The Saints had their last practice in Metairie before flying out to California tomorrow ahead of Sunday’s preseason opener against the Chargers. Spencer Rattler became the first quarterback to get starting reps in back-to-back practices today but split first-team action with Tyler Shough. Locked On Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says the second-year QB has separated himself.
“I just think that he’s the guy so far that has shown to be the most consistent and the most prepared, which makes the most sense, because he’s gotten the most NFL starts out of the trio,” Jackson said.
Jackson expects the staff to have a good idea of who the starter will be after the preseason game. Head coach Kellen Moore said a decision has not been made on who will start versus the Chargers.
Jackson highlighted wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson as some of the biggest winners of camp. He says the pass-rushing duo has had standout camps before, but coordinator Brandon Staley’s new scheme has brought them to another level.
“They get a real opportunity now to be able to pursue, rush hard, all these other things. And so I think that both those guys are showing really good, kind of standout contribution so far here,” Jackson said.
There are still plenty of question marks for the Saints down the depth chart. Who can step up behind the top wide receivers? Who can stand out in a crowded running back room to back up Alvin Kamara? Jackson says his biggest concern is on the offensive line.
“Look, when Erik McCoy in the injured last year in week 3, that’s when this team went on a downward spiral and lost seven straight games. They still don’t really have any reliable center depth,” Jackson said.
Rookie running back Devin Neal went down with a hamstring injury, and Moore says he will miss a couple weeks.
