From the Westbank: Forget the Score — Show Me Who’s Ready to Play
Who Dat Nation, football is back in New Orleans.
The Saints open the preseason today against Jacksonville in the Dome, but this isn’t one where I’m worried about what the scoreboard says when the clock hits zero.
Forget the score. Show me who’s ready to play.
With Tyler Shough and several starters expected to sit, this game is about the next group of guys getting their opportunity.
That starts with Spencer Rattler, who is expected to start at quarterback. Here’s his chance to show what he can do with meaningful preseason snaps. I want to see command of the offense, good decisions and somebody taking advantage of the opportunity in front of him.
Unfortunately, we won’t get the look at Jordyn Tyson we were hoping for. Our first-round receiver suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday’s joint practice with Jacksonville. In August, I’m perfectly fine being cautious with that one. Get him healthy. We need Tyson when the games actually count.
But his absence creates opportunities for somebody else.
Who steps up at receiver? Who makes the coaches notice him?
I’m also interested in seeing Oscar Delp. Tight end could be an important part of this offense, and preseason is exactly where a young player like Delp can start showing whether he’s ready to contribute.
Then there’s the defense.
I want to see the young defensive linemen, the secondary and especially the guys fighting for those final roster spots. Preseason games aren’t always pretty, but somewhere on that field today there’s probably a player most Saints fans haven’t talked much about who has a chance to make us remember his name.
That’s what today is about.
Not the final score.
Execution. Effort. Competition.
Show me who’s learned the offense.
Show me who can tackle.
Show me who wants that roster spot.
And show me some signs that this young Saints team we’ve been talking about all offseason is headed in the right direction.
The games don’t count yet.
But the evaluation starts today.
It’s Game Day in New Orleans.
WHO DAT!
— Anthony “Tony” from the
Westbank
WhoDatNation.com
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