Saints vs. Ravens: one last audition for many players
By Dean Mullen
Week 4 of the preseason is not exactly the most exciting for fans. However, it absolutely could be life changing for players trying to pass the audition.
The odds of making it in on an NFL roster are astronomical, especially if the player is undrafted. Think of how many players that “lit it up” in college fall way short of the NFL’s expectations. Sometimes the difference between making a roster and not can be in the finest detail.
Be that as it may, it’s not much easier for the coaches that have to make the cuts. Arizona Cardinals Bruce Arians sheds light on how hard it can be.
"It really could be equated to a death in the family sometimes. You get so close with these guys, you work so hard with them, and you know it’s a dream that hopefully is not ending, it may continue with another team. But a lot of them it’s ending."
The NFL showcases the star players that are visible on and off the field. Many of these players have control over how many touches they get. On the other hand, it’s the little guys that make this game important. These same players are just trying to make a living and support a family with a career of football.
Who’s watching?
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Many fans won’t be watching the final game of the preseason. Ultimately, they want to see the “real” players that will be playing on opening day. By and large, the media wants to see the same thing. Tonight, Who Dat Nation is going to watch two quarterbacks that may not even make the roster. There will be over 30 players that won’t even be there on the roster come September 11th.
That being said, some of the best stories come out of nowhere. Remember the Beer Man? Michael Lewis? The kickoff returner who made a name for himself after driving a beer truck for years before becoming the Saints return man. He was one of the lucky ones.
After Saturday afternoon, the roster will be trimmed down to 53 players. Many of these names may never be spoken of again. Some will get another chance. Others may end up on the practice squad. However, most of these players eventually go find other careers to support their families. This game is monumental for them. It’s not meaningless at all. This is the most important game of their life.