While the evaluation process is still ongoing for the New Orleans Saints, that doesn’t mean that coaches aren’t already making up their mind going into the second preseason game. “So I wanted to get it out quickly and have a more productive game than last week”.
“I was pleased, early on, emotionally, how our guys came out”, Payton said. Gray is a player to watch because he has the capability to be great, but we will see if he can channel that, on put it to use. The quarterback posted just a 65.8 passer rating in three quarters against the Packers, throwing no touchdowns and one interception. The drives covered 61, 62 and 63 yards.
“I feel responsible when I step foot in this (locker room) door to be able to dominate”, Cooks said.
“Its unfortunate, ” Brees said, referring to the scandals both teams have faced. Brees’ first touchdown of the night was a 10-yard pass to TE Benjamin Watson.
Brees and the Saints mostly brushed off the issue of an oblique strain strain he incurred during training camp a year ago.
Is it a bad sign that McCourty may be switching back?
Brees, McCown and company provided 350+ passing yards, but rookie Garrett Grayson looked the shakiest under center. And cornerback Keenan Lewis was absent from the afternoon walk-through, according to NOLA.com and the New Orleans Advocate. But running back LaGarrette Blount was seen on the field in uniform just a short time ago, and should get a few carries tonight. It is an era in which players have become accustomed to being fined by the league for everything from illegal hits during games to uniform violations. He was also intercepted by Pierre Warren, who returned the ball 33 yards setting up an eventual field goal.
The New Orleans Saints are certainly a bounce back candidate this season.
Cooks was a clear bright spot on offense, snaring two catches for big plays and racking up a total of 124 yards on five touches. To keep them in the playoff race, Garoppolo needs to win 2 of the 4 games, and they will be okay.
Veteran WR Marques Colston started after sitting out of last week’s game against Baltimore. Brees is assumed to return against the Pats, although it is still unclear yet how many snaps he will be playing, per Saints official website. On Wednesday, the Patriots joined the Saints at camp.
The Saints had maybe the best practice since the team has been at the Greenbrier. “This is practice. I think a lot of guys are smart enough to understand that”.
Bears at Colts, 6:30 p.m. The third preseason game is always the most important, so it will be critical to observe whether the Saints can continue their quest for self-improvement next Sunday against the Houston Texans. Dustin Hopkins made two extra points and he sent two kickoffs into the End Zone.
Garoppolo’s scoring pass traveled 24 yards to Chris Harper.
Patriots running back James White rushed for a 3-yard TD.
Patriots’ Gostkowski kicks a 35-yard FG.