A Tale of Two Cities: Breaking down Saints and Bears Camps

 

Some takeaways from attending Saints and Bears training camps this week on behalf of RosterWatch Nation…

Saints Camp

• Adrian Peterson looks as spry and powerful as he ever has. But then again, so does Mark Ingram. They switched out first team reps almost evenly.
• AP’s hands seem to be just as good as Ingram’s, as he caught everything thrown his way. The pair almost seems redundant down to their potential for injury, which I think is why they’re both there.
• Travaris Cadet was the 3rd back in drills, and was used almost exclusively as a pass catcher. With bigger, seasoned backs who can also catch the ball in front of him, I’m not excited about Alvin Kamara‘s role this season.
• Ted Ginn Jr. rarely came off the field and is currently the no.2 receiver on the depth chart. I don’t think he’s only a deep threat for this offense. Expect Ginn to play the majority of offensive snaps for New Orleans.
• Don’t be too worried about Willie snead though. He’s spending time in the slot and out wide with regularity. Snead was on the field almost as much as Ginn, and because of his skill set, I think Snead will be more valuable fantasy wise.
• Drew Brees looks like a 25 year old on the field, moving around the pocket with ease. Expect another top 5 finish from the veteran.
• 2nd year WR, Tommylee Lewis stood out to me most on the day. A smallish receiver, he was electrifying out of the slot and as a kick returner. What you see in camp doesn’t always translate to game day though, so he’s just a name to watch right now.
• Though I didn’t see him do much that day, Coach Payton had good things to say about rookie Travin Dural after practice, mainly that he moved well and had good footwork. He underwhelmed at the Senior Bowl, but maybe he’s worth a look LATE in DEEP, DEEP fantasy drafts.
• Coby Fleener sat out of contact drills during practice, after a hard hit in a previous session may have rendered him with a concussion. Clay Harbor made several plays in his stead.

 

Bears Camp

• If you are concerned about the state of the Bears passing game, you have good reason. I saw more balls dropped than caught on the day.
• The culprits are probably the QBs. Glennon looked uninspired and lacked leadership on the field. The one memorable throw on the day for him was an interception – not a good sign.
• Mitch Trubisky looked even worse. The Bears are bringing him along slowly and for good reason. He had several underthrown passes, two of which were picks, and he often appeared confused in the pocket. I don’t think we’ll see him much this season, unless the Bears start to tank – which is very possible. His nice performance in Week 1 of the preseason should be attributed to playing versus scrubs until we see him play well over a consisted period.
• Mark Sanchez was the best looking QB on the day (which is pure trash). He commanded the field and made smart decisions on the field and may be the Bear’s best chance to win on Sundays.
• Kevin White and Cameron Meredith were mainstays on the first team offense. The guy I saw third most was Josh Bellamy, so maybe that’s some indication of the starters.
• None of the motley crew behind them made much of an impact except for UDFA Tanner Gentry from Wyoming. The Bears’ media guy talked him up before practice, and the kid delivered with a one armed grab on a deep route and a TD on a slant. He’s definitely earned himself a long look.
• Victor Cruz moved well at practice but couldn’t seem to catch anything. He easily had the most drops on the day.
• Rueben Randle and TE Zach Miller were targeted often in the red-zone. Miller looks like the guy at TE, but rookie Adam Shaheen looks like a younger, faster version of the veteran. If Miller misses time this season, which isn’t unlikey, we could see a lot more of Shaheen. Dion Sims is primarily a blocker.
• RB Jordan Howard was yeoman-like in his effort on Tuesday. He’s not terribly exciting to watch, but don’t be surprised if he ends up leading the league in rushing with such a questionable passing game.
• 4th rounder RB Tarik Cohen showed the most pop of any runner on the day and was very active throughout 11/11 drills. He displayed great vision and soft hands out of the backfield and as a kick returner. He’s got a real shot at taking 3rd down duties.