BubMeans

Aug 26

Lance received the first-team reps opposite Olave with Tyson and Vele out.

He caught three of four targets, including a third-down completion from Shough that moved the sticks. Dallas safety Alijah Clark broke up his only incomplete target, a downfield pass from Wilson. Kevin Austin, Barion Brown and Means also rotated with the first group. Austin caught both of his targets. Brown caught his only target. Means caught two of three and scored on the fade from Rattler. Moore said the first-team work against Dallas was valuable for Brown and Lance. “I thought both of them did some good things,” Moore said. “For all of our guys, I think our guys are just taking advantage of opportunities. I like the way our receiver room is competing right now.” Shough pointed to the same two players and described the quality the Saints will need from them. “Their competitive drive,” Shough said. “They’re stepping up. They have a no-flinch mentality. Barion’s out there laying bodies down, talking crap. Bryce is out there making big plays. Zero flinch when you look at those guys.” Shough said he has only taken a couple of reps with them. That work will increase now. Vele was given a veteran rest day and is expected to practice Thursday against the Rams. His return should stabilize the rotation. Until then, the production will continue to move among Olave, Fant, Lance, Brown, Austin, Means and the running backs.

Nick Underhill·Aug 16

The third-year pro was outstanding with four catches for 77 yards (he was inches away from 78 yards and a TD before replay ruled that he stepped out of bounds just shy of the pylon). His camp connection with quarterback Zach Wilson continued when they hooked up for both that 27-yard pass to the 1 and a 37-yarder that highlighted the two-minute drill before halftime. “I’m not gonna say I’m his favorite target – but I might be his favorite target at this point,” said Means, who said, “I’m making the best out of every opportunity I’ve been granted, and I feel like that’s the only thing I can do in my position right now. I can’t complain about the opportunities, but I can do what I can when the opportunity comes.” Means has had a nice camp, and this performance will force the Saints evaluators to take him even more seriously. But like running back, the wide receiver position is even more overcrowded with roster candidates. Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance and Barion Brown feel like locks (Maybe Tyson won’t be ready for Week 1, which could create an extra opening?) Kevin Austin also had a nice performance Saturday with three catches for 24 yards, including a clutch third-down conversion. Jalen Cropper also made some big catches on the final drive in the fourth quarter. Ronnie Bell has had a strong camp, though he had zero catches Saturday. Trey Palmer remains firmly in the mix (four catches for 33 yards Saturday). And Mason Tipton may return from injury at some point. If Means can back this up though, he can pass up a lot of people on that list.