What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

What to watch when Saints training camp opens

http://www.wwl.com/sites/g/files/giy...8f1d005efecdf2

WWL's resident pros and experts break down the Saints as training camp nears.

JULY 17, 2017 - 8:59 PM
Jordan Fiegel reporting

Saints training camp is right around the corner. It starts on July 26th, and the first practice open to the public is on July 29th. After three straight 7-9 campaigns, the team has plenty of questions going into the 2017 season.

WWL's Saints color analyst Deuce McAllister is interested to see how the Black and Gold responds to the loss of Nick Fairley and Terron Armstead. Both players were entrenched starters on the defensive and offensive lines respectively. On the defensive side, 2016 first round pick Sheldon Rankins will be one of the defensive tackles; but someone will need to step up next to him. Players like Tyeler Davison, David Onyemata, Tony McDaniel, and Justin Zimmer will all have opportunities.

To replace Armstead, Andrus Peat and 2017 first round pick Ryan Ramczyk seem to be likely candidates. Peat spent time at left guard last season, but he also had to step in for Armstead at times. While Ramcyzk is a rookie, he was considered by many to be the top offensive tackle in the draft.

McAllister is also looking to see who the breakout player (or players) will be. The Saints brought in two new running backs - Adrian Peterson and Alvin Kamara - who will be vying for touches in the backfield in addition to Mark Ingram. With the departure of Brandin Cooks, another wide receiver will need to emerge along side Michael Thomas and Willie Snead. The secondary and the linebacking corps are both filled with plenty of new and returning faces, and someone could emerge there.

The Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert is primarily zeroing in on the skill positions rather than the trenches. Hebert specifically identified Lattimore as one he's watching with the Saints need one of their cornerbacks to claim the spot opposite Delvin Breaux, and the rookie out of Ohio State is one to keep an eye on. The Cajon Cannon also had some praise for a certain quarterback.

“Drew Brees plays like he's still a young guy.”

More here ...

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Get ready to hear the following:

"I haven't seen the defense diving for loose balls and trying to create turnovers like this since training camp in '09!"

"(New Mike LB) is certainly making his presence felt barking out adjustments and it's a real chess match between he and Drew just like it was with Vilma!"

Every. Single. Year. It's a time of ultimate hyperbole.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

This is true. But I do have more hope defensively than I have for several years. And the fact is, none of us will really know anything until the starters hit the field September 11th.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

My eyes will be on the D to see if they get their ass handed to them again this season. The front line will make or break this season.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Coaches should have a good idea where we are headed as a group by game #2 of the pre season. As others have posted, all eyes on the defense.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I agree. The coaches will know, but WE won't. And, yes, I agree on where the eyes will be.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

My eyes will just be here ready y'alls opinions. I would like to take a trip down there sometime to watch some of the training camp.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I went to a couple when my son would be swimming in the state tournament at UNO. This year they have made it much harder. Back then you just stood in line. This year you have to apply for tickets, which are free, but ...

First choice goes to current season ticket holders.

If any are left they go to people on the official waiting list for season tickets.

If any are left the general public gets them in what I think is the order of application received.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Actually season ticket holders can pick up tickets Wednesday, waiting list Thursday and if any are left general public Friday. No application, just standing in line.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Maybe I can sweet talk someone into getting me some next season. lol

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

That's probably the best option. I know Curtis Lofton's next door neighbor really well. Maybe she could talk to him about getting me some for next season. He'll probably have a backdoor access to them.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

B.S. you have been blowing the same sunshine out of your ass about the defense for the past 3 seasons. Surprised anyone can hear it with all the butt banging you and Will do.
Defense will be better this year but don't act like you didn't think they would be like top 5 the past 3 years.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

No. I absolutely didn't think they would be top five. But, when have you ever posted anything that was fact based? I felt like they would be improved this past season and they were even after being decimated at CB. Once again, I expect them to be vastly improved. I wouldn't be surprised if they even finished in the low 20's or upper teens in the rankings.

And what is this "butt banging" about which you speak? Never heard of that. Something you enjoy, perhaps?

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

All the drama between Will/Guido and then you have someone like The Dude being childish adding to it...

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

LMAO- THIS!

If you keep making the same prediction at some point you have to be right. But defense should be improved this year, how much, can't be certain yet

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I'm just dying to see how the LB competition plays out. I feel like our best line-up would be:

WLB- Anzalone
MLB- Anthony
SLB- Klein

... and yet I really like Robertson and want him on the field too. I just don't know where to slot him.

