The New Orleans Saints Training Review: Keeping It Hot

The Saints traveled to our nation’s capital to visit with the President of the United States who congratulated them for their victory in the Super Bowl this past February.  It was quite an event.  The team presented President Obama with a number 44 Saints jersey to mark his being the 44th President of the United States.

The preparations for defending their title are ongoing as the Saints keep on practicing in their training camp in Louisiana.  The following is some highlights from the past few days of training camp including an updated injury report.

Patriot Games

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 02: Quarterbacks Brian Hoyer #8,Tom Brady #12 and Zac Robinson #7 of the New England Patriots head to their next drill during training camp on August 2, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

The Saints have begun practicing with the New England Patriots, the team that they will play in their first preseason game this coming Saturday.  Practices against other teams can sometimes turn out to be a great experience as the teams get to practice against someone else (aside from their teammates).  The Patriots, one of the best teams in the NFL will be great competition for this team and should only serve to make the Saints better.

Defense Vs. Offense

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 27: Head coach Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against Charles Grant #94 of the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 27, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Get

The defense has been doing quite a number on the Saint’s offense as of late but don’t be concerned if you are a Saints fan.  The defense is typically ahead of the offense when training camp starts and Greg Williams’s defense is going to be well prepared for the season.  As long as no one gets hurt, this defense can make all the big plays that it wants to.  Now, can they do it against other team’s offenses?  Stay tuned.

Injury Update

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METAIRIE, LA - JULY 30: Marques Colston#12 and Robert Meachem #17 of the New Orleans Saints during training camp on July 30, 2010 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Safety Darren Sharper remains sidelined after knee surgery and many people are wondering just when he will return.  Right now, several reports state that he should be back by the time the Saints play their third preseason game while others feel he won’t be back until the season starts.  Sharper is missing valuable training time and may be a little rusty to start the season.

Also sitting out (still) are wide receiver Robert Meachem (to injury) and linebacker Clint Ingram who is recovering from knee surgery.  Wide receiver Ron Harper is also sitting out with a bad hip.

Runner Out

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Running back Lynell Hamilton #30 of the New Orleans Saints prepares to play in Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Ge

Also on the injury front, third string running back Lynell Hamilton tore his ACL during practice and will be out for the remainder of the season.  Hamilton was going to help them not only in the running game but also on special teams. 

How Many Snaps Does It Take

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METAIRIE, LA - JULY 30: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during training camp on July 30, 2010 in Metairie, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Saints have been somewhat quiet about just how many snaps that they expect to give the starters in their game against the Patriots.  As it looks right now, the starters may get about 20 plays total to start this game and then give way to the second and third string players.  Obviously the coaching staff wants to keep all of their players healthy but the starters are key so they won’t see a lot of game action against New England.