As the New Orleans Saints gear up for their next preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Preseason games may not count toward the regular season standings, but they are critical for evaluating talent, testing strategies, and building momentum. This matchup offers the Saints a prime opportunity to solidify key positions, fine-tune their playbook, and set the tone for the regular season.
Today’s post will cover four crucial areas for tonight’s preseason showdown against San Francisco. Each of these areas could significantly impact how the team performs not only in this game but as they head into the regular season.
Better Outing From the First-Team Unit on Offense
In their first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, the Saints’ first-team offense left much to be desired. The group’s lackluster performance has raised concerns about how efficiently Derek Carr can operate within the new offense orchestrated by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. With the regular season fast approaching, the pressure is on for the starting unit to prove they can execute at a high level, according to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football, tonight’s game against the 49ers should provide a larger sample size of what the first-team offense is capable of. Underhill reports that the starters are expected to get a decent amount of work, making this game a critical opportunity for the unit to build chemistry and showcase their potential.
Better Production out of Trevor Penning and Isaiah Foskey
Offensive tackle Trevor Penning and defensive end Isaiah Foskey need to step up their game tonight—plain and simple. Both players struggled in the opener against Arizona, and their performances left much to be desired. Penning has been under the microscope after reels surfaced showcasing his struggles against Arizona’s defensive front. His protection on the line is crucial for the success of the Saints’ offense, and a repeat of last week’s performance could raise serious concerns.
As for Foskey, while he played a significant number of snaps against the Cardinals, he failed to make a noticeable impact. The Saints are counting on Foskey to contribute to their pass rush, and tonight’s game is a crucial opportunity for him to demonstrate his potential and justify his role on the team.
Continued Growth from Backup QBs Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener
Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener delivered impressive performances in last Saturday’s game against the Cardinals, especially considering the circumstances. The solid outings from these backup quarterbacks have generated buzz, leaving many to wonder if we’re in store for an encore tonight. With the backup quarterback position being a crucial component for the Saints’ success this season—and potentially the future—continued growth from Rattler and Haener is vital.
As the Saints look to solidify their depth chart, the pressure is on both QBs to demonstrate consistency and command of the offense. Another strong showing tonight could solidify their roles and give the team confidence in their depth at this key position.
Who Steps Up at WR3?
The competition for the third wide receiver spot is one of the biggest question marks for the Saints as they prepare for the regular season. While it’s clear that Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have locked down the WR1 and WR2 roles, the battle for WR3 remains wide open. Has the coaching staff already decided on Cedrick Wilson, or is there room for another contender to step up and force a reconsideration?
Tonight’s game against the 49ers will determine who can seize this pivotal role. With so much on the line, the pressure is on for the wide receiver corps to deliver and prove they can be a reliable target in the Saints’ passing game. A standout performance could very well shake up the depth chart and provide clarity on this critical position.
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