Saints joint practice vs Jaguars exposed one fatal flaw on offense

The New Orleans Saints passing attack walked away from joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars with the type of day they needed. Tyler Shough threw multiple touchdown passes in the red zone period and what could have possibly been a long touchdown to Bryce Lance depending on if the tackle was made. It was an all around inspiring day for the offense, but those highlights covered up one major concern. 

The offensive line is allowing too much pressure. The Saints’ pass rush has gotten after Shough all training camp. The team fixed their red zone woes in the joint practice, but the protection problems persisted.

Chris Olave’s catch over Travis Hunter perfectly depicts the issue. The throw and catch drew all the attention, deservedly so, but it would have been a sack in a real game. The play keeps going at training camp obviously, but the success downfield doesn’t erase the struggle up front, especially when the latter would negate the former in live action. 

Saints have to protect Tyler Shough better than last year

Those things are easy to write off when it isn’t an issue the team had last season or if we hadn’t seen that same issue constantly at camp. Unfortunately, that’s not the situation the Saints are in, so they don’t have that luxury. 

Shough impressed by making plays in spite of pressure last year, but the goal is have him do less of that. He was sacked 31 times last year, which was 15th in the league despite only playing in 11 games. Dropping that number is exactly why they brought in David Edwards.

This isn't a signal that the Saints offensive line is going to be terrible. It is something to monitor going forward, though. This is something that could be turned around when you're in less known passing situations in rapid succession.

The Saints passing attack is supposed to be much better than they were a year ago. They added Jordyn Tyson, giving the wide receiver room higher upside at the top of the room, and Barion Brown and Bryce Lance give them quality, high-upside depth as well. 

Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant give the Saints a solid tight end duo, and we saw the connection Shough had with Johnson last year. Both Travis Etienne Jr and Alvin Kamara can catch the ball out of the backfield. The horses are definitely there. 

None of it matters, however, if there’s no time to get the ball to them. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow