacham come along since last season?

“He’s doing well. His weight’s up. We got him as a young player in his first year. He’s had a good offseason. He is close to about 270 pounds now. He, too, is receiving a lot of work at that weakside end position.”

Tim Hightower was targeted about four times during the two-minute drill. Is that just Drew (Brees) picking out the best matchup?

“Two things. We will rotate the backs through. In this type of situation during today’s practice, Tim was receiving some work. Obviously, Mark (Ingram) would receive some work in those situations. Whatever the back that’s up in the script, (Brees targets the best matchup). Now, that being said, Drew is smart enough to see certain coverage looks, and he was receiving a matchup in man-to-man, and that was favoring the route or what he wanted to do with the route. So, I’m quite sure—if it was Cadet or (any) back in there—when he saw that matchup that he wanted, you’ll see some pros on that tape. There’s a linebacker in coverage and he’s looking for a quick strike—just a matchup he likes.”

How has Kaleb Eulls transitioned over to the offense?

Sean Payton pleased with progress after minicamp kicks off - FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans News, Weather, Sports, Social

good read

dizzle88

Didn't like hearing that receivers are still running wide open, especially during non contact drills....

Danno

Thats not what I'm hearing.

I'm hearing many of our DB's are in good coverage. It should also be pointed out that they can't hit WR's in OTA's.

The good news is that even with tight coverage (flag football style), Thomas, TJ Harris and Snead are making great plays.

So...

DB's look good, considering they can't hit. There coverage is spot on.
WR's looking good fighting for contested balls and being on the same page as Drew. Both are good signs during OTA's. Sounds really good to me.

Obviously we'll know more when they can all knock the snot out of each other when TC starts.

I can't wait. Its like being a kid one week before Christmas!!!!

hagan714

What drew you to Dennis Allen, and what has been his impact so far?

“We were together for however many years in the beginning. Then, we lost him to Denver as a (defensive) coordinator, and then, obviously, he went on to Oakland (as head coach). We had a chance to hire him back, and were able to. He’s extremely organized and detailed. I think he has exceptional teaching skills, and I think he’s going to do fantastic.”

Crusader

And the fact SP uses the words "we lost him" just tells you that he is a guy that he didn't wanna see leave the team.

spkb25

Here is my thing- I don't know anything about the D yet. I am optimistic, but until I see them play better they're the 32nd ranked d.

dizzle88

No doubt I like hearing the receivers (especially Thomas) are doing well

This is the part I was referring to;

Looking at doing situational football and two-minute, how frustrating is it for you when you are almost trying to give the defense a heads up? Drew (Brees) was inaccurate on two passes, the one to (Brandon) Coleman and the one (Brandin) Cooks that was slightly out of bounds. You told the defense you have to go to the end zone and still you had a couple plays where guys were wide open.

On a brighter note I've read a couple updates which said PJ Williams made some nice plays after getting beat by Michael Thomas, it said he had perfect coverage on the deep ball but it was just a great play by Brees-Thomas so nothing PJ could have done.

Your bonehead creator picked a fine chapter to omit from your memory bank....let me ask you, does a machine like yourself ever experience fear? - Vegeta, DBZ

saintshrimp

sounds like the same ole coach's Mo.Blow enough smoke up there arse maybe just maybe people will believe the crap I'm saying. Well sorry coach but till I see results on the field I don't put much stock in what you say to us.

Danno

Then why even open a thread that clearly states its Sean Payton talking about mini camp?

xan

What coach is complaining about performance at OTA's?

No one in history. God I hate the off-season.