Saints Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down From Texans Loss

Players who shined, struggled, and helped themselves in Saints preseason loss to Texans.

The New Orleans Saints ended their preseason with a 17-13 home loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday night, ending the preseason with a 2-1 record. Now, the Saints and all other NFL teams must trim their rosters to 53 players by 4pm Eastern Time on Tuesday. 

None of the projected starters played against the Texans, aside from perhaps G Andrus Peat. Most of the 53-man roster was probably decided by coach Dennis Allen and his staff before this game. However, it was a last-ditch effort for several players to either make a final push for the Saints roster or perhaps impress enough to be picked up by another team. 

Top rookie draft picks DT Bryan Bresee and DE Isaiah Foskey were never in danger of not making the squad. However, both players had good outings against Houston and continued to show solid progression through training camp. 

Wideouts Jontre Kirklin and undrafted rookie Shaq Davis are two players trying to make a late push for the team. Neither had a standout performance, but both made some plays that make them intriguing for other teams or great practice squad candidates. 

Here are some players that did help their cause last night, along two good performances from top players and a big area of concern. 

Players Who Helped Their Cause for the Roster

• Lucas Krull, TE 

• Niko Lalos, DE 

• Blake Grupe, K 

New Orleans Saints tight end Lucas Krull (87) catches a pass against Houston Texans safety Eric Murray (23). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Krull led all receivers with an impressive seven catches for 106 yards. He was spectacular in the open field and made some highlight-reel catches as the security blanket for rookie QB Jake Haener. However, Krull also failed to bring in two catchable balls and wasn't a factor as a blocker.

Any other year, Krull probably played his way onto the roster. In 2023, he simply wasn't consistent enough to overtake established vets Foster Moreau or Jimmy Graham. If released, the Saints would undoubtedly bring Krull back to the practice squad if he clears waivers. 

Lalos has simply been a consistent playmaker and disruptive force for the Saints in all three preseason games. Against Houston, he had one sack and set up two others while recording two tackles for loss. Lalos will probably be on the outside looking in at a loaded defensive end position. It would be a surprise if he made the final cut, as much as he's earned it, but would be terrific practice squad insurance if not snapped up by someone else. 

New Orleans Saints place kicker Blake Grupe (19) lines up a field goal attempt against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Grupe continued to make the decision at kicker difficult for the Saints. The undrafted rookie nailed two field goals, including a 50-yarder, and showed good range on kickoffs. He missed a 60-yard attempt, the first miss of the preseason by either he or Wil Lutz. However, Grupe's kick had plenty of distance and just faded to the right at the last moment. 

I still believe that the Saints stick with the reliable Lutz and perhaps stash Grupe on injured reserve with a sudden and mysterious injury. However, no one could blame New Orleans if they instead traded Lutz and went with Grupe. 

THUMBS UP 

Jaylon Smith, LB 

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jaylon Smith (59) during pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY

Smith got the start for his second straight week in a Saints uniform. He had a team-high five tackles, despite playing only a few series. Four of those stops were solo, with two resulting in lost yardage. Smith was in the backfield on several running plays and was also effective in coverage, breaking up one pass.

Signed just two weeks ago, Smith seems to be picking up the defense quickly. His versatility and athleticism should be a great complement to starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner, giving the Saints a terrific trio of linebackers. 

THUMBS UP 

Jimmy Graham, TE

New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) looks on against the Houston Texans. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Graham put all medical concerns over his medical condition in last week's incident to rest. He looked like the unstoppable force of a decade ago when he hauled in an acrobatic 25-yard strike from Jameis Winston down the seam late in the first quarter. Two plays later, he was the quintessential Jimmy when he posted up a helpless defender to pull in a 3-yard scoring pass.

Jimmy Graham doesn't have to be the All-Pro stud he was with the Saints from 2011-2014. However, the 6'7" Graham showed that he can still be a matchup advantage on third down packages and near the end zone. Lucas Krull shows some impressive developmental traits, but Graham has likely shown enough to hold him off.

THUMBS DOWN 

Offensive Line 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (14) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive tackle Khalil Davis (94). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

This unit landed in this category for all three preseason games, so at least they've been consistent. New Orleans opened the game with Lewis Kidd and Storm Norton at tackle, Andrus Peat and Calvin Throckmorton as the guards, and Max Garcia at center. Peat and Throckmorton opened some holes for the running game early, but the entire squad were again turnstiles in pass protection. 

Quarterbacks Winston and Haener were under constant pressure. Especially from the edge, where Kidd and Norton were again abysmal. Veteran Garcia was consistently pushed backwards, making interior pass protection or an inside running game nearly impossible. Rookie Nick Saldiveri and others fared no better once they were rotated into the game. 

New Orleans running backs picked up only 65 yards and averaged a paltry 3.3 per attempt. Most of the successful throws from Winston or Haener came either as they were hit or after escaping from immediate pressure. One of Haener's two interceptions came on a rushed throw that he wasn't able to step into.

I still believe that the Saints carry nine offensive linemen into the season. However, don't be at all surprised if two or three of them are brought in after other teams make their roster moves. New Orleans still has a quality starting offensive line. The lack of quality depth here is also the team’s biggest concern heading into the regular season.