This was a cool development -- Bryan Bresee started the New Orleans Saints preseason game with the San Francisco 49ers at defensive tackle over Khaulen Saunders, and Dennis Allen was asked about the decision after the game.

Allen's response signified growth within Bresee. It sounds like he is inching closer to being a three-down player.

"He's been a little bit more improved as a run player," Allen told reporters. That's what is needed for Bresee. He entered the league as a good pass rusher. His spin move was the talk of last year's preseason.

Even in Sunday's game his pass rush capabilities were shown as the second year defensive tackle harassed Brock Purdy to affect the throw. The better Bresee can play the run the easier it is to keep him on the field at all times.

Playing every down is about more than ability, though. Bresee has to be able to remain on the field with proper injury. Allen alluded to this by saying, "He's a player we have to work to get him into the best football shape he can be in because when he's rested and feeling good he's a pretty good player."

Allen wants Bresee to stay on the field for three to seven plays while maintaining a consistent level of performance. That relates back to conditioning.

That's part of the reason Bresee remained in the game during the San Francisco two minute drive at the end of the first quarter. If he can continue to improve on his run defense and stay in great shape, Bresee has the potential to be a force in the defensive interior.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints seeing growth from Bryan Bresee to become a three-down player