The New Orleans Saints plowed through a nearly two and a half hour practice in searing heat Wednesday.  The heat index was over 100 degrees as the team finished its second of three days of Saints Minicamp presented by Verizon. Here are some observations:

Let's give this day to the defense. During full team drills focused on third down and the two-minute scenario at the end of practice, it was the Saints defense that appeared to have the upper hand. Davis Tull was making a mess in the offensive backfield on more than one occasion. Nate Stupar played the run well, and ended the practice with an interception of Drew Brees off of a tipped ball. This new Saints linebacking corp led by James Laurinaitis is showing promise.

I always enjoy watching the wide receiver group. We already know the names at the top of the group.  It will be fun to watch the battle, though, deeper down the depth chart. Remember how much fun it was watching Willie Snead come out of nowhere last season?  Well, RJ Harris and Reggie Bell are two names to remember when the battle heats up in August to be next down Snead's path.  It was a good day for both of those second-year players.

I'm happy for Damian Swann. He's overcome a lot and finds himself squarely in the mix for regular snaps at the nickel spot.  And speaking of returns to health, Mark Ingram II and Drew Brees are full-go at minicamp. Their full participation again Wednesday made the running backs group as a whole look very strong.