The Saints finished their 2019 Preseason strong, ending with a 3-1 record and giving the coach optimism about the upcoming season.
In Week 1, the Saints toppled the Vikings with a score of 31 - 21. The defense was really the story of the game, as the Saints allowed less than 200 total yards and recorded 7 sacks despite allowing the Vikings to put up 3 scores. The Saints secondary also recorded 2 interceptions on errant throws created by continued QB pressures. Latavius Murry ran strong with the 2nds, toting the rock 18 times for 59 yards and a TD.
Week 2 saw the Saints drop their only preaseason loss vs a Chargers team many see competing with the Chiefs for the AFC West title. The Saints aerial attack was on display, as Thomas had 5 receptions for 75 yards and a score while FA acquisition Dez Bryant had 6 receptions for 75 yards. The defense struggled vs the potent Chargers team, as they allowed 233 yards through the air and 123 yards on the ground. However, the Saints front 4 still generated pressure, recording 3 sacks on the game.
In week 3, the starts saw the most action and we really got a teaser for the Saints season. Brees went 18/24 for 254 yards and 1 TD, while Kamara and Murray both added scores on the ground (21 rushes for 76 yards for Kamara, 14 for 59 for Murray). The defense again looked dominant, recording 3 sacks and 2 interceptions and under 200 total yards. The Jets O struggled all game, but Bell still managed to carve his way to a score and 80 yards on just 15 carries. Backup Teddy Bridgewater looked sharp, throwing for 3 TDs on just 4 completions (6 attempts).
Week 4 was a rest for most starters, but the Saints still recorded 3 sacks as they finalized their roster ahead of the regular season.
In Week 1 the Saints will host the much improved Houston Texans, and are the favorites at home.
"Every week, every guy here shows up and just puts in the work. That's all we can ask. Everything else comes down to game flow, game scripts, and anything can happen on game day. But we've got a great offense here, behind our leaders Brees, Kamara, and Thomas, and Bryant has really bought into the system here. I think we're gonna surprise some people with just how many ways we can beat you. There's always a matchup problem out there with those guys on the field. And this defense, I 'll tell you what, I'll stack them up against any other defense in this league. Our front 4 are elite, and they showed that as they hit the quarterback for over 16 sacks through 4 games this preseason. We've got a great young, athletic secondary, and they can make plays. Expectations are high this season, and we're gonna roll through these Texans into a tough matchup week 2 vs Todd Gurley and the Rams."
The Saints are fresh off a heartbreaking playoff run, but expectations are high leading into the fresh cmpaign. While many are pointing to the losses the Saints faced in the offseason, the new coaching stuff is confident that the addition of some fresh faces will keep the Saints competitive in perhaps the toughest division in football.
LOST FROM LAST SEASON: C Max Unger, RB Mark Ingram III, DE Alex Okafor, TE Benjamin Watson, S Kurt Coleman, LB Manti Te'o
FRESH FACES: C Nick Easton, C Erik McCoy, TE Jared Cook, DT Malcom Brown, RB Latavius Murray, DT Mario Edwards, S Chauncy Gardner-Johnson, CB Marcus Sherels
Many believed the loss of Watson and Ingram would lead to the Saints offense struggling in the coming season, but reports out of training camp are that seasoned veterans Jared Cook and Latavius Murray have rapidly acclimated to the Saints playbook and offer elite talent. HC Jordan Scrymel noted that Cook is making plays and regularly beating LBs and CBs, and QB Brees praised Cooks hands, calling him "the best TE I've played with since Jimmy Graham". Murray is reportedly every bit the thunder to Kamara's lightning according to local beat writers.
While the Saints are primed for success, they've borrowed heavily agains the teams future to make perhaps their last push at playoff relevance before the aging Brees hangs up his cleats and their rising stars eat into their cap. The Saints have an above average secondary and defensive line, but Scrymel has lamented the lack of talent among his LB corps. "We can definitely be had over the middle of the field, and we're really going to need some guys to step up." Rookies Erik McCoy and Chauncy Gardner-Johnson are locks to make the final roster, but training camp will reveal where these Saints want to take this team in the future. While having one of the most talented QBs, HBs, and WRs in the game today, the Saints are thin in depth, and injuries could quickly derail the season.
Elite Players - With premiere talent at QB, HB, WR, and DE, all 4 Saints Superstars will need to continue their high level of play and avoid injury to keep opposing teams honest. The Saints have moved from a primarily aerial attack to a lot more balance in recent years, and should continue to keep sustained drives with short yardage throws and plays after the catch.
WR step up - While Thomas is an elite level NFL talent, and for all intents and purposes Kamara is the WR2, the Saints will need one of their other receivers to step up. Will Ted Ginn return to relevance, or will 2nd year man Tre'Quan Smith elevate his play? Keep an eye on TE Cook as well.
Front 7 - The defensive line is littered with talent, but as mentioned the Saints are lacking behind the front 4. The DTs and DEs will need to pressure the quarterback into errant throws or force them to look outside the numbers, or blow up the run before opposing HBs can hit the second level and get chunk plays.
Lack of depth - Outside of the secondary, the Saints are lacking in depth at key positions. While journeyman Teddy Bridgewater could step in for Brees, the 12 time Pro-Bowler is a cornerstone of this offense. The loss of either Kamara or Thomas would spell disaster for the offense.
The Division - Perhaps the strongest division in football on paper, the NFC South is full of teams hungry for playoff success and the coveted Superbowl Ring. The Falcons, Panthers, and Bucs are all primed for success now, and the division is wide open for anyone to take.
The Saints will kick off their season with a game against the much improved Texans team, and it is expected that the duo of Watson and Hopkins will test the Saints secondary early and often. The Texans have a weak offensive line, so the front 4 will be looking to harass Watson into making mistakes. Lattimore is up to the task of shadowing Hopkins, and if the offense can click this should be a winnable game at home for the Saints to kick off their season.