What to be on the lookout for in Saints preseason finale

The New Orleans Saints take on the Houston Texans Sunday night for their preseason finale, and this is what Saints fans should watch out for during the game.

At long last we have arrived at the New Orleans Saints final preseason game of the summer. While sonme would say this is the final preview before the "meaningful" stuff begins this September, the fact of the matter is this game is incredibly significant for those players whose spots on the roster, and/or the depth chart, aren't guaranteed. As it pertains to the Saints, this is what, and who, we should keep our eyes peeled on Sunday night.

On defense, the lion-share of the intrigue is now towards the linebacker position. While the current state of safety is interesting, the depth in the middle of the defense should see a lot of passionate play as multiple suitors are fighting for limited spots, and that's where to focus will be.

Jaylon Smith is looking like he might be able to rise from the ashes like a phoenix with is career, but he isn't alone trying to secure a a roster spot at linebacker. On the other end of that spectrum, we have D'Marco Jackson, a fifth-round draft pick a year ago, continuing to have a strong summer. This isn't even getting into Zack Baun, Nephi Sewell, and Ty Summers, who won't be going away quietly, if at all.

On offense, we turn to the wide receivers. The top three are locked up with Michael Thomas, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but after that things get interesting. Keith Kirkwood and A.T. Perry appear to have a leg up on the next two spots, but that isn't to say they'll only keep five wide receivers. Shaq Davis is fighting for his life, and nobody would be upset if his efforts were rewarded. Then of course there's whatever happens with Tre'Quan Smith.

Special teams should even bring the juice in the preseason finale as the battle between Blake Grupe and Wil Lutz rages on. While there is plenty to watch for in the preseason finale of the New Orleans Saints, we will be paying the most attention to the wide receivers, linebackers and yes, even the kickers. The fact of the matter is, we are so close to the regular season, and this is the next step in finding out who all will be suited up when it starts.