Category: Saints on Social Media

Cameron Jordan puts Troy Polamalu on notice with must-see new hairstyle

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan is looking to take up Steelers great Troy Polamalu’s legacy of epic hair styling in 2020.

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Look out, Troy Polamalu: the Pittsburgh Steelers legend was known as much for the plays he made on the field as he was for his signature curly locks, but there’s a new challenger coming for his legeacy.

That would be New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan, who debuted his newest hairstyle for the 2020 season on Saturday. Jordan prepared for Saints training camp by going for natural waves hanging down to his shoulders, with tastefully-sculpted mutton chops accenting the look.

It’s perfectly on-brand for Jordan, who has gotten creative with his hair throughout his NFL career. Ranging from flat top and high fades to long dreadlocks dyed black and gold, he’s never passed on the opportunity to express his sense of fashion. Last year, he even added a long Fu Manchu-style mustache to his toolbox, waxing it into a handlebar for his official NFL roster headshot.

Jordan did credit an activator product for his super-natural new look, but the details of his haircare regimen is being kept close to the vest. And more’s the pity, because whom amongst us wouldn’t want to try it out for themselves?

Naturally, Jordan’s personal news drew rave reviews and reactions:

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Best Saints Twitter follows for 2020 training camp

The New Orleans Saints are gathering for their 2020 training camp, and it’s important for fans to know who to follow on Twitter to keep up.

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The 2020 edition of New Orleans Saints training camp is going to look just as strange as the rest of the NFL’s offseason in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, with fans not allowed to observe practice daily and outside access limited at team facilities.

So it’s more important than ever to keep informed by staying on top of social media updates from media members, team bloggers, and superfans. When news breaks (and it will), they’ll have it first.

Here’s your list of the best Twitter follows ahead of Saints training camp:

  1. Saints Wire
  2. USA Today Sports
  3. John Sigler (Saints Wire)
  4. New Orleans Saints
  5. John DeShazier (NewOrleansSaints.com)
  6. NewOrleans.Football
  7. Nick Underhill (NewOrleans.Football)
  8. PFF NO Saints (Pro Football Focus)
  9. Mike Triplett (ESPN)
  10. Rod Walker (The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
  11. Luke Johnson (The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
  12. Amie Just (The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
  13. Katherine Terrell (The Athletic)
  14. Larry Holder (The Athletic)
  15. Jeff Duncan (The Athletic)
  16. Sean Fazende (FOX 8)
  17. Gus Kattengell (ESPN Radio)
  18. Michael Detillier (WWL)
  19. Amos Morale (WWL)
  20. John Hendrix (Sports Illustrated)
  21. Bob Rose (Sports Illustrated)
  22. Canal Street Chronicles
  23. Christopher Dunnells (Canal Street Chronicles)
  24. Ross Jackson (Canal Street Chronicles)
  25. Brenden Ertle (Canal Street Chronicles)
  26. Kade Kistner (Canal Street Chronicles)
  27. Who Dat Dish
  28. Chris Rosvoglou (The Spun)
  29. Saints Twitter Podcast
  30. Datboywolf
  31. Kevin Washington

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Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram still working out together

Former New Orleans Saints teammates and Pro Bowl running backs Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram (now a Baltimore Ravens star) reunited in Miami.

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Did you follow that?! @alvinkamara and @markingram21 making this insane 4 layer cognitive dynamic reaction drill look easy! 🤯 Definitely the most impressive drill of the off season IMO! Ok so let’s break it down… . 1️⃣ They land from the step off of the box, decelerate their body weight and immediately react to the first color cue: 🔴 = cut right 🔵 = cut left 🟢 = go straight over the hurdle . 2️⃣ A the second set of hurdles they will jump cut to either the left or the right based on which hand I bounce the ball with (I have one in each hand) . 3️⃣ Then the color of the ball off of the bounce will determine which hand they catch it with 🔴 = right hand 🔵 = left hand 🟢 = both hands . 4️⃣ Lastly, they will react to the color of the ball once they catch it 🔴 = cut right 🔵 = cut left 🟢 = continue straight . This drill is designed to simulate game play with the reactive cutting, multi directional movements and split second cognitive decisions. . Can you see how this could be beneficial? What are your thoughts? Let me know below! . @athletixrehab #getbackinthegame #stayinthegame @nfl @ravens @saints

A post shared by Dr Sharif Tabbah DPT, CSCS (@doctor_reef) on

They may not play on the same team anymore, but Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are still as close as they’ve ever been. The two former teammates reunited for a workout at Athletix Rehab in Miami, where Kamara trains in the offseason under the supervision of Dr. Sharif Tabbah.

