NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Take One: Rattler vs Shough<\/p>\n
Let the quarterback competition begin. <\/p>\n
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\u2019s turn. <\/p>\n
Both he and Shough shined in the most competitive period of the practice. <\/p>\n
During 7on7\u2019s, Rattler was perfect. The ball didn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
All in all, it was very light work, but it\u2019s certainly positive to see both young guys embrace the opportunity ahead.<\/p>\n
Take Two: Penning shifts inside<\/p>\n
It\u2019s finally happening. Trevor Penning has shifted inside to left guard. With his skillset, a move like this seemed obvious from the start. Yet, it\u2019s 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\u2019t be isolated nearly as much and will have help on both sides. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
Take Three: Injury Report<\/p>\n
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\u2019t be available at all throughout the offseason program. <\/p>\n
Taysom Hill is also injured but was not present. There doesn\u2019t seem to be a timetable for his return. <\/p>\n
Take Four: Attendance Report<\/p>\n
The Saints had pretty good attendance overall at Thursday\u2019s practice. Only Tyrann Mathieu, DeMario Davis, Alvin Kamara, Chase Young, Nathan Shepherd, Davon Godchaux and Taysom Hill were not present. <\/p>\n
These workouts are voluntary. The only mandatory practice come later in the team\u2019s minicamp in mid-June. <\/p>\n
Take Five: Other Observations<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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\u2019s misfrotune on injuries, he could be the organization\u2019s MVP.Tough break for Jake Haener to injure his oblique during Wednesday\u2019s practice. Moore said he was also getting some QB1 reps. Though it\u2019s unlikely he would win the job, it would\u2019ve been nice to see him do some work this offseason. The Saints return to work next week for OTA\u2019s 4,5 &6. We will have access to #6.<\/p>\n
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