3 biggest overreactions to Saints Week 2 preseason game

The New Orleans Saints only have one week left in the preseason after falling 16-10 to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Despite the loss, there were plenty of promising things on display for the Saints in the game. Unfortunately, there were also some concerning things showcased.

In a true fan fashion, there were a ton of overreactions from the game. Whether good or bad, there were some major takeaways about how things will unfold during the regular season, based on this preseason game. Let’s take a look at three of the biggest overreactions, that may not end up being overreactions at all.

3. Alvin Kamara will have the best season of his career

This is an extreme overreaction because Alvin Kamara didn't even play in Sunday’s preseason game. However, based on what New Orleans did in his abscence, it seems like a safe bet the veteran running back will have one of his most productive seasons to date.

Against the 49ers, the Saints were able to establish their run game. The starting unit put together a 16-play, 95-yard touchdown drive that lasted over eight minutes. The drive was powered by 10 run plays, and punctuated with a one-yard touchdown from Taysom Hill.

In the game, Jamaal Williams carried the ball five times for 32 yards and Taysom Hill rushed five times for 21 yards. Respectfully, Kamara is significantly better than both of them. If the starting offensive line can consistently play like they did Sunday, and Kamara can stay healthy, he’ll have the most productive season of his career.

2. Saints will have a top-five defense

New Orleans had a top-10 scoring defense in 2023, allowing just 19.2 points a game (8th), only 327.2 yards a game (13th), so this may not be an overreaction. Either way, if the Saints have an offense that can keep the defense off the field all game, the team could have a top-five defense.

New Orleans already had a good secondary and linebacker group, but both units got stronger and deeper this offseason. Additionally, the defensive line, which was the weakness of the defense last season, already looks significantly better. The addition of Chase Young is game changing, and the rest of the guys are healthy and playing well.

If all three levels can consistently put it together, the defense will be one of the league’s most dominant units.

1. Bryan Bresee will be a Pro Bowler

A factor in the previous overreaction is Bryan Bresee. The second-year defensive tackle has looked like a standout through two preseason games, and if that continues, he will be a force for New Orleans’ talented defense.

On Sunday, Bresee got the start over Khalen Saunders, and he delivered with some pressures and a quarterback hit. This comes after recording two tackles, one sack, and an almost sack in the first preseason game. Bresee looks primed for a second-year leap.

As a backup defensive tackle during his rookie season, he recorded 4.5 sacks. It’s safe to assume with another year under his belt, and increased snaps, he’ll improve that total. If he does, he’ll have the chance to head to his first Pro Bowl.

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