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The nature of NFL football is a war of attrition. Essentially, the team's who experience the best "injury luck" end up as the last team standing in February. While it is only August, the New Orleans Saints are dealing with injuries, as are multiple other teams around the NFL. Essentially, "building up the callus" of tackle football and getting your guys to Week 1 as healthy as possible is the goal for training camp.
What are some of the other takeaways from Saints training camp? Kevin Patra of NFL Network has thoughts about New Orleans' camp so far.
• In the Saints’ backfield, Travis Etienne has taken most of the early-down reps in team drills, with Alvin Kamara taking third downs and passing situations. That feels like it will be the trend into the season.
My take: This feels like a perfect scenario. The Saints definitely don't want to overwork either of the running backs, but Kamara is perfect as the passing-down complement to Etienne at this point in his career. Kamara will get his goal-line opportunities, but I think it's safe to say Etienne will likely see the bulk of those opportunities.
• Sixth-round receiver Barion Brown has been turning heads. After Ja’Lynn Polk’s abrupt retirement, Brown could have a path to making the 53-man roster as more than just a returner.
My take: Polk's retirement was quite the shock. Trading for the former Patriots receiver and holding him for a return in 2026 was and should still be viewed as a shrewd move for a talented player. In true NFL fashion, someone was going to get the extra opportunities, and it sounds like Brown is taking full advantage.
If Brown can continue his solid play, a receiver room of Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, Devaughn Vele, and Brown could be quite formidable.
• On defense, is corner Kool-Aid McKinstry ready for a breakout in Year 3?
My take: The highly regarded cornerback comes into this season with all eyes on his growth and development. Year three is a very fair place to start wondering if a player has peaked. For McKinstry, allowing eight touchdowns in 2025 is way too high, and this is a bit of a make-or-break season for him. This is the best defense he has been a part of, and the team is counting on him to be a true shutdown cornerback.
Continue reading...
What are some of the other takeaways from Saints training camp? Kevin Patra of NFL Network has thoughts about New Orleans' camp so far.
• In the Saints’ backfield, Travis Etienne has taken most of the early-down reps in team drills, with Alvin Kamara taking third downs and passing situations. That feels like it will be the trend into the season.
My take: This feels like a perfect scenario. The Saints definitely don't want to overwork either of the running backs, but Kamara is perfect as the passing-down complement to Etienne at this point in his career. Kamara will get his goal-line opportunities, but I think it's safe to say Etienne will likely see the bulk of those opportunities.
• Sixth-round receiver Barion Brown has been turning heads. After Ja’Lynn Polk’s abrupt retirement, Brown could have a path to making the 53-man roster as more than just a returner.
My take: Polk's retirement was quite the shock. Trading for the former Patriots receiver and holding him for a return in 2026 was and should still be viewed as a shrewd move for a talented player. In true NFL fashion, someone was going to get the extra opportunities, and it sounds like Brown is taking full advantage.
If Brown can continue his solid play, a receiver room of Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, Bryce Lance, Devaughn Vele, and Brown could be quite formidable.
• On defense, is corner Kool-Aid McKinstry ready for a breakout in Year 3?
My take: The highly regarded cornerback comes into this season with all eyes on his growth and development. Year three is a very fair place to start wondering if a player has peaked. For McKinstry, allowing eight touchdowns in 2025 is way too high, and this is a bit of a make-or-break season for him. This is the best defense he has been a part of, and the team is counting on him to be a true shutdown cornerback.
Continue reading...
