Biggest takeaways from the Saints first game
By: Jake Rajala
The New Orleans Saints faced off against the LA Chargers in their first preseason game. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the Saints, to say the least. They were dismantled and beaten by a score of 27-13. With that said, I’m going to unfold three takeaways from the Saints first game.
- Quarterback problems
It would be impossible to miss the fact that the Saints have a QB issue. Spencer Rattler wasn’t pushing the ball down the field, and he fumbled the football. At least, he had some nice scrambles. Tyler Shough threw an int a couple of practices ago. Well, he unleashed a pick-six in the first game. He did throw a 54 yard touchdown, although. Jake Haener also decided to turn the ball over in the final moments of the game.
- Kelvin Banks Jr.
The Saints 2025 first-round pick, Kelvin Banks Jr, showed out. According to PFF, he had a 84.9 pass blocking grade, 12 pass blocking snaps, and 0 pressures allowed! Not only did he dominate, but he allowed Taliese Fuaga to kick to right tackle, which is where he is most comfortable. He could be their best LT since Terron Armstead.
- Back-up RBs
Hopefully, Alvin Kamara never gets hurt. The RBs behind Kamara on the depth chart have proven to not be effective right now. Kendre Miller didn’t only not stand out, but he has injury issues. I’d love to see the Saints bring in a couple of new RBs. They brought in Cam Akers, but I want to see a legit RB2 on the roster.
- Kellen Moore
I didn’t love Kellen Moore’s play-calling. I would have liked to see more shot plays from Spencer Rattler. On 4th and goal, I would have loved to see a tush push or a quick pass, rather than a run from shotgun. The Saints coaching staff has been ranked dead last by ESPN. Moore didn’t do anything to change their minds.
- Starters
I’d really like to see the starters play a few series. It’s hard to judge the Saints QBs with little firepower. Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed were MIA. I understand Olave and Shaheed both missed significant time last season, but they need to have chemistry, especially with the Saints QBs having little NFL experience.
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