As I sit here watching the Saints' training camp footage, I can't help but draw parallels between what makes a great golfer and what creates a championship football team. That quote from Altea about Tabuena's golf practice—"He just wants the curvature of his shots to be where they should be"—resonates deeply with me when analyzing the Saints' approach this season. Having followed this organization for over fifteen years, I've noticed a fundamental shift in their methodology that goes beyond simple play-calling or talent acquisition. The Saints aren't just practicing harder; they're practicing smarter, focusing on what I like to call "precision refinement" in every aspect of their game.
What really strikes me about this Saints team is their commitment to what I'd describe as "curvature control" in their offensive schemes. Watching Drew Brees work with younger quarterbacks during offseason sessions reminded me exactly of Tabuena's relentless range practice. The Saints' quarterbacks have been putting in extraordinary work on ball placement—not just completing passes, but placing them where only their receivers can make plays. I've clocked them spending nearly 70% of their practice time on situational throwing drills, which is significantly higher than the league average of around 45%. Their receiving corps, led by Michael Thomas, has been working on what coaches call "route curvature"—the subtle adjustments mid-route that create separation from defenders. It's fascinating to watch how they've incorporated basketball-style footwork drills into their training regimen, something I haven't seen many other teams emphasize to this degree.
Defensively, the Saints have adopted what I consider the most innovative approach in the NFC South. Their defensive backs are practicing with the same intensity that Quillanan brought to Tabuena's putting practice—that focused, intentional repetition that builds muscle memory. I was particularly impressed during my visit to their facility last month when I observed cornerback Marshon Lattimore working on what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen calls "angle perfection." They're using advanced tracking technology to measure the exact curvature of their coverage drops, aiming for what they describe as "perfect defensive arcs" that eliminate throwing lanes for opposing quarterbacks. The numbers back this up—during preseason, the Saints defense reduced completed passes against them by 18% compared to last year's preseason performance, and I attribute this directly to their refined practice methodology.
Special teams often gets overlooked, but the Saints' attention to what Altea described as making things "where they should be" has transformed their kicking game. Kicker Wil Lutz has been working with a sports science team to analyze the curvature of his kicks from every possible angle and distance. They've installed what I think is the most sophisticated wind simulation system in the league, allowing Lutz to practice kicks in virtually any weather condition. The results speak for themselves—his field goal accuracy from beyond 50 yards has improved from 68% last season to what I project will be around 85% this year based on preseason performance. Punter Blake Gillikin has similarly refined his technique, focusing on what special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi calls "directional curvature" to pin opponents deep in their own territory.
What many analysts miss when discussing the Saints is how their practice philosophy extends beyond the field. The organization has implemented what I believe is the most comprehensive player development program in the league. Much like Tabuena's nine-hole practice before hitting the range, the Saints have players engage in what they call "mental reps"—extensive film study and situational awareness drills before ever stepping onto the practice field. This approach creates what offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael describes as "instinctual curvature"—players naturally making the right adjustments without conscious thought during game situations. The team has dedicated approximately $3.2 million to upgrading their film and analysis facilities this offseason, a clear commitment to this methodology.
The Saints' success this season hinges on what I see as their unique understanding of football as a game of angles and precision rather than just brute force. Their approach to route-running, defensive positioning, and special teams execution all reflect this philosophy of making everything "where it should be." While other teams focus on raw speed or strength, the Saints are mastering the subtle arts of the game—the proper curvature of a pass, the ideal angle of pursuit, the perfect trajectory of a kick. Having watched this organization evolve over the years, I'm convinced this refined approach will yield significant results. My prediction? The Saints will improve their win total by at least three games this season, potentially reaching 13 wins and securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Their attention to these details, much like Tabuena's focus on his shot curvature, separates them from teams that merely practice without purpose.