Throughout all of last training camp, there were questions everywhere. Questions about how Kellen Moore would schedule practices, how the team would handle the heat, why they had so many rest days, and who would be the starting quarterback. But by the end of the season, those questions began to fade away and as the questions disappeared, a culture started to take shape.
For the first time since Sean Payton left the sidelines, the locker room feels close. The team may not have a fully defined identity
yet, but they do have a culture.
What does it mean for a football team to have a culture?
Culture is the shared attitude, work ethic, and commitment to a common goal. In order to become a true team, a group of individuals has to put pride and egos aside and embrace the expectation that the group’s success comes before individual recognition.
Culture is Spencer Rattler taking a backseat to Tyler Shough, being excited to watch him grow and thrive, while still preparing himself in case the team needs him.
Culture is Chris Olave showing up to training camp and participating in portions of practice while negotiating his new contract.
Culture is Chase Young emerging as a vocal leader in the locker room, mentoring the younger defensive linemen and helping the entire defense improve.
Culture is Alvin Kamara entering the season excited to play and remain a Saint.
It’s much easier for a culture to take shape when the leadership has a clear vision and a plan that has already produced success. While that success has been limited, it has been enough for the players to buy into the process.
Every player in this organization is preaching a team-first mentality and doing their part to elevate the team because they got a taste of success as last season came to a close and watched this team continue to grow.
Justin Reid spoke with the media following Wednesday’s practice and spent much of his time at the podium talking about his teammates and giving credit to the other players in the defensive back room. That is culture personified.
Before a team can establish an identity, it first has to come together and this team is beginning to do exactly that. They are laying the foundation for something very special.
Have you noticed a change in the attitude of the players and does it make you excited about where the direction of this team is headed?
