Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The new era of the New Orleans Saints is almost here. The team kicks off its training camp beginning Wednesday, July 23. One week from today.
After an offseason that felt like it flew by, this will be a welcome change of pace for a few reasons.
The Team’s Changing Identity
Under new head coach Kellen Moore and with new coordinators in place for each phase of the game, the Saints will simply not be themselves any longer in 2025. Despite maintaining much of last year’s roster, the approach is going to see a lot of changing and shifting with its new leadership.
The team has felt like it has lacked identity over recent years. That shouldn’t be a problem now as the club redefines itself in Moore’s vision. Rather carried by its ground game, its air attack or defense, the team’s new identity will begin to take shape throughout camp.
Next Level Competition
Of course, the quarterback competition will be the primary headline of camp, as it should be. But there will be other competitive areas to watch like wide receiver, running back and cornerback. Each could result in meaningful snaps for the winning parties.
Now, those competitions take their next steps. During OTAs and mandatory minicamps, the team never ran a team drill, at least, not in front of the media.
That limited the chances for collisions, physicality and possible injury. It was a good choice by Moore. But the inclusion of that 11-on-11 work during training camp will add value to the team’s player evaluations.
More throwing lanes changes the picture for the quarterback, makes things a bit more challenging for the receivers and tight ends in the passing game and aids the cornerbacks a bit. The addition of a pass rush will give a glimpse at the team’s new defensive approach even though the practices will be non-contact for the quarterbacks.
All are good elements to add and evaluate at this stage after focusing on keeping everyone healthy in the early portion of the offseason.
The Saints won’t put on pads until the fifth practice. So they will still take their time acclimating before upping the physicality further.
Building Rhythm
One of the most challenging parts of the offseason training programs is the lack of flow for players. OTAs usually take place over the course of three or four days over three weeks. With three days on and then four days off, it can be hard to build momentum.
The same goes for minicamps, which are at most a three-day stretch of practice. The Saints only used two, canceling the final day for a team outing.
Training camp will offer the team 11 practices over 14 days in Metairie, La. and five practices, a walk-through and a preseason over eight days in Irvine, Calif.
Being able to string together games and build a rhythm both individually and across the team will be a massive benefit as camp rolls along over the next few weeks.
