For a brief time last week, it appeared that the lockout would be off and coaches would run minicamps this week. Instead, the lockout is back on, and players are working out without their coaches.
For the New Orleans Saints, group workouts have been organized by quarterback Drew Brees, who’s also one of the most active players in the ongoing labor fight with the owners. Saints offensive tackle Jon Stinchcomb told the New Orleans Times Picayune that getting together in the spring is necessary, even if the players are locked out.
“This is an opportunity for us to get quality work and continue to build the camaraderie and accountability that it takes to be champions,” Stinchcomb said. “This is the time of year where everybody’s putting in work. But we see this as a unique opportunity for us to be able to improve as a unit and not just individually. . . . This is for us. It’s not for show, it’s not for looking good for the fans or management. We want to make progress. We want to motivate each other. The guys can really push each other.”
Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma was more succinct on Twitter, writing, “Heading back to workouts wit my boys!! I dnt care wat they say, we’re playing fball this yr!”
Let’s hope he’s right.