New Orleans Saints offensive lineman potentially costs himself a job against 49ers
The New Orleans Saints are keeping a closer eye out along their roster in the preseason. Guys must step up, and the cream must rise to the top. For New Orleans in preseason week 2, they had some bright spots and issues along their offensive line. Shane Lemieux was a depth signing during free agency […]
The New Orleans Saints are keeping a closer eye out along their roster in the preseason. Guys must step up, and the cream must rise to the top. For New Orleans in preseason week 2, they had some bright spots and issues along their offensive line.
Shane Lemieux was a depth signing during free agency for New Orleans' offensive line. He has pro experience on the interior, but his time with the Saints has had its ups and downs so far.
Saints backup OL Shane Lemieux struggles vs. 49ers
Lemieux's tough outing was headlined by one of the worst snaps you'll see in an NFL game to Spencer Rattler in the second quarter.
The snap costed New Orleans ten yards of field position and basically, ended their drive. Rattler was frustrated – as there was no way that he could have made a play on the snap that basically rolled to him.
Lemieux also had two very low snaps to Jake Haener in the fourth quarter. One of them led to a near fumble by the QB.
Lemieux does not have a ton of competition as the team's backup center right now, though.
His biggest foe on the roster may be rookie Kyle Hergel, but he has mostly played guard throughout camp. Sincere Haynesworth is the only other listed center on the depth chart, but he was an undrafted free agent this year. I would not expect him to beat out Lemieux. Haynesworth also suffered an injury against the 49ers and had to be carted to the locker room.
That being said, New Orleans could always add a veteran interior offensive lineman to compete for the backup job to Erik McCoy.
Lemieux did not put his best foot forward on Sunday night, and now, there's much more pressure on him entering the Saints' final preseason matchup next weekend.