Saints Look to Showcase Offensive Improvement Against Chiefs

A Saints offense with several new players faces some key questions in their preseason opener against the Chiefs.

The New Orleans Saints kick off their 2023 preseason by hosting the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Several starters from both teams are expected to see at least a few series.

Wins and losses mean nothing during the preseason. However, the games are still important for coaches and players. It's an excellent evaluation process, and also gives coaches a chance to implement some of their game plans and round out their depth chart in live action against other teams. 

The Saints added a ton of pieces to an offense that has struggled the last two seasons. Quarterback Derek Carr, RBs Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller, TEs Foster Moreau and Jimmy Graham, and WRs A.T. Perry and Bryan Edwards are among several new faces we'll see. Fans are also excited to see the return of WR Michael Thomas and how rookie QB Jake Haener fares in his first NFL game. 

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes to running back Alvin Kamara (41) during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

First and second teams will see limited action, but it's important to see crisp play from those units. It's equally crucial that the back half of the depth chart plays well, not just for the continuity of the team but also for job security for those players.

Obviously most casual eyes will be on the quarterback position, which makes sense after the addition of Carr. Tight end looks like another intriguing spot with the return of Juwan Johnson to go along with signees Moreau and Graham. 

Here are some of the Saints offensive positions to watch closely throughout the game that have much bigger questions. 

RUNNING BACK 

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (25) at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

New Orleans checked off a huge offseason need --backfield depth behind Alvin Kamara -- with the free-agent signing of Williams and drafting of Miller in the third round. The Saints look to have an outstanding trio here, combined with the running abilities of versatile weapon Taysom Hill. 

Kamara will be suspended three games to start the regular season, but will still get reps during the preseason. Williams, who had his first 1,000-yard campaign and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022, is seeing his first action with the Saints. Miller, who ran for 1,399 yards and 16 scores last year for TCU, is playing in his first NFL game. 

The new-look New Orleans backfield will be on display, both as runners and pass catchers. However, depth here could be a concern with the pending suspension to Kamara and season-ending Achilles injury to Eno Benjamin. The Saints brought in free-agent RB Kareem Hunt early this past week for a visit, but were unable to sign him.

Whether New Orleans continues to explore available running backs could depend on the results of this contest late in the game. Elliss Merriweather, and undrafted rookie from UMass, has had a quietly solid camp. Kirk Merritt could also factor in the mix after being converted from wide receiver. 

Merritt has been dealing with a hamstring injury this week and may not play. If he does, a good performance from him and Merriweather in late-game reps could make the coaches feel a lot better about their backfield depth. 

WIDE RECEIVER 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (17) catches passes during training camp at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

There is a ton of excitement surrounding the return of Michael Thomas, who's missed 40 of the last 50 games with ankle and foot injuries. Second-year WR Chris Olave has been the early training camp MVP according to most observers and looks primed for a huge season. Rashid Shaheed, a surprise as a 2022 undrafted rookie, also looks ready for a bigger impact. 

Outside of health, there isn't a question over these three players. Shaheed may miss most of the preseason because of a groin injury. We'll see little of Olave and Thomas against the Chiefs outside of a series or two. This position must prove it has depth, something it's lacked for five seasons.

Veteran wideouts Bryan Edwards, James Washington, and Lynn Bowden were added this offseason. Rookie A.T. Perry surprisingly slipped to the sixth round and could be a draft steal. Undrafted players Shaq Davis and Jontre Kirklin were also brought in for added competition. They'll compete with returning receivers Tre'Quan Smith, Keith Kirkwood, and Kawaan Baker. 

Smith, a perennial underachiever, has the most experience of any of this group in the offensive system. However, five years in the league have proven that he's nothing more than a fourth or fifth wideout, at best. Kirkwood has had perhaps the strongest camp of the backups, with Perry sprinkling in a few moments of his own.

What's been most disappointing so far is that Edwards and Washington have been all but invisible. Someone out of this group is on the spot to show that the Saints have some capable depth here for the first time since 2017. If not, this position is only an injury or two away from being an abysmal group once again. 

OFFENSIVE LINE 

New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Trevor Penning (70) looks on against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Another unit plagued by injuries the last few years. The Saints feel like they've strengthened their depth up front with the drafting of fourth-round pick Nick Saldiveri and additions of former starters in Max Garcia and Storm Norton. Calvin Throckmorton has also proven to be a capable short-term starter. James Hurst is also expected to add a big jolt to depth--if second-year LT Trevor Penning pans out.

Let's start there. Penning, a 2022 first-round choice, missed his first 11 games as a rookie with a foot injury. Upon his return, he played five games as the sixth lineman until getting the start in the season finale. A mauler for the running game, Penning is extremely raw as a pass blocker. Watching his development in that area is one of the most vital things for this offense during preseason. 

The rapid development of Penning strengthens the entire line, both in quality and depth. New Orleans would like to use the versatile Hurst as their top backup. He's already expected to get the start at left guard against the Chiefs with Peat dealing with a quadriceps injury. It also sets up a potential position battle between these players for the spot.

There should be little doubt that the Saints have a top-tier line--if they stay healthy. Pay close attention as the game progresses on how well this unit plays up front. Saldiveri, Throckmorton, and Garcia look to be the top candidates for jobs. However, Lewis Kidd, undrafted rookies Mark Evans II and Alex Philstrom, and Norton could strengthen their own candidacy with strong outings.