In my blog in May I wrote of the voluntary workouts that Drew was hosting in Tulane. Now, 3 months later, the lockout finally over and Training Camp going full swing it is easy to see how those early preparations are paying high dividends.
Just look at how easily the rookies who worked out (like Ingram, for instance) are settling into the routine and getting the most out of their reps. Just look at how cohesive this team is and how they've gelled under the leadership of Brees and Vilma. They already know each other and they've been working out together for months. That's something that should never be underestimated. Forging those relationships early is what will make the transition to the playing field that much smoother. Payton says he's happy with their overall conditioning and that's partly a direct result of the workouts in Tulane.
Friday night will be the first preseason game in the Dome and I am anticipating some great football by our team. I look for the rookies and veterans to get in there and show their stuff. I look for those on the cusp of staying or leaving to put it all out there on the playing field. The position battles are and will be intense. This will make for some really great preseason games.
Add to the mix all of the great FAs that we've signed, from Shaun Rogers to Korey Hall, Aubrayo Franklin to Olin Kreutz and all the others in-between and it only got better once the lockout ended. Loomis and Co. have been taking care of business quite handily and I fully expect it will be very hard to run against our front 7 with Ellis, Rogers and Franklin pushing everyone up the middle as Gregg Williams will masterfully use their strengths to the fullest extent.
Health and injuries are always the X factor for any team, regardless of how good or bad it looks on paper. If we can stay healthy and keep everyone rotating in as needed, this team will be unstoppable. Yes, I am obviously a homer, but I can't help but be excited for the potential of this team that is still being sorted out. When all is done and the final cuts have been made, the remaining 53 men will have earned their way onto a championship caliber team that has dominance written all over it.
With the work they put in at Tulane, they gave themselves a huge boost and I believe they are arguably well ahead of the other teams in the league in terms of readiness to begin the season. Time will tell, but I am excited and looking forward with great anticipation to see what this great team will do.
GEAUX SAINTS!! I will always believe.
Who Dat!!!
Just look at how easily the rookies who worked out (like Ingram, for instance) are settling into the routine and getting the most out of their reps. Just look at how cohesive this team is and how they've gelled under the leadership of Brees and Vilma. They already know each other and they've been working out together for months. That's something that should never be underestimated. Forging those relationships early is what will make the transition to the playing field that much smoother. Payton says he's happy with their overall conditioning and that's partly a direct result of the workouts in Tulane.
Friday night will be the first preseason game in the Dome and I am anticipating some great football by our team. I look for the rookies and veterans to get in there and show their stuff. I look for those on the cusp of staying or leaving to put it all out there on the playing field. The position battles are and will be intense. This will make for some really great preseason games.
Add to the mix all of the great FAs that we've signed, from Shaun Rogers to Korey Hall, Aubrayo Franklin to Olin Kreutz and all the others in-between and it only got better once the lockout ended. Loomis and Co. have been taking care of business quite handily and I fully expect it will be very hard to run against our front 7 with Ellis, Rogers and Franklin pushing everyone up the middle as Gregg Williams will masterfully use their strengths to the fullest extent.
Health and injuries are always the X factor for any team, regardless of how good or bad it looks on paper. If we can stay healthy and keep everyone rotating in as needed, this team will be unstoppable. Yes, I am obviously a homer, but I can't help but be excited for the potential of this team that is still being sorted out. When all is done and the final cuts have been made, the remaining 53 men will have earned their way onto a championship caliber team that has dominance written all over it.
With the work they put in at Tulane, they gave themselves a huge boost and I believe they are arguably well ahead of the other teams in the league in terms of readiness to begin the season. Time will tell, but I am excited and looking forward with great anticipation to see what this great team will do.
GEAUX SAINTS!! I will always believe.
Who Dat!!!