3. Play of the Day:
Continuing the special teams theme, we’ll give this one to a rarity. As a matter of fact, in the now seven years I’ve covered Saints training camp, I don’t believe I’ve seen this once during practice. A blocked extra point during a field goal drill. During Charlie Smyth’s kicking drill and headed to the east goal posts, the first rep of the day is always an extra point and mostly taken for granted. Not on this day. Safety and blocking kicks specialist Justin Reid raced from the right edge and blocked the kick with such force the sound echoed throughout the facility like a thunderclap, drawing the ooos and aaaahs from the big crowd. Reid has made a habit of doing exactly that in his NFL career. Reid pays close attention to snap counts and long snapper movements and has had results with his meticulous preparation. Two years ago as member of the Kansas City Chiefs, he blocked a 38-yard attempt by the Broncos Wil Lutz (yes, that Wil Lutz) in a week 8 matchup. He also blocked a field goal as a member of the Houston Texans. The most interesting fact about Reid, though, is not only can he block kicks, but he has handled kickoffs AND extra points as well, in both a backup and starting role. He kicked off when Harrison Butker went down with injury, then started full time when the new kickoff rules were implemented a year ago. Reid can kick, cover, AND make tackles, making him one of the most versatile special teamers in the NFL.
