The New Orleans Saints got a little closer to playing a real football game this weekend.

Almost 10,000 Saints faithful turned out on a blistering Jackson, Mississippi afternoon to see the first scrimmage of training camp.

WWL's Bobby Hebert says Coach Payton had originally scheduled the scrimmage to run about 70 or 80 plays, but called it after about 60 plays.

"Coach Payton got what he wanted to accomplish in 60 plays. Both offense and defense looked very, very solid," Hebert said.

Listen to WWL's Bobby Hebert talk about the first scrimmage of training camp.

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Hebert said the Saints D and special teams looked especially good.

"The defense picked up where they left off all week," Hebert said. "Skyler Green really took advantage of the opportunity, running back a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, and also caught a post route."

The Cajun Cannon also said Drew Brees looked great.

"He had a touchdown pass to Lance Moore, about 17 yards, really pinpoint accurate."

The Saints have Sunday off for a little R&R...and the timing couldn't be better. Temperatures in Jackson are forecast to hit 100 degrees on Sunday.