New Orleans Saints: 6 takeaways after the first day in pads
New Orleans Saints Training Camp Takeaways
4. Linebackers looked good
One of the biggest question marks on the Saints’ roster as of now is at the linebacker spot. Demario Davis is a monster and we all know that but surrounding pieces haven’t really inspired much confidence amongst the fan base.
Zack Baun and Pete Werner are battling it out to be the premier linebacker next to Davis and as of now, both guys are playing well. The most surprising name to emerge in this group, however, is second-year man Andrew Dowell, a former UDFA out of Michigan State.
Dowell appeared in just one game for the Saints last year but he’s put on a show this summer. Nick Underhill mentioned that Dowell “might be the star of camp so far”. He also praised Baun (who had the first interception of camp) and Werner for their work on Tuesday and this is a great sign for Saints fans.
Andrew Dowell might be the star of camp so far. Baun and Werner both good today.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) August 3, 2021
It’s important to have a solid linebacker (or linebackers) next to Davis to open things up for him to wreak the kind of havoc we all know he can make. Davis is a game-changer but he can only be at that level if the linebackers next to him help take the pressure off of him.
With so many question marks on offense, the linebackers stepping up and making the defense stronger would be a huge win for the New Orleans Saints.