By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS – The NFL preseason is drawing to a close, and the regular season is right around the corner. But before turning the page, many players could have their futures decided this weekend. For the Saints, this could also be a prime opportunity to settle some of their position battles. Head coach Dennis Allen has made it clear that the team feels it has a pretty strong grasp on its 53-man roster. While that may be the case, some notable position battles could still be settled or influenced on Sunday.
Here are some of the key storylines to watch for as the Saints close out their preseason hosting the Tennessee Titans in the newly renovated Caesars Superdome.
QB Battle: Final chance for quarterbacks Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler
This is it. Three preseason games and a few weeks of training camp practices should be enough for the Saints to make their decision as to who will be the backup quarterback behind starter Derek Carr. The competition so far has been evenly matched, but this is each player’s chance to create some separation.
The Saints are not expected to play the majority of their starters this week. That includes quarterback Derek Carr. Haener and Rattler will each get a half to make one more push.
More Key Camp Battles: A chance to seal or steal a role
Even if the 53-man roster is fairly solidified, there could still be some jostling within positions. At right tackle, safety, cornerback and wide receiver there are such opportunities for players that should be appearing in Sunday’s game.
It would make sense for right tackle Trevor Penning to be among the starters that see time against the Titans. A strong performance could solidify his role on the line. Simultaneously, a weak performance coupled with a strong one by veteran Oli Udoh could cause a late pivot.
The safety spot next to starter Tyrann Mathieu looks to belong to Johnathan Abram, but competitors Jordan Howden and Will Harris could make waves.
The bottom of the cornerback depth chart could see a shake up with Shemar Jean-Charles, Rajzohn Wright and Rico Payton all making a push with strong play this offseason
While the top four wideouts are set, a fifth or sixth could play themselves into a spot.
Offensive Line Progress
As noted above, the Saints offensive line had some struggles against the Titans’ pass rush to start the season last year. Tennessee’s starters are expected to get some time. The game could be a great opportunity to track the progress of the line, not just from the first two preseason games to the last, but from last year to this season.
Bub Means Momentum
The fifth-round selection has made good on his return to practice after dealing with a shin/lower leg injury earlier this offseason. He has made some nice catches in practices including some catch and run opportunities. That has a lot of value for a team that is looking at more production from receivers after the catch. Wideouts Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr. and A.T. Perry all seem like they are locked in as the team’s top wideouts. Means should be looking to snag either the fifth or sixth (if the Saints keep as many receivers) spot on the roster.
Rico Payton Gets Another Chance to Impress
The undrafted rookie cornerback has been outstanding throughout the first two games of the preseason. Through the first pair of matchups, he was the most targeted corner in the league Even so, he allowed only three catches and had one of the highest forced incompletion percentages (39%) among qualifying players at his position.
He missed some time in practice after suffering a shoulder injury in the team’s tilt with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he worked his way back in a hurry and should be good to go against Tennessee. He now has a chance to show that the injury did not derail his chances of latching on to the roster, despite the heated competition with Jean-Charles and Wright.
New competitor Joejuan Williams has been impressive at corner, as well, making Payton’s performance against the Titans even more important.
The Kicking Competition
Finally, the specialists battles are winding down. Kickers Blake Grupe and Charlie Smyth have been going back and forth with Grupe taking the late, convincing lead. However, punter could still go either way. The team loves the consistency they get from incumbent Lou Hedley who also offers familiarity in the field goal operation. But rookie Matthew Hayball’s punting style is hard to ignore. The two could get another chance to shoot it out on Sunday.
