Saints Sideline Blog

CAMP CRICKETS

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010      Email Print

DATELINE: Metairie, LA August 24,2010 (Saints fans--knock on wood while you're reading this!)
 
OK in this Saints Training camp we have heard the familiar sounds of coaches yelling, pads popping and the transformation of the Who Dat chant into those of the Two Dat variety.Most of those sounds are common but what's been uncommon about this camp is the volume of monotony especially for a team who's coming off its first Super Bowl win in franchise history. Sean Payton closed two a days a week earlier than a year ago for a camp which has gone just the way he likes it---"cue the crickets" a fitting soundtrack for camp boredom. You might find more fireworks at a local BINGO game. No holdouts, no MAJOR injuries and thank goodness for the Texans or we may not have seen any fighting either!
 
Boring is a good thing though..Let's be honest when your major storyline is a few third string running back injuries (most recenlty PJ Hill) and your biggest camp battle is the recent linebacker switcheroo--the Saints brass have to be happy with the way two a days have progressed. Mickey Loomis hasn't had to worry about any contract squabbles, for the first time even his 1st round pick wasn't even marked absent. Sean Payton had to shake up the team a little last week by making them run following a few missed assignments but that's not anything out of the ordinary. The Saints have left the media reporting on how fast the grass is growing!
 
So the Saints Camp has mirrored an accountant's daily planner, a camp that has been about as exciting as my 10th grade chemistry class. Speaking of chemistry, it continues to be good for these Super Saints where the leadership on this team is top notch. Despite all the endless parades and parties---you get the sincere feeling that these guys, although they appreciated the tremendous fanfare of winning the Biggest Bowl around, at the same time they have savored the chance to get back to work and prove they won't be a one hit wonder. I remember talking to Reggie Bush after their White House trip where he told me that now the party is officialy over ,they can finally just focus on football. Boring yes, but another sign that despite all the partying, these Saints don't seem hung over.
 
OK so camp has been more Ugly Betty than Paris Hilton. What previous Super Bowl reigning champ can say that? When you're biggest offseason loss is Scott Fujita and your biggest preseason loss is Lynell Hamilton so far being bland is all good for the Saints. I like what Malcolm Jenkins told me at the onset of Camp Boring when he said he and his teammates are eager to prove to everyone that they won't be like past Super Spoiled Winners. It seems these Saints are just following its leader. Drew Brees was once again seen after Monday's practice working out by himself while all of his teammates were in the showers. Yeah this camp may be a snoozer but you get the feeling these guys are hardly "resting" on their laurels.
 
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
 
MOTIVATING MARK: Sean Payton continues to draw inspiration from those who have repeated as Super Bowl Champs. First it was Bill Belichick a few weeks back and on Monday, Payton invited ESPN analyst and former Offensive Lineman Mark Schreleth who spoke to the team about the pitfalls and challenges of winning back to back World Championships.He likes the leadership on this team which he feels will serve these Saints well.
 
GETTING A WYNN: As a result of PJ Hill's season ending tricep injury, the Saints signed veteran running back DeShawn Wynn. Wynn who played at Florida and has spent the past three years with the Packers has also been battling injuries as his knee put him on the IR last year. Wynn tells me after practice he is happy to be in New Orleans but learning Payton's playbook isn't gonna be easy.
 
ALL BETTS AREN'T OFF: Speaking of new running backs who are rebounding from injuries, Payton hinted Ladell Betts could see action versus the Chargers on Friday. The Saints Head Coach said "I think we can expect him playing some. It just depends on where we see his progress."
 
JOHNNY BE BACK: After missing a few practices last week and the game against the Texans with some shoulder pain, Jon Stinchcomb was back at practice on Monday
 
UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

Post Comment | Read Comments (0)