Tabbah’s creative exercises for Kamara have gone viral before, so it was probably only a matter of time before Ingram joined him to see what the fuss was about. Ingram had a solid first year with the Baltimore Ravens after eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints, running 202 times to gain 1,108 yards and score 10 touchdown carries. He also caught 26 passes for another 247 yards and five more scores. But it’s clear he’s still looking for ways to improve into his 30’s.

In this drill, Tabbah tasked Ingram and Kamara with either sprinting, hurdling, or cutting directions in response to a ball flashing alternate colors — and they had to start while jumping down from an exercise box and pivoting based on the different commands. It’s a lot to process even watching from home, much less trying out yourself.

Tabbah explained the goals of this particular exercise: “This drill is designed to simulate game play with the reactive cutting, multi directional movements and split second cognitive decisions.”

We’ll see if it pays off. Kamara has become one of the NFL’s best running backs while honing his athleticism under Tabbah’s guidance, and it’s great to see he and Ingram have maintained their close friendship. Maybe someday they can reunite in New Orleans so Ingram can pick up the last 90 yards remaining between him and the franchise rushing title.

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Watch: Alvin Kamara showcased on NFL Top 100 Players of 2020

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara slipped nearly 30 spots in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020, but he still got his due credit.

He may have fallen 28 spots from his ranking in last year’s list, but Alvin Kamara’s peers didn’t get it twisted: he still belongs on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 despite a drop in performance.

And now that he’s healthy, Kamara is poised to return to upper echelon in next year’s listing. Considering that he was slotted in at No. 42 even after a down year, and well, he might not have much higher he can climb.

Kamara is the fifth running back selected for the 2020 Top 100 ranking, ahead of former teammate Mark Ingram (No. 44) as well as L.A. Rams-turned-Falcons runner Todd Gurley (No. 51), Raiders breakout rookie Josh Jacobs (No. 72), and Seahawks starter Chris Carson (No. 96). It’s unclear how many running backs will be ranked higher than Kamara, though high-end playmakers like Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, and Derrick Henry figure to make the list.

The three-time Pro Bowler was introduced on the Top 100 list by several opponents who he had frustrated throughout the 2020 season, including Buccaneers linebacker Devin White, who described Kamara as, “The number one thing I can say about him is how electrifying he is. In the passing game, in the running game. He’s a do-it-all back.”

Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett agreed, saying, “He can catch a checkdown and take it 20, 30 yards. Quarterback always has a nice safety blanket back there.”

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Drew Brees donates another $5 million to Louisiana healthcare efforts

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his family donated another $5 million to Louisiana healthcare efforts, partnering with Ochsner

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New Orelans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and his wife Brittany made waves earlier this year by pledging $5 million towards fighting the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic. And now they’ve done it again.

The Brees family announced their follow-up in a post from the future Hall of Fame quarterback’s official Instagram account, detailing their plans to help fund the construction of facilities in partnership with Ochsner Health throughout Louisiana. The first center will be built in New Orleans East.

It’s a huge gesture by Brees and his family, and just the latest example of their philanthropy. He’s given back often throughout his career as a professional athlete, and this is proof that he won’t stop using his resources to help others any time soon.

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NFL Top 100 Players of 2020: Marshon Lattimore is still in Mike Evans’ head

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans took issue with New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

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Few divisions around the NFL enjoy as strong of rivalries as the NFC South, with seemingly every team finding a bone to pick with each other. That extends to individual matchups between common opponents, like Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans and New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

When Lattimore was introduced on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 list at No. 76, Evans was brought on to help discuss what makes Lattimore great. But when it was pointed out that Lattimore shut Evans down in their first meeting last season (NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill charted 29 matchups between them, with Evans failing to catch his only target) the big Buccaneers wideout took issue with how that was framed.

“Woah, woah, woah, he had a really good game against me?” Evans asked. “The defense had a really good game against me.”

Evans continued, “I will talk good about him — he’s a good player. I guess he had a good game and the whole team had a good game.”

When pressed, Evans did highlight a few of Lattimore’s strengths, saying, “He plays really hard. He’s physical. He makes good breaks on the ball. And he can tackle at corner. That’s not something a lot of corners can do, and he can do it.”

Lattimore has won the lion’s share of games against Evans since entering the league in 2017, though his bad day at the office in the 2018 season-opener left a lasting impression on some fans. While most of the hype videos for this year’s opening-day kickoff will focus on Tom Brady dueling Drew Brees, the latest entry in the Lattimore-versus-Evans saga is sure to be must-watch TV.

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Watch: Ryan Ramczyk introduced on NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2020

New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk was introduced on the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2020 list by longtime Packers star Bryan Bulaga.

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New Orleans Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk may have been named an All-Pro twice in his three-year NFL career, but he recently earned new recognition with a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020 list, as voted on by his peers. It’s the first appearance on this list for Ramczyk, who started right away as a rookie in 2017 and hasn’t let off the gas.

