What you missed this week with the New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints kicked off a good week of organized team activities, or OTAs. For those who missed what went on, we get you caught up on the ten biggest headlines of the week.

Rob Ryan and Sean Payton trade blame for Saints’ defensive woes.

"“When you’re struggling as bad as we’re struggling for two years, and some of the same problems keep coming up — you know, 10 guys on the field — those are things that just are hard to live with,” Payton said."

Drew Brees won’t have contract talks during the season.

"“I’d love a long-term deal to get done, something that would lock me up for the rest of my career,” Brees said at the Saints’ annual charity softball game on Wednesday night. “I plan on playing for a few more years, and obviously, I expect them to be here. I’m not stressing about it at all, honestly. I haven’t given it a whole lot of thought since we were talking about it, maybe a month and a half or two (ago).”"

Kaleb Eulls moves from defensive lineman to guard.

"“He’s over there now,” Payton said. “We moved him to guard. We felt before the draft that was something we wanted to do. We spent some time in the offseason talking with him and going through that decision. We think he’s got a lot of the attributes you need. He’s smart. He’s tough. He’s got the size you’re looking for.”"

Jairus Byrd is recovering from knee issues, again.

"“We expect him to be ready when training camp starts,” Payton said. “Right now, he’s getting walk-through snaps and work off to the side.”“He’s going through his rehab,” Payton said. “It’s right on schedule, so it’s nothing different than what was expected.”"

Sean Payton says C.J. Spiller’s health is ‘noticeably different’.

"“C.J.’s health and his movement skills look noticeably different,” Payton said. “He worked his butt off in the offseason to get the strength back in that leg he had his injury. That’s been real encouraging.”"

Hau’oli Kikaha, Davis Tull running at Jack position on defense.

"“I am excited that the young guys we have at defensive end aren’t rookies anymore,” Jordan said. “The transition from the first year to second year, that’s the big leap, and that’s where we look for that transition. We’re excited for them to produce.”"

Stephone Anthony happy to let James Laurinaitis be ‘alpha dog’.

"“It kind of makes my job easier. So I’m enjoying it,” Anthony said. “It’s gonna show the different things I can do. So I’m gonna have some fun with it and make the best of it.”"

Garrett Grayson’s poise, control showing improvement in second season.

"His head isn’t spinning. He understands what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s confident in the huddle. He’s ready to take charge of whatever group of players he’s leading during practices.”I want to take command of the guys,” Grayson said. ”That was something I don’t know if I necessarily know if I did the right way late year because I didn’t really know the offense that well. I don’t want to say I was timid, but I wasn’t really commanding guys like you should.”"

Rookie receiver Mike Thomas looks legit at Saints OTA.

"After one practice with no pads, I still can’t say, but the kid does look legit. The 6-ft-3, 212 pound wide out from Ohio State is a physical specimen. His muscles have muscles, so I don’t imagine many DBs will be able to out-physical him. Thomas got to run with the ones quite a bit and caught a handful passes from Drew Brees."

New Orleans misses out on Super Bowl bid, but should be owed one in 2022 or 2023.

"“It’s not a referendum or a vote against New Orleans,” said Doug Thornton, the co-presenter for the New Orleans Super Bowl committee. “It’s a vote for new stadiums and new markets.”"