Saints add 2 local players, defense bringing the heat and Kirkwood shines

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Photo credit USA Today

The Saints made some roster moves on the 5th day of training camp. Former LSU Tiger Travin Dural is back.  The wide receiver spent the last 2 years in New Orleans on the practice squad. Another product from a local school joined the Black & Gold as former Tulane running back Rob Kelly was signed. Meanwhile, running back Buck Allen was placed on injured reserve, while defensive back Chris Campbell was waived/injured.

Not present for Tuesday’s session were WR Michael Thomas, S Marcus Williams, RB Latavius Murray, WR/RS Deonte Harris and OL Derrick Kelly II. We also saw much talked about WR Emmanuel Butler leave the practice field early. He appeared to suffer a lower leg injury, but walked off with trainers to the locker room. The Saints have Wednesday off and will be back on the practice field Thursday morning. Preseason game #1 is next Friday in the Superdome vs. the Vikings. 

D-line applying pressure

Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints QBs were feeling the pressure today. The defensive line was winning in the trenches making life difficult for whoever was under center. It isn’t often we see Brees frustrated, but he had a rough day since there were times he wasn’t able to step up in the pocket.  Free agent acquisition Malcom Brown has looked like a solid signing as he has showcased his power and burst up the middle.

Defense not messing around pic.twitter.com/2B0CSHGVBr

— Kristian Garic (@KristianGaric) July 29, 2019

Missed opportunities for the defense

Pressure can create turnovers, and there were opportunities, but the Fleur-Di-Lis D could not capitalize.  Corner Ken Crawley and rookie DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson both looked like they were going to have interceptions, but instead ended up just being incompletions.  If the Saints defense is to get to that elite level, coming up with more takeaways is going to be vital.  They totaled 24 (12 INT, 12 Fum) last season which ranked 14th in the NFL.

Keith Kirkwood’s coming

The 6ft3, 210 pound receiver made the Saints squad last season and you can see a noticeable difference in the undrafted Temple product in year two. He looks at ease in the offense as his routes are much smoother and the quarterbacks, especially Drew Brees, have confidence in throwing him the ball even though he might be covered.

Keith Kirkwood has been building more and more trust with Brees pic.twitter.com/kn2EZw7eFq

— Steve Geller (@SteveGellerWWL) July 30, 2019

Kirkwood has benefited from Can't Guard Mike’s absence since he has been filling the top receiver role often in team drills. Last season, Kirkwood finished with 13 catches for 209 yards in 8 regular season game, and had 2 receptions for 8 yards and 1 TD in the one playoff game he played in.