Day 8

Notes and observations from Day 8 of Saints training camp:

ATTENDANCE: WR Mike Thomas and DE Cam Jordan got their first veteran rest days of Saints camp on Friday. It appeared to be the same for OL James Hurst. Offensive linemen Andrus Peat and Calvin Throckmorton missed practice as they worked through injuries.

DRESS CODE: Shorts and shells

Official.🍎: https://t.co/YMT3KpPXs0🤖: https://t.co/t0RJ2SPlDY pic.twitter.com/pk47pZcd2J— NOF (@nofnetwork) August 4, 2023

ALONTAE POPS: Friday might have been Alontae Taylor’s best practice of training camp. The cornerback started opposite of Marshon Lattimore on the first-team defense and produced a standout moment when he broke up a pass intended for running back Kendre Miller.

Taylor and Paulson Adebo are still in what looks like a dead heat in the battle for the No. 2 cornerback spot.

CARR’S DAY: Derek Carr endured his shakiest practice of camp, particularly the last period of team drills when the quarterback missed on all three of his passes and was sacked on another play.

Still, there were some highlight moments throughout his day, and one thing that stands out through eight practices is how good Carr is on deep crossing routes. The quarterback knows how to put the ball into a tight window. He delivered another good one on Friday when he connected with Taysom Hill.

Saints, Cam Jordan agree to two-year extension heading into his 13th season https://t.co/LCTC8MLtYC— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 4, 2023

Carr’s other best moment of the day was when he hit Rashid Shaheed on a deep pass with Lattimore in coverage.

OLINE SHUFFLE: With so many players out of the lineup, Landon Young spent some time at left guard with the 1s. He’s worked at both tackle spots during camp, too. Offensive line coach Doug Marrone brought him up and complimented him unprompted the other day as being a guy who’s come along.

Trevor Penning spent time with the 1s and 2s again as he continues to handle a heavy workload. He said afterward that it’s a good sign the Saints feel he can handle such a workload after he was being more slowly ramped up to start camp.

Trevor Penning on how he has evolved pic.twitter.com/IKj63lpj9Z— NOF (@nofnetwork) August 4, 2023

TQS HITS: I mentioned it recently, but it seems clear Tre’Quan Smith has maintained his position on the depth chart — at least for now.

The wide receiver made a few catches during the practice, and until or unless something changes, it doesn’t feel like he has a lot of competition for his spot. Perhaps it’s still a little too early to make that kind of statement, but I’m not sure there will be a major change.

GRUDEN IN: Former Raiders and Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden observed Friday's practice and will be here for the next three days. Gruden is around to offer some insights into what he's seeing at practice. Dennis Allen said afterward that Gruden just loves football and that we shouldn't "read too much" into him being around. Gruden resigned from the Raiders in 2021 after it was discovered the coach had used homophobic, misogynistic and racist language in emails sent to then-Washington team president Bruce Allen, as well as others.

UNDER WRAPS: Jameis Winston told us last year he spent a considerable amount of time working the shorter areas of the field, and it looks like he’s continuing that work this year.

The backup quarterback has done a good job through the first week of camp taking the “easy money” and has done so with accuracy and touch. It can be easy to look beyond the backup quarterback, and he’s been far from perfect, but Winston is having a solid camp.

KICKER COMP: Wil Lutz missed two field goals Friday, with one bouncing off the upright. Both misses, as well as his earlier one in camp, came with backup punter Lou Hedley serving as the holder.

UGO AMADI: I'm not sure if Amadi will make the team, but the safety is making his case. Amadi has solidified himself so far as the backup slot cornerback, and he strengthened his case with a pass breakup today. Amadi also might have tallied a sack during team drills.

New Orleans is trying to find out what the safety can do. He took a turn serving as a returner today.

Alvin Kamara on using his pass catching ability more this season pic.twitter.com/3bcHd13xc7— NOF (@nofnetwork) August 4, 2023

PLAY OF THE DAY: Alvin Kamara ran a great wheel route up the right sideline and caught a pass that arrived over the head of linebacker Zack Baun.

Kamara has quietly put together a good camp. He looks fast and explosive and healthy. The running could be poised for a big year.

PLAY OF THE DAY 2: Center Erik McCoy showed off his speed and athleticism by getting downfield to serve as the lead blocker on a run by rookie Kendre Miller. Seeing how the offensive line settles in and comes together with Carr at quarterback is going to be interesting.

PLAY OF THE DAY 3: Pete Werner got into the backfield quickly to stuff a Kamara run. It was a nice moment for the linebacker.