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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr may not have been the most electrifying quarterback addition this offseason, but the Saints' media is buzzing, nonetheless. NOLA's Jeff Duncan can hardly contain his excitement about what Carr will bring in 2023. “The impact [Carr]’s had can be felt on a daily basis,” Duncan remarked after camp ended. “The positive vibe that began shortly after his arrival in March has carried over to training camp. It’s tangible. It's infectious. And it goes beyond the typical August enthusiasm.” At the very least, Carr should provide stability to a position that has been inconsistent since Drew Brees' last game nearly three years ago. Although Jameis Winston no longer holds the star status he once did, he seems poised to become one of the league's highest-upside backups. Any threat to his role was quashed Sunday night, with rookie Jake Haener failing to apply any real pressure. Entering the game after Winston, Haener struggled mightily, ending with two sacks, two interceptions, and a dismal passer 36.3 rating.
Running Backs
Even with Alvin Kamara sidelined for the season’s first three games, the team appears confident in its backfield depth. Jamaal Williams, a reliable veteran effective on all three downs, saw limited preseason action and is slated to be the clear lead back on Opening Day. During camp, the team extensively evaluated rookie Kendre Miller, who hasn't put much pressure on Williams. Both Kamara and Williams sat out the finale, while Miller worked with the second team and managed only 24 yards on ten touches. Ellis Merriweather, the undrafted rookie who impressed a few weeks ago, didn't help his case either with ten touches for 37 yards. Local media had been skeptical about Merriweather's roster chances, and his Sunday performance did nothing to change that. With fullback Adam Prentice and veteran Darrel Williams in the fold, plus Kamara's return in Week 4, there's just no room for either rookie to make an immediate impact.
Wide Receivers
The offense isn’t designed to support multiple fantasy-worthy receivers. Chris Olave, an emerging superstar, and the seasoned Michael Thomas are poised to dominate the receiving corps. Last year, they commanded 76% of receiver targets over the three games they both played. NOLA’s Luke Johnson was effusive about Thomas's recent "excellent" practice but was cautious about the long road back. “It has taken Thomas some time,” Johnson wrote. “But he’s starting to look more like his old self in recent days.” That’s encouraging, but it’s hard to ignore Thomas’ last three years, which have seen him lose speed and appear in just ten games. Behind them, a handful of young prospects are vying for roles, and at least one looks to have already stuck. Veteran Keith Kirkwood looks like the direct backup to Thomas, though rookie A.T. Perry made a statement in preseason games with 12 receptions. The media considers Perry and slot receiver Rashid Shaheed to be near-locks – and they seem ready to close the door on longtime tease Tre’Quan Smith.
Tight Ends
Saints legend Jimmy Graham captured hearts with a big night against the Texans, catching three passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. He showcased what made him special as the Saints’ playmaker back in 2010-14. It was encouraging to see, particularly after Graham’s alarming arrest and detainment a few weeks ago. But whether he can secure a spot on the Week 1 depth chart is another question. Pro Football Focus likes his chances, while ESPN’s Katherine Terrell believes he’s “not a lock by any means” because he won’t contribute on special teams. This position appears to be one of the team’s deepest, with incumbent Juwan Johnson leading the way. The unit also includes Taysom Hill, the gadget man. Johnson’s fantasy outlook has skyrocketed thanks to an exemplary camp with new quarterback Derek Carr.
Kickers
The kicker battle between veteran Wil Lutz and rookie UDFA Blake Grupe was considered too close to call by at least one beat writer after Grupe got the better of Lutz in practice last week, going 6-for-6 including a 60-yard kick, while Lutz went 4-for-6, albeit with the backup holder. Grupe took three field goal attempts in the preseason finale and made two - from 38 and 50 yards - while his miss was from 60. Lutz made his only kick attempt, an extra point. Whoever loses this competition should end up on a roster, and it won’t be surprising if the Saints are able to trade one of the kickers before final cuts.
Defense
With Drew Brees and Sean Payton gone and Dennis Allen in charge, the Saints’ are evolving into a defensively-focused team. The secondary, which boasts the likes of Marshon Lattimore and an elite safety duo, has been dominant for years. But Allen is trying to get the defensive front to match the secondary’s talents, as the defense ranked just 20th against the run in 2022. Linebacker Jaylon Smith signed less than three weeks ago but has made an immediate impression. He’ll almost surely form a dynamic duo with Demario Davis, an ironman who is healthy entering the year.
