Hebert: Saints defense looks elite in camp, but just how good are they?

Through the first week of Saints training camp, the defense looks elite. But is that reality?

Only time will tell, but the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert says the offense has some work to catch up. The Saints held their first padded practice of the offseason, which did include some nice moments on offense and some big gains downfield.

“You want it to be 50/50. You don’t want the defense winning all the time or the offense. I still think the defense had an edge," Hebert said. "Whether you have pads or not pads, I don’t think they can block Chase Young. So maybe, you know, you need help. With the pads, I'd like to see us run the ball better."

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Hebert gave the nod to Quincy Riley for the play of the day on defense, with the second-year DB mirroring Chris Olave upfield and taking away any chance for a completion on a deep ball from Tyler Shough.

“You want the offense to turn the corner so there’s some sense of balance, and good for our defense," Hebert continued, "but I don’t think we’re the Houston Texans defense.”

There were positives, too. Hebert pointed to a 15-yard gain over the middle of the field with Shough putting a perfectly placed ball to Jordyn Tyson as he slid to the ground away from a charging defender. Mike Detillier also highlighted Barion Brown, who made likely the offensive play of the day on a deep ball from Spencer Rattler, locating the ball over his far shoulder and hauling in the big gain.

"Now, you’ve got to do it a bunch of times," Hebert said, "but that’s a good sign that they’re clicking or on the same page."

The Saints will be off on Tuesday, then return to the field Wednesday for their second padded practice. Keep up with the Cajun Cannon, Mike Detillier and the rest of the WWL Radio crew on SportsTalk daily from 4-8 p.m. on WWL AM-870; FM-105.3 and the Audacy app.