I have trouble remembering a more miserable second half of football. The Saints were annihilated by the Packers reserves in every facet of the game. A disaster performance that leaves you seriously questioning the effort put forth by some players. If you look that bad in the 4th quarter of the 4th preseason game with your professional career on the line, you have to seriously question the depth of the roster, the coaching and scouting department. 38-10 is your final despite the Saints jumping out to a 10-0 lead early. Sadly I suffered through all of it, here are my thoughts:
- Believe it or not that’s the first time since 1971 the Saints have gone 0-4 in preseason. That year they went 4-8-2 in the regular season… so it gets better I guess?
- The positives… let’s see. Luke McCown looked very sharp. Brandon Coleman looked great, finishing with 4 catches for 82 yards. Willie Snead was once again very impressive as well, likely securing his roster spot.
- Joe Morgan and Josh Morgan were both awful. I don’t see how you can justify keeping either player. Seantavius Jones was utterly invisible. I can’t believe I’m about to say this but it might be worth just keeping four receivers on the roster until Nick Toon can get back healthy from his ankle sprain.
- The reserve defense, top to bottom, was a disaster. Kyle Wilson had a nice pick but followed that up by negating a Davis Tull sack and a Pierre Warren strip and scoop with penalties.
- Speaking of Tull, he looked a little explosive on the pass rush, I was impressed. Edebali looked good at times too.
- Bobby Richardson was the most active and positive player on defense. He makes this team for sure.
- Dustin Hopkins attempted all the kicks. He made a short field goal and an extra point but missed from 53. Hocker never got a chance to kick. I’m not sure where that leaves up but it’s close. I think Hopkins is your kicker.
- Ryan Griffin was poor and that likely means the end for him. Garrett Grayson was much worse. 8-19 for 71 yards and 2 interceptions. One of those interceptions was squarely on Joe Morgan.
- Rookie Brett Hundley torched the Saints secondary in the second half, throwing for 236 yards and 4 TD’s. I would have much preferred him over Grayson after this performance.
- Stanley Jean-Baptiste was repeatedly beaten and looked very bad in coverage. He gave up two touchdowns. Pierre Warren’s safety help was very poor as well.
- The pass rush remains non existent for the most part, though it was a little better tonight.
- Yet another night filled with penalties. 9 for 71 yards. But hey, we avoided double digits!
- Marcus Murphy looked good again.
Thankfully we can move on from the preseason. Maybe things will get better. This was a deep, dark and depressing preseason, though. Injuries, poor play, bad depth, penalties, horrid defense, bad red zone efficiency on offense. There weren’t many positive things to point to. Let’s hope the regular season shows us more. Final cuts come Saturday with the roster going down to 53. Based on how tonight went, don’t be surprised if the Saints use the final spots on their roster for cut players from other teams.
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