The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their West Coast trip with a 16-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night in a nationally televised preseason matchup. The game, played in Santa Clara, marked the end of the Saints' nearly month-long training camp stint at the University of California, Irvine. While the loss might sting, the contest offered several key insights into the state of the team as the regular season approaches.
Offensive Improvement: A Glimpse of Potential
The most notable takeaway from the game was the improved performance of the Saints' first-team offense. After a lackluster showing in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals, where Derek Carr managed just two completions on six attempts for 12 yards, the veteran quarterback bounced back. Carr completed 7 of 9 passes for 47 yards in this outing, displaying better rhythm and connection with his receivers.
One of the main focuses for the Saints' offense this offseason has been establishing a strong running game, and Sunday night provided a preview of what head coach Dennis Allen envisions. The first-team offense leaned heavily on the ground attack, with running backs Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims, and even Taysom Hill getting involved. Williams, looking to rebound from a disappointing 2023 season, had an impressive 32 yards on five carries, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Hill, showcasing his versatility, rushed five times for 21 yards, including a touchdown.
Carr also showed promising chemistry with wide receiver Chris Olave, connecting on several plays. Olave, who finished with three catches for 26 yards, appears to be solidifying his role as Carr's go-to target. Rookie Bub Means, making his preseason debut, caught two passes for 16 yards, a sign that the Saints' depth at receiver is developing nicely.
Offensive Line: Steps in the Right Direction
The offensive line, a unit under heavy scrutiny due to inconsistent play, showed improvement in this game. Despite being without first-round pick Taliese Fuaga, who was sidelined with a back issue, the line held up well against the 49ers' formidable front. Backup lineman Landon Young filled in for Fuaga and delivered a solid performance, helping to stabilize the unit.
Trevor Penning, often criticized for his struggles, also took a step forward. Penning appeared more confident and displayed the grit and toughness that Saints fans hoped to see when he was drafted. His strength in run blocking was particularly evident, and this performance could be a much-needed confidence booster as the season approaches.
Backup QB Battle: A Work in Progress
While Derek Carr's position as the starting quarterback is secure, the competition for the backup role between rookie Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener remains unresolved. Neither quarterback managed to separate themselves in this game, with both struggling to find consistency.
Rattler, who was Carr's backup for this game after a solid Week 1 performance, couldn't replicate his earlier success. He completed just 4 of 8 passes for 27 yards and had a costly fumble that set up the 49ers in prime field position. Haener, who took over midway through the third quarter, also struggled. Despite showing flashes of poise in the pocket, he overthrew several receivers and failed to capitalize on a potential game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Both young quarterbacks have shown promise, but it’s clear that they still have much to learn. For now, this is Derek Carr's team, and the backup role remains up for grabs.
Defense: Strong Showing from the Starters
The Saints' first-team defense continued to impress, following up last week's dominant performance with another solid showing. Despite missing some of San Francisco's key offensive weapons, the Saints' defense made life difficult for 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who managed just 2 of 6 passes for 11 yards.
Edge rushers Carl Granderson and Chase Young were particularly disruptive, with Young showing why he was one of the most highly touted free-agent acquisitions of the offseason. The veteran defensive lineman, Cam Jordan, showcased his versatility in his new role at defensive tackle, while rookie Bryan Bresee also made his presence felt in the Saints' "NASCAR" package.
The secondary, led by a strong showing from the first-team unit, played well, though there was a scare when rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry left the game with a knee injury. Fortunately, head coach Dennis Allen later confirmed that the injury wasn't serious.
Among the defensive standouts was second-year linebacker Anfernee Orji, who led the team with seven tackles and added a few pass deflections, demonstrating his range in coverage. Rookie cornerback Rico Payton also continued to make his case for a roster spot, following up his strong Week 1 performance with another solid game.
Areas of Concern: Defensive Line Depth
While there were plenty of positives, some areas still need work. Defensive linemen Isaiah Foskey and Peyton Turner, both expected to step up this season, failed to make a significant impact. With the Saints relying on these players to bolster their defensive line rotation, their lackluster performances are concerning as the regular season looms.
Running Back Depth: Stepping Up in Kamara’s Absence
With Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller sidelined, running backs James Robinson and Jordan Mims took advantage of their increased opportunities. Mims, in particular, showed promise with 37 yards on 10 carries, while Robinson chipped in 27 yards on five carries. Both backs made a case for themselves as reliable depth options behind Kamara and Williams.
Final Thoughts
As the Saints return to New Orleans to prepare for their final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, there are plenty of reasons for optimism. The offense showed signs of life, the offensive line took a step forward, and the defense continues to play at a high level. However, there are still questions to be answered, particularly at the backup quarterback position and along the defensive line.
The next week will be crucial as the Saints fine-tune their roster and build on the positives from their West Coast trip. Fans can look forward to seeing how this team continues to gel as the regular season approaches.
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