Imperfect611
Starter
Saints have been running full scrimmages today and the following is a positional breakdown of the practice including an in depth look at the new rookies at the end. Starter got most of the reps with a little bit of time allotted for rookies. A defensive breakdown is expected next week.
NOTE: These are from a practice session I actually ran in game not just based off the stats you can see
Quarterback
Bryce Petty:
Well he definitely looked like he was in command of this offense. Although he dropped the #9 out of respect for the legendary Saints ex-quarterback who shall not be named until he retires, he has so far lived up to the hype.
Pros:
- Quick Release
- Good Mobility
- Comfortable Throwing on the Run
Cons:
- Gets Happy Feet In the Pocket
- Deep Ball Can Best Be Described as Spray and Pray
Backfield
Mark Ingram and Robert Turbin:
The constant force that is Marky Mark will be leading the Funky Bunch into the season with the explosive backup of Robert the Turbinator. A quote from Jeff Fisher about the duo was that "Turbin is the guy you call on when you need someone to hit a hole hard and fast ... Mark is someone you call on when you need to make a hole." Both have great power, but Turbin is much more of a downhill runner. Mark showed the ability to cutback in the middle of the pile and create more yardage using more than just his strength.
David Johnson:
The fullback signing this year has his own section purely for the amount of bodies left in his wake at practice. Linebackers should worry what is going to happen when he steps on the field. What was unexpected was his comfort in the passing game wether that be blocking or being the check down play for Petty.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Floyd vs Cooks:
Well this took many by surprise. Floyd and Cooks were getting an even number of receptions throughout practice. Floyd will most likely stay as the number one because Cooks struggled to catch the ball in coverage while Floyd seemed to excel at it. The big thing was Cooks' explosiveness and ability to beat coverage. The two will probably keep their positions, but it is always nice to see competition even at the top of the lineup.
Rishard Matthews:
While not the fastest guy on the field he was incredible at getting in and out of his cuts. Sure handed, this man will make a dangerous slot receiver for the Saints.
Bennett or Hill:
So far it is leaning towards Bennett for the explosive plays, but Hill is showing the same stability from last year. Both players are doing great, but Bennett is showing more proficiency going up at getting the ball at the high point.
The Line
The Left:
Two solid pass blockers, Armstead and Peat, held down the line for most of practice. Peat showed some trouble when dealing with Jordan, but for now that is being seen as a need for experience in the role
The Right:
Zone blocking all day with a new addition in Hunter Scott. Don't underestimate this man, while he did seem confused by the new blocking scheme at times he was running people off the line all day.
The Captain:
Unger is still the lynchpin of everything the Saints do, but his age is starting to show. He was pushed off the line many times today. It may be that the Saints are getting away from a Power Run scheme to focus more on letting their RBs read the play and he simply doesn't have the lateral speed to keep up.
Rookies
RB Jimmy Simpson:
Simpson is a raw talent and it showed here. Sparks of brilliance showed through a wealth of inexperience. He isn't a factor in the passing game either which is something the Saints value. Once he got into open field or the second level he was breaking tackles from anyone who would challenge him. He will be a speculative prospect to watch and the 4th string RB this year
TE Deangelo Woodson:
Raw athleticism is a good way to describe this man. He seems to know what to do on the field and makes good catches, but he can't seem to get a good release off the ball and his routes left much to be desired. He was blocking very well for a rookie we can say that. He is dangerous when he has the ball, but how to get it seems to be the question. He is the assumed 3rd string TE beating out Smelley for the job.
NOTE: These are from a practice session I actually ran in game not just based off the stats you can see
Quarterback
Bryce Petty:
Well he definitely looked like he was in command of this offense. Although he dropped the #9 out of respect for the legendary Saints ex-quarterback who shall not be named until he retires, he has so far lived up to the hype.
Pros:
- Quick Release
- Good Mobility
- Comfortable Throwing on the Run
Cons:
- Gets Happy Feet In the Pocket
- Deep Ball Can Best Be Described as Spray and Pray
Backfield
Mark Ingram and Robert Turbin:
The constant force that is Marky Mark will be leading the Funky Bunch into the season with the explosive backup of Robert the Turbinator. A quote from Jeff Fisher about the duo was that "Turbin is the guy you call on when you need someone to hit a hole hard and fast ... Mark is someone you call on when you need to make a hole." Both have great power, but Turbin is much more of a downhill runner. Mark showed the ability to cutback in the middle of the pile and create more yardage using more than just his strength.
David Johnson:
The fullback signing this year has his own section purely for the amount of bodies left in his wake at practice. Linebackers should worry what is going to happen when he steps on the field. What was unexpected was his comfort in the passing game wether that be blocking or being the check down play for Petty.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Floyd vs Cooks:
Well this took many by surprise. Floyd and Cooks were getting an even number of receptions throughout practice. Floyd will most likely stay as the number one because Cooks struggled to catch the ball in coverage while Floyd seemed to excel at it. The big thing was Cooks' explosiveness and ability to beat coverage. The two will probably keep their positions, but it is always nice to see competition even at the top of the lineup.
Rishard Matthews:
While not the fastest guy on the field he was incredible at getting in and out of his cuts. Sure handed, this man will make a dangerous slot receiver for the Saints.
Bennett or Hill:
So far it is leaning towards Bennett for the explosive plays, but Hill is showing the same stability from last year. Both players are doing great, but Bennett is showing more proficiency going up at getting the ball at the high point.
The Line
The Left:
Two solid pass blockers, Armstead and Peat, held down the line for most of practice. Peat showed some trouble when dealing with Jordan, but for now that is being seen as a need for experience in the role
The Right:
Zone blocking all day with a new addition in Hunter Scott. Don't underestimate this man, while he did seem confused by the new blocking scheme at times he was running people off the line all day.
The Captain:
Unger is still the lynchpin of everything the Saints do, but his age is starting to show. He was pushed off the line many times today. It may be that the Saints are getting away from a Power Run scheme to focus more on letting their RBs read the play and he simply doesn't have the lateral speed to keep up.
Rookies
RB Jimmy Simpson:
Simpson is a raw talent and it showed here. Sparks of brilliance showed through a wealth of inexperience. He isn't a factor in the passing game either which is something the Saints value. Once he got into open field or the second level he was breaking tackles from anyone who would challenge him. He will be a speculative prospect to watch and the 4th string RB this year
TE Deangelo Woodson:
Raw athleticism is a good way to describe this man. He seems to know what to do on the field and makes good catches, but he can't seem to get a good release off the ball and his routes left much to be desired. He was blocking very well for a rookie we can say that. He is dangerous when he has the ball, but how to get it seems to be the question. He is the assumed 3rd string TE beating out Smelley for the job.