1. Day of Defense
We have talked on numerous occasions about usually when training camp starts defenses are ahead of the offenses. The last few practices that trend was bucked, as the New Orleans Saints offense has made significant plays mixing the run and pass. On Day 6, that was not the case. The defense had its best showing of the six training camp practices, with the defensive line really standing out. Time and time again, the going was extremely tough for the offense. Other than just a sprinkle of plays, the offense was not able to move the ball, thanks to a furious pass rush, solid linebacking play, and good coverage in the secondary. Without question, the standouts on Day 6 were a couple of edge rushers, Chase Young and Carl Granderson . Young unofficially increased his rep total to double digits during team periods from the three team reps Monday and continuously was in the offensive backfield, registering at least one sack (remember all quarterbacks are wearing red jerseys meaning they cannot be touched) and several pressures on Derek Carr . He also blew up an end-around to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed who was moving right to left across the line of scrimmage and ran right into Young in the backfield. Granderson was equally as impressive (more on him later), showing a strong pass rush, including a stop of Alvin Kamara at the line of scrimmage on the very first rep of the first team period. Edge rushers Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey also registered sacks during the team period. As offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak quipped to the media post practice, it was a great "character building day" for the offense, but all credit going to the defensive units.
2. OL vs. DL
As full pads get put on, different drills are now repped. As padded 7-on-7 was happening on the west end of the northern field, in the east end the offensive linemen were going head-to-head against the defensive linemen. I was able to chart 31 reps, consisting of the ball being snapped and the defensive lineman trying to beat the offensive lineman right in front of him and the offensive lineman attempting to hold off the defensive lineman getting to the "quarterback." Notable matchups were the two reps between defensive end Chase Young and rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga. Young was able to get past Fuaga rather easily both times for sacks. Right guard Cesar Ruiz matched up against veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan with each one registering wins. Interestingly enough, after Ruiz was able to get the better of Jordan on the second rep, Jordan "punished" himself by doing a set of pushups. Right tackle Trevor Penning matched up against Carl Granderson for two reps. Granderson blew past Penning on the first rep for an easy sack, while a few reps later, despite a strong rush by Granderson, Penning was able to hold him off. Granderson was able to win another rep against tackle Jesse Davis. Also a good period for defensive tackle Khalen Saunders who won two of his three reps against tackle Chandler Brewer and center Erik McCoy. All in all, advantage on this day to the defensive line. We'll chart another period with different position groups in Wednesday's Takeaways.
3. Play of the Day
Granderson enjoyed his time Tuesday at UCI-Crawford Field. One play that he made stood out above the rest. On the second play of the first team period (immediately following Granderson's stuffing of a run play against Alvin Kamara), the Saints offense attempted an jet sweep from right to left. Rashid Shaheed took a handoff from Derek Carr and immediately ran into a proverbial wall (which turned out to be Granderson) for no gain. Shaheed was so frustrated after the tackle he immediately fired the football at Granderson in disgust. The defensive players then celebrated with loud yells behind the play. Granderson was able to shed his block and step immediately into the backfield. After practice Granderson was asked about the play, which he credited to film study, knowing where his blocker was going to be, shooting the gap, and getting an arm in there to stop Shaheed in his tracks and getting him down. Coach Dennis Allen has been heaping praise on Granderson since we arrived in Irvine last week, and days like Tuesday certainly won't slow that praise down.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including running back James Robinson (26).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including defensive end Chase Young (99).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including quarterback Derek Carr (4).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including tight end Dallin Holker (85).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) and linebacker Demario Davis (56).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including cornerback Mac McCain (42) and cornerback Paulson Adebo (29).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) and linebacker Demario Davis (56).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) and linebacker Demario Davis (56).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including safety Tyrann Mathieu (32), linebacker Demario Davis (56) and defensive back Will Harris (6).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including safety Tyrann Mathieu (32), linebacker Demario Davis (56) and defensive back Will Harris (6).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including safety Tyrann Mathieu (32), linebacker Demario Davis (56) and defensive back Will Harris (6).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including running back Jamaal Williams (21).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including tackle Josiah Ezirim (72).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including tackle Trevor Penning (70).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including Saints owner Gayle Benson.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including linebacker Demario Davis (56), safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) and defensive back Will Harris (6).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including guard/center Cesar Ruiz and defensive end Cameron Jordan.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including tackle Trevor Penning and defensive end Carl Granderson (96).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including center/guard Shane Lemieux.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including defensive tackle Khristian Boyd (97) and center Sincere Haynesworth (61).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including tackle Jesse Davis.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including fullback Adam Prentice (46).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including running back Jamaal Williams.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including wide receiver Mason Tipton (84) and Bub Means (16).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including tight end Foster Moreau (87), wide receiver/return specialist Rashid Shaheed (22) and wide receiver Chris Olave (12).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including defensive end Chase Young (99).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30, including quarterback Jake Haener (3).
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
Full coverage of the New Orleans Saints workouts during 2024 Training Camp at the University of California, Irvine on Tuesday, July 30.
