Were you upset by the number of veterans not present at OTAs? (1 Viewer)

[So_$@int Silly]

Hard to say. Have vets on the other 31 teams pretty much been attending OTAs? If so, then, yes, I'd say it's a concern that a number of Saints vets didn't show. Some of them, like Taysom, are rehabbing injuries, so I can see why they were excused. I know DA said he was satisfied with the explanations of the vets who chose not to attend, so it may be a non-issue. But, like I said, this is one of those things where I'd need more context to know if this is due to some kind of lack of respect for the new coach or a lack of veteran leadership, or just par for the course around the league.

Key word is "Voluntary" i take no stock in guys not being at "Voluntary" OTAs....talk to me when training camp comes around

 

[DavidM]

No

 

[abnrgr]

Seems like a lot of veterans around the league are skipping OTAs. This came up on the Pat McAfee show when they were discussing Lamar Jackson and Chris Simms. Said this is a non-issue. Trend is veterans do not need the reps and prefer to work out on their own with personal trainers. They get more out of tailored workouts with the comforts of home/personal routine. Additionally, they minimize exposure risk to COVID and unnecessary travel. Non-issue skipping a voluntary event.

 

[Nolan]

No. Haven't heard anyone talking about it negatively either. This is the first I'm hearing it brought up.

 

[LaPlace DCL]

Not one bit. A lot of players are still rehabbing from injuries and surgeries. As long as they are there for mini and training camp, that's what matters the most.

 

[BIGRON]

The younger players need the reps more than the vets going into training camp. Competition is going to be fierce and for the new players it is important that they get this advantage to compete at a high level for a roster spot.

 

[No2DC]

Nope, they're pros.

 

[RaginCajun83]

No

 

[SweetT]

Not upset one bit. DA said that he was OK with all of the reasons why those guys decided to skip it. I’m going to take his word on that.

 

[Domeination]

Key word is "Voluntary" i take no stock in guys not being at "Voluntary" OTAs....talk to me when training camp comes around

OTAs for all clubs are voluntary. The points stands: What has attendance at OTAs been like at other clubs? Unless we know that, we have no way to know whether the veteran absentees at the Saints OTAs are a real issue. It probably isn't, but more context would be helpful.

 

[Cougar 2]

In response to the missing players, DA said he spoke to each n every one of them, n is comfortable with their reasoning for not bein here. So for me, it’s all good.

That said, one of the few players I was hoping to see show up was Jarvis. OTAs are a good time jus to get to know his new team, his teammates n esp his QB.

 

[RaginCajun83]

In response to the missing players, DA said he spoke to each n every one of them, n is comfortable with their reasoning for not bein here. So for me, it’s all good.

That said, one of the few players I was hoping to see show up was Jarvis. OTAs are a good time jus to get to know his new team, his teammates n esp his QB.

He’ll have time for that during training camp

 

[HouseCall]

Watching the videos from OTAs makes me feel fine about some key vets missing the activities.

Those drills were clearly to see where the younger guys, rookies, guys coming back from injuries and new acquisitions were and to get them in the system and around the coaches prior to the grind of training camp.

I’m completely fine with the vets taking the definition of voluntary to heart. I have confidence that they’ll be ready to roll by training camp.

 

[Jesse Custer]

Nah. Would've liked to see Juice out there with Jameis and Olave, but I'm not gonna hold it against him.

 

[bobad]

The whole vets holding out of OTA's is sort of paradoxical.

If a vet doesn't work hard enough to improve his play and keep it at a high level, he would have never become a vet.