Saints training camp Day 10: Defense, session spirited as practice moves indoors

The New Orleans Saints were forced to moved practice indoors due to inclement weather on what was supposed to be an open session to the public on Saturday. However, the shift inside didn’t diminish the morning practice whatsoever.

Attendance: Tight ends Michael Hoomanawanui and Benjamin Watson, Defensive back J.T. Gray, and linebacker KeShun Freeman were among those not spotted during the observed portion of practice.

Not Participating: Marcus Davenport, Cameron Meredith, Cameron Tom, Cameron Jordan, Alex Okafor, Kamrin Moore, Shane Vereen, John Fullington, Larry Warford, and Andrus Peat were among the players spotted, but not participating in drills.

On Meredith, Drew Brees said that the Saints were just being careful with him. The two are constantly talking about a lot of things, different concepts and locations, getting on the ame page.

Different Looks: The offensive line had a changing of the guard, so to speak, with Landon Turner filling in at right guard and Will Clapp at left guard. Trey Hendrickson and Al-Quadin Muhammad were starting at defensive end, with Alex Anzalone and Manti Te’o working as the starting linebackers. A.J. Klein would eventually take over and be the primary starter with Anzalone during practice.

Standouts: Ken Crawley went 5-for-5 in 1-on-1 drills, with each of the reps coming against Michael Thomas. All battles were extremely physical, and even led to Crawley getting a flag for a hold in one of the reps. Crawley did give up a touchdown to Ted Ginn Jr. right after Marcus Williams picked off Brees in the end zone.

Tommylee Lewis had a really big rebound day, having several big plays. One of the first was on a jet sweep off the left side for a big gain, in which he made a good juke move on Justin Hardee. Lewis also hauled in a deep ball in 7-on-7 drills against Marshon Lattimore, and had perhaps the highlight of the day when he went up for a Drew Brees pass to haul in a touchdown in 2-minute situational drills.

Craig Robertson flashed several times on defense, stuffing Boston Scott and Jonathan Williams with tackles for loss. Robertson was doing a little bit of everythign on the day.

Other notes: Tom Savage went 6-for-7 in the 2-minute drill, looked fairly comfortable as the primary backup to Brees today. Jonathan Williams scored on a wheel route with Nathan Stupar in coverage via a Taysom Hill pass.

Punt coverage got some work in yesterday, with six returners being used (in no particular order): Alvin Kamara, Tommylee Lewis, Boston Scott, Brandon Tate, Ted Ginn Jr., and Josh Huff. The team was working on downing Thomas Morstead punts inside the 10-yard line, with Arthur Maulet and Justin Hardee serving as the primary gunners. P.J. Williams and Tre’Quan Smith were the second set used, and Keith Kirkwood and Natrell Jamerson were the third combo. Morstead hit the rafters four times on punts.

The Saints should have a big turnout for tomorrow night’s practice at Yulman Stadium at Tulane University from 7-9 p.m.