3 winners (and 3 losers) for Saints in preseason loss to 49ers

The New Orleans Saints may have lost against the San Francisco 49ers but that doesn’t mean everything, especially since it was a preseason game. There were still players who played great, and on the contrary, guys who played subpar.

It’s important to remember that just because a player succeeds or fails in the preseason, their season isn’t over. The preseason games shouldn’t be taken for more than they’re worth. Regardless, here are 3 players who played well, and 3 who struggled against the 49ers.

3 Saints whose stock is on the rise after preseason loss to 49ers

1. Chase Young

Chase Young was electric against his former team. It seemed that Young was making an impact on every single play he was on the field. This signing has the potential to be the best of the offseason. If Young can continue this level of play, then the Saints pass rush could be an elite group.

2. Rico Payton

The undrafted free agent out of Pittsburg State has continued to impress throughout the preseason. As of now, he is the standout player for the Saints offseason. He was targeted seven times against the 49ers and only allowed two receptions (28.6%). If he can put together a similar game next week, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make the initial 53-man roster. 

3. Anfernee Orji

Anfernee Orji’s instincts were on full display this weekend. The second-year linebacker was making the right decision immediately and was in position to make a stop on numerous plays. Orji’s high-level of play earned the second-highest PFF grade on the team with a 91.6 against San Francisco. It was impossible to miss him while watching the game. This performance was crucial for his chances of making the initial roster.

3 Saints whose stock is falling after preseason loss to 49ers

1. Health of team

New Orleans has been unable to stay healthy the past few years. It is paramount that star players stay on the field for most of the year. That, so far, has not been the case. Injuries have been piling up throughout the offseason and now into the preseason games for New Orleans.

In the game against the 49ers, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Sincere Haynesworth, and Khristian Boyd all had to be taken out briefly for injuries. If the Saints want success in 2024 they need to stay healthy.

2. Jordan Howden

Jordan Howden had a golden opportunity to prove why he should be the starting safety next to Tyrann Mathieu, however, he struggled against San Francisco. Howden’s most notable play was when he had an opportunity to bring down Josh Dobbs and prevent a touchdown on 4th and goal. If he would have made the play then he wouldn’t have made this list. However, he missed the tackle and the 49ers won. Even if you discount that play, Howden still had a subpar game only making three tackles in 22 snaps. Overall, Howden didn’t impress in this game as many thought he would.

3. Backup QBs

The backup quarterbacks got humbled from their stellar performances in Week 1 of the preseason. Jake Haener and Spencer Rattler both disappointed many fans with their play. Together, they went a combined 11-of-21 for 103 yards. They may still be young but it would’ve been nice to see them follow up their Week 1 performances with a similar one here.

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