Returners
Rashid Shaheed took over the return specialist role in October last season and never relinquished it. He is poised to lead the team again in 2023.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr didn’t take the field in Sunday night’s win over the Chargers. Perhaps he could’ve used the live-game action, but as a 10-year veteran, he’s a known commodity. Jameis Winston isn’t pushing for Carr’s job; there’s a clear hierarchy. After a sluggish start to camp for the offense, Carr and company can at least hang their hats on an impressive Friday practice. Fox 8 New Orleans’ Sean Fazende was thrilled to see “more explosive plays” from Carr, which hasn’t exactly been his strong suit over the years. Against the Chargers in practice, Carr beat man coverage several times and found his teammates downfield. They’ll all need to be on the same page when the games matter beyond check-downs and quick slants.
Running Backs
With Alvin Kamara on the shelf for three games, much will be asked of journeyman Jamaal. He’ll form a one-two punch with rookie Kendre Miller, who bounced back quickly from a sprained knee to play a huge role against the Chargers. Miller didn’t dazzle on the ground Sunday (just 23 yards on ten carries), but he did find the end zone, and he also made an impressive diving catch downfield for 27 yards. Miller’s most likely role is as the complement to Williams early in the season, mainly on passing downs. Undrafted Ellis Merriweather drew buzz early in camp, but neither he nor journeyman veteran Darrel Williams made much of a statement Sunday, combining for a meager 3.4 yards per touch.
Wide Receivers
Another week, another glowing account of Chris Olave’s second-year progression. It’s widely believed that Olave has worked to evolve from an explosive deep threat to an all-around alpha receiver capable of winning against any coverage on any route. "It's just having a feel for the game," he said of building in-roads with new quarterback Derek Carr. "It's routes on paper, but once you get on the field and see the coverages and everything, just trying to find an open space and being there on your route. I feel like that's something I'm good at.” Thanks to injuries and lost time, Michael Thomas has clearly lost a step from his 2019 heights, as NOLA’s Jeff Duncan admits. “What’s with Michael Thomas?” Duncan quotes a scout from camp. “He can’t get off the line of scrimmage. He’s getting locked up by a safety.” Still, Duncan is quick to note that Thomas’ imposing physicality offsets declines elsewhere. For example, Thomas repeatedly beat Chargers defensive backs Asante Samuel and Derwin James on crossing and timing routes. Given Olave’s big-play pedigree, the offense should function well with the new version of Thomas. It seems obvious, but Thomas’ only real question mark is his health, and no one should have confidence in his durability until we see it for a long stretch in the regular season. Rashid Shaheed turned heads last year, but he and Tre’Quan Smith have been slowed by injuries this summer. Rookie A.T. Perry has shined in their absence, though he’s a sixth-rounder and unlikely to make an immediate impact. Shaquan Davis and Jontre Kirklin are roster long shots.
Tight Ends
A frightening moment struck Saints camp last week when team legend Jimmy Graham was arrested while walking disoriented into traffic. Fortunately, he avoided serious injury and was cleared of wrongdoing. From an on-field standpoint, the veteran doesn’t project to contribute much in the regular season. NOLA’s Luke Johnson notes that Juwan Johnson has “done something noteworthy” in each of the team’s 17 camp practices. Carr leaned on Darren Waller in Las Vegas, so Johnson may primed to build off last year’s breakout campaign. Foster Moreau is one of the league’s premier backups, while Taysom Hill’s gadget work remains a big part of the offense.
Defense
Dennis Allen’s defense was tested last week in joint practices with the high-powered Chargers, and by most accounts, it didn’t disappoint. In particular, Luke Johnson talked up Friday’s session in which Cameron Jordan and company swarmed the pocket and forced one errant throw after another in the red zone. That said, Johnson also notes that Keenan Allen found easy catches underneath all week, which helped to neutralize the Saints’ pass rush.
Offensive Line
In the preseason opener against Kansas City, left tackle Trevor Penning was aggressive in run blocking. After missing most of his rookie year, Penning looks to be on the verge of a big season. Left guard Andrus Peat has missed a month with a quad injury. Upon his return to practice, he was listed as a co-starter with James Hurst. Fourth-round rookie Nick Saldiveri could also factor into the discussion, but he has been backing up Cesar Ruiz at right guard for now. With strength in both run and pass blocking, the Saints' line ranks fifth overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr arrived at camp with a physical presence, if nothing else. And if his opening preseason drive was any indication, he will bring low-risk efficiency to an offense that has sorely lacked it. Carr kicked off his Saints career by completing 6-of-8 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. He completed passes to four different receivers, including the touchdown pass to Keith Kirkwood. While it was just one drive and held low stakes, it provided comfort after a series of uncertain Jameis Winston preseasons. And it fits well with early camp observations of Carr’s masterful grip of the offense. NOLA’s Luke Johnson said last Monday was Carr’s “best practice sequence yet,” as he executed a 70-yard hurry-up drive spreading the ball around.
Running Backs
The Saints know they’ll be without lead back Alvin Kamara for their first three games, which obviously hurts. Missing an electric back accustomed to 18 touches a game over half a decade is challenging for any stretch of time. As a result, the team is dedicating the preseason toward evaluating their depth. Their task became tougher (and the stakes higher) after the Chiefs game when promising rookie Kendre Miller suffered a knee sprain. Coach Dennis Allen confirmed after the game that Miller could be sidelined for the remainder of the preseason. Miller struggled before getting hurt, rushing for five yards on four carries. In his place, there will be more reps for Jamaal Williams, though he’s a known commodity who doesn’t need preseason reps. There’s also undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather to consider. Merriweather stepped in Sunday and ground out tough yardage down the stretch with a short touchdown, putting himself squarely on the radar.
Wide Receivers
In Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, the Saints boast one of the NFL’s most talented, complementary, and ball-dominant receiving duos, and that won’t change in 2023. Olave is a potent deep threat whose all-around game continues to develop, while Thomas (if healthy) retains his reputation as one of the league's premier possession receivers. In the preseason opener, Olave and Thomas were the unsurprising starters and route hogs, but longtime reserve Keith Kirkwood caught Derek Carr’s touchdown. Kirkwood has long been a camp body on a few rosters, but his big body (6-foot-3) and slot abilities make him a versatile asset. The only real drama surrounds Tre'Quan Smith, who’s entering his sixth season with the Saints but has yet to make a lasting impact. He was considered a potential cut prior to camp, and there’s been minimal buzz around the occasional playmaker. The injury to the emerging Rashid Shaheed, who strained his groin last week, might ensure Smith's spot on the roster into the regular season. Nonetheless, the receiving corps will likely remain a two-man show, with others vying for limited touches behind Olave and Thomas.
Tight Ends
With each new practice, Juwan Johnson continues to bolster his case as the unquestioned starting tight end. In fact, NOLA’s Jeff Duncan wrote of the “quick connection” he’s developed with Carr and his improvement as a blocker, which should keep him on the field more. Against the Chiefs, Johnson caught both his targets from Carr for 29 yards. Given Carr's history of success with tight ends like Darren Waller and underneath slot receivers like Hunter Renfrow, Johnson could be the No. 3 target (behind Olave and Thomas) all season. Ex-Raider Foster Moreau has also looked good behind him. And 37-year-old Saints legend Jimmy Graham hauled in a pass against the Chiefs, which got the home crowd going, though it’s hard to see him having a regular-season impact.
Kickers
Wil Lutz made a 36-yard field goal and both extra point attempts in the win over the Chiefs, but undrafted rookie Blake Grupe got the call on the 31-yard game-winner and converted. Grupe has had a good camp and could land a job elsewhere since incumbent Lutz has done nothing to jeopardize his roster spot.
Defense
Head coach Dennis Allen, long the team’s secondary coach and defensive coordinator, has left a thumbprint on the team’s post-Sean Payton identity. Over the past two years, the pass defense has ranked 12th and 3rd, respectively. Allen's expertise lies in the secondary, where the Saints boast considerable talent, including shutdown cornerback Marshon Lattimore and one of the league's premier safety tandems. But the camp questions have been focused up front, as division rivals Atlanta (David Onyemata) and Carolina (Shy Tuttle) have poached two contributors from the 2022 roster. Early reports on the newcomers, as well as returning guys like Malcolm Roach and Tanoh Kpassagnon, have been positive. This bodes well, as the effectiveness of Lattimore and the safeties often relies on interior pressure generated from the front line.
