Preseason game number 2 is almost here. The game will be nationally televised on NFL network Sunday night. The Saints are 2-4 against the Chargers in the preseason with the last game being in the 2010 preseason. As you watch the game here are a few things to watch for.
-How does Marshon Lattimore do in his Saints debut?
Its no question that the Saints need their number 11 pick ready for week 1 and this week could be a good test for the rookie corner. Lattimore returned to training camp, after being sidelined for a while with an injury, this week against the Chargers. Payton said that he anticipated the rookie to get plenty of action in the game. Lattimore will be tested by Phillip Rivers and this is a good offense to get good reps in with. His transition to the NFL is so important so we will be watching his reps very closely.
-How does the offensive line hold up?
Saints Twitter went crazy earlier this week when reports came out that the Chargers defensive line was winning the battle with the Saints offensive line. Keep in mind that the training camps practices are designed to find the weakness and kinks in the team so they can be cleaned up before the regular season. Also keep in mind that no game planning went into those practices. Things will certainly be different in the regular season. Just to remind everyone, last year during the preseason the biggest worry was the offensive line. We just knew Brees was going to die and by the start of the regular season the offensive line got it cleaned up and were one of the better units on the field last year. But one thing to watch for will be Ryan Ramczyk. Like Lattimore, Ramczyk sat out of the opener last week and will be making his Saints debut this week. I for one am excited to see the battles between Ramczyk and Ingram/Bosa. Don’t be surprised if the Chargers pass rushers get the best of Ramczyk, they are some of the best in the league. But rather watch how Ramczyk approaches each snap and if he gets better. As for center, UNGER PLEASE GET FULLY HEALTHY!
-Will Tommy Lee Lewis show up again?
I really am only putting this here for Brian, but Lewis is a player to keep an eye on. I honestly think that Lewis will make this team. He is a playmaker and Payton will find a way to keep him on the roster. Reports from LA is that Lewis has maintained his stellar play from the Browns game and has become a favorite target of Chase Daniel. Lewis can’t afford to have many bad plays or disappear during camp. The depth at WR is too deep. So for Lewis to make this team he will have to constantly add plays to the highlight reel.
-Is the Saints pass rush for real or were they just playing the Browns?
The Saints had some good pressure last week with 4 sacks but will that continue when they play a better quarterback. A couple of players to watch will be Alex Okafor, [polldaddy poll=9812436]Al-Quadin Muhammad and Hau’oli Kikaha. Muhammad had a good game against the Browns last week showing potential of getting to the quarterback and registered a 1/2 sack. He needs to continue to show his athleticism and speed for a chance to make the team. As for Kikaha, he has been one of the better stories of training camp. No one really expected much from him and he has showed up and showed out. Since the Browns game he has been a little more quiet but this will be a game for him to continue to show Payton that he has the ability to continue to play at a high level. How the Saints use him going into the regular season will be something of interest to follow.
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