What We Learned from the New Orleans Saints Second Preseason Game
We’re back in the dome, New Orleans Saints fans! To show their support, some of the attendees wore outrageous-looking black and gold costumes, which is customary in this “party” atmosphere. On the field to compete were two southeastern teams that are oddly not in the same division. The Saints’ previous game in Los Angeles provided them a week to review the plays that resulted in their loss. After analyzing where their mistakes were made, the coaching staff and players applied the lessons learned to avoid losing on their home turf. Although it would’ve been compelling to see the game go into overtime to break the tie, the outcome is better than a second consecutive loss. Here are some aspects of the game I’ll be reflecting on throughout this week:
The Battle to Become the Starting QB Continues
Last week’s tryout among the three competitors for the coveted position had a clear winner. Rookie Tyler Shough was awarded the prize of starting the game after his performance against the Chargers, even though the outcome was a loss. Short completed passes resulted in yardage closer to the goal line and kept him and the offense on the field. The Jaguars’ defense was there to play as they would during the regular season, and it worked for them by denying their opponent a touchdown for most of the game. Spencer Rattler would take over in the second half and remain until the clock ran out. This QB must have spent the week alone in a closet watching and rewatching his performance during last week’s game and realized where improvements could be made. He wasn’t going to waste another opportunity to show off what he is capable of, which resulted in an incredible comeback under his leadership.
There Were Wasted Opportunities to Score
Head coach Kellen Moore determined that it was a better idea to score field goals to narrow the scoring divide instead of taking the risk of converting on fourth down. Making the call of going for a field goal on fourth and 10 must feel as though you don’t believe you and your teammates can get the football far enough to reset to first down. What makes the decision worse is to surrender your control of the ball after your defense intercepted it and rely on your offense to take it the rest of the way for a touchdown. Having to settle for three points prevents your opponent from being able to have a decent spot from where they can launch their offense. It also puts unnecessary pressure on the QBs to make long passes that could easily be blocked by this incredible defense.
The Team Didn’t Feel “Cohesive” Until Their Final Possession of the Game
One of the commentators mentioned that teams “play with a tempo” that can be seen on the screen. The Saints’ playing this afternoon appeared unorganized and without a plan in the first and second quarters. Something must have been said by the coaching staff in the locker room at the half because the “Who Dat” mentality showed up for the remaining two quarters. This was the rhythm that made the necessary plays and hyped both the offense and defense to step up. Particularly in their final possession, nine plays and 82 yards resulted in Dante Pettis with the ball in the end zone and Rattler running it in for two points to tie it up. With 21 seconds left in the game and the Jaguars now possessing the ball, they had the opportunity to score a field goal. This was thwarted by Jonas Sanker, who intercepted it with six seconds left in the game and denied them the victory. This is the Saints we’re accustomed to seeing and will hopefully return next week in all four quarters to host the Broncos!
