1. Thursday quick hits
Final installations were put in Thursday in preparation for Saturday's preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals. There was a goal line offense/defense walk-through, but there were no periods during practice dedicated to goal line. --- There was another team period Thursday where the ball was placed at the minus 1-yard line and it was the offense's job to move the ball out of the shadow of its own goal line. Crowd noise was also piped in for this period. --- There were six healthy wide receivers present during practice, with five not present. Coach Dennis Allen mentioned post practice that the offense might have to get a bit creative as to how to get through the preseason game Saturday with just six receivers. Those present at practice were Chris Olave, Cedrick Wilson Jr,, A.T. Perry, Kevin Austin Jr., Marquez Callaway, and Samson Nacua. --- Malcolm Jenkins, a former Saints legend and two-time Super Bowl champion, was in attendance. Jenkins played for the Saints from 2009-2013, then in Philadelphia from 2014-2019, before returning to New Orleans for the final years of his career (2020-2021). Jenkins has the distinct honor of being the only NFL player to be on a team to beat Tom Brady and Peyton Manning in a Super Bowl. --- Also in attendance at practice was former California Angel and UL-Monroe standout pitcher Chuck Finley. — Defensive end Cam Jordan and safety Tyrann Mathieu were not at practice Thursday because of scheduled vet days.
2. It's time for the Dynamic Kickoff
For the first time in many years, anyone watching an NFL game will refrain from heading to the concession stand or using the restroom. The new kickoff rule will be in full effect all across the NFL this weekend in the preseason games. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was one of the creators of this new kickoff rule and has decisions to make as far as who will be the starting returners, blockers on return and on kickoff coverage. There was extra time devoted on kickoff return and coverage during Thursday's practice. As far as kick returners go, there are always two returners deep with the one who does not catch the kickoff becoming a blocker. The first team returners Thursday were running backs Jordan Mims and James Robinson. Second team returners were running back Jamaal Williams and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. Third team returners were cornerback Alontae Taylor and utility Taysom Hill. Of course, this is subject to change during preseason and when the regular season begins, but it appears this will be the groups who will go for Saturday night. Rashid Shaheed is also a likely candidate for kick return, and has worked there during camp, but he has missed the last several practices with a hamstring injury, though Shaheed was present at practice watching from the sideline. Stay tuned!
3. Plays of the Day
A twist was put on the two-minute periods Thursday. We have documented the situations being worked on during different editions of Takeaways. On Thursday, quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener led their units to touchdowns. Rattler started at the plus 45 yard line with 48 seconds left and one timeout and the offense trailing by seven points. With 23 seconds left and the ball at the plus 37, Rattler hit Perry on a deep left sideline route down to the 14-yard line where Perry stepped out of bounds with 17 seconds remaining. Rattler then took the snap, had a little time, then as the pocket began to collapse threw to the back right pylon of the end zone where Kevin Austin Jr. made a spectacular catch over cornerback Rico Payton. Despite landing hard, Austin was able to hang onto the ball for the touchdown. The two would hook up again on the two-point conversion on a quick throw by Rattler to Austin on a timing route at the front right pylon. Haener (working with the third team) started his drive on the minus 30-yard line with 1:40 left on the clock and one timeout. Three straight passes to Michael Jacobson and Kevin Rader moved the ball quickly down the field to the plus 27-yard line. With 35 seconds remaining, Haener was flushed out of the pocket, rolled to his right and threw on the run to the back of the east end zone toward wide receiver Samson Nacua, who came down with a great catch despite good coverage from Shemar Jean-Charles, setting off a wild celebration on the offensive side of the field. Haener, like Rattler, was able to complete the comeback with another successful two-point conversion with a quick throw to tight end Kevin Rader.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Thursday, August 8.
