Camp GOOD and BAD, so far

Danno · 08-03-2005, 08:35 AM

After reading about 6 zillion camp reports there are a few players that seem to be having above average camps so far.
Worth noting, and yes, it doesn't mean anything yet, but its interesting to me.

The GOOD-

Talman Gardner-Catching everything thrown his way since 2nd practice.

Michael Lewis-Hoakie said we're taking this guy for granted. He's our best route runner (according to coaches) and catches everything. If a stranger observed camp so far, he'd swear Lewis was our starting slot WR.

Donte Stallworth-Very Quietly having his best camp so far.

Jonathan Sullivan-Yep, even teammates are saying he's having his best camp ever and is actually hustling.

Cie Grant-Other than the cramps he had yesterday, is looking fantastic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Zach Hilton-Has moved to 2nd string. Perhaps just a motivational tactic aimed at Boo, but maybe not. Maybe Zach's earned it.

Dwight Smith-Mr. Everywhere. Anyone else notice he's playing a lot of SS? Hmmm, I wonder who's gonna be the FS? Bullocks perhaps?

Mike Sheppard-There's a noticable reduction so far in mental errors. The offense looks more like a fine tuned machine than last year, but how could it not?

But now...the BAD!!!

Todd Bouman-I hear he's even more inaccurate than last year. What good is a 97 MPH fastball if you can't throw a strike. Kliff may sneak into #2.

Mel Mitchell-I've heard he's now 3rd string SS. Does that mean Gleason is 2nd? Or is it simply Bullocks and Smith are taking more snaps at SS than Mel is?

You guys and gals heard anything else good or bad worth noting?

ssmitty · 08-03-2005, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

After reading about 6 zillion camp reports there are a few players that seem to be having above average camps so far.
Worth noting, and yes, it doesn't mean anything yet, but its interesting to me.

The GOOD-

Talman Gardner-Catching everything thrown his way since 2nd practice.

Michael Lewis-Hoakie said we're taking this guy for granted. He's our best route runner (according to coaches) and catches everything. If a stranger observed camp so far, he'd swear Lewis was our starting slot WR.

Donte Stallworth-Very Quietly having his best camp so far.

Jonathan Sullivan-Yep, even teammates are saying he's having his best camp ever and is actually hustling.

Cie Grant-Other than the cramps he had yesterday, is looking fantastic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Zach Hilton-Has moved to 2nd string. Perhaps just a motivational tactic aimed at Boo, but maybe not. Maybe Zach's earned it.

Dwight Smith-Mr. Everywhere. Anyone else notice he's playing a lot of SS? Hmmm, I wonder who's gonna be the FS? Bullocks perhaps?

Mike Sheppard-There's a noticable reduction so far in mental errors. The offense looks more like a fine tuned machine than last year, but how could it not?

But now...the BAD!!!

Todd Bouman-I hear he's even more inaccurate than last year. What good is a 97 MPH fastball if you can't throw a strike. Kliff may sneak into #2.

Mel Mitchell-I've heard he's now 3rd string SS. Does that mean Gleason is 2nd? Or is it simply Bullocks and Smith are taking more snaps at SS than Mel is?

You guys and gals heard anything else good or bad worth noting?

it looks as though your good outweighs the bad, and that ain't bad. smitty

maximkat · 08-03-2005, 10:00 AM

I've always thought from everything ive seen on the beerman in preseason and the times he's made it into regular season games that he has excellent route running and he always seemed to come up with a catch. I've felt for a while that they were under utilizing him.

WhoDat · 08-03-2005, 10:15 AM

Hey Danno - were you at camp? Where you getting your info?

I'm slightly torn. This is the time of year when all you hear coming from camp is rave reviews. We're at the peak of Operation Hype in August. Then again, I really like the FO's moves this offseason (a LB or DT would have been nice, but...) and a lot of our young players finally seem to be maturing. I think there's real potential, but I'm not letting myself get excited just yet.

I should be in the Dome for the first Preseason game next weekend. Maybe then I'll be able to make better comments.

Euphoria · 08-03-2005, 10:17 AM

Don't believe everything you read.

1. M Lewis, Running routes is one thing but learning to get free and catching on consistancy level is another. Age is a factor for him at this point... I mean do you cut someone who can do all the same things and could contribute for a few more years...

2. Sullivan the best camp ever... I think everyone has to agree since this is only his second camp, last camp he sat around to eat all day and walked onto and off the field. If you found him on the field. This year he is active and wants to play.

papz · 08-03-2005, 10:31 AM

I really hope Gardner gets the 3rd receiver spot. All the talent in the world... I hope he can put it together. I've also read numerous reports from people who've attended minicamp and they've also said he's been catching everything in sight... very good news. TalmanGardnersCousin should post something on him.

