What We Learned from the New Orleans Saints Third and Final Preseason Game
We’re in the dome for the second consecutive week and the final preseason game! New Orleans Saints fans again returned to cheer on their local team in “The Big Easy” for a sporting event that won’t be seen again until next year. The opposing team’s head coach likely viewed this as a reunion in which he was warmly welcomed by the citizens whose team he led to their only Super Bowl victory. The Saints had less than a week to prepare, which involved analyzing mistakes that were made during the previous game on that same field. For each player, this may have been the last opportunity to prove why he shouldn’t be cut before Tuesday’s deadline. The outcome was another disappointing loss, with a couple of concerns that were likely addressed afterwards in the locker room.
The Battle to Become the Starting QB Was Close and Fierce!
Throughout the broadcast, the announcers said that the Saints are the only team in the league that hasn’t chosen their starting quarterback. This meant that the position could be filled by any of the three candidates who would show the coaching staff why he is the most qualified. Veteran QB Spencer Rattler started today’s game and remained in-play for around 24 minutes. During his tryout, he and his offense were able to score two field goals. Rookie Tyler Shough would take over to finish out the second quarter and remain for around the first 20 minutes of the second half. His performance would yield a field goal, running 11 yards for a touchdown, and the extra point. Veteran QB Jake Haener would take to the field with about nine and a half minutes left in the game, during which he would add another field goal to the scoreboard. A graphic displayed toward the end of the fourth quarter compared Rattler’s and Shough’s stats for that game which indicated that it was a tight competition. However, when you look at how the points were scored, it’s obvious who will be chosen to start on the seventh of September.
Inability to Convert
One of the reasons for the lack of touchdowns was the inability to convert from fourth to first down to get them closer to the end zone. What made it worse was their repeated “disconnect” to convert after the third down to avoid the pressure of making the decision on the fourth down. This was a repetitive dilemma frequently faced by Kellen Moore on the sidelines, who doesn’t appear to have a long-term plan for each possession. Taking the option of the field goal does put points on the board, but that should be viewed as a necessity only if the point gap is close or could put them over by one point to win the game in the final seconds. The quarterbacks must rely on their wide receivers to complete passes for yards that will result in conversions. When you looked at head coach Sean Payton while holding his chart, you could see he was planning ahead to see his Broncos score. Taking it one play at a time is a sign of caution; however, you may miss the chance to score six points.
There’s an Incredible Season to Look Forward to
The Saints are off to a rocky and tumultuous start, which is typical for a team in this situation. Veteran players will need to continue to adjust to their new coach, and the newly-signed players will have to seek advice from their new teammates. When you look at the news reports from the team, you’ll notice that the focus is on players who are determined to become part of this organization. There hasn’t been any drama regarding their off-the-field antics or controversy from anything any of them has said. The attention has been on the men who want to wear the fleur de lis on their black and gold jerseys while giving the fans a reason to cheer for them. At the moment the positions are confirmed, we will then see a strong effort given every week.
