Saints Sideline Blog

SIAMESE SIGNAL-CALLERS

Monday, August 1st, 2011      Email Print

(sponsored by Capital One Bank and Louisiana Cat)

DATELINE: New Orleans, LA 8/1/11 (Saints QB's share more than their position)

They are entering they're third season together but Drew Brees and Chase Daniel might as well be Saint soulmates. They're respective paths to football nirvana are pretty eerie. Brees like Daniel was an all-world High School QB in football crazy Texas but was virtually ignored by those big time schools. Daniel like Brees took his college program to new heights only to be looked down upon by those pro scouts who claimed both were too short to see over those NFL offensive lines. Sure Brees was a second round pick and Daniel went undrafted but its evident watching these guys practice every day that both still approach the game with a chip on their shoulders-- the size of their home state.

This mindset has got them this far and sometimes drives both teammates crazy at practice. Chase told me that he and Drew have several competitions on the practice field that push each other quite a bit. Brees more than agreed, " there have been plenty of times when one of us will have to walk away from the other because we're mad about one of us beating the other at something. We may not talk for a little while, but then we go back to being buddies." Chase tells me they both get their share of victories but Drew probably won't admit to losing some of them. Drew knows the drill, "It's just two competitive guys going at it with one another and there has to be a winner and a loser. It can never end in a tie or anything. It brings out the best in both of us." Clearly they can both agree on that.

Daniel"s road to stay behind Brees hasn't been easy. He had to beat out veteran Patrick Ramsey last preseason to get the nod but this camp he's firmly entrenched for the job of being a heartbeat away from the presidency. Sure with Brees under center, Chase will hardly ever see the field when the regular season rolls around but he understands the benefit of learning from him each day has been invaluable. His time behind Drew has in turn allowed the leading man to respect his understudy "He has the it factor. He has moxie. I know he's been looking forward to this camp and he's been working really hard this offseason with me. We continue to push each other, and that's what also helps me stay young."

So Chase keeps Drew young and Brees keeps Daniel on the right track to becoming an ever improving QB in the NFL. Sure one day Chase would love the chance to start but for now will keep soaking in the experience of learning from one of the best in the league. Funny how many countless critics would have thought neither one of these guys would ever have traveled this far but its clear both men don't have time to laugh at the naysayers, they remain motivated by them. The only subject for debate seems to be the other's size. Brees weighs in "Both of us are the same in stature, except i am a little bit taller and he is a little bit chunkier." Finally we have a difference in these two --- I get the feeling only one of these QB's thinks that's funny!

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

SCHEDULE SWITCHEROO: Payton said the team will be off on Tuesday instead of Wednesday and that their will be no practice on Saturday in favor of a normal practice.

NICKS IN CAMP: Saints starting guard Carl Nicks is the latest veteran to join the parade of sidelined signees. NIcks a restricted free agent signs a tender offer and will begin practice with the rest of the crew on Thursday.

BREES CONTRACT??: Drew Brees is a private man and that includes talk of his contract. He was asked today since Peyton Manning recently was signed, when can we expect him to get his new deal? Brees was quick with an answer, "We've all talked and so I think we have a plan, but that's our plan." A very long no comment but Brees did express optimism the team will bring back C Jonathan Goodwin and TE Dave Thomas.

NEW "CENTER" OF ATTENTION: With Goodwin out, Center Matt Tennant is getting all the reps so far and says he's slowly getting comfortable. Sean Payton likes Tennant but understands its too early to speculate he's the guy, "You couldn't possibly do that in two practices. We think he is making progress but there are a lot of snaps he needs."

PORTER'S ADVICE: Tracy Porter is still limited at practice taking it slow with his knee injury but offered this advice to fans cheering his name in the hot sun today; "Stay in school kids, this isn't fun."

INGRAM MAKING NOISE: The loudest ovation of the morning workout was a powerful run by Mark Ingram. The Who Dat's on hand went wild with one belting out "Reggie Who?"

MALCOLM MAKING MORE NOISE: The player of this camp so far has easily been safety Malcolm Jenkins. He is clearly moved past a knee injury which ended his season where it seems every other play Jenkins is picking or stripping the football. He already owns two picks of Brees.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT: What makes Training Camp interesting are the stories of the guys beating the odds to make the football team. The Saints receiving depth chart is more crowded than the running of the Bulls but rookie free agent Jarred Fayson is trying to make his mark. Fayson had the catch of the day today and will be spotlighted on a new weekly segment we debuted today called Rookie Diary with Jarred Fayson. He is a longshot but talks about his experience in his first four day of camp---a segment we will continue as long as he's in camp.

UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors
CST

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.

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