Here we are, four days into Saints training camp and players are starting to separate from the pack.
Typically men don’t like being called a dog, but in the football sense, the term “dog” is objectively a compliment. The connotation is akin to “warrior” for Military service members.
A former colleague gave me my nickname of “Kdog” years ago based on the USMC bulldog mascot. It stuck, so now I'm going to share the wealth. Here goes...
My “Dawgs”
1. Punter Blake Gillikin
Huh? A punter Kdog? Yep. Trust me this dog is a weapon. Gillikin is arguably better than fan-favorite and longtime standout Saints punter Thomas Morstead. The way he can change the field position battle is incredible, and I think he is on his way to an All-Pro status this season. When the ball comes off his right foot, I find myself looking around for the explosion. It sounds like
a grenade going off.
2. Kicker Wil Lutz
OK, come on, Kristian … back-to-back specialists? Yes! Two very important specialists. Lutz missed the entire season a year ago and the Saints paid the price, cycling through placekickers in his absence. Lutz is a steady weapon that will hit far more often than he misses. Just watching him in training camp is a joy. He has yet to miss a FG attempt this summer.
3. Linebacker Andrew Dowell
Who? If you are not familiar with Andrew Dowell you might want to start getting familiar. He has been a stud on special teams over the last two years. Now his game is evolving into a backer that makes an impact on defense. Think longtime veteran Craig Robertson. Jack-of-all-trades, master of none kind of player. “There is nothing wrong with that moniker," said the Cajun Cannon Bobby Hebert. Adding, “man Craig Robertson lasted over 8 years in this league as a special teams expert and spot starter at LB.”
If that is what Dowell turns into that is a win for the Saints.
4. Bobby Hebert is one of my dawgs
Yep, maybe some bias here, but who cares? The Cannon shows up every day
pumped to watch practice. He is addicted to this sport and it shows based on how much detail he puts into covering the team. Bobby J is an absolute wealth of knowledge and standup comedy wrapped into one human.
The Saints hit the field again Monday, this time in pads. This is where you separate the men from the boys. Can’t Wait! (Channeling my inner Bart Scott).
