NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Take One: Rattler vs Shough
Let the quarterback competition begin.
Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough both looked good in the first OTA we were able to watch. Both quarterbacks have rotated all week as the starter. On Thursday, it was Rattler’s turn.
Both he and Shough shined in the most competitive period of the practice.
During 7on7’s, Rattler was perfect. The ball didn’t touch the ground at all as he went 8/8. His best throws came on back-to-back plays. His first was a dig route to Chris Olave over the middle, then followed that with a seam route to Michael Jacobsen. In both throws, Rattler looked clean and decisive.
Shough went 7/8 during that same session and had the biggest play of the day. On his 7th throw of the period, Shough gave a hard pump fake and hit Rashid Shaheed in stride on a double move, sluggo pattern for 50.
All in all, it was very light work, but it’s certainly positive to see both young guys embrace the opportunity ahead.
Take Two: Penning shifts inside
It’s finally happening. Trevor Penning has shifted inside to left guard. With his skillset, a move like this seemed obvious from the start. Yet, it’s taken four years and a new coaching staff to finally make the move. Penning is a natural mauler who puts defenders on the ground when he gets his hands on defenders moving forward. His heavy feet and lack of lateral quickness made him vulnerable on the outside. At guard, he won’t be isolated nearly as much and will have help on both sides.
It’s impossible to rate his performance. They only did one 11-on-11 session as a walkthrough. However, if this works out and Penning becomes a legit starting guard, the biggest weakness on the team a season ago can instantly become the biggest strength.
Take Three: Injury Report
Foster Moreau, Quincy Riley, Jake Haener and Dallin Holker were all present but did not participate as they recover from injuries. Moreau and Haener won’t be available at all throughout the offseason program.
Taysom Hill is also injured but was not present. There doesn’t seem to be a timetable for his return.
Take Four: Attendance Report
The Saints had pretty good attendance overall at Thursday’s practice. Only Tyrann Mathieu, DeMario Davis, Alvin Kamara, Chase Young, Nathan Shepherd, Davon Godchaux and Taysom Hill were not present.
These workouts are voluntary. The only mandatory practice come later in the team’s minicamp in mid-June.
Take Five: Other Observations
In addition to Penning moving to left guard, Taliese Fuaga shifted from left tackle to right tackle. Rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. was at left tackle. Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruis were in their usually center and right guard spots, respectively. Add it all up and that’s four first round picks and one second rounder along the offensive line. Given that kind of investment, they should be the strongest unit on the team.Kellen Moore mentioned new director of sports performance, Ted Rath, multiple times during his press conference. Rath comes with a reputation of keeping rosters healthy for the entire season. Given what the Saints just dealt with last year, if he can flip the team’s misfrotune on injuries, he could be the organization’s MVP.Tough break for Jake Haener to injure his oblique during Wednesday’s practice. Moore said he was also getting some QB1 reps. Though it’s unlikely he would win the job, it would’ve been nice to see him do some work this offseason. The Saints return to work next week for OTA’s 4,5 &6. We will have access to #6.
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