It was a high-energy practice on Tuesday for the New Orleans Saints who near their final preseason matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers as the week goes along. The Saints spent a portion time today running through team drills and finished again with a two-minute drill to close out practice. There were some back and forth moments as the offense bounced back and responded to a defense that was dominant on Monday. Here are our key takeaways from Day 19 of Saints practice.
1
Biggest story: Jameis Winston gets involved in two-minute drills
There were a couple of good signs from the Saints quarterback today including another step forward in his participation. Taking snaps and leading a two-minute drill to close out practice was the last remaining bit that we haven’t seen from Winston since returning from injury. He led a successful drive that ended in a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jarvis Landry, a play we’ll highlight a bit more in a moment.
Another positive step for Winston included his comfort and ability to scramble. All through camp thus far, we’ve wondered if we would see the signal caller use some of that escapability we watched while he was healthy for the 2021 season. Today, that finally came to fruition. He even capped off one run with a slide about 15 yards down the field. He was able to pop right back up from the slide and rush back to the huddle.
All of the good signs were capped off by good play. Winston had an effective day, though he threw what was only his second team drill interception of camp. He looked comfortable and relaxed finding targets like Landry, rookie receiver Chris Olave and running back Alvin Kamara with regularity. It looks like if he were asked to play a series on Friday against the Chargers, he might be ready to go.
2
The offense's play of the day: Another one-hand snag by Landry
There were two big highlight plays today, so we’ll cover them separately. The aforementioned touchdown pass which wrapped up a successful two-minute drill and also brought an end to practice. It was about a 12 or 13 yard pass from Winston to Landry who was covered by safety Marcus Maye along the sideline of the end zone. Landry broke outside, gaining some ground on Maye and plucked the ball out of thin air with his right hand, making it look as effortlessly as Landry usually does.
After making the catch, Landry walked off the sideline, staring at his hand as if in disbelief. The rest of the wide receiver room ran over to celebrate with him. Wideout Marquez Callaway told media after practice that celebrating was encouraged by the coaching staff to keep the energy up. That advice culminated well in this moment.
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The defense's play of the day: Tyrann Mathieu's diving interception
Not be outdone by his former LSU teammate, Mathieu had the early claim to play of the day. During an earlier period of team drills, The Saints were simulating a drive. In this simulation, Winston and the Saints offense faced a fourth and goal from the 6-yard line. After taking the snap, Winston surveyed the field for a bit until he saw a crossing Juwan Johnson who looked to have a step on Mathieu. However, the Honey Badger was able to gain some ground and dive in front of Johnson to intercept the Winston passing attempt.
Though Mathieu (5-foot-9) was outsized by the 6-foot-4 tight end, it takes a lot more than size to outmatch the veteran safety. He was able to make a great play on what looked like a well-placed pass to end the drive. As for Winston, hard to hold the interception throw against him, it’s not like throwing it away on fourth and 6 is an option. Giving the receiver a chance to make the play is the right decision, but Mathieu was simply on another level throughout Tuesday’s practice.
4
Louisiana shows up
Along with Landry and Mathieu’s highlight plays, they contributed consistently throughout practice. Landry made several key catches, including a downfield play leading to a first down. Mathieu also had an earlier pass break up (PBU) in coverage on wideout Deonte Harty as they raced to the left sideline.
Fellow Louisiana natives Kirk Merritt and Dai’Jean Dixon each made some nice plays as well. Merritt continues to get work with the running backs and had what looked like it could have been a big run during team drills. He also caught a few passes out of the backfield as well, his bread and butter.
5
Taysom Hill progress: back at practice
No. 7 was back at practice today after missing a couple sessions. He didn’t not participate in team of 7-on-7 drills, but did get involved for walk-throughs, positions drills and routes on air. He even got a nice “Happy birthday, Taysom.” from Callaway after the two ran a route combination together. Getting Hill back out on the field against the Atlanta Falcons in a few weeks should be of high priority. Great to see him back.
6
Jameis Winston's brace changes
Along with Winston’s participation and good performance, there was another change for the quarterback. Usually during practices Winston wears his left leg brace. Today, either that brace was no longer on, or a different and less bulky brace was used. Either way, progress not only for the newer injury Winston was dealing with, but also continued improvements from last year’s season-ending injury as well.
7
Marcus Davenport update: first team drill snaps
It was a big day for the Saints defensive line. Not only were they disruptive with Payton Turner having what would have been at least one sack on the day, they also got Davenport back for team drills for the first time this camp. That’s a big step forward for the first-round selection. Getting Turner, Davenport and Cameron Jordan on the field together before the season is a big win for the Saints.
8
Alvin Kamara looks really, really good
There have been some concerns raised about Kamara going into the 2022 year and I can comfortably say “I don’t see it,” when it comes to lowered expectations for the running back. He’s looked like his usual self all camp. He’s quick, he’s cutting violently and effectively, he still looks great as a receiver. There are a lot of things to like while watching Kamara. He caught a wheel route for a touchdown Tuesday on a wheel route. Winston threw the pass and the two have connected quite a bit all offseason. There’s no reason to believe that Kamara won’t have a good 2022, legal situation aside.
9
Attendance: lots of players managing nicks and bruises
Players not seen at today’s practice:
- WR Tre’Quan Smith
- WR Michael Thomas
- WR Kevin White
- LB Pete Werner
- CB Marshon Lattimore
- RB Dwayne Washington
- DB P.J. Williams
- CB Alontae Taylor
- LB Chase Hansen
- OG Cesar Ruiz
- OT Landon Young
- OT Ryan Ramczyk
- OL James Hurst
- TE Adam Trautman
- DE Carl Granderson
At this point, wouldn’t be surprised to not see any of the players listed above playing in Friday’s preseason matchup with the Chargers. But we’ll continue to track the list at tomorrow’s final practice of the week (aside from the Thursday walk-through). Running back Tony Jones Jr. and offensive guard Calvin Throckmorton both left practice early, though it’s uncertain why.
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Other practice notes: Nephi Sewell gets more first-team snaps
The undrafted free agent rookie got more opportunities with the first team today and made a couple of nice plays in the run game. He continues to get looks next to Demario Davis in nickel packages, spent time at weakside when Kaden Elliss was in on the strongside as well.
Both head coach Dennis Allen and receiver Callaway complimented wide receivers coach Kodi Burns. Allen called him “a teacher” and explained that Burns, while being a young coach by NFL standards, has done a lot to help the team’s receivers come along this offseason. Callaway shared that one of the best things he’s learned from Burns comes down to how the wideout room bonded with one another by sharing more about themselves, their journey and how they got to where they are. Callaway expressed that getting to know his teammates more closely pays off on the field.
There’s a thin line between not seeing enough and seeing too much on a football field. Defensive lineman Malcolm Roach discussed his eyes during media availability on Tuesday. He said that his focus over the offseason was getting better with what he was seeing on the field explaining that there’s a such thing as “seeing too much” and getting distracted by eye candy by opposing offenses. Instead, he needs to see what’s more important. An interesting line to walk for the young lineman.
