Kristian Quick Hits: Saints game plan for Jags
by Kristian Garic
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posted Aug 16 2012 4:14PM
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Kristian@wwl.com
It’s a wrap! The Saints wrapped up training camp in the indoor facility as they turn their attention to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The players say camp was tough, but they got “the work in.” Under the new practice rules of the C.B.A, the early reviews are in and players feel like they’ll be fresher after practicing only once a day.
Out: RB Darren Sproles (knee), DE Turk McBride (ankle), WR Nick Toon (foot), WR Adrian Arrington (knee), and DB Jabari Greer (groin) will not play in the Saints pre-season home opener against Jacksonville. Sproles didn’t practice all week, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. The Saints are always smart about giving banged up players the right amount of rest. Toon is expected back on the field next week. McBride will lalso ikely return within the next week.
What to expect: The starters figure to go about a quarter or so…“a little longer” than last week explained Coach Joe Vitt. The Saints installed a “mini” game plan trying to get the players in a routine. The offensive players I’ve talked to are anxious to get some points on the board after scoring just 6 last week against New England. I think you will see a little less “vanilla” offense and defense against Jacksonville.
Jimmy takes gold: Saints QB Drew Brees and his teammates deemed TE Jimmy Graham the most likely player to be an Olympiad. Graham was sporting a fake gold medal around his neck following practice. “I think I could do some hurdles or maybe volleyball.” Graham displayed the medal proudly at his post practice press conference.
Joe Morgan: I haven’t seen so much intrigue surrounding a player in a while. WR Joe Morgan looks so good one play then not so great the next. “We are looking for more consistency from him,” said offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Morgan will make the tough catch and drop the easy one at times. You can see him conferring with Brees all the time. I think Morgan isn’t quite on the same page with the QB. He’s been seen running the wrong route at times during camp. His speed is undeniable, but if Brees can’t trust him to be where he’s supposed to be, I think it will be really difficult for him to make the final roster. At one point in camp I thought Morgan was a virtual certainty to make it. Today? I’m not so sure. Drops and mental errors are not tolerated in the Saints offense.
Tags : Topics : SportsSocial : SportsLocations : Jacksonville, New EnglandPeople : Adrian Arrington, Darren Sproles, Drew Brees, Jabari Greer, Jimmy Graham, Joe Morgan, Joe Vitt, Nick Toon, Pete Carmichael, Turk McBride
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