By Ross Jackson
As the New Orleans Saints continue their exhibition season, there are some big themes to watch. From position battles to the team’s new offense and offensive line, big questions linger as gametime against the San Francisco 49ers.
Here are a few important developing stories to watch as the preseason game kicks off.
The second entry of Jake Haener vs. Spencer Rattler as QB2 battle wages on
Against the Arizona Cardinals, both of the Saints’ young passers impressed. They both looked comfortable and composed, led scoring drives to close their halves and committed no turnovers.
However, it was Rattler that left the lasting impact of a game-winning drive.
Expect the roles to reverse this week. Throughout practices leading to this weekend’s matchup Rattler took snaps during the team’s end of half simulations while Haener ran the end of game situations.
The gap between the found quarterbacks is narrow as both have consistently impressed. This is a chance for one to stand apart from the other.
Do the Saints use more of their offensive system?
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Saints are not expected to deploy their new-look offense. That should not be surprising for a preseason game. But do not be shocked if a little gamesmanship is presented in its stead.
Safeties Johnathan Abram and Jordan Howden look to stand out.
Much like the backup quarterback battle, the competition for who will line up next to starting safety Tyrann Mathieu is still looking for someone to separate.
This is a battle with renewed energy after the team missed out on Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons last week.
Abram feels like a natural fit beside Mathieu. He got the starting defense snaps last week, finished the season at the position in the final two games last year and is a more traditional box safety that can fill the role next to Mathieu’s deep safety play.
However, Howden has been getting more comfortable playing closer to the line of scrimmage, while already being seen as a middle-of-the-field safety. Perhaps his developing versatility will help him stand out.
Can wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. go from camp star to preseason star?
After another strong week of camp, Austin Jr. is looking to translate his practice performances to the preseason field. He caught a tough pass between two defenders deep down the left sideline from quarterback Derek Carr and made an outstanding toe-dragging catch in the left sideline. Austin had a couple of great connections with Haener in different areas of the field, as well, including a deep post route to the middle and a red zone touchdown catch in the back corner of the endzone.
He has made plays all week, all over the field and with every quarterback. With injuries ahead of him at the position, he should get a major opportunity to put his skills on display this week.
With starters expecting to play, tracking improvement in the offensive line.
Last week’s showing left a lot to be desired in the protection area. Many are hoping that the team’s new offensive scheme will help them counteract some of the struggles the line has shown early. However, there are many game situations in which elements of a system will not be available to them. Instead, the offensive line has to simply win.
With the back tightness issue popping up for rookie tackle Taliese Fuaga, his presence against the 49ers remains to be seen. But for a player like right tackle Trevor Penning, this game could mean a lot for his future outlook. With veterans Oli Udoh and Landon Young waiting in the wings, time is ticking for the third-year tackle. Things need to click soon. Will this game be the game?
