Day 2 of Saints minicamp continued to show how the Klint Kubiak offense will be a challenge for defenses, particularly that of the Saints right now as they adjust to a new scheme.
We saw a rookie step up the depth chart for the first time, motion galore, kickoff wrinkles and a lot more.
Scroll below for a breakdown of what stood out Wednesday at Saints minicamp.
TAKING ATTENDANCE
- CB Alontae Taylor
- CB Faion Hicks
- LB Nephi Sewell
- RT Ryan Ramczyk
- TE Juwan Johnson
- TE Tommy Hudson
- DE Tanoh Kpassagnon
- DT Jack Heflin
- DE Chase Young
Bryan Bresee got back to work after missing a day on Tuesday, but there was still no return for Juwan Johnson. His status will be one to track.
The lone new absence on this list was Alontae Taylor, whom Saints head coach Dennis Allen said was dealing with an oblique injury. His issue is believed to be minor, but he is unlikely to participate in Thursday's session.
Making an appearance for the first time this offseason was WR Stanley Morgan, who was getting work off to the side with trainers. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry continued his rampup process, getting into some team drills before heading off to the side for rehab work.
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RATTLER MOVES UP
Rookie Spencer Rattler was getting third-team reps in each of the first four practices open to the media, but that changed on Wednesday. Rattler got all of his action with the 2nd team and looked very much in control during 7-on-7 drills, completing all five of his attempts to Bub Means, Cedrick Wilson, Equanimeous St. Brown, Dallin Holker and Foster Moreau.
This was a good example of why it's not a good idea to draw too many conclusions off of limited OTA access. The QBs have been trading off those reps the whole time, this is just the first time we've seen it.
Where I think we've seen Rattler take the biggest strides is simply taking what's there for him. He seems to be processing and reacting quicker, and that's allowing him to find more consistent success.
There was an interception for Rattler today that came in 11-on-11 reps with the rookie sending a high ball in the direction of Bub Means. It's a ball he might've gotten away with if not for Marshon Lattimore, who happened to be on the field for that rep, going up and ripping the ball away impressively. It's a lesson for the young player: When Marshon is in the area, you better not be off-target. It's a reminder that he has some things left to learn.
Haener threw his first interception of these sessions in 7-on-7 drills, and it was one of his worst decisions we've seen, trying to go up the seam to Dallin Holker with Millard Bradford ready to undercut and pull down his third pick of this offseason. It wasn't dissimilar to the interception Derek Carr threw late in the first half against the Titans last year.
The head coach, speaking after practice, made it clear that the backup competition would be one that stretches throughout training camp, and both guys will get their shot.
Speaking of Carr, he continued to move the offense well. His best session thus far came at the end of practice today, with No. 4 completing all of his attempts as he moved down the field in a 2-minute drill. That stretch included three consecutive passes to Taysom Hill to move the chains, followed by a nice ball to Alvin Kamara on an out-and-up where the offense was able to isolate Carl Granderson in coverage. Easy money. The situation called for a 2-point conversion, and that was completed to Rashid Shaheed at the corner of the end zone. All three QBs had a solid day.
RETURN RETURN
There will be plenty of changes with the new kickoff rule, but a major one will be having two return men back and forcing the kicking team to choose. If Wednesday's work was any indication there will be plenty of time spent scheming that part of the equation.
One thing we heard special teams Darren Rizzi yelling repeatedly was that it's the job of the returner on the right side to make the call whether he'd make the play, or whether it was his counterpart. It sounds simpler in theory than it is in practice, with just a second to read the kick and make that determination in real time.
What I expect it'll lead to is teams looking to send the ball toward the less threatening return man. For example, with Rashid Shaheed and Taysom Hill back, one of the platoons we saw today, you'd certainly want to send it Taysom's way. But the return team doesn't have to just sit back and accept that. On one rep we saw Taysom throw the ball across the field to set up a return for Shaheed. On another play we saw a reverse handoff to get the ball into Jermaine Jackson's hands.
Rizzi said on Tuesday that he considers kickoffs to be the first play of the offense and defense, and the scheme will likely reflect that.
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MOTION MOTION MOTION
Forgive me for the on-the-nose subheaders, but it's pretty simple: Whatever amount of motion you're expecting, be prepared for more.
From what I've seen, if the Saints don't motion on every offensive rep -- like the Dolphins' scheme for example -- I expect it to be close. Whether it's a tight end, running back, fullback or wide receiver, someone always seems to be resetting.
It's a challenge for defenses as they always seem to have to adjust and it's led to some interesting results. I have a hard time believing that Granderson covering Kamara out of the backfield was a plan anyone was OK with on the sideline, but that's what ended up happening. The Saints are evolving with the times and that's nice to see.
LAGNIAPPE...
Willie Gay's athleticism at the linebacker position is going to create some interesting options for the defense. I expect we'll see a lot more base personnel than we have in the past. You'll still see a nickel on the field a majority of the time, but it won't be as much of a necessity as it once was. ... Charlie Smyth had a bounce-back day today, hitting 5-of-6 attempts in drills and knocking one through from outside 60 yards later on during some extra work. I still don't see the consistency that he'd have to display to really push Blake Grupe -- several of his makes have just squeaked past the upright -- but he's headed in the right direction. ... Alvin Kamara's usage seemed to be increased today from Tuesday, and we even saw him get some targets downfield. That's something I thought we'd see more of last year, but the system decided otherwise. Hopefully in Klint Kubiak's scheme we'll get back to that (finally). ... Millard Bradford has a lot of competition to make the roster, but three interceptions between OTAs and minicamp will definitely open some eyes. ... Ugo Amadi had a nice PBU during 7-on-7s. It'll be an interesting battle for the final few roster spots with he, Will Harris, Bradford and a few others likely pushing for it.