Moore can motion him across the formation, give him screens and carries or use the threat of those touches to change a defender’s eyes. His return ability reinforces the same point: Give him space and let his speed alter the play. The timing with Shough is less established. Through nine practices, Brown had caught 12 of 16 passes from Spencer Rattler and only one from Shough. Giving him a large early-season route load would ask both players to accelerate a connection Lance spent the final weeks of camp building.
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.
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