What We Want to See In the Final Saints Preseason Game
It's the final preseason game for the NFL and the Saints, as they'll host the Houston Texans in the Superdome in a nationally televised game on FOX, New Orleans won't play a lot of their starters in this game, but Houston expects to trot out theirs. Final cutdowns are Tuesday, so this will be a last push for those looking to make the roster. However, remember that 31 other teams will also be watching.
Here's all the things we're watching out for and want to see from the Saints in the finale.
TRAINING CAMP RECAPS: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11 | What We've Learned | Day 12 | Day 13 | Day 14 | Day 15 | Day 16 (Offense) | Day 16 (Defense) | Day 17 (Offense) | Day 17 (Defense) | Day 18 | Day 19 | Day 20 | Day 21
Can Shaq Davis Make This Roster?
New Orleans Saints tightened Shaq Davis catches a pass against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Brown (38). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Final cuts at the wide receiver position are going to be fascinating for the Saints. I project five, with players like Keith Kirkwood and A.T. Perry getting in as the fourth and fifth guys. However, someone like Shaq Davis is seriously threatening for a spot. The Saints could keep six in the grand scheme of things, but we're going to have to see how it plays out. Davis has done more than enough to make New Orleans take a hard look at things. What happens with Tre'Quan Smith will be interesting as well, mainly because we haven't seen him in weeks.
Who Wins Out of Blake Grupe and Wil Lutz?
Wil Lutz vs. Blake Grupe has been as good as it gets.
The Saints kicker job is on pins and needles, as we've been treated to a very entertaining battle between Blake Grupe and Wil Lutz. It's something we absolutely anticipated for months well before the start of training camp. Both of these kickers should be on an NFL roster in Week 1, but for New Orleans, we're wondering who.
The facts are Wil Lutz has missed five total kicks between the preseason and training camp, while Blake Grupe missed four. Exact totals from camp were 57/62 (92 percent) for Lutz, and 51/55 (93 percent) for Grupe. When I put out my roster prediction after the second preseason game, I went with Lutz with the tie goes to the runner situation.
Wil Lutz took a pay cut this season and has bet on himself to make it up with his kicking. He's fully healthy, as opposed to last year, and is clearly a veteran that can be relied on in big situations. That means something when you're trying to put a team together with big playoff aspirations. One thing on the outside looking in that we're probably not talking about much is that going with Lutz will still mean the Saints need to find another kicker next year with him being a free agent. Whoever misses on Sunday night may be on their way to another team, but both have battled valiantly.
Will Jaylon Smith Make This Roster?
Jaylon Smith has impressed since getting onto the field. Will he make the final squad?
Linebacker depth is certainly a big focal point for the Saints, and I definitely feel a lot better about the position than I did previously entering training camp. The short answer is yes, I do believe Jaylon Smith will make this roster. He's been impressive and shows off some nice range and football intelligence.
He's a strong insurance policy to have for this team, but the biggest knock on him will be having to be more on special teams. He's done it in the past, but just not in a premiere role. I also feel like if you don't have him on the final roster, you won't get him back on the practice squad. Other teams will and should be interested.
Zack Baun, D'Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, and Ty Summers are all battling for spots at the position. If Smith is in, I see just two spots up for grabs with at least one of the others being a practice squad priority.
Other Major and Minor Thoughts
Don't overlook Ellis Merriweather.
- I'm not sold on the offensive line depth. This is a group that is going to have to convince me in this finale. New Orleans may be looking elsewhere when final cuts happen. Landon Young (MCL) has been out of action, and if the team carries him for a roster spot and then places him on IR, that may open the door for someone else. We'll see.
- With Alvin Kamara set to start his suspension after the game, the third running back spot would have to go to Ellis Merriweather. That's assuming the Saints carry one there behind Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller. Don't forget about the fullback in Adam Prentice, who could be a cut and bring back situation. At any rate, Merriweather leads the pack for me, especially with Kirk Merritt and Darrel Williams being hurt. However, I think he would be the guy even if those two were healthy by the way he's been playing.
- The extra safeties are going to be a focal point. J.T. Gray and Jordan Howden are absolutely in after Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu. No suspension has been announced for Maye, so operate under the assumption he'll be on the final roster. Currently, I see Lonnie Johnson Jr. and Johnathan Abram as two who will be in, and I'll note that I put Ugo Amadi as the extra corner. Abram could be subbed for someone else, and hopefully we'll know more after the game plays out.
- I still believe the Saints carry four tight ends on the roster, which would mean Jimmy Graham makes the final roster. They brought him in for a reason, and I just can't see him being someone that just hovers on the practice squad.
- Punter feels like a toss up, but I'm going with Blake Gillikin. Both he and Lou Hedley have had some struggles, but Gillikin would be who I tab here. Regardless of who the punter is, they can't have any off days in late game situations.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT, with the game being nationally televised on FOX.