And Ramczyk was introduced by someone who knows a great right tackle when he sees one: longtime Green Bay Packers starter Bryan Bulaga, who signed a $30 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason after nearly a decade up north.

“I would say, for me personally, we’ve got to watch him on film a few times this year; that’s Ryan Ramczyk from the Saints,” Bulaga said, “A right tackle from Wisconsin, a Big-10 guy. I watch a lot of Big-10 football being in this state, I remember watching him a lot at Wisconsin. Seeing him in the NFL, I think he’s transitioned really well.”

Bulaga pointed to Ramczyk’s success in pivoting from playing left tackle full-time in college to standing out on the right side, which is no small thing to accomplish. Ramczyk’s clean footwork and consistent snap-to-snap execution have helped him dominate at the pro level, and Bulaga made sure to hammer that point home. You can see his full remarks and some of Ramczyk’s highlights in the video embedded below:

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Michael Thomas has an idea for Saints’ counter to Seahawks-Jamal Adams trade

New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas isn’t impressed by the Seahawks-Jets Jamal Adams trade, asking for his team to sign Jadeveon Clowney.

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The Seattle Seahawks shook up everyone’s Saturday by agreeing to a blockbuster trade for New York Jets standout Jamal Adams, exchanging multiple first-round draft picks and starting safety Bradley McDougald. But New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is unimpressed by this latest move in the NFC arms race.

In fact, Thomas said he doesn’t want to see news reports blowing up his phone unless it has to do with his team signing Seahawks free agent Jadeveon Clowney. Seattle acquired the veteran pass rusher last offseason by swapping two players and a third-round draft pick with the Houston Texans; Clowney appeared in 15 games (including two postseason starts), notching 4.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. He also forced four fumbles, recovering two of them.

But Clowney hasn’t received much interest in free agency, and this move by the Seahawks might suggest a reunion is unlikely. Adams is going to demand a lucrative contract and Seattle doesn’t have the best salary cap situation as it is. Clowney’s only real reported interest has come from the Cleveland Browns, but he apparently wasn’t interested before they inked defensive end Myles Garrett to his own monster contract extension.

The Saints could fit Clowney under the salary cap on a one-year deal, but things get dicey given the uncertain state of the 2021 salary cap (which may fall to as low as $175 million). He’s done his best work as a situational pass rusher, and that would suit the Saints just fine given their bookends of Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport.

Clowney might not be able to hold up to a a full-time starter’s role, having racked up his lowest totals in regular season starts (11), sacks (3.0), solo tackles (21), and tackles for loss (7) since the 2015 season. The 605 defensive snaps he played last year were also his lowest since 2015.

Sure, he could bounce back at age 27. But the Saints probably shouldn’t move heaven and earth for someone trending downwards in so many areas, especially if he’s asking for a top-end salary. Or maybe Thomas will get his wish, and the Saints can find a way to add the three-time Pro Bowler just before training camp.

 

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Listen: Terron Armstead releases new single ‘My Zone’

New Orleans Saints left tackle Terron Armstead took a break from Pro Bowl trips and coaching clinics to record a fiery hip-hop single.

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If this whole football thing doesn’t work out for two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead, then the New Orleans Saints’ blind side protector might have a future in music. Armstead celebrated his 29th birthday by announcing his first adventure into the world of hip-hop.

Armstead’s debut track is titled “My Zone,” which is available for streaming on Apple Music and iTunes. It does contain some coarse language, so be advised before blasting some tunes across your office.

It’s been an interesting offseason for Armstead. He’s taken an active interest in work off the practice field, speaking at an NFL offensive line clinic as one of its more experienced participants while funding the construction of community centers in his Cahokia, Ill. hometown and his new community in New Orleans, and somehow found time to indulge his other interests by spitting fire on a three-minute single. Good for him.

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Cameron Jordan, Matt Ryan team up for historically-great NFL stat

New Orleans Saints DE Cameron Jordan has sacked Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan more often than any defender-passer duo in NFL history.

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It’s one thing to know that New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan has sacked Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan more than any other passer, recording 18 takedowns against Ryan in his career. That’s impressive in its own right, but maybe not too surprising given how often the Saints and Falcons have squared off over the years.

What adds another element to this fact is the knowledge that Jordan’s 18 sacks against Ryan or more than any other defender-quarterback combination in NFL history, per Elias Sports Bureau. Jordan won that title by sacking Ryan four times on Thanksgiving Day last season, part of his personal-best 15.5 sacks in 2019.

That’s going down as one of our favorite stats, which is probably common among Saints faithful. But thanks to the wonders of social media, we now know that it’s one of Jordan’s favorite stats, too:

Maybe Jordan and Ryan can extend their lead together with two more sacks in 2020. It’s great to see even a division rival step up to help someone out, but we’ll have to wait and see whether Ryan’s been as eager to support Jordan’s cause as we’re assuming.

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