Penalties Have got to be Cut Down

The Saints finished the game with 14 penalties found on offense, defense, and special teams, equating to an inexcusable 141 yards given up. The 14 infractions rank as the most by any team in a single game this preseason. While many of the starters did not participate in this one, it is still a troubling case Dennis Allen will look to address with his group.

How Many Receivers Will the Saints Keep?

Between the first two weeks of the preseason, the Saints have had several young guys make plays from the receiving core who are battling for roster spots. Shaquan Davis and former LSU Tiger Jontre Kirklin both hauled in 3 receptions against the Chargers, each gaining 63 and 59 yards. Additionally, A.T. Perry’s six receptions, 70 yards, and one touchdown performance stood out from week 1. The younger players will complement nicely with veterans like Michael Thomas, Chis Olave, and Rashid Shaheed, all to make Derek Carr’s life easier.

Isaiah Foskey Struggling Early On

New Orleans drafted the Notre Dame defensive end in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, making him the 40th player taken overall. The hope is for the rookie edge rusher to make an impact in the rotation and aid Cameron Jordan’s pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, Foskey has not looked hot through training camps and practices. He has also failed to have an impactful performance in his preseason reps, only assisting on one tackle versus Los Angeles. There is still plenty of time in the young DE’s learning curve, but many are hopeful he can take off sooner rather than later.

A True Position Battle at Kicker

After finishing near dead last in field goal makes percentage (74.2%; 23/31) amongst those with 20+ attempts, Wil Lutz is facing some steep competition this offseason. Rookie kicker Blake Grupe came to camp to push Lutz toward his best; it has worked wonders. Against the Chargers, Allen had Grupe play the first half and Lutz the second. Grupe looked strong as he knocked through his two FG attempts and drove through the lone XP for the Saints. Lutz answered the call right back by going 3/3 in his FGA and had a long make of 51 yards. Lutz has performed well enough to keep his role but watch for Grupe to garner interest from other NFL clubs soon.

Wait. What? Another Turnover?

Yes, three of them, to be exact. After ranking 31st last season in forced takeaways, Dennis Allen has been vocal and harping on turnovers being a point of focus for the upcoming season. The Saints responded with one recovery off two forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions from Isaac Yiadom and Lonnie Johnson Jr. The defense shows intensity and tenacity in getting after the football, a promising sign of things to come in 2023.

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