Saints: 4 takeaways from final practice before 1st preseason game

Jul 31, 2021; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints assistant strength and conditioning coach Charles Byrd slaps hands with defensive back J.T. Gray (48) during a New Orleans Saints training camp session at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 4

Brett Maher – Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

New Orleans Saints – Takeaways from Practice

3. First glimpse of Brett Maher

Earlier this week, the Saints learned they’d be without Wil Lutz for the start of the season. Lutz is one of the most clutch kickers in the league so not having him is a devastating blow.

Brett Maher signed with the Saints as Lutz’s temporary replacement and we got a chance to see what the former Nebraska kicker could do with his new team. He attempted six field goals and connected on four of them, missing from 42 yards out and 46 yards out.

Maher went 4/6 on FG.... missed from 42 and 46... longest was from 44
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) August 12, 2021

Maher has struggled with longer field goals during his NFL career and that showed during his outing on Thursday though his longest made attempt was from 44 yards. The Saints offense will have to take more risks on fourth down if Maher’s long-range struggles continue, which isn’t something they’re used to doing, as Lutz has been great from long distances.

We’ll get to see more from Maher during Saturday’s game in Baltimore but it was nice to finally get a glimpse of him ahead of that matchup.

Home/Saints News