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Saints Minicamp Recap Day 3

Today was the final day of the Saints mandatory minicamp, and we saw more big plays by both the offense and defense. Sean Payton and Rob Ryan both are getting results from their players.

By Deuce Windham
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Inside the Saints locker room you'll find a quote above the player's lockers.

"Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win."- Morihei Ueshiba

It doesn't get any more "Sean Payton" than that. It is a mentality that you can see being implemented along with the offensive and defensive plays and formations. These past three days have shown us many positive things to look forward to in Training Camp and the 2014 season. Today was the final day of the Saints mandatory minicamp. Here are some notes from today's practice.

1.) The Atlanta Falcons will be this year's Hard Knock participants. I, for one, am looking forward to this. While I dislike the Falcons as much as the next guy this has always been more of a distraction for the players and a bonus in the pockets of the owners.  Good luck Atlanta, you're going to need it.

2.) Sean Payton stated that the scheme hasn't changed with Jimmy Graham being gone. He also noted that Strozier has studied well and is very intelligent. Payton was impressed with the handle Strozier had of the playbook so far as a first year guy. He added that Brandin Cooks will be back for the final week of OTAs.

3.) Special teams has been receiving extra attention during minicamp. There seems to be an emphasis to improve a unit that has been average at best the past few years.

4.) Both Colston and Meachem have looked solid with fresh legs during OTAs and minicamp. The old vets are picking up where they left off.

5.) Bobby Hebert threw Sean Payton a curveball during the interview asking him on his policy of players having game week sex. (In reference to recent comments by World Cup Soccer coaches). Payton laughed off/dodged the question.

6.) Kenny Vaccaro picked off Drew during the 11v11 drills. He made a great jump on a route by Kenny Stills to make the play.

7.) Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Champ Bailey saw more time with the 1s today. By my unofficial count these two have spent most of the time opposite Keenan Lewis. Patrick Robinson is in there as well.

8.) Mark Ingram made some nice runs today, including one to start off drills.

9.) As a whole, I'd say the defense "beat" the offense overall during this minicamp. Lots of nice plays by all the DBs (and we also saw many would-be sacks that would have occurred if this were a full contact practice).

10.) Timothy Flanders, the UDFA fighting for a roster spot, made a couple of nice plays today with the backups.

11.) Some people aren't cut out for/used to the heat and humidity some of us have grown up with. It made me chuckle seeing this.

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