Luke lands at Riverside
June 4, 2013Basketball needs fixing – ways to polish the rising sport
June 4, 2013
For most teams, offseason mini-camp marks the dog days of summer – a time where players dread waking up each morning and trudging their way to work.
But for the New Orleans Saints, this summer is a time of enthusiasm and camaraderie.
After last year’s bounty scandal and subsequent subpar season, the Black and Gold are excited to be on the practice field in an attempt to polish their craft before the new season.
“Guys want to be here,” Saints quarterback Drew Brees said. “Guys are working, whether it’s in the weight room or on the practice field. Guys want to be putting in the extra time, whatever they can, to find a role on this team. I think we all have realized that we have something really good going here.”
The Saints unquestionably have the talent to make a run.
New Orleans returns almost all of its cogs from last year’s offense that was one of the most potent in the league last season in virtually every important statistic.
Brees is back for another year, as are halfbacks Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram. The team’s receiving corps is also virtually in tact with Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham and Lance Moore back.
While returning players are a big key for New Orleans, their returning coach may be the difference maker.
After a one-year suspension, head coach Sean Payton is back on the sidelines in minicamp, giving instruction to the team.
Brees said it is “wonderful” to have his coach back.
Payton agreed and said he is thrilled to be back in charge for New Orleans. He echoed Brees’ statement about the team’s offseason participation.
“Guys are handling it really well,” Payton said. “Our participation is really good. I think it’s just good to be out here in the spring and to get some of the nuances worked out and to also develop the completion that you want.”
But if anything can derail the Saints’ 2013-14 season offensively, it may be the team’s offensive line.
New Orleans’ 2012-13 left tackle Jermon Bushrod left the Saints this offseason and inked a contract with the Chicago Bears.
The Saints currently plan to replace the Pro Bowl left tackle with either journeyman Charles Brown or rookie Terron Armstead.
Brown has missed time during mini-camp with injury. In his absence, Brees said Armstead has played well.
“He looked good,” Brees said. “A lot of things are happening fast out there, but I think he has handled himself well. He has a lot of potential. He has to focus on getting a little better each day.”
No offense aims to have a rookie protecting the franchise quarterback’s blind side, but if the Saints must employ Armstead there on opening day, Brees said he has confidence that he can do a quality job.
“It wouldn’t be the first time (being protected by a rookie),” Brees said. “If he earns the job, he earns the right to be there, and I’ll have all of the confidence in the world in him. We’re only two weeks in, but he’s been impressive thus far. … There is a lot to take on in a short amount of time, but he doesn’t seem overwhelmed, which is a good thing.”
On defense, the Black and Gold are polishing their craft under first-year coordinator Rob Ryan.
Ryan lands in New Orleans after being fired as the Dallas Cowboys’ coordinator following last season.
With the Saints, he inherits the worst statistical defense in NFL history – a unit that gave up more total yards in 2012-13 than any other defense in the history of the NFL.
But with a couple of weeks within their new system, Ryan and Payton both agree that the defense should be better this time around.
Ryan said he loves the veteran leadership the team has on defense.
“There are so many talented guys out here,” Ryan said. “But the veterans in particular have impressed me. The Will Smith’s, the (Jonathan) Vilma’s, Curtis Lofton and Roman Harper – I’ve been really impressed with how much these guys love football, how much they study and what quick learners they all are. It’s been really impressive.”
Brees said he can already see the fruits of the team’s labor.
He has been practicing against the Black and Gold’s defense daily and said he believes the team will be much more stingy in the upcoming season.
“That’s the fun part – to see our defense every day get more comfortable with the stuff that’s been installed in Rob Ryan’s scheme and system,” Brees said. “We have some great leaders on our defense – some really smart guys. They are picking it up quickly.
“It’s a challenge for us offensively, because we’re seeing some things that we haven’t seen in a while or ever. You always have to find ways to combat that.”
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees fires a pass during summer mini-camp. The All-Pro quarterback said he loves the team’s energy so far this summer.
