How one Saints player just snatched up a roster spot
The New Orleans Saints fell to the Green Bay Packers in their preseason matchup last night. The Saints did learn some value information from the game, though. That's what matters the most during the preseason anyway. The defensive line has depth. The defensive line for the Saints played very well. It was probably the best […]
The New Orleans Saints fell to the Green Bay Packers in their preseason matchup last night. The Saints did learn some value information from the game, though. That's what matters the most during the preseason anyway.
The defensive line has depth.
The defensive line for the Saints played very well. It was probably the best overall unit for New Orleans for the entirety of the game. Defensive tackle Malcolm Roach bounced back from an early personal foul call to make multiple impact plays. Young defensive lineman Payton Turner played a consistent second half with a big stop in the running game. Carl Granderson made a nice play on limited snaps, too.
The Saints should feel safe about the quality of players down the depth chart on the DL.
The offensive line lacks depth.
For much of the night, Ian Book was running for his life. That being said, rookie offensive tackle Trevor Penning played a very solid first half. Much of the rest of the unit struggled throughout the game. Center Josh Andrews had multiple penalties. OT Lewis Kidd whiffed on multiple blocks leading to quick pressures.
Luckily, most of the difficulties came for third-strong offensive linemen. Those guys won't see the field too much, barring multiple injuries. We all know how that is always a possibility, though.
Tony Jones Jr. should be the final running back on the roster.
This is probably the most important takeaway. The final RB spot has been the biggest offensive conundrum of the preseason. Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram are the lead backs. Dwayne Washington provides veteran value and important play on special teams as their RB3. Who would step up to be the presumed last RB rostered for the regular season.
Last night, Tony Jones Jr. made multiple plays on special teams. He also ran the ball early in the game with patience. It was pretty clear that he should be the frontrunner for that job as a depth RB for the Saints. Devine Ozigbo played well, too, but Jones just has more tools in the tool box currently.
Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports
