By Ross Jackson
IRVINE – Each day of New Orleans Saints training camp, we will bring you the five most important pieces of information that you need. From big plays, to notable comments and important health updates, you will have everything you need to know from Saints camp each day in a quick and easily-digestible five-point list.
- The defense started strong, but the offense finally punched back.
Quarterback Derek Carr’s first pass of practice was batted at the line by defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. On the next play, defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd had a sack, and then he followed that up with a pressure on the third snap. It looked like it was about to be Day 7 all over again wherein the offensive line could not stop anyone on the defensive line. Then everything quickly shifted as the offense began to bite back. A big completion from Carr to wide receiver Chris Olave was a very successful hook up. A jet sweep to speedy wideout Rashid Shaheed led to a later look where rookie passer Spencer Rattler faked a jet sweep handoff pitching instead to running back Jordan Mims who went the opposite direction for a 30-plus yard touchdown run.
Jake Haener stepped up in the pocket in red zone drills to fling a sidearm pass to tight end Jesper Horstead for a score. Rattler put one up on the top shelf for rookie tight end Dallin Holker to score a leaping touchdown over safety Jordan Howden. The offense simply found a way to bounce back, which was really encouraging to see. Now, that said, it is worth noting that the Saints’ defensive ends still had a field day out there. But back-and-forth is better than one dominating the other at this stage of camp.
- All three quarterbacks looked to find a nice rhythm
Speaking of those young passers, Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler had strong days alongside Carr. They were composed despite the pressure, showed improved rhythm in their deliveries and added a lot of pocket mobility that may have kept them upright in some pressure situations come game time. It was the best day we have seen from the quarterback group, though some would rightfully argue that Carr had a stronger day earlier in camp. This was a much-needed display of comfort and pressure management from the trio of signal callers.
- The team added Wide receivers Marquez Callaway and Samson Nacua to the mix.
A reunion for the Saints and Callaway makes a lot of sense. He is someone the staff is familiar with, and they are in need of more bodies at wide receiver thanks to several injuries at the position. Cedrick Wilson is out nursing a groin injury. Equanimeous St. Brown is dealing with a hamstring issue. Rookie Bub Means has been out with a shin/lower leg muscle injury. The team needed reinforcements, so they got them with Callaway and Nacua, who is the older brother of Los Angeles Rams star receiver Puka Nacua.
Both are bigger-bodied pass-catchers with great blocking ability. Should be easy fits into the system as they look to latch on with the opportunity ahead of them. To make room for Callaway on the roster, the team waived/injured tight end Tommy Hudson who left the field with injury the day prior. For Nacua, the team terminated the contract of quarterback Nathan Peterman, showing some confidence in their two young passers.
- Cornerback Alontae Taylor impressed at the podium with his new mindset.
After Day 7 we wrote that Taylor is not the same player he once was. That was further intensified by his brilliant performance on the podium to close out Day 8. Taylor was introspective, thoughtful and honest for every beat of his 853-second availability with the media. It was impressive. He spoke about working with star safety Tyrann Mathieu over the offseason and the motivation he received to put it all together in year three, the same advice Mathieu was given earlier in his career. He also described the process of coming to terms with his role.
Taylor is a great outside corner, but he is being asked to get on the field as a slot cornerback in the Saints’ system for now in an effort to maximize the usage of their talented cornerback room. Instead of fighting it, Taylor has taken the path of embracing it. It certainly looks that way on the field as well. He has been a standout all camp and has also been talking on more of a leadership role always coaching up younger guys off to the side between reps. Taylor looks like he is shaping up for a productive 2024 season.
- Linebacker Anfernee Orji is looking great.
The Saints may be without star linebacker Demario Davis right now, but the second level of the defense still looks rock solid. With the standout performances of starters Pete Werner and Willie Gay being an everyday occurrence, it can be tough to notice some of the other guys at the position. That is, maybe in previous years at least. This offseason, the linebacker room is teeming with young talent and Orji continues to turn heads.
He is consistently finding himself in the backfield making plays in the run game, rushing the passer, shooting gaps and covering all over the field. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the second-year Vanderbilt alum has contributed from all three linebacker spots (MIKE, WILL and SAM) while also showing his value with the special teams unit as well. All of these are things that young players must do in the league to earn a spot. Orji has been checking the boxes and doing so with a ton of energy. He considers the linebackers the “coffee” of the defense, and he might just be the espresso shot.
