2022 Saints Training Camp | Observations from Friday, July 29

The defense, as we usually witness early in training camp, for the most part has the advantage over the offense. For a brief period Friday the offense, specifically the running game, punched back. Led by tremendous blocking by the offensive line, tight ends and fullbacks, and with the soundtrack of offensive line coach Doug Marrone’s booming voice in between plays in the background, the running game had its time to shine. Running primarily from the I formation (which occasional shifts) long runs by several running backs were observed. On the second play of the drill, running back Alvin Kamara went off right tackle and with a seal block from tight end Nick Vannett saw nothing but open spaces and at least a 30-yard gain (also remember there is no tackling during these drills). Rookie running back Abram Smith had two runs over 15 yards right up the middle. Mark Ingram, Divine Ozigbo, and Dwayne Washington all had huge chunk plays as well. We’ll get a much better feel of how the offensive line is blocking when the pads go on for practice Monday, but as far as Friday, consider it a win for the o-line and running backs, drawing some praise from Allen, who acknowledged he wanted to watch the tape but from his vantage point (behind the play) there were some nice runs