They really love their football down here in Bobby Boucher country.

The Saints opened their 2001 training camp in Thibodeaux, La., on Saturday. The campus around the football stadium at Nicholls State University was crowded with Saints fans who were in mid-season form: foam fingers, coolers and grills.

The big issue right now for the Saints is who will play quarterback, Jeff Blake or Aaron Brooks? It is a good, old-fashioned quarterback controversy. But not for the men in the middle of it all.

After their first practice in the grueling July heat (even Ricky took his helmet off), Brooks and Blake were heading over to the media tent behind the field. As the other players ambled back to the dorm, some signing autographs and posing for pictures, some staring ahead and dreaming of more Gatorade, Brooks and Blake slowly left their teammates to face the first cameras and microphones of the season. Yes, the off-season is officially over.

Blake made his way more directly and got about 10 yards ahead of Brooks. A few members of the press scrambled up to Saints PR personnel and said "Let's split 'em up, okay? Jeff over here and Aaron over there." Before anyone could react, Blake stopped walking for a moment and said to no one in particular "Naah. We want to do this together." He waited for Brooks and they entered the tent together, stood side by side and took turns talking about each other in the nicest possible way.

It appeared genuine. Blake spoke of his 10 years in the league and how hard he has worked to get where he is. Brooks spoke of his respect for Blake's accomplishments and how he just wants a chance to do something himself.

They spoke of the fraternity of NFL QBs. Blake is taking care of Brooks because he was taken care of when he broke in. Simple, really. No controversy.

They both spoke of how they really just want to make plays and help the Saints win. They had an easy camaraderie. There was nothing forced about their interaction. It wasn't planned. It was how they wanted it.

As they rode off to the dorm on the same golf cart, Jeff Blake and Aaron Brooks seemed as cool as the July Louisiana weather was hot. It's worth staying tuned, but right now the Saints don't have a problem at QB; they have depth.

One more note:

Dear Deuce: Sign your contract and get in to camp. The Saints are going to be good and they are moving on without you.

John Hassan is covering NFL training camps for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail john.hassan@espnmag.com.