Final day of camp in Jackson

Camp Payton '08 is down to its final day as the Saints will break camp and head for home following completion of their practices and meetings today.

The team has a pair of practices scheduled but weather may play a part in whether that schedule is met. Jackson is under a flash flood watch until 7 pm Monday night as rain began to fall Sunday afternoon.

Sunday the team only worked in the Morning as head coach Sean Payton canceled the afternoon workout after a spirited morning practice that included live tackling. "We livened it up a little bit this morning and got some full contact work which was good," said Payton following the Sunday morning workout.



ARRINGTON OUT


Receiver Adrian Arrington has had a very good camp and off season. The 7th round draft pick will now have to hope that the body of work he’s given thus far has impressed Payton enough to keep him around possibly.

Arrington suffered what Payton called a "grade two" turf toe injury in the Cardinals preseason opener last Thursday. Arrington hurt the ligament underneath his left big toe in the second half and is on crutches. It's an injury that Payton says will keep him out of practice for some time, at least a week.

"After the off season, even in the mini camps, he'd done a lot of things that encouraged us early in this camp," said Payton who added that Arrington also has been playing through a sore hamstring. "I like the prospect. He's big and he's smart and he knows what we're doing. The key is just getting healthy and that’s tough."



HIGHLIGHTS


Once again the bulk of the highlights came on the defensive end. The difficulty the Saints offense has shown in the running the football up to this point is becoming a growing concern. During live drills where there is contact, or in the preseason game in Arizona, the Saints offensive line has been giving up too much penetration.

In both live tackle situations on Sunday, the Saints running game were less then stellar. Inside the 10-yard line, running back Reggie Bush was killed close to where he received the hand off first by defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, then by linebacker Scott Schanle and finished off by defensive end Will Smith. Smith also had a nice pass block at the line of scrimmage of a Drew Brees pass attempt.

Cornerback Randall Gay hit Bush for a loss in another team drill play.

Safety Chris Reis had an interception in the end zone during 7-on-7 drills inside the red zone.

Defensive Tackle Antwan Lake had a sack.

Linebacker Marvin Mitchell had an interception in a full team drill session.



ON TAP


Tuesday the Saints have off and then return to work Wednesday and Thursday against the Houston Texans at the Saints practice facility in Metairie, La. Saturday the Saints play preseason game number two when they take on the Texans in the Superdome at seven.