The biggest challenge for the Saints as they enter training camp

Training camp is here for the New Orleans Saints. While camp is important every year for every team, this year’s training camp is especially important for the Saints. New Orleans is entering a make-or-break season, so it needs to get things figured out in camp so the team can have a strong season.

Additionally, the Saints have a challenging start to the regular season, with the toughest opponents coming in the first six weeks. That means the team can’t stumble out of the gate; New Orleans must hit the ground rolling. Again, that emphasizes the importance of this year’s training camp.

During camp, the Saints hope to figure out all of the things that could hold them back. As they start practicing, it’s no question what the biggest challenge is for the team; it’s the offensive line. New Orleans needs to figure out its rebuilt offensive line.

The biggest challenge for the Saints this season will be their offensive line

Eric Edholm broke this down in a recent piece highlighting every team’s biggest challenge for the 2024 season. For New Orleans, Edholm simply said, “Finding the best five on the offensive line.” He went on to explain how this veteran-heavy team will rely on a lot of young linemen during this pivotal season.

"First-round pick Taliese Fuaga, a college right tackle, is expected to get the first crack at left tackle. After two years of struggles on the blind side, 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning is attempting the reverse move, trying to win the RT spot. Former first-rounders Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz are expected to be rocks inside, but the favorite at the remaining guard spot appears to be Nick Saldiveri, who logged all of 18 offensive snaps last season as a 2023 fourth-rounder out of Old Dominion."

- Eric Edholm (NFL.com)

For good measure, Edholm also spoke about how adding a new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, and a new offensive line coach, John Benton, makes this an experience where the Saints are trying to mesh quickly.

It’s not an exaggeration to say this season could hinge on how the offensive line performs. New Orleans’ defense has been good for years, and that’s expected to continue with even more talent added on that side of the ball. Additionally, the team has solid offensive weapons, led by Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave. Also, as polarizing as Derek Carr is, he’s a competent quarterback that teams can win games with.

All things considered, New Orleans’ ceiling will largely be determined by the acclimation of the young offensive linemen. If the rebuilt line can run block for Kamara and protect Derek Carr, the Saints will win a lot of games and return to the playoffs. If the line suffers, New Orleans will be facing a rebuild.

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