**Observations from Saints Camp on Day 19: Kamara’s Comeback, the Irish Cannon, and Available Jobs**
As the New Orleans Saints progress through their training camp, Day 19 provided some significant insights into the team’s preparation for the upcoming season. The camp was marked by notable performances, strategic adjustments, and a glimpse into how the Saints are shaping their roster. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key observations from Day 19:
### 1. **Alvin Kamara’s Comeback**
The most anticipated storyline of the day was undoubtedly Alvin Kamara’s return to the field. Kamara, the Saints’ star running back, has been under scrutiny due to a suspension that sidelined him for a period. His absence had raised concerns about the Saints’ offensive capabilities, but his return on Day 19 has rejuvenated both the team and its fans.
Kamara looked in prime condition, displaying his trademark agility and explosiveness during drills. His cuts were sharp, and he seemed to have regained the speed that makes him one of the most dangerous dual-threat backs in the NFL. The coaching staff appeared to be easing him back into the full pace of practice, giving him limited reps during full-contact drills but allowing him to participate in all positional work.
The most encouraging sign was Kamara’s involvement in passing drills, where he connected seamlessly with quarterback Derek Carr. The chemistry between Kamara and Carr was evident, suggesting that the Saints plan to heavily feature Kamara in their aerial attack, possibly more than in previous seasons. This could be a strategic adjustment by the coaching staff, aiming to utilize Kamara’s skill set in new ways to keep defenses off balance.
Kamara’s return also had an immediate impact on the team’s morale. His energy was infectious, and his presence seemed to elevate the performance of the entire offense. The team’s confidence in their offensive capabilities appears to be bolstered with Kamara back on the field, which bodes well for the Saints as they prepare for the regular season.
### 2. **The Irish Cannon: Blake Grupe’s Strong Showing**
Another standout from Day 19 was the performance of kicker Blake Grupe, who has been affectionately nicknamed “The Irish Cannon” by his teammates. Grupe, an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame, has been one of the surprise stars of the Saints’ training camp.
Grupe’s kicking has been nothing short of remarkable, and Day 19 was no exception. He was perfect on all his attempts during the day’s practice, including several long-range kicks that demonstrated both power and accuracy. His consistency has not only caught the attention of the coaching staff but has also started to turn heads across the league.
One of the most impressive aspects of Grupe’s performance has been his poise under pressure. During simulated game situations, where the intensity is ramped up to mimic real-game scenarios, Grupe remained unflappable. His ability to deliver in clutch moments is a trait that could prove invaluable for the Saints, especially in a division where games are often decided by narrow margins.
The battle for the starting kicker position is still ongoing, with Grupe competing against veteran Wil Lutz. However, if Grupe continues to perform at this level, it will be hard for the coaching staff to overlook him when making their final roster decisions. His emergence as a legitimate contender for the starting job has added an intriguing dynamic to the camp, and it will be interesting to see how this competition plays out in the coming days.
### 3. **Available Jobs and Roster Battles**
Training camp is not just about preparing the starters for the season; it’s also where players on the bubble fight for their NFL careers. Day 19 highlighted several intense battles for available roster spots, particularly at wide receiver, linebacker, and along the offensive line.
**Wide Receiver Battle:**
The competition at wide receiver has been particularly fierce, with several players vying for the final roster spots behind established starters Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed. Players like Tre’Quan Smith, A.T. Perry, and Jontre Kirklin have all had their moments throughout camp, but Day 19 saw standout performances from undrafted rookies Shaquan Davis and Kirk Merritt.
Davis made several impressive catches during team drills, showing off his ability to make contested catches in traffic. Merritt, on the other hand, flashed his versatility by taking reps both as a receiver and in the return game. This kind of flexibility could give Merritt an edge as the Saints look to maximize the value of their roster spots.
**Linebacker Depth:**
At linebacker, the battle for depth roles behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner has been equally competitive. Day 19 saw impressive performances from Andrew Dowell and D’Marco Jackson. Dowell, known for his special teams prowess, has shown improvement in his defensive reads and tackling, making him a valuable depth piece.
Jackson, a 2023 draftee, displayed good instincts and range during the day’s drills, breaking up a couple of passes and filling gaps effectively during run defense simulations. His ability to contribute on special teams could also factor into his chances of making the final roster.
**Offensive Line Adjustments:**
The offensive line has been a point of concern for the Saints, especially given the injury issues they faced last season. On Day 19, the coaching staff continued to shuffle players to find the best combination of five starters. The left tackle spot, in particular, remains a hotly contested position.
Veteran James Hurst and rookie Trevor Penning have been rotating in and out with the first team, with neither player yet to secure the starting job. Penning’s athleticism and potential make him an intriguing option, but Hurst’s experience and steady play give him an edge in terms of reliability. Day 19 saw both players get extensive reps, with Penning flashing his potential in pass protection and Hurst providing solid run blocking.
**Defensive Line Depth:**
On the defensive side, the Saints’ depth along the line has been tested, with several players competing for backup roles. Day 19 highlighted the performances of Malcolm Roach and Khalen Saunders, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance throughout camp.
Roach, who is entering his fourth season with the Saints, has been disruptive in the interior, using his quickness to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays in the backfield. Saunders, a free-agent acquisition, has also impressed with his ability to collapse the pocket from the defensive tackle position. Both players are likely to make the final roster, but their continued competition is pushing each to elevate their game.
### Conclusion
Day 19 of the Saints’ training camp offered a comprehensive view of where the team stands as they inch closer to the regular season. Kamara’s return, Grupe’s emergence, and the intense battles for roster spots all paint a picture of a team that is both talented and deeply competitive. As the Saints continue to fine-tune their roster and strategies, the lessons learned from these observations will play a critical role in shaping their success in the upcoming season. The next few days of camp will be crucial as final cuts approach, and players look to cement their roles on the team.