Isn't it encouraging seeing Cie Grant on the field and playing well?! I've heard good things on him too. He's been filling in with the first unit because of injuries and we are seeing flashes of the potential everyone was giving him years ago. Hopefully he can continue, stay on the field, and make any kind of contribution for our team this year. I haven't really heard anything at all about Levar Fisher all camp yet.

They say Donte continues to drop his share of passes, but he also is making a lot of spectacular ones too. But what's new? He'll be poised for a breakout year.

All smiles for Zach Hilton... I can't wait to see him catch a pass. He's been long overdue for an oppurtunity.

4saintspirit · 08-03-2005, 11:04 AM

I have heartd that McKenzie and Smith were having exceptional camps. Too bad we hear nothing about our Tight Ends

yasoon · 08-03-2005, 11:55 AM

Mel Mitchell-I've heard he's now 3rd string SS. Does that mean Gleason is 2nd? Or is it simply Bullocks and Smith are taking more snaps at SS than Mel is?

Did Mel ever get out of Haz's doghouse after the sideline argument last year?

As far as all the positives being hyped...I agree. But, there was a pretty blunt look at yesterday's session as being bad.

I will say this....Over the past few years alot of the good has been in theory, not in action. This year, we signed all our guys and there is an overriding theme of motivation, not BS. And not "we're changing our offense for no apparent reason".

I feel more positive about this team thatn I have in a while. But, I have to see it on the field first (in a real game). It's the NFL, every team LOOKS good in practice....they're pros and even the worst team has guys who will look great in drills.

The thing I like the most is our depth at alot of positions. (Our depth at LB is all mediocre, I know.) But, most positions seem to have serviceable backups behind decent starters. I think the secondary will be much improved, which will help the DEs get in there. That's a big part of our success this year.

AB still scares me to death and he has alot to say about what the Saints do this year.

saintfan · 08-03-2005, 01:41 PM

Welcome back Danno. I hope you stick around.

As for the "good", I'm really pulling for Zach at TE. I expect if they can teach the kid to block some he'd be the man. It wouldn't bother me to see he and Hall as 1 and 2.

08-03-2005, 08:35 AM	#1
Danno Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,723	Camp GOOD and BAD, so far After reading about 6 zillion camp reports there are a few players that seem to be having above average camps so far. Worth noting, and yes, it doesn't mean anything yet, but its interesting to me. The GOOD- Talman Gardner-Catching everything thrown his way since 2nd practice. Michael Lewis-Hoakie said we're taking this guy for granted. He's our best route runner (according to coaches) and catches everything. If a stranger observed camp so far, he'd swear Lewis was our starting slot WR. Donte Stallworth-Very Quietly having his best camp so far. Jonathan Sullivan-Yep, even teammates are saying he's having his best camp ever and is actually hustling. Cie Grant-Other than the cramps he had yesterday, is looking fantastic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Zach Hilton-Has moved to 2nd string. Perhaps just a motivational tactic aimed at Boo, but maybe not. Maybe Zach's earned it. Dwight Smith-Mr. Everywhere. Anyone else notice he's playing a lot of SS? Hmmm, I wonder who's gonna be the FS? Bullocks perhaps? Mike Sheppard-There's a noticable reduction so far in mental errors. The offense looks more like a fine tuned machine than last year, but how could it not? But now...the BAD!!! Todd Bouman-I hear he's even more inaccurate than last year. What good is a 97 MPH fastball if you can't throw a strike. Kliff may sneak into #2. Mel Mitchell-I've heard he's now 3rd string SS. Does that mean Gleason is 2nd? Or is it simply Bullocks and Smith are taking more snaps at SS than Mel is? You guys and gals heard anything else good or bad worth noting?

08-03-2005, 09:19 AM	#2
ssmitty 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,879	Re: Camp GOOD and BAD, so far Originally Posted by Danno After reading about 6 zillion camp reports there are a few players that seem to be having above average camps so far. Worth noting, and yes, it doesn't mean anything yet, but its interesting to me. The GOOD- Talman Gardner-Catching everything thrown his way since 2nd practice. Michael Lewis-Hoakie said we're taking this guy for granted. He's our best route runner (according to coaches) and catches everything. If a stranger observed camp so far, he'd swear Lewis was our starting slot WR. Donte Stallworth-Very Quietly having his best camp so far. Jonathan Sullivan-Yep, even teammates are saying he's having his best camp ever and is actually hustling. Cie Grant-Other than the cramps he had yesterday, is looking fantastic. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Zach Hilton-Has moved to 2nd string. Perhaps just a motivational tactic aimed at Boo, but maybe not. Maybe Zach's earned it. Dwight Smith-Mr. Everywhere. Anyone else notice he's playing a lot of SS? Hmmm, I wonder who's gonna be the FS? Bullocks perhaps? Mike Sheppard-There's a noticable reduction so far in mental errors. The offense looks more like a fine tuned machine than last year, but how could it not? But now...the BAD!!! Todd Bouman-I hear he's even more inaccurate than last year. What good is a 97 MPH fastball if you can't throw a strike. Kliff may sneak into #2. Mel Mitchell-I've heard he's now 3rd string SS. Does that mean Gleason is 2nd? Or is it simply Bullocks and Smith are taking more snaps at SS than Mel is? You guys and gals heard anything else good or bad worth noting? it looks as though your good outweighs the bad, and that ain't bad. smitty
ssmitty 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,879

