4 winners and 1 loser for Saints in preseason win over Cardinals

The New Orleans Saints opened their preseason with a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. While it’s still very early in camp, there were players who shined, and some who faded. It’s important to note when discussing this that a bad game by a player doesn’t mean their season is over. They will still have many opportunities to prove themselves at future points. With that said, let’s get into the list.

Saints players on the rise after first preseason game

Backup QB’s

Both Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler had great games and showed potential against the Cardinals. Haener had his first action around halfway through the first quarter and played the rest of the first half. He may not have had a touchdown, but he led two different drives that resulted in field goals— one being a two-minute drive.

Haener ended the game with 9-of-13 completed passes for 107 yards. Compared to last year, he looked significantly more in control and less frantic. His game was even more impressive when you factor in that he had 32 stitches in his face due to treatment for his skin cancer.

Spencer Rattler, on the other hand, had everyone ecstatic after lowering his shoulder and diving for a touchdown on his opening possession. He also led the Saints on a two-minute drill to set up Charlie Smyth for what would be the game winning field goal with five seconds remaining.

Going into this game, there was pressure on Rattler; he was playing his first ever NFL game in his home town with friends and family in attendance. Regardless of that, Rattler was composed and had an amazing game.

The pass rush

This isn’t a certain player but the Saints defensive line feasted against the Cardinals pass protection. Combined, New Orleans ended the game with four sacks and seven QB hits. Last season, the team had trouble generating pressure on quarterbacks; for New Orleans to succeed this year, it needs to bring the QB down.

Chase Young, Carl Granderson, and Bryan Bresee all had great season openers and gave a lot of Saints fans hope for the upcoming year.

Willie Gay

Everyone knew when Willie Gay was on the field as he was everywhere. Gay ended the day with five total tackles and a TFL in the limited snaps he played.  He was instinctual and was everywhere that the Cardinals tried to go. Gay could prove to be one of the best free agent additions this year if he continues on this trajectory. The Saints linebacker room is looking really strong with Demario Davis, Pete Werner, and Willie Gay.

Saints players falling after first preseason game

Trevor Penning (and the first string offensive line)

This first string offensive line for the Saints is a cause of concern. Derek Carr was constantly receiving pressure and the Cardinals weren’t even playing all of their starters. Trevor Penning, in particular, really struggled. The Saints need to figure something out with him. Hopefully he can bounce back and be a quality starter for them but that isn’t looking likely as of now.

If Penning doesn't turn out, the Saints need to find a replacement for him if they want to win games. Penning, and the first team offensive line, will have a tall task going up against the San Francisco 49ers in joint practices and in their second preseason game. Hopefully, the group shows improvement and give the fans a little optimism going into the season.

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