I'm not really worried about the rest of the defense. Barring injuries the D-Line is solid and the secondary can be top-tier.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I never have never predicted anything other than a 19-0 record every year. I am an undying Saints fan. I will always believe. You can wallow in your negativity all you want. The next game will always be a win for me.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Hopefully someone will emerge at MIKE. Could it be Stephone? Fingers crossed. On paper I don't see any super stars but definitely depth.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

saints use the run to set up play action pass

all of the defense.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Look around the stadium too.... Don't get me started.... ;)

http://uproxx.files.wordpress.com/20..._500.gif?w=650

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I hope to see less TE receptions. More TE blocking, power / duo running.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

That would be awesome!!!

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I would like to see that lineup because that would mean Anthony improved. But I'd trust Robertson at MLB at this point. And I hope Anzalone pans out. That'd be awesome. We have Ellerbe too. Oh wait....he had a bad dream earlier this off season and stubbed his toe while running to mommy's room.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

My list(s) of potential camp beast ...

Anthony (can Nolan bring out the dog in him?)
Adam Bighill - longshot but let's see what he's got.
Jake Lampman (the guy has performed well on S/T)
Alex Okafor (if healthy, he can explode off the line)

Bring it.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Ellerbe is hands down our best LB, he will be the WLB if healthy.

MLB/SLB are up fro grabs, and if you look at the contracts dished out the Saints are banking on Klein to take the MLB spot.

Anthony is likely cut before the season-- I haven't seen or heard of anything leading me to believe he'll improve.

Teo is my hope for the SLB spot with Robertson being a very good back up that can play every LB position well.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

We haven't even made it to training camp and pads. You aren't going to see or hear anything until a couple of weeks or so into camp.

But, there is this:

Saints' Stephone Anthony: Improved understanding of defense
CBSSports.com-Jun 26, 2017
Anthony has shown an improved understanding of the defense during the offseason, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Actually the question is can Nolan bring out the owl in Anthony. I don't think there's ever been a question about Anthony's ability to bring the wood. The only question is can he learn to be in the right position to do so.
Special Teams both give an opportunity for guys like these to make the squad. Also we should well know from last season that solid special teams are essential for winning games.
Agreed. Both he and Kikhaha can create pressure off the edge if they can just stay healthy enough to be on the field.
I like the attitude. As I've been saying all along, the Saints defense doesn't need to be the '95 Bears or the 2000 Ravens. If this defense is in the middle of the pack for scoring, 3rd down percentage, Red Zone percentage, and takeaways be being healthy and playing as a solid group, it'll catapult the 2017 squad several notches towards the next level.

I'm with Guido looking on the bright side. I mean the Saints have gone 7-9 with some of the worst defenses in NFL history. Imaging what they can do with an average defense?!

SFIAH

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I think you're spot on for the most part but I was more going off of what I would do. I don't include Ellerbe in any roster projections because he won't be healthy and I'm just over him. He missed all of OTA's with yet another injury and Anzalone, Robertson and Stupar can all play weakside. I'd just take the cap space at this point ($3.2 mil I believe.)

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

We can't be sure that Ellerbe won't be healthy. That is just projecting blindly. Many players go through a rash of injuries and then play for years without another.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

That's all that we as fans can do. We don't win awards for most rational projections lol.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

I try to be positive about him, but he just brings out the pessimist in me. I hope you're right and it does turn around.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Bold prediction right there B&G ...

https://i.giphy.com/kYsBThMhhalLG.webp

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Seriously speaking on Stephone ... I really think playing him at SLB was a mistake last season. His ability is suited for MIKE & if he plays else where, he'll likely remain out of position. Sometimes I wonder that those Clemson teams were so loaded defensively, the coaches were able to mask deficiencies with SA. On paper, he now has better talent around him in New Orleans to succeed.

Nolan will give him a fair shake & it's my hope that a different teacher in the class/film study will help Anthony grasp it all.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

Here's a question: if our LB's don't improve under Mike Nolan will anyone say maybe it wasn't Joe Vitt's fault?

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

If we can get good D line play, the linebackers job will be so much more manageable. I'll be surprised if you don't see significant improvement from the current roster of LB's under the tutelage of Mike Nolan.

Let's go.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

On the Cheer leaders right?:cool:

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

No, on both counts.

Re: What to watch when Saints training camp opens
 

My eyes will be on our secondary's health this camp, especially our corners...we need Breaux/Lattimore/PJ on the field 100% of our 6 division games against the NFC South's big receivers & TEs. It'll also help with run containment knowing these 3 are covering downfield.