Returners
Rashid Shaheed took over the return specialist role in October last season and never relinquished it. He is poised to lead the team again.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
There is no longer a quarterback controversy in New Orleans, with Derek Carr firmly established as the starter for coordinator Pete Carmichael's offense. So far, Carr's unit has experienced a mix of good days and bad. Last week was particularly shaky, as NOLA's Luke Johnson pointed out that Carr was "regularly under duress" and "missing some makeable throws." However, by Saturday, Sports Illustrated’s John Hendrix was praising Carr's on-target accuracy, especially in the red zone. Accuracy is Carr's most potent weapon, and he has been focusing heavily on connecting with his running backs, tight ends, and slot receivers near the line of scrimmage. On the other hand, Jameis Winston seems to be embracing his role as the backup quarterback. He expressed his gratitude for being in the NFL and being one of the 32 starting quarterbacks, stating, "It's just my role here is to help uplift our starter so we can get us a Super Bowl. And I love that."
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara received a three-game suspension to begin the season due to his involvement in a nasty incident in Vegas. Many expected the suspension to be longer, but the Saints will have Kamara back in the lineup before the end of September. When he returns, Kamara is expected to return to his dynamic, workhorse ways. During the Drew Brees era, he averaged 81 catches per year, but in the past two seasons, that number has dropped to 52. NOLA’s Johnson rightly points out that this decline never should have happened, especially on a team struggling offensively. Fortunately, the Saints seem to have realized this. With Kamara likely to dominate the backfield upon his return, there may not be much left for the new No. 2, Jamaal Williams, who scored 20 touchdowns in Detroit but managed just 4.2 yards per touch. Additionally, rookie Kendre Miller is waiting in the wings, being mentored by Kamara and showing promise as a three-down dynamo. Miller expressed excitement about being used more in the passing game with the Saints. The Saints are considering bringing in another veteran due to Eno Benjamin’s season-ending Achilles injury.
Wide Receivers
Michael Thomas, who is coming back from a lost season, enters camp as the presumed No. 2 wideout. He hasn't played second fiddle to another receiver since his rookie year in 2016. Now 30 years old and with only three touchdowns in the Saints' last 50 games, Thomas has been limited in early practices as a precaution. “Doubters are good for the game,” Thomas said last week. “I like it.” The buzz is now focused on Chris Olave, who experienced a notable growth spurt entering his second NFL season. With added weight and strength from offseason training, the deep threat looks poised to build on his impressive rookie year. Behind these two receivers, the offense is expected to be run-heavy, leaving a few situational players competing for roles. Notably, deep threats Rashid Shaheed and Tre'Quan Smith missed Sunday's practice due to injuries, and Shaheed is going to miss a few weeks, at least, with a groin injury. Smith has been consistently battling for relevance, while Shaheed had an impressive NFL-record 14.4 yards per target last year.
Tight Ends
At this point in camp, the Saints are evaluating a mix of veteran tight ends. Juwan Johnson, who exceeded expectations as the 2022 starter, leads the pack, followed by several journeymen. Foster Moreau, formerly with the Raiders, has made a strong comeback from cancer, and Jesse James aims to secure a spot as a blocking specialist. The versatile Taysom Hill returns, capable of contributing in multiple roles. The team has also added 36-year-old Jimmy Graham to the mix for a potential roster spot. With revered tight ends coach Clancy Barone overseeing the group, there is optimism that this unit will be utilized more in downfield plays. Carr showed a heavy reliance on Darren Waller in Las Vegas, and early reports indicate positive connections with Johnson and former teammate Moreau.
Kickers
Incumbent kicker Wil Lutz and rookie Blake Grupe have been alternating days in their battle, but Sunday was Lutz’s day to shine. He made all eight of his attempts, including a 62-yarder and a 52-yard kick that saved the team from doing sprints. Lutz has only missed three kicks in camp and appears to be on his way to securing the job and a chance to redeem himself after only going 23-of-31 on field goals last year.
Defense
Under the guidance of Dennis Allen, the Saints have developed a defensive identity, and their secondary stands out as particularly impressive. Last week's practices were dominated by the secondary, especially on Day 7, setting the tone for an aggressive week of training camp. Marshon Lattimore remains an elite cover corner, while Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor compete for the starting job opposite Lattimore. Taylor's performance as a rookie in 2022 was underwhelming, making Adebo's return to full health likely to secure him the starting position and lead to a solid but limited season. Thankfully, there’s lots of downfield help from the elite safety duo of Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu. The depth in this group is notable, with promising players like Isaac Yiadom and Johnathan Abram competing for roster spots in the future.
