3 problems the Saints are already dealing with in training camp

The New Orleans Saints are already a couple of weeks into training camp, and as expected, there has been some good and some bad. The Saints have seen players deliver on expectations, others underwhelm, and even had some surprising guys emerge in the opening weeks of camp.

Unfortunately, New Orleans has also dealt with it’s fair share of problems that can’t be ignored. It is just training camp, when teams are supposed to work through their issues. However, these are important problems to watch as the Saints approach the season.

Health has been a problem for Saints in training camp

Every year, the excitement of training camp is quickly dampened by unfortunate injuries. New Orleans hasn’t been immune to that reality this year. The team has already seen several injuries sideline players through the first two weeks of camp.

Running back Kendre Miller injured his hamstring on the first day of camp and has missed several practices since. Guard Nick Saldiveri has missed days with an injury, and so has cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who is dealing with a hip flexor injury. Wide receiver Chris Olave left a practice early with a hip injury but was back the next day, and linebacker Demario Davis also left a practice early with a hamstring injury.

These are all key players, but the injuries are also believed to be minor. While they should be on the field in time for the regular season, it’s never good to miss important training camp practices.

Turnovers have been a problem for Saints in training camp

On one of the first plays of camp, Derek Carr threw an interception to Demario Davis. Once that was reported, the Carr detractors had a field day. Unfortunately, that was just the start of turnovers committed by the offense, not just for Carr.

New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak admitted the offense is going through a bit of early adversity with the defense consistently taking the ball away from the offense. While Kubiak credits the Saints as one of the best defensive units, he acknowledges this is an opportunity for growth for the offense.

If the team is going to accomplish anything this season, they’ll have to protect the football.

The offensive line has been a problem for Saints in training camp

Coming into camp, everyone knew the offensive line was the most concerning group. Unfortunately, those concerns haven’t been quieted yet. In fact, they may be even stronger now.

Trevor Penning, who’s now in year three and over at right tackle, appears to still be a work in progress. With Ryan Ramczyk missing the entire season with a knee injury, Penning is really the team’s last hope at right tackle.

The left guard position, which is open for the taking, has also emerged as another problem area on the line. With Saldiveri, the presumed leader in the battle, sidelined, the Saints have rotated several guys in the spot and they haven’t looked good.

Wildly enough, rookie left tackle Taliese Fuaga seems to be an early strength on the offensive line. Veterans and coaches have raved about the first-round tackle, and they trust he’ll be ready to deliver once the season arrives. The rest of the offensive line needs to get on that trajectory or it will be a long season for the Saints.

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