Saints lose to Patriots 26-24

The game ended once again in a last second score by the opponent that led to another “heartbreaking” defeat, if there is such a thing in preseason, but Saints fans should walk away from this game feeling much better about the team’s prospects in 2015. The Saints led 21-0 and left 3 points on the board going for 2 on each scoring and failing to convert. The Patriots would score 20 straight before the Saints would take a 24-20 4th quarter lead. The Patriots would make field goals with 3:41 and 17 seconds left to win. But while the backups blew the game, the starters dominated. And that happened with the entire secondary missing in action, leaving backups to shut down Tom Brady and co. Below are my notes on the game:

• Drew Brees’s form might be the best sign of all. He finished 8/10 for 159 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was accurate on the deep ball and looked to be at peak performance. If he plays like that this year he has a shot at MVP.
• The Saints dominated the line of scrimmage in this game. Really on both sides, but particularly on the defensive line. The Patriots finished with 82 yards rushing on 35 carries (2.3 per carry) and most of those yards came against the backups. The starters were constantly in the backfield. Alternating terrific plays were Kevin Williams, John Jenkins, Cam Jordan, Hau’oli Kikaha, Stephone Anthony, Bobby Richardson, David Hawthorne and Tyeler Davison. The run defense was excellent.
• The pass rush remains an issue. There was a real lack of pressure on the quarterback in general. Kikaha was the only one that applied pressure occasionally.
• Speaking of Kikaha, he was fantastic. Very active, aggressive and around the football.
• Kevin Williams looked like the Pro Bowler he used to be. Dominant out there.
• Brandin Cooks might have had 300 yards receiving in this game if it was a regular season matchup. He finished with 4 catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown pass was a beautiful ball by Brees. Electric.
• Brandon Coleman got a lot of time early and didn’t do well. He dropped a sure touchdown from Brees that forced a field goal attempt and couldn’t score on a 2 point conversion attempt on a poor throw by Luke McCown.
• Quarterback play wise, there was of course a severe drop off from Brees, but I think McCown and Griffin were pretty solid. Grayson was not.
• Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram were heavily involved in the passing game and looked very comfortable. Ingram burned the Patriots badly on a wheel route.
• The starting offensive line looked rock solid.
• Andrus Peat was up and down but really showed his athleticism and potential. The future is bright with him. Positive improvement overall.
• Dustin Hopkins had incredible depth on his kicks but he missed a 55 yarder just wide left. He made his other two field goal attempts.
• Marcus Murphy remains very explosive and so close to breaking one. He’s got the return job all but locked up.
• Pierre Warren had a pick late to maybe extend his odds at making the 53 man roster. You can’t deny the man’s ball skills.
• Stanley Jean-Baptiste had a brutal came. He was beat for a TD, flagged for PI, and missed a tackle on a 3rd down play that would have gotten the defense off the field. Instead it was a first down.
• Kyle Wilson, on the other hand, was very strong in coverage. Impressive to see.
• Dipping into the fountain of youth was not only Kevin Williams but Kenny Phillips too. He has a good shot at making this roster.
• Penalties were a problem again. 8 for 88. It’s a lot less than last week but it’s still too many.

That’s all I got. The Saints are 0-2 in preseason and play the Texans at home next Sunday.