Saints: Thursday afternoon practice report

Written by Rene Nadeau | Thursday, 06 August 2009 20:08 | Saints News

METAIRIE - The Thursday afternoon practice at New Orleans Saints training camp was open to the public and around 800-900 fans took advantage of the opportunity to see 2 hour and 20 minute workout on Airline Drive.

The Saints did not practice in the morning.

The National Guard out of Marrero displayed their support with a few chants during practice. Saints Hall of Famers Rickey Jackson and Dalton Hilliard were also in attendance.

Tight end Dan Campbell (knee) and cornerback Randall Gay (bursitis) were both limited to riding the stationary bike. Wide receiver Adrian Arrington (hamstring) participated on a limited basis.

Saints team officials appear to be ratcheting up the intensity a little at a time, evidenced by the referees who officiated practice. The coaches would like to continue heating up workouts leading up towards Saturday's scrimmage and next Friday's exhibition game against the Bengals.

The NFL was represented by 3 officials, and the Big 12 three and Conference USA had some of their own zebras on site. The league officials will present rules changes for 2009 to the media Friday afternoon.

Rookie safety Chip Vaughn looks to be more comfortable with each practice. With the completion of day 7 and the 11th practice in the books, no sign of the other draft pick for the the secondary as top draft choice Malcolm Jenkins has yet to sign a contract.

The defensive unit is still highly encouraged throughout practice with coaches exhorting the troops. The players constantly are receiving encouragement and instruction as well as fine tuning technique. Drills are extremely fast paced under the direction of new defensiove coordinator Gregg Williams and his staff.

• Gregg Williams post-practice transcript

The one-on-one pass blocking drill pitted the running backs and tight ends against the linebackers and defensive backs. Defense won many battles.

- Linebacker Scott Shanle blew past fullback Olaniyi Sobomehin.

- Linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar bullrushed running back Lynell Hamilton into quarterback.

- Reggie Bush held his own against Chip Vaughn

- Tight end Buck Ortega handled free safety Darren Sharper

- Linebacker Jonathan Vilma is unblockable in the drill. He blew past and over fullback Heath Evans. Perhaps the veteran out of Miami (FL) will have more chances to blitz in the new defensive scheme.

In team tackling drills, Lynell Hamilton showed determination running the ball. Undrafted rookie P.J. Hill delivers blows to first tacker andkeeps his balance after contact.

In the kicking segment, 2nd-year kicker Garrett Hartley was good from 48 yards and 50 yards. He was a little short on a 59 yarder hit on a 55 yarder indoors on Wednesday afternoon.

Kickoff return matched Mike Bell and Courtney Roby with the 1st group and Skyler Green and Pierre Thomas with the 2nd unit.

In 11-on-11 drills, the offense popped a few positive running plays thanks to good blocking up front on initial contact.

Mike Bell could be one of 2009's biggest bargains as a running back and Kick returner as well as on coverage units. He is favored to be the Saints' number three back.

Bell bruised a hip, but head coach Sean Payton doesn't think that it's anything to worry about.

• Payton post-practice transcript

A lot of attention is focused on special teams, much of it broken down into small groups (4-5) members of special teams at a time.

In the 7 on 7 drills, Drew Brees is quick at finding open receivers, finding holes in the secondary. He was 5 out of 6 in passing.

Mark Brunell was 3 out of 5 and made one tight sideline throw in double coverage to rookie wideout Rod Harper.

Joey Harrington is taking too much time with throws, even without a pass rush. It is an old criticism that will not go away. He was 4 out of 5. One of his throws went threw the hands of corner Leigh Torrence into the arms of receiver Lance Moore.

Reports have been good on Harrington, but the former first rounder still a ways behind Brunell in the battle to be Drew Brees' primary backup.

Marques Colston continues to dominate each workout with his dynamic combination of size, speed and hands.

Colston said, "We're working hard, for a common goal. We're fighting to be a playoff contender. It's only going to get more intense." Commenting on the spirit of the defense , Colston noted,"It teaches you good habits. The tempo is going to make it the hardest that it will be, making games less stressful in comparison."

Rookie linebacker Jonathan Casillas is one of the most pleasant surprises of the camp and will be very tough to cut or even to try to sneak onto the developmental squad.

PLAY OF THE DAY - Brees to Robert Meachem on a post pattern off a pump fake from Brees. Meachem stumbled before the ball arrived but collected himself to make the catch for 80 yards and a score.

In the two minute drill, Brees was 5 of 6 for 55 yards. Brunell 6 out of 7 for 60 yards. Brunell's drive included a 20 yard completion to Lynell Hamilton underneath. Courtney Roby with 3 catches (out of 5 completions) in the Brunell 2 minute drive

Former Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden visited his old friend Sean Payton at camp today. The Saints head coach spoke glowingly about Gruden as a coach and as a worker. Both served on the Philadelphia Eagles staff as assistants during Payton's first job in the NFL.

Payton said, "(Gruden) is up at 3:30 a.m. and at work for 4, before most people have their first cup of coffee."

Gruden said he was visiting to see more than his old friend. "I want to see Drew Brees up close. I've got a lot of respect for him."

Gruden showed his respect and admiration for Payton and Brees. "(Payton) is a great guy to work with, very creative. People don't see Drew Brees behind the scenes. He's a great competitor. He's fearless and instinctive. He hasn't gotten global recognition that he deserves. Drew Brees is a force in every game. I'm just glad that I don't have to deal with him," said Gruden.

Concerning his role as a commentator in Monday Night Football, Gruden is taking the challenge as seriously as coaching, I want to be educated as I can be. Monday Night Football is the greatest stage."

Gruden said that NFL stills stands for "not for long" and that the Saints had a lot to do with his demise at Tampa Bay. He will be off again on his tour of training camps with a stop to see another coaching friend, Mike Tomlin and the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday.