The New Orleans Saints are wrapping up the last week of organized team activities this week. Coach Sean Payton told reporters that as of Tuesday Tight End Benjamin Watson, Safety Roman Harper and Cornerback Patrick Robinson did not practice. Ryan Steed and Terron Armstead also did not practice. Victor Butler left practice with what originally looked like a head injury. However Payton told reporters Butler banged knees with running back Mark Ingram. When asked Tuesday about the injury to Butler, Payton said “I think he is going to be fine actually, so we are fortunate.” Turns out Butler tore his ACL and is lost for the season.
These practices are unpadded non-contact practices, so it can be hard for coaches to get players to scale back from full speed. Payton was pleased with his team’s work ethic and focus saying “I think they have done a good job, the tempo has been pretty good and guys have worked together. For the most part, guys have stayed off the ground, and have handled that part of it pretty well.”
For Wednesday and Thursday Payton plans to get as much work out of his team as possible before they leave the facility. Training Camp begins in late July so the coach wants to get as much out of his players now as possible. Payton says one of the best parts about these workouts has been the ability to install Rob Ryan’s new 3-4 defensive scheme. More importantly it is an excellent time to get in the weight room and all of the conditioning aspects of the offseason. The Saints had 100% OTA attendance this year for the first time under Payton which votes well for the Saints as they head into July. When asked about the difference in the Saints offseason this year in comparison to years past Payton pointed to his team recognizing that last year was a failure saying “Coming off a disappointing year, I think we have enough veteran leadership on this team and players recognize that we can be a lot better and we need to be better. I think it starts with that.”
In what should be a competitive NFC South the Saints are hoping to rebound after a 7-9 season. Offensively it is well known what Drew Brees and company can do, however the deciding factor for New Orleans this year will most likely be how Rob Ryan’s defense does. So far so good for the Saints, but then again, it is June.
