Three prominent Saints players struggle early in NFL training camp.
The New Orleans Saints, more than any other NFL team, must maximize their training camp experience. The majority of the starting spots have already been decided, but training camp challenges and clashes are expected this preseason.
Although he has not been promoted to a starter on the unofficial depth chart, all recent press sources indicate that Chase Young is playing well. As a result, Young’s success is at the price of another unit: the offensive line. The pass rush appears to be one of the team’s strengths, with Young, Carl Granderson, and Cameron Jordan manning the edges.
To be honest, the Saints were closer to the playoffs than most people remember, and they only recently won the NFC South (2020). Despite finishing 9-8 last season, the Saints narrowly missed the playoffs due to tiebreaker rules. However, the Saints’ training camp troubles reflect a team that is unable to recover from its current situation.
Saints offensive line provides cause for worry at training camp.
Many of the Saints’ training camp reports have emphasized the offensive line’s poor performance. To their credit, New Orleans made changes and invested significant draft resources to address these team needs. The unit is still a work in progress.
Trevor Penning, the team’s right tackle, is now in his third season and has struggled to achieve expectations. Following a strong 2022 season, he received a PFF grade of 53.6 in 2023.
Both guards are also significant question marks. Cesar Ruiz had a PFF grade of 51.2 last year. Lucas Patrick was signed by New Orleans in May to start at left guard, although he did not perform well for the Bears last season.
The Saints’ rigid salary cap position makes it tough to address roster gaps. With nearly $41 million in dead cap space this year, patience is the only option until draft selections can be used to acquire fresh, cheaper offensive line players.
Juwan Johnson is unable to head the shallow tight end depth chart.
Tight end Juwan Johnson is another athlete who has not had an opportunity to shine during Saints training camp. Johnson was placed on the PUP list after undergoing foot surgery this summer. The Saints are confident that he will be ready for Week 1.
Foster Moreau is behind him in the depth chart. He is in his second year with the Saints after starting his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout his career, Moreau has primarily played a supporting role. Of course, New Orleans still has the intriguing Taysom Hill on their roster. Unfortunately, his abilities are restricted to gadget plays and red-zone chicanery. The Saints’ struggle to identify a difference-maker at tight end jeopardizes an already struggling offense.
Since Jimmy Graham’s departure following the 2014 season, the position has been a never-ending cycle of mediocrity. Johnson’s absence merely emphasizes what is absent.
New Orleans lacks defensive tackles and relies on backup defensive lineman. Backup DE Payton Turner is also expected to develop. After suffering a foot/toe injury, the former 2021 first-round pick had very little playing time in 2023.
During the Saints training camp, they must develop their young. New Orleans will most likely be compelled to rotate its defensive tackles. Last year, Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd joined the team through free agency. Furthermore, the Saints need 2023 first-round selection Bryan Bresee to live up to his potential.
According to Darrion Gray of the Saints Wire, head coach Dennis Allen is optimistic about Bresee’s potential in his sophomore season.
“What I’ve observed is a man who appears different. I believe he has transformed his body. “He appears to be in better shape,” Allen says.
Following an Achilles’ tear, the Saints hope DE Tanoh Kpassagnon will be able to return for any portion of the 2024 season. His rehabilitation will last well into the year. The veteran, who won Super Bowl LIV with the Kansas City Chiefs, has an infectious energy level on the field.
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