Saints 2019 Training Camp (Saturday, August 3rd): Defense Continues to Stand-Out

In what might have been their mot intense and spirited Practice so far of their current 2019 Training Camp, the New Orleans Saints defense continued its stellar overall performance of the past week; as they once again stood out in 11-on-11 team drills.

The burgeoning Saints defensive unit kept the high-powered offensive attack of head coach Sean Payton out of the end zone in live red-zone drill against both the 1st team starters and again with the 2nd team unit. as well.

The Saints secondary looked great; as DB's Eli Apple. Justin Hardee, and rookie Saqoun Hampton all had impressive days individually' while 3rd year defensive end Trey Hendrickson — who just might be the team's MOST IMPROVED player this Summer, generated consistent pressure off the outside edge.

The biggest plays of all might have came at the very end of Practice; when All-Pro defensive end Cam Jordan BLEW THROUGH a block and stopped All-Pro RB Alvin Kamara in the backfield "dead in his tracks"; for what would have gone for at least a 3-yard loss.

Then on the final play of the series, QB Drew Brees threw what appeared to be a TD pass to WR Ted Ginn Jr. on 4th down, but it was ruled out of bounds in the back of the end zone.

Fellow teammates watching on from the sidelines then ERUPTEDafter the play in question and began having some heated debate on whether Ginn had managed to keep his 2nd foot in-bounds. which likely indicated that their had been some bets placed on which unit on either side of the football. would come out on top.

The good-natured competition among teammates aside, it;s a great sign that the defense looks as good as it has; and if they can keep up this level of performance and complement the top-rated Saints offense throughout the entire 2019 NFL Season that kicks off next month, there's no doubt that New Orleans will be a bonafide Super Bowl favorite.

NOT TO BE OUT-DONE....

The SainTs offense still had a pretty good day themselves, as Kamara and WR Michael Thomas (what a surprise) both had big days; with Kamara scoring on a couple of TD runs in end zone drills; while Thomas was targeted a bit more (with TE Jared Cook having an excused day off for rest) and made an entire handful of nice catches, including the one in the video right above.

But they weren't the only ones, as several other offensive players at the skill positions had nice days; including back-up QB's Taysom Hill and Teddy Bridgewater, WR's Tre'Quan Smith, Simmie Cobbs, undrafted WR Cyril Grayson, Jr., and RB Latavius Murray.

It goes without saying: this year's Saints team is LOADED with talent and has great DEPTH at several positions; and they will be an opponent that no other NFL team will want to face — and especially in the cozy confines of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome

OTHER NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS:

Besides Jared Cook, others not participating in Practice today included FB Michael Burton, WR's Deonte Harris, Emmanuel Butler, and Keith Kirkwood, TE Alize Mack, RG Larry Warford, OT Ethan Greenidge, DT David Onyemata, DE Mario Edwards, LB's Demario Davis and AJ Klein, and safety TJ Green.

The Saints will be at Tulane University tomorrow as the organization presents its annual Black and Gold Fan Fest; which will take place on Brown Field, located just outside of the Reily Center, from 5-6:30 p.m.

There will be live music provided by the Bucktown All-Stars as well as appearances from Gumbo and Sir Saint. During the event, there will be fan activities with food and drink available for purchase. The Black and Gold Fan Fest is open to the public and is a free event.

Following the Black and Gold Fan Fest, the Saints will practice at Yulman Stadium, starting at 7 p.m. The stadium gates will open at 6 p.m. The practice is scheduled to run from approximately 7-9 p.m. followed by a brief player autograph session. Please note, however, that autographs are not guaranteed

Then they practice the very next morning in Metairie, before taking the day off next Tuesday....