08-03-2005, 10:00 AM	#3
maximkat ChocolateMilk Connoisseur Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Live Free or Die Posts: 362	RE: Re: Camp GOOD and BAD, so far I've always thought from everything ive seen on the beerman in preseason and the times he's made it into regular season games that he has excellent route running and he always seemed to come up with a catch. I've felt for a while that they were under utilizing him.

08-03-2005, 10:15 AM	#4
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631	RE: Re: Camp GOOD and BAD, so far Hey Danno - were you at camp? Where you getting your info? I'm slightly torn. This is the time of year when all you hear coming from camp is rave reviews. We're at the peak of Operation Hype in August. Then again, I really like the FO's moves this offseason (a LB or DT would have been nice, but...) and a lot of our young players finally seem to be maturing. I think there's real potential, but I'm not letting myself get excited just yet. I should be in the Dome for the first Preseason game next weekend. Maybe then I'll be able to make better comments.
WhoDat 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,631	\"Excuses, excuses, excuses. ThatÃ¢Â€Â™s all anyone ever makes for the New Orleans SaintsÃ¢Â€Â™ organization.\" - Eric Narcisse \"Being a Saints fan is almost like being addicted to crack,\" he said.[i]\"You know you should stop, but you just can\'t.\"

08-03-2005, 10:17 AM	#5
Euphoria 5000 POSTS! + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 7,601 Blog Entries: 5	RE: Re: Camp GOOD and BAD, so far Don't believe everything you read. 1. M Lewis, Running routes is one thing but learning to get free and catching on consistancy level is another. Age is a factor for him at this point... I mean do you cut someone who can do all the same things and could contribute for a few more years... 2. Sullivan the best camp ever... I think everyone has to agree since this is only his second camp, last camp he sat around to eat all day and walked onto and off the field. If you found him on the field. This year he is active and wants to play.
	E U P H O R I A

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08-03-2005, 10:31 AM	#6
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,754	RE: Re: Camp GOOD and BAD, so far I really hope Gardner gets the 3rd receiver spot. All the talent in the world... I hope he can put it together. I've also read numerous reports from people who've attended minicamp and they've also said he's been catching everything in sight... very good news. TalmanGardnersCousin should post something on him. Isn't it encouraging seeing Cie Grant on the field and playing well?! I've heard good things on him too. He's been filling in with the first unit because of injuries and we are seeing flashes of the potential everyone was giving him years ago. Hopefully he can continue, stay on the field, and make any kind of contribution for our team this year. I haven't really heard anything at all about Levar Fisher all camp yet. They say Donte continues to drop his share of passes, but he also is making a lot of spectacular ones too. But what's new? He'll be poised for a breakout year. All smiles for Zach Hilton... I can't wait to see him catch a pass. He's been long overdue for an oppurtunity.

08-03-2005, 11:04 AM	#7
4saintspirit 500th Post Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 690	I have heartd that McKenzie and Smith were having exceptional camps. Too bad we hear nothing about our Tight Ends
4saintspirit 500th Post Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 690

08-03-2005, 11:55 AM	#8
yasoon 500th Post Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 594	Mel Mitchell-I've heard he's now 3rd string SS. Does that mean Gleason is 2nd? Or is it simply Bullocks and Smith are taking more snaps at SS than Mel is? Did Mel ever get out of Haz's doghouse after the sideline argument last year? As far as all the positives being hyped...I agree. But, there was a pretty blunt look at yesterday's session as being bad. I will say this....Over the past few years alot of the good has been in theory, not in action. This year, we signed all our guys and there is an overriding theme of motivation, not BS. And not "we're changing our offense for no apparent reason". I feel more positive about this team thatn I have in a while. But, I have to see it on the field first (in a real game). It's the NFL, every team LOOKS good in practice....they're pros and even the worst team has guys who will look great in drills. The thing I like the most is our depth at alot of positions. (Our depth at LB is all mediocre, I know.) But, most positions seem to have serviceable backups behind decent starters. I think the secondary will be much improved, which will help the DEs get in there. That's a big part of our success this year. AB still scares me to death and he has alot to say about what the Saints do this year.
yasoon 500th Post Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 594

08-03-2005, 01:41 PM	#9
saintfan Donated Plasma Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 18,556 Blog Entries: 5	Welcome back Danno. I hope you stick around. As for the "good", I'm really pulling for Zach at TE. I expect if they can teach the kid to block some he'd be the man. It wouldn't bother me to see he and Hall as 1 and 2.