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METAIRIE, La. ― We’re midway through the first week of the Saints’ training camp and the hamlet of Metairie has been a good host yet again.
Clear skies and tons of heat. Saints coach Sean Payton ended practice 30 minutes early on Day 4, saying that the lack of depth at offensive line – where three players are practicing at two positions – and cornerback – where the team ended the morning with three players – has taken its toll.
He wanted to let guys get fresh and not burn them out so early. That’s also one of the reasons he’s switching the schedule, switching the off day from Wednesday to Tuesday.
Moves
The Saints agreed to terms on Monday morning with linebacker Clint Ingram, w ho folks in these parts should recognize from last year’s training camp. The Saints also re-signed guard Carl Nicks, who signed his restricted free agent tender.
Ingram spent all of 2010 training camp rehabbing his left knee from microfracture surgery. He spent the first six weeks on the physically unable to perform list but was waived when he cam e off of it.
Injury report
It’s the same list from Sunday –
Offensive tackle Charles Brown (hamstring), running back Chris Ivory (foot), cornerback Tracy Porter (left knee), defensive end Greg Romeus (right knee) and guard Carl Johnson (hamstring) all sat out practice because they still haven’t passed physicals.
Joining the five sideliners Monday were cornerback Josh Gatlin (thumb, knee), receiver Michael Galatas (hamstring) and linebacker Jeremiha Hunter (right Achilles).
Observations
Every year, we look for that undrafted rookie free agent who could make a move. The Saints roster is littered with success stories – running back Pierre Thomas, defensive end Junior Galette, quarterback Chase Daniel, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar.
This year eyes are falling upon receiver Jarred Fayson (6-foot, 215 pounds).
Here’s why: He’s got decent speed, a good head on his shoulders and, most importantly, he doesn’t appear to drop anything.
Fayson started his college career at Florida, but transferred to Illinois, where he played for former Saints assistant coach Ron Zook.
He has caught the eye of Payton already and, more importantly, caught the eye of No. 9, quarterback Drew Brees, who says he has been very impressed with Fayson thus far.
He’s definitely a guy to keep an eye on this preseason.
(Non)Quotable
Brees is up for a new contract after the 2011 season. And after Colts quarterback Peyton Manning signed an extremely lucrative contract, the question now becomes what Brees will get.
On Monday, when asked about Manning’s contract by CBSSports.com’s Larry Holder, Brees said, “Uh, well, he got his deal done.”
To which Holder asked what it meant for Brees’ contract.
Sayeth Brees, “When the time comes, it’ll come.”
To which Holder asked, “Is there a time?”
Said Brees, “We’ve all talked. So I think we have a plan but that’s our plan.”
This and that
*Kicker Garrett Hartley went 4-for-4 on Monday, including nailing a 49-yarder at the end of his rotation.
*Running back Mark Ingram continues to learn tough lessons. Namely, safety Malcolm Jenkins doesn’t care where he was drafted and what award he won. After a hard run that impressed fans, Jenkins tossed Ingram to the ground and didn’t help him up.
*Cornerback Tracy Porter is still on the “didn’t pass physical” list. But Monday, he did more than we’ve seen yet. He was backpedaling and leaping high to catch passes, a sure sign that he’s progressing on his rehabilitation process.
*Receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachem again were back returning punts. And once again, I say they’re just place-holders for running back Darren Sproles.
Team 1
(Remember, these were not full-padded drills with backups playing first team. Tread lightly on what you take from this.)
1st and 10: Brees quick slant left to Colston, incomplete
1st and 10: Brees over the middle to Colston for 5-plus yards
2nd and 8: Draw left to RB Pierre Thomas; DE Will Smith blows past OT Mike Smith, tackles Thomas for 1-yard loss
3rd and 5: Brees to Colston with CB Patrick Robinson in coverage. Brees lofted ball over Robinson and over Colston’s shoulder in perfect placement.
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1st and 10: RB Lynell Hamilton bursts through right side of line
1st and 10: Ingram draw, bulls through right side of line.
2nd and 8: WR Devery Henderson gets behind S DeAndre McDaniel, Brees underthrows Henderson, who still makes catch
3rd and 5: Brees to TE Jimmy Graham
Team 2
3rd and 3: Brees to Colston with CB Johnny Patrick in coverage, incomplete
3rd and 4: Brees’ pass bounces off WR Adrian Arrington’s hands; CB Jabari Greer catches deflection for interception
3rd and 7: Brees to Colston in front of S Isa Abdul-Quddus for 10-plus yards
3rd and 9: DE Alex Brown blows past LT Harold Beilby, who holds Brown. Brees throws long pass to WR Robert Meachem, who was behind Patrick for a 53-yard reception.
What’s next?
The Saints were given Tuesday off and will practice again Wednesday from 8:50-11:30 a.m. It’s open to the public, weather-permitting.
