The New Orleans Saints are effectively at the halfway point of their installation practices in training camp. At this point, with a stretch of five padded practices on the way, things should continue to settle in for the team and the fireworks should be set to deliver. With that, it’s time to refocus on some of the top names as the team returns from a day off to see just how much progress the team has made, and still has left to make, so far.
QB Tyler Shough
Shough has been far more aggressive in the passing game this year as compared to last. Such a shift is expected due to the sheer nature of training camp for him this time around. He’s not vying for a role or competing to be the starter. He’s the guy. With that, his aggression is translating well and as he continues to get more comfortable with the installation, he’ll only continue hunting big plays.
The Saints’ offense has a lot of explosive potential. Having an accurate and aggressive quarterback at the helm is expected to help the team convert that potential into reality.
WR Jordyn Tyson
It feels like Tyson and fellow top wide receiver Chris Olave are on the precipice of an explosive second half of training camp before the team starts to turn its attention to game preparations against the Jacksonville Jaguars. All offseason, the two have been limited as they were each navigating their recovery plans. Now, the gloves should be off and both players should quickly become the beneficiaries of Shough’s growing confidence.
For Tyson, this is a real opportunity to impress with his acrobatic and explosive style of play. All while keeping a focus on staying healthy, his next step feels like it’s right around the corner where he’ll be ready to show off his playmaking ability.
Last training camp, this was about the time that Blackmon’s takeaway ability started to become a consistent factor in practices. With the defense having already started camp strong and the offense now starting to get more aggressive and attacking in nature, it might provide some opportunities for Blackmon to play spoiler at safety.
He’s already got one interception in camp, an impressive one that he grabbed in the endzone just before the team put the pads on. Now, it appears likely that he’ll have ample opportunity soon to make more plays in the passing game.
