The New Orleans Saints are approaching their final preseason game of the season as they are set to travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys on Friday, Aug. 28.
In that game, it may be in the team’s best interest to field its starters, even briefly, for the first time throughout the exhibition season.
Last year, in the closing preseason game against the Denver Broncos, starters played around 16 snaps on offense and 21 on defense.
This year, the Saints should strongly consider doing the same for two key reasons.
Execution
The Saints have proven to have some concerns with penalties across the roster. In both preseason games, which starters have not yet participated in, penalties have been a big part of the story.
Similarly, throughout training camp, where starters have seen all of their work, penalties and issues lining up have been more present than the team would hope coming out of 2025 being penalized at a top-10 rate across the league.
It will be important for quarterback Tyler Shough and the Saints’ starters to get exposure to game situations and pressure while still putting together clean, efficient drives.
Exposure
Joint practices are valuable, but nothing truly replicates a game. Sustaining drives, stringing together plays, building momentum and responding to mistakes are difficult to simulate through situational drills and the occasional two-minute period.
The Saints already face a difficult start to the season against the Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens. Entering those games while still trying to find their footing would only make that challenge tougher.
Allowing the team’s starter to get at least a drive or two of true game experience would be very valuable for the roster.
