The New Orleans Saints concluded their joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams feeling like the team put in some good work against a Super Bowl contender on Thursday. It was a feeling earned with a lot of highs to enjoy from the day of competition. As expected, the team also had some learning moments while squaring off with a Super Bowl favorite club.
But even with those learning moments, a few Saints players stood out with impressive performance. Here are three standouts from New Orleans’ final joint practice of the offseason.
WR Bryce Lance
The rookie wide receiver is being looked upon to help lead the team’s passing attack along with top wideouts Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele with fellow rookie Jordyn Tyson sidelined.
So far, fourth-round rookie Bryce Lance has risen to the occasion and answered the call as he continues to develop chemistry with starting quarterback Tyler Shough.
Lance reeled in all five of his targets for a pair of touchdowns and around an estimated 56 receiving yards. Lance took snaps with the first team from all around the formation and continued to find ways to produce at all three levels.
He also proved to be a valuable player in the red zone, catching one touchdown from 20 yards out and the other from the nine-yard line.
LB Danny Stutsman
With starting linebacker Kaden Elliss getting a rest day, linebackers Danny Stutsman and Pete Werner saw the bulk of Thursday’s action on defense. Stutsman, in particular, stood out in the process.
Stutsman had a sack in the red zone against Stafford as well as a tackle in the backfield and another stop in the run game. The Saints sat Stutsman for the first preseason game despite expectations that he would play a major role.
Since then, speculation has run rampant about how much bigger Stutsman’s role has grown since last year. With a performance like Thursday’s, minus one missed tackle in the run game, he’s proved that he can be ready for just about any role he’s asked to fill.
EDGE Carl Granderson
After starting the day off strong, edge rusher Carl Granderson added another impressive day to his training camp ledger. Granderson had a sack and a couple of pressures against the Rams’ first-team offense.
He was also very disruptive and productive against the Dallas Cowboys earlier in the week. Granderson is stringing together a number of standout performances. Thursday’s joint practice was just the latest.
His work in tandem with edge rusher Chase Young is generating a lot of optimism and excitement around the team’s defense.
