GLENDALE — The Saints’ first preseason game is over, and it was no disappointment. A few plays were a little uneventful, but Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler provided a boost and helped New Orleans to a 16-14 victory over the Cardinals. Rattler led a game-winning charge that ended with a 37-yard field goal by Charlie Smyth. Here are some of the key highlights and takeaways from Saturday.
Among those not seen in uniform during Saturday’s game were Ugo Amadi (groin), Equanimeous St. Brown (hamstring), Bub Means (leg/shin), Pete Werner (shoulder), Rashid Shaheed (hamstring), Marshon Lattimore (hip flexor), Kendre Miller (hamstring), Paulson Adebo (groin), Nick Saldiveri (calf), Trajan Jeffcoat (elbow) and Mason Tipton (hamstring). Demario Davis was on the bench and players missing from last practice, Stanley Morgan Jr., Isaiah Stalbird and Shane Lemieux, all played.
First quarter
Carl Granderson and Nathan Shepherd set the tone early, combining for a sack on the second defensive play for a loss of 6 yards.
Kool-Aid McKinstry made his presence felt on the second defensive series when he blocked a pass on a throw from Desmond Ridder while applying pressure from Cam Jordan and Bryan Bresee.
A pressure by Chase Young on the same defensive series helped force a punt, as Bryan Bresee scored a sack after Ridder eluded him early on.
Really nice tackle by Kool-Aid McKinstry on a 3rd-and-7 play that only gained 3 yards. That’s just a small indication of what he can do in space.
Second quarter
Nice shoulder contact from Jake Haener to AT Perry for 10 yards. Perry was also in the picture and managed an air fumble after a catch by Dallin Holker.
After a defensive stop with less than a minute left, the Saints had a chance to work some on the field with two timeouts. Jake Haener hit a deep ball 58 yards to AT Perry as he got behind the defense and then went out of bounds. He tracked the ball well and caught it great. Watch it here.
Spencer Rattler had the snaps on the first offensive series of the half and made the most of it. His first pass was intended for AT Perry and he got a pass interference call that gave him a 34-yard gain. He then had a nice connection with Dallin Holker as he rolled left that gave him a 15-yard gain and he capped the drive with a 4-yard keeper that had to be reviewed but put the Saints ahead 13-7. Watch it here.
Here comes Niko Lalos. He had a nice sack on Clayton Tune that resulted in a loss of 8 yards.
Really solid play by Khaleke Hudson as he anticipated the snap and timed it to get into the backfield and sack Clayton Tune. Jack Heflin helped him out as well.
Nice work by Rico Payton helping prevent a 4th-and-2 play. Isaiah Foskey also dropped into coverage and was close to the area, which we don’t normally see.
Payton attempted another long pass that was sure to be a big throw. He was beaten on the route, but he caught himself and was able to break up and prevent the pass.
Excellent pass from Rattler to Samson Nacua on the last drive for 13 yards. That was a textbook example.
It wasn’t what I expected or hoped for from the first team offense, but I won’t be too quick to judge either. The missed connection from Derek Carr to Chris Olave needed to be sped up a bit. Carr was taken out of the game by Trevor Penning’s side. He looked good in one series, then not so good in the following two.
Landon Young got some work at right guard after the starters emerged. He worked primarily as left and right tackle, as well as left guard. He will be the new James Hurst.
Jamaal Williams brought some energy to the game after a few runs. He didn’t have the success he wanted in his freshman year, but it was nice to see him make some good runs.
Oli Udoh had some issues with holding some parts in training camp. It was a rough series for him as he was called for holding, which was followed by a false start.
Willie Gay Jr. made some good plays that night. We talked about how much of a difference he’s going to make for this defense.
The Saints were sloppy with penalties. By halftime they had 7 penalties for 45 yards.
Rattler’s second drive didn’t look like the first, but he’s just fun to watch back there. I can’t wait to see more of him. I’m guessing we’ll see him earlier in the 49ers game because of the rotation.
I really enjoyed seeing Khristian Boyd come into the backfield a few times. He may not have made every play, but you can see his talent.
Rookie Josiah Ezirim saw some action in one series as left tackle and was beaten on a 3rd-and-4 play that resulted in a sack by the Rattlers. He was primarily used as right tackle.
Despite the good start, Rattler’s offense was pretty lukewarm afterward. Jake Haener’s was the opposite. In the end, one quarterback led a touchdown attack and the other two field goal attacks.
Great moment when Charlie Smyth got the chance to kick a game-winning field goal. The Saints sideline was thrilled.
