The New Orleans Saints have just one installation practice left in training camp before they turn their attention to the Jacksonville Jaguars joint practice and preseason game prep. With nine practices in the books, here are five key takeaways from camp so far.
The Rookie WR Trio is Worth Excitement
Wide receivers Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown have put together their fair share of highlights throughout camp.
From explosive plays downfield and after the catch to keeping contested grabs and brilliant route-running, each player has shown why they were more than just worthwhile rolls of the dice.
Instead, they’ve proven that they have the ability to contribute immediately.
The Defense Still Looks Stout
One of the biggest questions going into camp was whether or not the Saints did enough on the defensive side of the ball.
As it turns out, retention and continuity were the keys to taking the next step rather than rebuilding through new acquisitions.
While some new faces have indeed made an impact, such as linebacker Kaden Elliss, it’s the second year in the system for many that is propelling the unit forward.
It’s Still Hard to Tell Much About the Run Game
The Saints’ run game is a classic training camp conundrum at the moment. Is the rushing defense improved? Or is the rushing offense still struggling? There’s a lot of reason to believe the former.
The ascension of defensive lineman Vernon Broughton is unmistakable and the value of an addition like edge defender Anfernee Jennings is easy to see.
Conversely, aside from a couple of nice runs here and there, the rushing offense doesn’t yet look much different from what it did this time last year.
The preseason will be the real proving ground.
First-Team Offense Still Putting it Together
Along with the defense impressing, the offense has had its ups and downs. Things will all come together, as starting quarterback Tyler Shough is having a quietly efficient camp overall.
So far, it often looks like the offense is still putting the pieces together. Lately, with the production of the wide receiver group in particular, things have begun to take shape.
But it’s clear that the pieces are still being put together. When they are, the team should have an exciting attack.
Joint practices will be a vital part of the process as they will offer a chance to provide a more game-like environment where stringing together plays and building off of momentum will be more achievable.
The EDGE Group is Impressing
From Chase Young‘s disruptive play and the versatility of Carl Granderson to the development of Tyree Wilson and sometimes unmovable nature of Jennings, the edge rusher room has been a lot of fun to watch.
The additions here, including undrafted free agent rookie Mike Heldman have complemented the incumbent group extremely well and look prepared to provide depth to an already productive group of pass rusher and edge defenders led by veteran Cameron Jordan.
Offensive Line in Line for a Shakeup
After losing top depth piece Dillon Radunz, the Saints may need to consider shopping the trade market for a new versatile addition. New Orleans still has some good depth on the roster, but losing a former starter that can cover four positions in the offensive line is a big loss.
Kicker Battle Not Separating
The battle between kickers Charlie Smyth and Tanner Brown isn’t providing a clear-cut winner just yet. With both legs missing multiple field goal attempts on numerous days, neither has been able to take advantage of opportunities to get out in front in the battle.
With Smyth the favorite to win, this works in his favor having been with the team last year.
But he may soon need to find and flip the same switch he found late in training camp last year, when he went on to sink 10-plus field goals in a row to close out camp and throughout the preseason.
When the team returns to practice to close out installations, Brown will be up. He has the edge with four missed kicks to seven for Smyth, but Smyth has the extra day.
