Saints Sideline Blog

When it Rains - The Saints Go Indoors

Monday, August 3rd, 2009      Email Print

Don't know if you noticed but it rains here in New Orleans sometimes. And even though football is played in almost all conditions, practicing in the rain is out of the question. Sean Payton doesn't need Drew Brees getting hurt in August slipping on a slick surface. So the last 3 days the Saints have moved practice indoors when the downpours have soaked their practice fields. Having an indoor practice facility is a huge asset and not one that every team has. I covered the Denver Broncos the last four years and when it rained the Broncos had 2 choices. If they had enough notice they could move to a practice bubble down the road that was used by the local recreation department--"sorry Timmy your soccer game is over, get off the field." Or if the rains happened while the Broncos were on the practice field, they would resume practice in their weight room, relegated to doing walk throughs. So the fact the Saints have a massive indoor facility at their disposal whenever they want is tremendous.

Sean Payton said workouts are pretty much the same except the Saints have to simulate punts, so Glenn Pakulak and Thomas Morstead are out of luck. Beyond that, practice is normal. In fact one could argue they are even better. Players aren't gassed at the end of 2 hours after battling each other as well as the heat and humidity. Sure the Saints want to get acclimated to the heat for those games in Tampa and Miami but remember their 8 home games as well as their visit to Atlanta is indoors, so being inside, shouldn't hurt.

Heath Evans did tell me that the field turf inside does make his knees and legs a little sore, but would trade that for feeling fresh at the end of practice. When I asked him if he'd be OK if the rain forced them inside every day, instead of being outside in the heat--he just smiled and said that would be fine with him.

Practice notes

• Did the Saints know something the weathermen didn't? Sean Payton said he talked to folks in Jackson where the Saints have trained the last 3 years. Apparently they have received so much rain recently, that Payton was told if they were still conducting training camp there, they still would not have been able to practice on the outdoor fields. Instead they would have been in a gymnasium. I guess the decision to practice here with an indoor facility at their disposal seems even smarter.
• No deal yet. Malcolm Jenkins is still unsigned but he may be in camp sooner than later. The players drafted around Jenkins are now under contract.
• Bush Blows Up—Reggie Bush is looking sharp coming back from knee surgery. He made a long catch on the outside when covered one on one by a linebacker. It was a reminder of what an explosive threat he can be outside. But he also had a moment where a linebacker got the best of him. During a drill working pass protection, he was beaten by Marvin Mitchell and was so disgusted at himself, he slammed his helmet to the ground.

By: Paul Boron

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