1. High-energy practice
As Day 3 of New Orleans Saints training camp unfolded Friday morning in Irvine, Calif., it was pretty evident this was the best of the three practices to date. The ideal training camp practice is when both sides of the ball make plays, and we certainly saw that Friday. What has really stood out the first couple of days is the tempo of each period of practice. Not a lot of wasted motion, players sprinting everywhere, and that has led to solid execution. The first couple of days, the defense was getting the better of the offense, but it changed more to a 50/50 split Friday. I know we mentioned in our first Takeaway edition that we weren't going to talk about the weather in California but it's impossible to ignore that this is a huge factor in the energy level of the team. Instead of powering through a two-hour practice in heat and humidity where it's just a physical and mental grind to even get through it, out here you can just focus on the task at hand and execute each rep at a high level. There was a lot of jawing back and forth between the offense and defense after plays were made, and then quickly back to the line of scrimmage for the next rep. From a spectator standpoint, it was a fun watch, as the team continues to move toward when the real fun starts Monday and the full pads come on for the first time.
2. Hands on Kubiak
New Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is no stranger to football. The son of longtime NFL quarterback and coach Gary Kubiak, Klint has been around the game his entire life. Now seeing him really in action for the first time since OTAs and minicamp, I think it's abundantly clear that this new style of offense is going to put players in position to succeed. What was also interesting Friday was watching Kubiak work with the entire offense in the period just before the team portion of practice. Usually offensive coordinators are settled in behind the offense during practice and calling the plays, giving feedback to the quarterback or whomever else after each rep. However, Kubiak is positioned on the defensive side during these reps and acting as a mock defender (all alone) while the plays are being run and quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko calls out the personnel groupings. From there, Kubiak gets a better look at how the routes are being run and what adjustments need to be made by the skill position players, and then can give immediate feedback to players after the rep is run. As camp continues, it will be interesting to watch these interactions on a daily basis and as the offense continues to learn the new scheme that Kubiak brought over from San Francisco where he was the passing game coordinator last season.
3. Play of the Day
There were many to choose from Friday, but the one that that took the award happened in the third and final team period. With the offense moving right to left or west to east on the northern field, the ball was positioned on the 20-yard line. Quarterback Derek Carr was protected well and seeing one-on-one coverage with wide receiver Chris Olave on cornerback Alontae Taylor, Carr uncorked a long ball down the left sideline some 40 yards. Olave was able to leap over the back of Taylor and come down with the ball and hang onto it as he hit the grass for a brilliant catch. The jawing then took place between Olave and Taylor, and then Olave fired the football at safety Johnathan Abram as an exclamation point. The best part, though, was when Olave was headed back to the offensive side, Carr went to greet him 20 yards up the field and mentioned to Olave that he saw it was a one-on-one and he was gonna throw it and give him a chance to go get it. Pretty exciting stuff as the chemistry between Carr and Olave continues to grow.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Friday, July 26.
