Drew Brees has said that game-like scenarios in training camp help the New Orleans Saints prepare for the new season.
The NFC South side are preparing to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday in their first pre-season game.
The quarterback told reporters: "You love that competitiveness, it's what makes us all better. You try and create as much of a game-like scenario as you can. That way, once you do get into a game, there is a comfort level that you've been there.
"Going from a Saturday scrimmage to a Friday game, we're all excited. We're ready to get in the dome and put the pads on for real and go out there and start watching the team come together, watching some of these young guys perform and seeing how they might fit into the picture.
"This is the team that can accomplish great things and there's a lot of work that needs to be done. Here's our window of time to bring it together. We know there's going to be tough times, we know there's going to be adversity. Build that attitude, build that chemistry, and get ready to make a run at it."
The Saints finished third in the NFC South last season.
Sian Cowper
