It was close, in fact one vote separated Tony Gonzalez from Jeremy Shockey for the Saints Nation All NFC South tight end spot. Recently added this offseason by the Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez is not only the best in the NFC South - he's arguably the best in the entire league. Thanks for participating and please vote for the 2 tackle spots on the team (please limit yourself to two choices).
Other news:
Two star receivers for division rivals suffered injuries today as Antonio Bryant of the Bucs torn his meniscus and has been ruled out for the entire preseason (STORY) and Carolina's Steve Smith injured his right shoulder (STORY).
The Saints had back luck of their own as they decided to place Tight End Dan Campbell, who had been injured the entirety of mini-camps and training camp, on injured reserve. They also signed guard Nathan Bennett and released guard Joe McMahon.
Lagniappe:
Check out Sean Payton's press conference after Monday's practice: HERE Drew Brees' press conference after Monday's practice: HERE
The lengthiest draft hold out in the past decade for the Saints ended late last night, with the Saints signing first round pick Malcolm Jenkins to a 5 year contract (STORY). Jenkins showed up to practice this morning and was apparently hurting severely due to the heat and the coaches running him ragged. Welcome aboard, Malcolm! Better late than never and now roster is all aboard. Hopefully he can get caught up quickly.
In other news, Drew Brees is already back to practice this morning after his mother passed away. Quick trip for Brees to and from Colorado, where his mother lived, and he is of course practicing with a very heavy heart. Check back at Saints Nation for more later.
-- With Drew Brees out of town for what Sean Payton described as an "indefinite" amount of time, quarterbacks Joey Harrington and Mark Brunell both stepped in and played a significant amount of snaps. Both QB's did reasonably well, though both had bad interceptions. Brunell had a tipped pass from Jeff Charleston that Jason David picked off, and Harrington was intercepted by Roman Harper on his very first pass attempt. The main thing with each QB was Harrington was a little safe in his throws after the first pick, and Brunell held on to the ball way too long.
-- Top 5 studs at scrimmage: Jeff Charleston, Herb Donaldson, Marques Colston, Garrett Hartley, Roman Harper.
-- Whether it was Chris Reis or Roman Harper, Gregg Williams used the safety blitz early and often - especially on third down passing plays. Expect to see that during the season.
-- NOLA.com pulled up an unofficial stat sheet of the game you can pull up HERE.
-- Garrett Hartley made every single kick (8 for 8), and his kickoffs were good. Sounds like he's right where the Saints want him to be. I talked to Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune yesterday and he confirmed that Hartley was very having a solid camp - "strong leg and accurate". This is encouraging.
-- Of all the running backs, Herb Donaldson probably looked the best. He ripped off a 26 yard burst, granted it was against the 3rd team defense - and finished with 56 yards. Mike Bell lost of fumble on the opening drive and the main concern with him continues to be ball security.
-- No surprises, the main targets all day were Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey.
-- On the injury front: Mark Simoneau (elbow) who forced Bell's fumble, Tracy Porter (hamstring) and Chip Vaughn (partially torn meniscus) all got banged up. Hopefully not too serious.
-- With Gay out a few days and Porter now hurt, it makes Jenkins that much more needed. A great chance for him to get reps with the 2nd unit if he can sign ASAP.
-- Speaking of Malcolm Jenkins, his agent's broke their silence and gave somewhat promising news: HERE
-- Players who didn't play: Randall Gay, Dave Campbell, Reggie Bush, Drew Brees, Adrian Arrington.
-- The Saints are off today and will resume practice Monday.
Sad news in Saints camp took place yesterday. Mina Brees, Drew's mother (both pictured), passed away at the age of 59. She was working in Colorado and Drew has left training camp to be with his family during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers from Saints Nation are sent out to the Brees family. May she rest in peace. Drew is part of the Saints family and I know I speak for everyone in Saints Nation when I say that we are all thinking about him during this terrible time of grief.
The Saints will have their first live game like situation today as they scrimmage at the indoor Saints facility in Metairie. You can read THIS PRESS CONFERENCE with Saints head coach Sean Payton to get an idea of the schedule. This scrimmage will be held indoors, unfortunately, and thus will be closed to the public. Players, according to Payton, who will not play: Randall Gay, Adrian Arrington, Darren Sharper, Lance Moore, Dan Campbell and possibly Reggie Bush. Scott Fujita will be back in time from a funeral yesterday to play. We'll get a chance to see how the 1st team defense fares against both the 2nd team offense AND the 1st team offense.
Stay tuned and come back to Saints Nation for a full report on the scrimmage.
-- Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer coach Jon Gruden (pictured) visited Saints camp yesterday and addressed the team at various points. Gruden was a targeted addition to Sean Payton's coaching staff this season but he decided he wanted to give announcing a try. Gruden mentioned to the press "I really think that with the additions that they've made that they have a real chance (to make the Super Bowl)" (source). Can't dislike those comments.
-- Don't rule out Robert Meachem as a starter this year. Seriously. He is still absolutely TEARING IT UP in camp. I hope he stays healthy because this could be his breakout year. You know he'll get his chances with Brees at QB.
-- Per Billy Turner, the Saints tried a Wildcat formation today in practice with Pierre Thomas taking a direct snap.
-- Malcolm Jenkins is now officially the longest holdout draft choice of the current Saints era. It's officially time to start getting worried, especially with Randall Gay getting banged up (not supposed to be too serious).
-- Mark Simoneau has apparently had a terrific camp, of all people. The former starting middle linebacker (before Jonathan Vilma joined the team) for the Saints has been the primary backup at all 3 linebacker spots and should play a key role if he can stay healthy. He's looked fluid despite back and hip surgery last year when he was placed on IR.
-- Speaking of Jonathan Vilma, he's only gotten better from a year ago. He's another year removed from microfracture surgery, and he apparently abused veteran fullback Heath Evans in pass protection drills.
-- Mike Bell is banged up with a hip injury. Doesn't appear serious but Lynell Hamilton is getting more reps and this is a huge opportunity for him to state his case for making the team.
RECENT UPDATE AS OF THIS MORNING: Sharper tweaks hamstring (time for Usama to get starting reps), Jammal Brown and Jonathan Goodwin struggle in the heat: LINK
Joey Harrington apparently had an incredible morning practice. Maybe he can give Brunell a run for the #2 spot. At the very least it's good to see him making plays because up to this point he has really struggled in camp. LINK
Saints Nation fans voted former SuperBowl Champion and former New England Patriot Heath Evans, now a Saint, as the fullback for the Saints Nation All NFC South team. Thanks for your participation and please vote for the All NFC South 1st team tight end - in a new poll on the right side of the site.
It was close, in fact one vote separated Tony Gonzalez from Jeremy Shockey for the Saints Nation All NFC South tight end spot. Recently added this offseason by the Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez is not only the best in the NFC South - he's arguably the best in the entire league. Thanks for participating and please vote for the 2 tackle spots on the team (please limit yourself to two choices).
