Monday marked a noticeable shift for the Saints in practice No. 5, and it started the way camp usually gets real: the pads went on.
That change brought a clear bump in physicality, and it also gave the Saints their longest workout so far, running about an hour and forty minutes. The format changed, too. Instead of 7-on-7 work, the team leaned into 1-on-1 periods - wide receivers against defensive backs, offensive linemen against defensive linemen - and got through four separate team periods.
For the first time this camp, the offense looked like the sharper group.
Tyler Shough was in rhythm for much of the session. Early on, he hit Chris Olave on an out route for a first down over Kool-Aid McKinstry during the first team period.
In the next team period, Shough found DeVaughn Vele on a similar route for another first down. Later, he delivered one of his better throws of the day by climbing the pocket and connecting with first round pick Jordyn Tyson on a dig route.
Shough also helped create a couple of bigger plays late in practice. During the final team period, he turned a busted play into a big gain to Travis Etienne down the sideline. On the next snap, the two connected again on a clean screen pass, with Etienne catching it, waiting for his blockers to develop, and then turning it into a strong run.
The best offensive play of the day belonged to Barion Brown, who hauled in a terrific over-the-shoulder throw from Spencer Rattler.
The offense still had its mistakes, but Monday felt like a step forward.
The defense had its moments, too. Jayden Price, who has quietly opened camp well at backup star, picked off a pass during 1-on-1 work. Then in the second team period, cornerback Dalys Beanum jumped in front of a Zach Wilson pass for an interception.
Special teams also got plenty of attention. Charlie Smyth handled field-goal work again and finished 5-for-6, with a long of 54 yards. His only miss came from 44 yards, but he immediately got another chance from the same distance and knocked it through.
Ryan Wright also had a strong day punting, placing several kicks inside the ten-yard line.
Special teams remains an area the Saints have clearly targeted for improvement.
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