The New Orleans Saints return home for their first preseason game in the Ceasars Superdome. The trip to California was short lived, and it's time to return back to Louisiana. As we approach the game, the Who Dat Dish team has bold predictions for the second preseason game.
We've seen the Saints once already. Some stood out and some faded to the background. For most players, however, there's still a lot up in the air. That's why you'll see half of our bold predictions centered around positional battles.
Eyes are glued on Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler, so we'll start there. The conversation doesn't stop there. Also, there's one player who may have to start for the Saints who's desperate for a bounce back performance. Bold prediction: he gets it!
Bold predictions for Saints vs. Jaguars
Tyler Shough walks away as QB1
My bold prediction is that Tyler Shough will win the quarterback competition. He already narrowed the gap in week one against the Chargers, and I think that he’ll use the home start to build off the performance. If he plays well enough through his next few series, the home crowd will probably be clamoring for him to be QB1. That’s not to say that I think Spencer Rattler will stink it up, though.~ Molly Bauer
Saints bring back takeaways
My bold prediction for the Saints second preseason game is that the defense forces two turnovers. The Saints inability to create turnovers has been a major reason their defense has declined. Last week they weren’t able to force any. I think the defensive staff drilled into them and are changing their mentality. Don’t be suprised if the turnovers start rolling in. To be even more bold, the Saints will force a fumble off of rookie Bhayshul Tuten.~ Drew Collings
Clyde Edwards-Helaire pushes the competition away
Clyde Edwards-Helaire is looking to regain his juice from several years ago, before his career was derailed by injuries. Cam Akers and Veluz Jones jr. are also in a current competition for the third running back spot, which holds a wide open vacancy. The competition is tight, but Edwards-Helaire will change the complexion of the race by having the best day of any running back on Sunday.~ Tramell Jeffers
Dillon Radunz doesn't allow a sack
Dillon Radunz may be a Week 1 starter. After last week's preseason game, that first sentence may have provided a jumpscare. He allowed two sacks, one of which was a strip sack, and a critical tackle for a loss at the goal line. Those plays were all at tackle, however. Trevor Penning's injury may force Radunz into the starting lineup temporarily at his natural guard position. In the Rams joint practice, he didn't allow the sack, and he'll carry that into Sunday.~ Darrion Gray