The New Orleans Saints held their final practice in Metairie before heading to California for their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday. During today’s session, Spencer Rattler became the first quarterback to receive starting reps in consecutive practices, although he shared first-team snaps with Tyler Shough. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked On Saints podcast, indicated that Rattler has distinguished himself from the competition.
Jackson noted, “He’s shown to be the most consistent and the most prepared, which makes sense since he has more NFL starts than the others.” He expects that after the preseason game, the coaching staff will have a clearer idea of who will be the starter against the Chargers. Head coach Kellen Moore mentioned that no decision has been finalized regarding the starting quarterback for the upcoming match.
In terms of standout performers during training camp, Jackson pointed to wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson. He remarked that while both Young and Granderson have had solid performances in previous camps, the new scheme under coordinator Brandon Staley has allowed them to elevate their game further. “They get a real opportunity now to pursue and rush hard,” Jackson stated, highlighting their impressive contributions.
Despite the positive developments, questions remain for the Saints, particularly concerning depth behind their leading wide receivers and the running back position supporting Alvin Kamara. Jackson expressed a significant concern about the offensive line, recalling how the injury to center Erik McCoy last season led to a downturn that saw the team lose seven consecutive games. He emphasized that reliable depth at center remains a pressing issue for the team.
Adding to the challenges, rookie running back Devin Neal has sustained a hamstring injury and is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks.
As the Saints prepare for their first preseason matchup, the focus will be on addressing these depth concerns and identifying the key players who can step up in crucial roles. This preseason presents an opportunity for the team to solidify its roster and build momentum heading into the regular season.